Change Your Life Friday

2021 Restart, Reset, & Relaunch

2. Patience

Posted on January 10, 2014 by changeyourlifefriday

“Our patience will achieve more than our force.” – Edmund Burke

I am very blessed at this point in my life to be a sound board for many men. My phone rings several times a day and I get the chance to listen to all sorts of issues and situations that are going on in the lives of the people in my community. I also get the chance in these talks to work through my own difficulties which I find incredibly helpful. These talks keep me very present to my goal of exponential personal growth.

This week a friend of mine had a situation going on where it seemed that he was just desperate for life to move faster than the universe was allowing. We talked for a while and all answers that were generated continued to point to the need of a little more patience. In truth many of the problems that arise in these conversations point to the need for more patience. I believe today that things happen exactly when they are supposed to and often not a minute sooner. All to often the waiting seems unnecessary in the moment, only to prove to be perfect in retrospect.

In the conversation that I had yesterday we came to a paradox concerning the principle of patience that I thought was worth sharing. I asked my friend, “how do we get better at anything?” eliciting the response “practice.” So we concluded if we were to get better at the principle of patience we would have to practice patience, which demands patience to do so. It takes time to get better at anything and patience is no exception.

Affirmation: In this moment I am practicing patience and through this moment I am becoming more patient.

Call to Action: What in your life are you begging the universe to produce on your time? Are you willing to allow things to move at its own pace? Share with us where practicing patience allows you to experience more peace… Peace 🙂

1. Rendezvous

Posted on January 3, 2014 by changeyourlifefriday

“I have a rendezvous with life” – Countee Cullen

Two days ago I was on the verge of canceling a trip to meet up with a bunch of friends because I was under the weather. I started feeling a little better, and decided to still take the trip. I am glad I did. I am on the cusp of having a fun filled weekend with a bunch of friends from many different states and cities.

The last few hours have reminded me how important friends are, and even more than that, spending time with friends is important. The laughs have been incredible, my cold is going away full force and it is not even Saturday yet.

This makes me think about where can I be more present for people that are important to me. I want to be there for others in my life, because I know at the end of the day we only have each other. People that have been there for me in the past, and vice verse, are the greatest people to spend time with.

Affirmation: Today I am there for others, and we rendezvous to spread life and love.

Call to Action: Where in your life have you come together with your friends and it has changed your life? How can you come together with friends and family this weekend to improve the world?

Reach Out

Posted on December 26, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

“I believe that we were meant to live as social creatures, to reach out and bless each other’s lives.” – Richard Paul Evans

A couple days ago I received a text message from a good friend I have not spoken to for a couple years. Normally a message out of the blue would seem strange, but since it is the holiday season texts and calls out of the blue are normal and actually seem common. I took the example from my friend and reached out to a few others.

As the years go by we make friends, move, drift apart, become romantically involved, and just grow up. For whatever reason time goes by and we lose contact with friends that are important. As more time passes the phone becomes heavier to pick up and liking a picture on Facebook starts to feel like a justifiable equivalent. I assure you an actual conversation will reward you on a deeper level and the person on the other side of the phone call will be glad to hear from you.

Affirmation: I am important to my fellows and they would love to hear from me.

Call to action: Take advantage of the holidays and take an interest in those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Pick up your phone and call an old friend from the past.

51. Hospitality

Posted on December 20, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

“It is a sin against hospitality, to open your doors and darken your countenance.” – Proverb

“Christmas! ‘Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart.” – Washington Irving

The last seven months my roommate and I have been hosting weekly meals. We have opened our doors and shared meals with a large cross-section of people from the local community. We try to be as hospitable, and serve each and every person that comes through the door.

This week I had the chance of meeting a man who obviously needed a meal, and I thought to invite him to our weekly meal that was taking place later that day. When I got home I saw him walking down the street, but because I was busy needing to clean the house and get dinner started I did not invite him in immediately. When the first person came to help with the meal they asked if I had invited the man in front of the house, but once again, because I was “too busy” I did not go outside and invite him in right away.

Once it dawned on me that I should invite him in while we cooked, it was too late. He was gone, and did not come back to share the meal with us. The last 3 days I have been thinking about my half-hearted, and insincere attempt at hospitality with that man, especially as Christmas approaches. It has become my motivation to be more welcoming in all aspects of my life.

Affirmation: I am full in all areas of my life, I have more than enough to share, and my invitation of hospitality is real.

Call to Action: As we are in the midst of the holiday season, how can we be more sincere, hospitable, and loving towards our neighbors? Please share a time when you were able to reach out to someone, or missed a chance and it has been in the back of your mind.

50. Perseverance

Posted on December 13, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” – Charles Spurgeon

Tonight I set out to do a project that I had never done before. I estimated that the project would take about an hour or so. It seemed simple, I had watched my friend do it before, but I did not think about the fact that he had gone to school to do this certain task. The overall event ended up taking me almost four hours to do. It turned out very good, but the time invested was a shock at the end.

