Quenched

Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.

John F. Kennedy

Wow, this is one of the most beautiful quotes I’ve shared all year. “Gradually changing opinions”— something about that line gives me butterflies. My opinions have evolved, but mostly because as a young lady, I spoke on things I didn’t quite understand fully.

Even the next line makes me feel good. “Slowly eroding old barriers.” Who wouldn’t want that? Liberation from the walls you’ve built. We initially build them to keep people out, but we don’t always realize that building walls keeps us in.

This last line speaks directly to the creative in me, “Quietly building new structures.” You know that sound you make after you drink a fresh cup of your favorite drink on a hot day? Well, that’s the feeling this quote gives me.

Coming At You All At Once

When it seems like everything is coming at you all at once, it probably is. Here’s a list of things to help you get through.

  • Take a few moments to yourself.
  • Take at least 3 deep breaths with your eyes closed
  • Talk to someone who wants to listen to you
  • Write your to do list in a closed book or app so that you’re not bombarded by them while you’re working
  • Think positively: “Time can work in my favor.” “I have the ability to do one thing at a time.” “It’s ok for me to rest when things feel too heavy.”

We stay in the moment around the writing parts. Yes, shutting down looks mighty nice but where’s the story in that?! Keep your eyes toward the sky with a pen and a paper in each in hand.

You got this!

Enliven Their Hearts

You can’t win the hearts and minds of the masses unless you inspire them – you must lift their spirits and enliven their hearts.

Jason Silva

I’m not interested in the masses but boy do I enjoy seeing people’s spirits rise. Always remember two things:

  • There’s a million reasons to smile.
  • There’s a million things you’re doing right.

And those two thoughts are exactly where I like to focus in most of my interactions. Don’t get me wrong, empathy has its place in our interactions. I just like to find the shortest route to happiness. What can I say, I’m human.

Expansion

Everything’s interconnected. That’s the way life is.

Edwin Catmull

That’s it.

It’s not a secret, but when you really take a moment to connect with those around you, you realize how connected we are. Journaling helps. Taking note of your thoughts and all the things that inspire your curiosity also helps. The world around you changes when you’re more aware of yourself. It’s like your vision expands.

Blogging Tip #1

I haven’t shared a lot of blogging tips but no better time than now! Before I start shouting out tips from the rooftops, let’s chat about WordPress a little bit.

I have been blogging for about 7 years now. WordPress has been the blogging platform I have committed to more consistently than the rest. I personally feel that WordPress is the most accessible and versatile platform. There are a few limitations, but none worthy of complaining about. You can use WordPress with basic computer skills, but it also allows you to use more advanced tech skills too. What’s most valuable about WordPress is the writing community! It’s a great way to connect and support other writers who enjoy the same things as you. Plus, the free version is perfect for a new blogger. Okay, enough bragging about my favorite blogging platform. Let’s get to Blogging Tip #1.

  1. Use the Featured Photo Option

If you’re ever looking for some free photos to add eye-catching featured images, there are websites dedicated to open-source photos. My go-to is Pixabay. comWe also have Pexels .com which is linked directly to your WordPress.com blog under Featured Images. And there’s also Unsplash.com.

I have always added, at bare minimum, a featured photo to every blog post.

I hope this helps. Stick around for more Blogging Tips from Jayne. Press

In Honor of Our First Family Bike Ride

If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get on.

Lance Armstrong

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll notice that we went on our first family bike ride. I loved it. So in honor of that, I had to share a bike quote. Don’t let fear keep you from amazing opportunities. Where are these opportunities? Maybe they’re knocking on your door, or hitting you right in the face. Maybe they are still visions. Wherever they are, show up with your chin held high and start pedaling!

You got this!

Loved Much

That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Now, this is the bar. This is worth living up to. Of course, as I have said before, the word “love” is overused, so we have to really think about what it means to love deeply. I always think of love as a general term for many acts: compassion, acceptance, consistency, caring deeply about the well-being of our fellow humans…

What other ways would be considered loving deeply?

Energy

The energy of the mind is the essence of life.

Aristotle

I find this quote to be a great inspiration. My energy has been low. To think, visualize, and exercise my mind has been a bit of a struggle these past couple of weeks. I’m sure my energy will return. It just makes writing a real struggle. I still do it. It isn’t as fun, though. Hopefully, I can find some fun with my writing soon.

On the flip side, my life has been going fast forward in the right direction! I’m grateful to be alive right now.

Fall Sunshine

A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.

Francis of Assisi

This quote came up on the front page of Brainy Quotes today. I had to use it. I love me some crisp fall sunshine. It’s my favorite kind of sunshine. I like being outside and enjoying the changing leaves. It brings me joy when the leaves crunch under my feet on fall hikes. I also like winter. I like the cold, and I like that those seasons bring so much growth and wisdom. My favorite time of year is so close!