My Favorite Blogging Resources!

The New Year is quickly approaching and with a New Year comes planning and making Resolutions or Goals.  Currently I am in the process of making goals and planning for this years Blogging Journey.  After going through all of the Resources that I have on hand already, I came up with my top four resources to implement fully in the upcoming year.  Although I may implement other resources I want to make sure that I use what I already have and what seems to be working quite well. All of the items below are free in some way.  All of the resources are worth the time and effort that was put into compiling them so that a blogger like me can really take off.  I appreciate Ruth, Darren, Sarah & Kevin and Jeff!

How To Blog For Profit: Without Selling Your Soul

I have been following Ruth Soukup for quite some time on Living Well and Spending Less.  Her website is an oasis of information on how you can live well and spend less. She literally touches all facets of life.  What I truly have learned to love about her is her willingness to teach others the craft of blogging and how to take your blog to the next level. This book can be purchased from Amazon.com as a paperback or kindle. Currently if you are a kindle unlimited customer you can read for free.

31 Days to Build a Better Blog

If you have been looking for resources on Blogging than I know that the name Darren Rowse of ProBlogger has cross your path.  His library of resources has expanded over the years and his information is ever-growing and relevant to any blog niche.  I was fortunate enough to get a digital copy when the series or challenge of 31 Days to build a Better Blog  first began. Please don't do like I did and put it to a time called someday.

Currently Darren has added a 31 day series of Podcast to accompany each day.  This year I will work through the series in a way that will be meaningful to the stage of my blog.  Some of the task I am not yet ready to do however I will be soon.  

30 Day Blogging Challenge

The 30 Day Blogging Challenge is not just a challenge to churn out blog post, however you will have to post for 30 days. The main thing about this challenge is the 30 Days worth of resources and tools that will address the many facets of blogging that will take your blog from being just another blog to a blog that is becoming viable and alive where traffic comes and clicks are made. Sarah has truly out did herself on this challenge!  Its awesome and I love the Facebook Group where she supports us every step of the way!

Intentional Blogging Challenge

The Intentional Blogging Challenge is a challenge that only last 12 days, These 2 days will incorporate the lessons in those 12 days that will make a world of difference in your blogging journey. Jeff Goins the author of Goins Writer has captured the essence of blogging in a meaningful way from a writer's point of view.

I hope you find these resources useful in your own personal blogging journey. If you have a favorite resource please share with us below in the comments section. Thanks.

Please stop by my Resources for Blogging Pinterest Board for more great finds!

Disclosures:  
The image of desk is from Jill Levenhagen Collection of stock photos

Why I Love Christmas!

Today is Christmas and I have committed to write for 30 days straight in two challenges: My 500 Words and The 30 Day blogging challenge.  You would think that this would be easy to do because Christmas is such a joyous occasion and I should be able to churn out 500 words of bliss and yuletide glee. However today has been a challenge for me to say the least.

I don’t want to be that person that spoils a Christmas mood based on my feelings of blah… so I will turn it around right now and tell you  five things that I love about Christmas.

The smell of a Fresh cut Christmas Tree.  

My father always pulled in a magnificent tree each year for us to decorate.  The smell of a Christmas tree has always had a nostalgic aroma from my childhood.  Maybe next year I will get a live tree.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

I let the kids decorate the tree.  This is a great accomplishment since I have an obsession that  things being spaced out and distributed over the tree.  I try to steer them in the right decoration by letting them put one type of ornament on at a time and space them out.  Otherwise there would be a clutter of ornaments in one place.  This year it turned out just fine.  I didn’t give too many instructions and they loved it.

Cookies, Cookies, Cookies

I love Christmas Cookies.  Every year I make tons of cookies on Christmas Eve.  That is what’s on the schedule every Christmas Eve Cookie bake off and hot chocolate.  This year I made chocolate chip, peanut butter and white chocolate chip, chocolate with chocolate chip and peppermint chips, oatmeal raisin and of course sugar cookies. This year I also made them all from scratch.

Children opening Presents on Christmas Morning

There is something about the twinkle in their eyes and the sound of paper being torn to pieces to the floor and children awing over their newly acquired trinkets.  No matter how small or large the haul is children love opening presents on Christmas.

Christmas Dinner

This year I took a break from the traditional Christmas dinner that I usually make and decided to go with a simpler meal.  I planned ahead I knew that I was not going to feel up to the huge extravagant 20 course meal.  It turned out just fine.  I got several thumbs up for the menu.

