How to Make Your Dreams Come True - Step 4

Are you getting what you want from life? Seeing your goals and dreams come true? Or do you feel like it's never going to happen for you and time is just going by not seeing much progress? Well, today I am here to encourage you by sharing 3 key principles I've used many, many times so I know they will work for you too. Let's jump in. 

Personal Story 

When I was a child, I created what might be called a vision board these days. Basically, you make 5 categories and list the things you want to do, have, visit, become in life. I don't remember exactly what the categories were, but I can tell you this - most of what I put on that board have become realities in my life. 

I've traveled to dream places like Mexico, Paris, Portugal, Argentina, and Africa. I've ridden a camel. Created this blog. Written three books and created a cookbook. Gone to college and obtained my master's degree - something unusual in my family or origin. Learned multiple languages. I'm not trying to brag here. I'm just sharing examples of dreams and goals of mine that have come true following these three principles so you can see that they truly do work. So now let's talk about the fourth step to igniting the power within so you can fulfill YOUR destiny and see your dreams come true. 

                    

  

Realize You are in Charge

No matter where you are in life, you are in charge. Your daily decisions determine your future. As my youngest son said to me a few years back, 

    "Mom, you are driving the bus." 

    "Wow," I thought. "He is absolutely right. I am driving the bus." 

When we realize this truth, it empowers us to take bold action. Instead of letting things ride, waiting for "God" to make things happen, having a defeatist/victim attitude, or settling for less than our best life, we are driving the bus.  

Only You know what is best for you

For much of my younger life, I let other people drive my bus. Big mistake. I let my mother dictate who I married. I let my spouse dictate what type of career to pursue. Two of the major life decisions and I turned them over to other people. After the divorce, I let the boyfriends influence my activities and time.

Yes, I was a people-pleaser. For sure, but not any more. I have learned to listen to myself, my feelings, my desires and pursue what brings me joy and fulfillment. It took a tremendous amount of courage to leave a stable job and a good salary, but I took a leap of faith and am I ever glad I did. This is our destiny - to dream BIG and to follow our dreams, to pursue a better life for ourselves and our families no matter where we are in life. It is never too late and we are never too old to start a new journey. 

The Effort is Worth it
That being said, we have to put forth effort to fashion a life we will be happy with, and to change what needs to be changed in order to see our goals and dreams come true. I studied hard in high school so I could get scholarships to go to college. I sold my car so I could go to France to study. I faced an ugly divorce so I would have more peace in my life. I worked hard at a demanding career so I could support my two sons as a single mom. I got up at 5 am every morning to get my run in before work to stay in shape. I went to night school to get a Masters degree thinking it would help with our financial situation. Effort is required if we want to see progress. This goes for every area of our lives: our health, our relationships, our finances, and our futures.

Each day presents us with opportunities to move forward and it is up to us to take advantage of them. If we want to see progress, we need to work dutifully and diligently towards our goals and dreams. You know the old saying "Slow and steady wins the race." We need to be clear about what we want our life to look like down the road. If we don't have a clear vision, five - ten years from now we will still be where we are today and that is not progress. 

The fourth step to igniting the power within is a 3-pronged approach which involves the biblical principle of learning to ask, seek, and knock.

1. Overcome the fear of asking 
Some of us have a bit of trouble asking for what we want, be it from God or some human being. The first part of this process is to overcome the fear of asking.

For many years, it was hard for me to ask for what I wanted because I was afraid to speak up. Then I realized timidity was not working for me. I needed to be more assertive and ask for what I wanted and needed both from people and from God.

Singles, in particular, struggle with this. How many times does a guy pass up an opportunity to go out on a date with a pretty girl simply because he's afraid to ask her out? Or a relationship breaks up because one person doesn't speak up for their needs? If we are unhappy in a relationship, we expect the other person to be a mind-reader. If we are unfulfilled in our job, we expect our boss to promote us. We have to learn to ask.

Our spouse is not a mind-reader nor is our boss. The pretty girl is not a mind-reader either. If we are unhappy with our lives, it us up to us to take the first step and ask ourselves what we need and then ask others and God for what we want.