What I know right this moment is that if I had any other mind set besides getting the job done it would have never been complete. Motivation, and determination were the key to the project being completed for a Friday deadline. Not only was I able to finish I was able to turn my excitement and joy into a CYLF post.

Affirmation: Today I am able to embrace Life, and get the job done!

Call to Action: What have you completed recently in your life that brought you an awesome feeling of completion? How did you persevering through that help you in other areas of your life? Please share some thoughts and insights with the CYLFriday community.

49. Courage

Posted on December 6, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela (7/18/1918-12/5/2013)

In this life we are constantly confronted with circumstances and situations which fear seems to lead us away from where our hearts were carrying us. I know in my own experience it was fear that stopped me from taking a chance or investing my time in something I felt drawn to do. I do not believe that fear will ever leave me completely but I know that my reaction to fear will dictate what I leave the universe in my wake.

I think that courage and bravery can come in so many ways, luckily there have been some incredible examples that have walked the path of courage before us to show how truly strong we can be. I know the feeling I get on the other side of a challenge or an obstacle is such a great uplifting experience yet it still takes faith to conquer the next opportunity in my path.

Today I intend to face one of my biggest fears by leaning on the experiences of my fellows and my faith that I am making the right choice in my life. By making a conscious decision in this moment I believe I am setting forth the motion needed to follow through on my commitment. When it is time I will choose bravery over weakness and faith over fear, knowing the results will be exactly the way they are supposed to be. It takes lots of risks to learn the truth about fear, today I will grow in understanding and effectiveness.

Affirmation: In this moment I choose courage over fear!!!

Call To Action: I s there something in your life that you know inside yourself that you need to conquer? Why not make today the day that you choose courage over fear? The more courageous choices we make the better suited we will be to face the certain challenges ahead, today is the day to put in some practice and tell us how it goes so that we can all grow through each others experiences.

48. 2013 Thanksgiving Edition

Posted on November 29, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

I am grateful for the holidays, a time when we can forgive family, and friends come together and set aside our petty differences. The school semester is winding down and I only need to work hard for a couple more weeks. I had a great year and I am looking forward to next year. We are making plans for Christmas and New Years and there is plenty of celebration yet to come!!

– Aiden

Thank you to all our readers, I am grateful that you make this site possible. I am thankful for family, friends, and acquaintances that fill my life with happiness and joy. I am happy for the struggles that I have faced over the last year, and have over come. I am grateful for my brothers Chris and Aiden. The last 12 months have been an amazing journey for my spiritual path. Last but not least, I am thankful for smiles.

– Dorian

Yesterday I had my second “Orphan Family Thanksgiving” at my house. The whole day was filled with love and life, good smells, great tastes and incredible memories. After the 40 days of Grateful living there are a few that I know come up every few days. Friends, I have the greatest group of friends around me that only come from doing my part to be a friend. Family, My family tree has so many pieces that make up this life I have. I am grateful for all of them. Life, I know in this moment I am blessed to be having this experience, It is my role to live with this knowledge and spread my divine spark with the world. Thanks for being a part of my journey.

-Chris

Day 40 – Thursday Nov. 28, 2013

Posted on November 28, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

I am Thankful!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today I celebrate gratitude. Gratitude acknowledges the good in our lives, and reminds us how blessed we are. Gratitude recognizes that this life is abundant and the source of all good is here and now. Gratitude helps us enjoy and appreciate what we have, and creates a positive, magnetic energy that attracts even more good into our lives.

With a deeper spirit of gratitude, I pause to recognize and appreciate all that is good in my life. I give thanks for my country, faith, loved ones, myself and most of all, for the universal power that creates all that is good. With a new sense of appreciation, I realize how truly blessed I am by that which is Grace. Thank you Life, for peace, abundance and love!!!

Daily Gratitude list
1. I am grateful for _______________
2. I am grateful for _______________
3. I am grateful for _______________
4. I am grateful for _______________
5. I am grateful for _______________

Day 39 – Wednesday Nov. 27, 2013

Posted on November 27, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

I am Thankful for Healing!

I dedicate this day as a healing day. I am open and willing to be healed in any and all aspects of my life. I am open to be healed physically: every cell and organ in my body. I am open to be healed emotionally: to restore my heart. I am open to be healed mentally: to transform all destructive, negative or unforgiving thoughts to ones of peace, positivity, love and forgiveness.

Today I am healed in ways that I can’t imagine. Thank you life for the healing of this day!!!

Day 38 – Tuesday Nov. 26, 2013

Posted on November 26, 2013 by changeyourlifefriday

I am Thankful for Beauty

Beauty is before me. beauty is behind me. Beauty is above me. Beauty is below me. I walk in Beauty. -Apache Prayer

Today I look for the beauty that is all around me, and I give thanks. When I am willing to see beauty, I can see it anywhere. There is beauty in nature, architecture, technology, and in the faces of everyone I see.

Thank you life for the beauty of today!!!