A Keen Perspective

 As a single mom, I've learned to rely on God's strength and provision.  2 Corinthians 9:7, says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This verse has become my mantra as I work tirelessly to provide for my family. My days are filled with a 9-to-5 job, three side businesses, and maintaining our home and large garden. It's not uncommon for me to put in 12-hour days, six days a week. But despite the exhaustion, I find joy in knowing that I'm giving my best to provide for my loved ones. Recently, someone close to me doubted my capabilities, saying I wasn't capable of handling it all. But I know the truth - God has equipped me with strength, resilience, and determination. I choose to focus on His promises rather than negative opinions. In the midst of chaos, I've discovered joy in the simple things: a home-cooked meal, a beautiful sunset, or a child's ...

Have you ever had someone doubt your capabilities, questioning your ability to achieve something? I recently found myself in a courtroom, listening to someone who was supposed to love me, tell a judge that I'm incapable. Those words could have broken me, but they ignited a fire within me. I realized I'd been doing what he claimed I couldn't do for a year and a half. What do you do when something like that happens? Here are 10 Steps to Handle Negative Talk: 1. Acknowledge the Emotion:  Recognize how their words make you feel. Anger, hurt, disbelief, or frustration are normal reactions. 2. Assess the Source: Consider the person's credibility and motivations. Are they trying to control or manipulate you?  Some people have to make you look bad to get what they want.  It doesn't mean there is an ounce of truth to what they say. 3. Focus on Facts: Remind yourself of your accomplishments and capabilities. I'd been doing what he claimed I couldn't do for a year a...

As I sat at my husband's desk on that first Monday after our traumatic separation, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. The business he ran, our finances, online banking, bills – everything was a mystery to me. I had never been involved in the day-to-day operations, and now I was faced with the daunting task of figuring it all out on my own. But it was the post-it notes that really overwhelmed me. Thousands of them, stuck everywhere, covering every inch of the desk, walls, and even the computer monitor. 19 years' worth of reminders, notes, and to-do lists. It was like being swallowed alive by a colorful, sticky tidal wave. In that moment, I felt like I was losing myself in the chaos. But then I realized that I had a choice. I could let the post-it notes consume me, or I could take control. So, I took a deep breath and started removing them, one by one. It was a small act of defiance, but it was my first victory as a single woman. I shoved the post-it notes in...

This post contains affiliate links. By clicking any of the links,  if you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Today, I watched the movie " Enough " starring Jennifer Lopez, and it struck a chord deep within me. The film's themes of resilience, self-reliance, and empowerment resonated strongly, reminding me of another favorite, " Where the Crawdads Sing " by Delia Owens. Both stories feature strong female protagonists who have faced trauma and adversity, and their journeys toward healing and triumph are a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation. As Evy Poumpouras notes in her book " Becoming Bulletproof ," "Research shows that watching a movie can set complex processes in your brain to work toward shifting your psychological mindset. This is what allows us to get swept up in a movie, to internalize the struggles of a protagonist we relate to and rejoice in their victories." This is precisely what happ...