2. Make the effort to seek.
We all have problems. Some of them are hard to resolve, but this step encourages us to put the effort to try to resolve things. We need to be really deliberate in finding the correct solution. I have found that difficult problems require a lot of research to find the root cause. We can't just ask the doctor, pop the pill, or expect things to resolve on their own or worse, sweep them under the rug and pretend there is no problem. 

If you're having relationship problems, go to a counselor or two or three, till you find one that fits. If you want to buy a house, go house hunting on your free time and save money for a down payment. Get out of debt. Same thing goes for finding a spouse. We might have to kiss quite a few frogs before we find Prince or Princess Charming. If you need income, go look for a better job. We in America live in the land of opportunity. If you want to write a book, start writing. If we have a health issue, we need to do our own research. We know our bodies better than anyone else. Don't make the mistake of trusting doctors who are only trained in certain areas and don't have the time to go into much depth with their patients. And don't take the easy pop-a-pill way out either. That's simply a band-aid. 

3. Keep knocking. 
This step is related to step two and means exploring different options till we find the right one. This applies to relationships, jobs, and our health. People in sales know this. Earnest job-seekers know this. Successful people know this.  If one approach does not work, try something new. We learn that each closed door brings us one step closer but eventually a door will open to new opportunities, new ways of thinking, and answers to prayer. 

This 3-pronged approach is a fundamental process to igniting the power we each have to move forward in life. When we master this process, we will move past obstacles that have kept us stuck often for years. 

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of implementing this principle on a daily basis. Too many people try for while and then give up. No! We have to keep at it. This practice  develops perseverance and determination. It strengthens our character as well as well as our backbone. If we want to see changes in our lives, we must be willing to persevere, even when we don't see anything happening. 

For Reflection:

What goal have you been trying to achieve? Which of these principles can you apply to move forward? What goal have you given up on that you would like to see become a reality?

If you enjoyed this post, please share with a friend.  If you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, enter your email address in the box provided.  You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".

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Stay tuned to learn more on how to ignite the power within and discover your DESTINY!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Have More Peace by Learning to Let Go

You've most likely heard the phrase "Let go and let God". It's from the Recovery 12-step program. I thought everyone knew what letting go meant until one of my girlfriends asked "How do you let go?" She was serious. Her husband had died more than 10 years ago and she was still grieving. What are you holding on to that is stealing your peace and joy?

So today, I'm going to do my best to explain the concept of letting go in practical terms to help us all let go of situations, people, pets, and past experiences sooner rather than later so we can enjoy more peace and JOY in the present moment. 

It's a Process
The process of learning to let go is powerful and on-going and can be applied in many aspects of life. This is one spiritual lesson we keep getting to practice over and over again because it applies to so many areas of life in all seasons of life. 

What is "letting go" exactly?
Letting go has to do with attachment. We humans tend to get attached: to the past, to people, pets, material possessions, as well as negative thought patterns and bad habits to name a few. The problem is we become too attached. We hold on too tightly and then, inevitably, we suffer: a loved one dies or moves on, a material possession is lost, broken, or damaged, or a pet runs away or dies. The passage in Isaiah 43:18-19 says this "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past".

When we hold on to negative coping mechanisms from the past or emotions such as anger, grief, or resentment, we prevent ourselves from moving forward in life.  Faulty beliefs and patterns keep us stuck like a rat on a wheel going nowhere. It is a choice to think on things above as it says in Phil 4:8. "Think on things that are pure, true, noble, admirable, lovely, and praiseworthy." I have to admit, this is a struggle for me, too, especially when one is brought up in a critical home environment and praise was based on performance. 

When to let go
Impermanence and change are undeniable truths of our existence. Everything on earth is changing. The seasons change. The weather changes. People change. Technology changes. The body changes. 

Change is part of life whether we like it or not. It is all part of the circle and evolution of life. So how do we know when it is time to let go?

One way to know it is time to let go is to ask ourselves these questions "Is this bearing any fruit in my life?" or "Is this serving me right now?"  If the answer we get is no, it is time to put whatever it is behind us, adopt new ways of thinking and relating, and move FORWARD. 