Christmas Dinner: 

Pot Roast in brown gravy, Yellow Rice, Pole Beans, Potato Salad and Cornbread

Dessert: 

Cheese Cake, Pound Cake, Lemon Cupcakes,Key Lime Pie and Lots of Cookies.

Christmas has a broader meaning than any of these things.  It is a symbolic representation of the Birth of Christ.  I keep this in mind however this post was simply about that traditions that have gathered along the years in my family.  I think everyone should celebrate the holidays in ways that are memorable to them and that they can pass down to their children.  .

In addition to keeping old traditions create your own.  The Cookie Bake off is something that I started with my oldest who is now 21 years old with her own lil family.  Now she can bake cookies with her lil one and talk about all the cookies that she has made over the years.

Do you have a Christmas Tradition that you do every year?  I would love to hear about it.  Please feel free to comment below.

Disclosures:  

The image is from www.picmonkey.com

Surviving the Holidays after the Loss of a Loved One

The holidays are upon us.  The most wonderful time of the year.  Right.  Tons of good cheer.  Right. You know the song.  The spirit of Christmas has a way of putting a smile on everyone's face who celebrates this blissful holiday.  I have been a part of this mass euphoria of bliss called Christmas.  From the time I was a little girl holidays were special to me. I must say Christmas has always been my favorite with Thanksgiving as a close runner up. I think the fact that you get to eat for 48 hours and watch football should have put thanksgiving at first place.  However Christmas wins.  

My mother (who transitioned in March of 2012) and my father (who passed away in October of 2010) both made such a huge deal out of both of these holidays.  From my earliest years I can remember smoked turkey, ham and dessert lots and lots of desserts. But before you think I am just greedy the thing that I remember most was the closeness of family.  No matter what the fixings or the gifts given, there was always a coming together that warmed my souls.  That brings me to today's topic:  Surviving the holidays after the loss of a Loved one.

It will be four years in March since I lost my mother but it still seems like we were chatting on the phone just yesterday.  The grieving process for me is like a valley of mountains that has very high points and very low points.  Some of the lowest points have happened during the holiday season, family milestones or events.  I have tried to do several things to avoid these meltdowns for the sake of my children.  They were very close to their grandparents so if I melt down they to will begin to act out.

During the holidays I have tried a few things that has helped me keep from having one of these emotionally charged and debilitating moments  The biggest tip for those that grief is to plan ahead.  If you know a special time is coming up take measures to accommodate whatever feelings that you may have coming up.

The following five things keep me grounded during the holiday season:
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is so important during the holidays whether you are experiencing grief or not.  However if you are experiencing grief planning is even more important.  The stress of doing things at the last minute can send you on an emotional roller coaster and make the holidays a chore rather than joyful moments.
Care of Self
Making sure that you are taking care of yourself during the holidays is key.  i have found that in the last four years I have fallen bedridden sick every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  This year I have been conscious of this phenomenon and made sure that I am getting enough rest, taking my medications and not taking on more tasks than I can bear.

Set Boundaries
In the past I have been the go to person when it comes to cooking, planning events and hosting holiday dinners.  It is actually something that I love to do and enjoy dearly. Hosting events and preparing food can be time consuming and tiresome. It is okay to say no.  It's okay to say I would like to contribute a dish verses hosting an event.

Focus on the Living
A friend once told me you can’t get mad when you go into the stores and see cards on mother’s day.  Just remember that others still have their mothers to celebrate.  Instead of focusing on who isn’t here let us focus on who is.  For me during the holidays my biggest focus is on my children and my grandson.  My desire is to make Holidays a joyous memory for them when they get to be older.

Remember the Good Times

The last thing I do to cope with my loss is to remember all of the happy moments that I shared and try to incorporate those traditions into my holiday festivities.

Are you dealing with the loss of someone? How will you cope with the stress that the holidays may bring?  

Do you know someone who is going through the grieving process? How will you support  them during the holiday season?

I would love to hear from you, please comment below.

Disclosures:  
The image of desk is from www.freeimages.com

Seven Life Lessons learned from Maya Angelou

The wisdom that resonates from those that came before us is such a profound thing.  From the shores of Africa to the lands of South America people have honored the ancestors from all walks of life and cultures.  In the United States this sort of tradition has become watered down. We are not mindful of those that have walked before us as we should be.  Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”  This verse suggest that we are surrounded by the saints of the past in a unique way.  Over history we have been encouraged to celebrate the lessons and contributions of our ancestors to our society.

