#2014BloggerChallenge - New Years Inspiration

For as long as I can remember I've loved quotes. Inspirational, funny, emotional, encouragement...you name it and I've been drawn to it. Sometimes it's hard to express your own emotions or to shape what you're feeling in your head so that it makes sense. I'm better at expressing emotions with versus or writing them on paper.

That's why I was so excited when Gaby sent us the first topic for #2014BloggerChallenge

New Years Inspiration is the first topic. And what better inspiration than quotes that have spoken to my heart. I'm not the type that defines her life based on each quote or verse I read necessarily. I see these words as lessons, as encouragement for whats to come, as truths and as good perspectives on life. I look at them as guides that I can build from.

I stumbled across this the other day on Facebook and thought how true it is. None of us will ever be perfect with any of these categories but if we can keep them in the back of our minds, we might be able to. Sometimes within our daily lives we get so caught up with running around or to-do-lists that we aren't able to enjoy the moment or take a step back, just breath and focus on the most important things in life. These are simple little reminders that can go a long way!

Another thing I have been reading and reflecting on everyday is a book I got for Christmas. I've mentioned it before but a family member and her hubby have their own blog and Facebook pages. The tagline on their blog is "Practical Tips for Productive Living." They write about ways to help improve yourself, ways you can see the world differently, ways to help you lead a more successful life, and so much more. They share inspirational quotes and articles on their Facebook pages and everyday I enjoy reading them. I love take a few moments out of my day to stop and think about what's being said to me and how I can use it in my own life. They released their first book this past summer and my parents got it for me for Christmas and I haven't put it down! Such a great read. 

Here are two inspiring quotes along with a little explanation with each from their Facebook page that I look forward to putting in effect this year

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"Count your blessings, not your troubles. Live one day at a time. Let the wrong things go. Give more than you take. Look for the good in people and situations. Make time for those who matter. Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. Focus on your priorities. Make decisions, not excuses. And always stay true to your values"

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"Pay as much attention to the changes that are working positively in your life as you do to those changes that are giving you trouble. Appreciate how the unexpected is sometimes better than what you expected. And above all, stop stressing over what’s behind you. The end of something good is always the beginning of something great. Say to yourself: “Dear Past, thank you for all the life lessons you have taught me. Dear Present, I am ready now!”

Bring it on 2014! I'm ready to welcome all you will bring with open arms

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Side Note:

For those of you who want to link up with Lisa and I for the Inspire Me 2014 challenge tomorrow the topic will be:

Monday January 6: What changes were made in 2013 to better yourself, or what changes will you make in 2014 to better yourself

Come link up! We'd love to have you

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