Category Archives: Encouragement

Strength and Gratitude

I’ve often wondered about both, strength and gratitude. I’ve considered myself to be a strong woman most of the time but then, I’ve fallen to my knees a good amount too. Prayer has helped me through some of the darkest challenges I’ve faced in my life. Strength can also be spiritual. When our faith is unwavering, especially through trying times.

Gratitude, is something that may come more naturally for some people, while for others, it may be inspired by circumstances. I know that personally I am grateful when things in my life take an upward turn. But when things are going well, I have to remind myself to be grateful.

Today, I met a woman who possessed both strength and gratitude. She made such an impression on me that she inspired this essay.

While at the veterinary office with my pup, this woman was standing at the counter retrieving her pet. She was chatting in a way that engaged not only the woman with whom she was speaking, but also those of us nearby. She especially caught my attention when I heard her say that she had recently undergone chemotherapy and that she was a cancer survivor. Looking up, I suppose I expected her to appear frail but I was surprised that she wasn’t at all what I expected.

By then she had my full attention and when her eyes met mine my immediate response to her story was, “Oh, I’m so sorry!” To that she replied, “Please don’t be! Being sick is the best thing that ever happened to me!” No doubt the look on my face prompted her to explain herself as she went on to say, “You can’t fight something you don’t know you have!”

Wow!

“You can’t fight something you don’t know you have!”

My mind was thinking so many things. I had so many questions. Where did she get her strength and how could she be so grateful! Would I have this attitude if I had cancer? I couldn’t help but be inspired by her contagious spirit.

After her business was done she made her way to her car and drove off. I will admit that I hated to see her go. I wanted to know this woman!

If I could speak with her again I would thank her for sharing her story. I would like to tell her how much she inspired me with her attitude of gratitude.

I don’t believe in accidents or happenstance encounters. I do believe that people are put into our path for a reason, whether it’s for a brief time or long term.

I will be looking for this woman, and I hope that one day I’ll have the opportunity to thank her for the lessons she shared today. My lady of strength and gratitude. 🙏🏽

Kim Brewer – Bettencourt

5 Steps to a Good Life – #5 Find Balance and Build Relationships

image5. Find Balance and Build Relationships

Socialization and building relationships seem to be a unanimous remedy toward a more fulfilled life, most experts remind us. It sounds reasonable, after all, even my pups are more relaxed the more my husband and I socialize them.

Human connection (or canine connection for dogs :-)) may very well be the road to a healthier and happier life. Spending time with family and building friendships offers a sense of belonging. Being needed, depended on and accountable to, offers a sense of purpose, enhancing quality of life. When we are happier, we are healthier.

Personally, I can be so project oriented that if I don’t consciously make an effort to reach out to others, I could easily find myself isolated. Don’t get me wrong, there’s little I won’t do for someone if they ask, but they will have to find me first because I might be organizing my closet or something! But that’s another post on obsessive personality types (in a good way!)

Finding balance in my life has been the single most difficult thing for me. It’s something I have to consciously work on because I’m so project driven.

Our recent relocation to another state has put some distance between many of my friends and me. This has also opened up wonderful opportunities for my husband and me to develop and to nurture relationships with new friends and nearby family. How exciting is that!

So come join me in setting some goals in building, connecting and nurturing our relationships and finding balance in our lives so that together we might enjoy a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life.

Blessings to all,

Kim

“Piglet sidled up from behind. “Pooh?” He whispered.
“Yes, Piglet?”
“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”

5 Steps to a Good Life – #4 Plant an Herb Garden

 

Herb Garden 34. Plant an Herb Garden.

You don’t need to have a green thumb to plant and grow an herb garden.  Spring and Fall are both a wonderful time to begin.

Small raised bed gardens, planters and garden pots all work well for growing herbs. While some herbs grow well in the shade most produce better in the sun. Some prefer warmer climates while others grow well in cooler temperatures.  Learn your planting zone and what herbs grow best in your area.

Fresh herbs are wonderful when added to your culinary creations, salads and dressings or as garnish for your plate.  They can be used for tea (dry the leaves) medicinal purposes or fragrance. There is no end to what we can do with herbs.

Have fun and enjoy.

IMG_1229

5 Steps to a Good Life – #3 Watch the Sun Rise

DSCF20793. Watch the Sun Rise

If you are fortunate enough to live on the east coast you have more than likely seen the sun rise over the ocean.

There are few things more commanding than witnessing the sun break the horizon and move upward into the sky – with it, bringing the promise of a new day with all new possibilities. Moments later the glistening sun resembles trillions of diamonds sprinkling the water beneath.  It’s glowing warmth is as nurturing and as comforting as a mother’s embrace.

Take the time to watch the sunrise, by sea or by land, it’s magic will renew your spirit. God feels closer than ever when we witness his miracles.

DSCF2070“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised”. Psalm 113:3

Blessings to you and yours.

Thanks for visiting!

Kim

 

5 Steps to a Good Life – #2 Spend Time with God

 

2.  Spend Time With God.

Life is not without distractions that’s for certain. Every day we meet people who are overwhelmed with the pressures they face. Finding balance in our lives is becoming increasingly more difficult. The demands on our time leaves little margin for quality of life.

Without faith in God, life would be pretty grim.  Forcing ourselves to slow down and spend quiet time with Him is hard.

Nature is the one constant that helps me feel closer to God.  There is so much perfection to see. I feel such gratitude for the beauty that surrounds me. Spending time outdoors is something I can always count on to restore my faith and spirit.

Take a walk, visit the ocean, the mountains, spend time outdoors. Dedicate that time to open your eyes to the beauty that surrounds us.

Let us be – with God.

DSCF1414“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”
Job 12: 7-9

XO Kim

5 Steps to Good Life – #1 Enjoy a Healthy Breakfast

 

IMG_05081. Enjoy a Healthy Breakfast

I’ve never been one to skimp on breakfast.  Growing up, our parents always made sure that my sister and I ate a hardy breakfast before we left for school each morning. There are few things more enjoyable than having a morning to relax and enjoy a nice breakfast.

Breakfast can also be a wonderful social event. Invite some of your friends over one weekend for a potluck brunch. To really enhance your life, make it a regular event!

XO Kim

Be sure to stay tuned for #2 of 5 Ways To Celebrate Life.