One of my favorite human beings to walk this earth, has joined this great cloud of witnesses and it leaves me to wander what I can say I have learned from her-Maya Angelou.   If I were to make a list it will be ongoing, ever growing and expanding as Maya Angelou used every moment of her life to bear witness to all of the joys and sorrows that life brings.  Over the next few weeks I will reflect on the many things that Maya Angelou imparted in me through the use of her words, her humbleness and her service as a spokesperson for education, peace, justice, redemption and service.

Today I will share seven life lessons that Maya Angelou has left me in her words of wisdom.  There are many more lessons that she has given but for the sake of space I will focus on the following seven: Love Liberates, Be Courageous, Be Charitable, Be Hope, Be Forgiving (but never forget), Tell Your Story and Leave a Legacy.

Love Liberates

 “My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return”. - Maya Angelou

Love is the one thing that is above all others.  Everyone has a natural desire to love and be loved.  Out of love children are conceived.  Out of love masterpieces are created.   Above all things let us love one another. (1 John 4:7).

When Maya Angelou suggests that one should have courage to love and receive love, makes me wonder, why would you need courage to receive love.  As much as everyone desires love, everyone is fearful of the loss of love or the state of hurt and heart break.  One must be willing to take the risk of heartbreak in order to receive the rewards of love. 

Be Courageous

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently”. - Maya Angelou

For example: In order to be virtuous you must have courage.  Courage to change the way you think, in order to embrace learning as you pursue the virtue of Wisdom.  Courage to be kind and love others even when you may not receive it back in order to embrace the virtue of Humanity. 

This lesson is one that applies to all aspects of life.  Regardless of what is ahead of you or whatever task is at hand the only thing that will allow you to succeed is courage. 

Be Charitable

 “I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back”. - Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou has always had a great use of the English Language and the use of words.  In her quote about not having on two catcher’s mitts displays her genius in the use of analogies.  Catchers catch with one had covered by a mitt and they throw with a bare hand. This is to say that in life you have to be prepared to receive and willing to give without any expectations in return (bare handed). 

 Be Hope

“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud)”. - Maya Angelou

How can one be a rainbow in someone’s clouds?  This quote may be hard for some to understand…however when I first heard this phrase, I said to myself I want to be a RAINBOW.  The rainbow is a symbol of hope.  Being the hope for someone can be the difference between life and death.  In life we are always on a stage or platform where the world is our audience it is up to each individual whether it will be a tragedy, drama or an inspirational hope giving moment.

My hope is also to be a Rainbow or beacon of light in the lives of the people that I come in contact with.  I have had many Rainbows in my life and it has meant the world to me.

Be Forgiving (but never forget)

 “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”. 

- Maya Angelou

This quote has been repeated frequently by many people over the years.  I suggest Maya is not advocating don’t forgive but rather  that you should forgive others.  At the same time once a person has proven to be untrustworthy, dishonorable or a negative impact in your life; then you have to be conscious of those traits and act accordingly. 

Tell Your Story

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you”. - Maya Angelou

Storytelling is a tradition that predates the act of writing.  From the beginning of time people have shared stories from their past and their ancestors past in order to gain an understanding of themselves and their Society.

Everyone has a story that they can tell that will be inspiring and help another as they navigate through life.  You can share your story as Maya Angelou did, as a world renowned author or in the grocery line to a stranger. Either way, there is something freeing about sharing your story with others.

Leave a Legacy

SOURCE
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. - Maya Angelou

The last lesson that Maya Angelou has taught me is that you should leave a legacy.  For me a legacy is a strong and inspiring memory that someone leaves behind.  It is not the amount of wealth, things or accomplishments that people remember it is the overall impression that you have of given them once they are no longer around.

My mother has left me with a great legacy. I strive to embody all the awesome attributes that she model for me over the years on how to be strong, courageous and loving. 

I have never met the Great Maya Angelou. She has left a lifelong impression on me through her willingness to be all of these seven things. These lessons I will use as a guide to navigate me through this great journey of life.

Have you learned any life lessons from a person whom you’ve never met?  If so I would love to hear from you. Just leave a comment below.

What is Wellness? Creating a Wellness Plan

The Health and Wellness industry has been increasingly growing in the last two decades.  I wonder to myself why such an increase in paying close attention to our health and wellness? Based on my observations, I would suggest that the number of unhealthy individuals have increased in vast numbers rapidly that the industry need is growing right along with it. The pharmaceutical companies are one of the many entities that has reaped the benefit of our downfall.  I feel that there must be a better way to address our own personal wellness without funding the growth of the Health and Wellness industry.  That doesn't mean that some products and services are not beneficial and necessary. However wellness starts from within.

We can take charge of our wellness and turn this around.  With every great thing comes a plan!

First off let’s talk about what wellness encompasses. Wellness is a state of being that incorporates several dimensions in our lives.  It is not just a clean bill of health from your local physician, it is more intricate than that.

Wellness begins by being aware of yourself and what makes you uniquely you.  For the purpose of this post I will base my findings on these five broad dimensions of wellness: mental, physical, spiritual, social and emotional wellness.

Throughout this blog I will address these five areas by providing information and resources on personal development, life, family, mental health, fitness, nutrition and inspirational posts.

There are many ways to assess your own wellness.   Self-help is the start of all personal development.  If you want to grow into a healthier life you have to first self-evaluate and determine what your goals are and develop a plan.  Within your plan you will evaluate your life based on these five areas mental, physical, spiritual, social and emotional wellness.  Upon completion you can begin the process of creating short and long term goals to later develop into more detailed steps.

Make sure that when you complete the form that you address all of the questions within the plan.  Even if you just write it out on a plain piece of paper.  It is more effective when you write out your plans. 


I’ve created a document where you can sit down and evaluate yourself to begin the process of creating a Personal Wellness Plan.

DOWNLOAD

 Please come back and share how this plan helped you in any way.

Disclosures:  
The image of desk is from Jill Levenhagen Collection of stock photos. 
This planner is for personal use and utilizes information from other sources. 

The Story of Me and Blogging

The Story of Me and Blogging! 

Over the last five years, I have tried my hand at Blogging.  Initially, when I started it was for all the wrong reasons.  I saw a few blogs posted on social media during a time when social media had really entered the age of familiarity.  Prior to that I did not know exactly what a blog entailed or the fact that anyone could create a blog.  As a matter of fact blogging goes as far back as yahoo messaging and chat groups.  Remember that was the biggest thing going on around 1998. (Don’t quote me on those dates). This is just my personal reflection of how I grew to understand and love social media and the many possibilities.  I am still in the discovery stage even now.  

As we jump forward to the present time it seems like a blog is something everyone has!  You get a blog, you get a blog and you get a blog.  Everyone gets a blog!

Now that you have a blog - now what?  Is your blog a place on the web that collects dust and the content is infrequent and stale as old bread?  Is it a diary of ramblings that no one but your mother would read or love?  What is it?  I have pondered these questions about my blogging adventures over the last few years and wondered do I belong in the Blog Community. 

So many questions to consider.  After attempting blogging for over five years I have learned for me being a blogger requires 5 essential things.  If they are not all in place then the joy of blogging will diminish and the burn out likelihood will increase tremendously. 

Vision/Mission

Every blogger must have a vision and mission for their specific blog.  Without a vision and a clear mission you will get stuck very quickly.  The vision is a broader approach to the why of the blog.   The mission statement is the specific mission you plan to accomplish that mission.   For example my vision for Splendid Chronicles is to provide a space where I chronicle my experiences, events and observations with the hopes of inspiring and encouraging others. 

Commitment

Next there is a certain amount of commitment involved if you really want to be taken seriously as a blogger.  I have learned this the hard way.  If you intend to have a bog that is read by more than just friends and family, you must be committee to creating content on a schedule. You determine the pace but whatever pace you set is the pace that you need to keep.  For instance, although I am participating in a 30 day challenge (where I post every day for 3o days), my ideal schedule is 3-5 times per week, Monday thru Friday.

Planning

Once you have a schedule the next thing that must be in place is a Plan.  Spontaneous posting is great if you are a person that can just write away at any given moment.  However for me it is much better when I plan things out and have a basic plan of what I will write and when.  I suggest planning and writing post at least a week before they are published in order to reduce the stress of writing.  It also allows a chance to go back and review, edit and perfect your work.

Accountability

This is a tricky subject.  Who will hold you accountable? Usually you will be accountable for yourself.  If you have set a schedule and plan then it is totally up to you if you follow through with your commitments.  Another way to feel accountable is to join groups that blog and start networking with other bloggers.  I have learned over the years that fellow bloggers are your biggest readers and will always encourage you to keep at it.

Endurance

Simply don’t give up.  Blogging is a process that is on-going.  As time goes on your plans may change, your vision may even change but you just have to keep going and honor the commitment you have mad to be a part of the Blog Universe.

As I step out on this huge blogging platform I hope to touch someone with my words that thay may live life more abundantly.

Picture Source:
FreeImages.com
Oprah Image: Google