A second sign is ongoing emotional or mental pain. For example, when we hold on to a dysfunctional relationship for too long, we will eventually lose our joy and our peace and sometimes our health. Constant conflict and friction are warning signs. I have been guilty of holding on to relationships for far too long and not setting firmer boundaries soon enough so I know what I am talking about. 

Grieving Loss 
Now it is normal and crucial to grieve the loss of a loved one or beloved pet. A counselor once told me "The price of love is grief" and that is so true. When we love much, the grief of the loss is heavy, but grieve we must if we want to move thru it to the other side and regain our joy and our peace.

It is, however, not healthy if the grieving goes on year after year and we are constantly dwelling on the loss. At some point, we must make a conscious effort to not dwell on the hurt of the loss because this steals the joy from today and prevents us from living and enjoying the present moment.

Letting go is a process we get to practice again and again in different situations.  Whenever I feel like my joy is gone, I ask myself "What do I need to let go of?" There is usually something that is stealing my peace and joy. The good news is with practice, we will recognize sooner rather than later when we need to let go of something or someone. 

For Reflection

What can you let go of today? A broken relationship? A garage or house full of stuff? The pain from a past hurt? I encourage you to give it to God and let him replace it with the fruit of the Spirit in the present moment. For more on this important topic, get your copy of my new book "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your spiritual growth."  where I go more into depth about this. 

If this post was helpful, leave a comment, ask a question, and share it with a friend in need. If you'd like to join our community, enter your email in the box provided. I'll also send you a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path",

Stay tuned for my next post to encourage, educate and inspire you. 

Until next time,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

Ignite the Power Within Step 2: How to Redesign Your Life

Every year we get a chance to redesign not just our homes but our entire lives. The New Year provides a canvas we can paint anything on.  Do you want to see and be and do something different this year? I do. No matter how old we are, it is never too late to transform our lives. Growth keeps us young and vibrant. But where to start? Today I'm sharing Step #2 to igniting the power within.

Find Your Purpose 

As I shared recently, we each have a superpower within us and it is up to us to nurture and develop it. We were meant to SOAR, to grow, to fly higher and to become all that we can be to fulfill our God-ordained purpose and it is never too late to find out what that purpose is. As author Marianne Williamson says, "We each began as an idea in the mind of God." Isn't that lovely? An idea in the mind of God. Yes, you do have a unique purpose in this crazy world of ours. I don't believe we are just here randomly to flounder through life until we die. 

Growth is a choice. 

Every day we have a choice - to stay the way we are or to grow. Just because you ate a ton of chocolate chip cookies yesterday, doesn't mean you have to do it again today. Just because you had a smoke yesterday, today is a new day. Do you want to learn to dance? To paint? Learn a new skill? It's a whole new world and you are the DESIGNER! It is never too late to learn something NEW!

Clean Slate time

If we want to move forward in life, we need to clear out all the old programming, beliefs, habits and thought patterns, and start with a clean slate. We might need to get rid of some negative people in our lives, too or at least minimize time spent with them. 

Then, we need to search within and find our unique gifts and talents and then - put them to good use. We have to start someplace. I never knew anything about writing and now look at me. Author of multiple books and this blog. Am I making a gazillion dollars at it? Not yet. Am I enjoying it? Yes. Writing brings me joy because my intention is to help others heal, grow and find God and their destiny, because the two are closely related. Who knows, maybe someday it will become profitable. Wouldn't that be the cherry on top?

Starting with a clean slate means being open to new ways of thinking, seeing ourselves, others, and external events differently. How we perceive the world makes a huge difference in how we act and what comes into our lives.

Transformation starts within.

People often wait for their circumstances to change but real transformation starts from within. You've probably heard the saying "If you keep on doing what you're doing, you're going to keep on getting what you're getting" and that is the truth.

If we want to move forward in life, we have to make the effort to change and the most important area to change is our thinking. Our thinking determines our habits, our behaviors, and our destinies. In fact, the Bible says this "Be transformed daily by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2). 

It Starts With Awareness
Now you may think you already have an open mind but I can guarantee you some thinking patterns need to change. Like all of us, you may still have some negative thought patterns lurking around and polluting your mind. You may have some resentments that need to be dealt with. You may have a less than positive view of who you are. If we want to move forward in life and be more successful, more joyful, and more of service, we must change the way we perceive ourselves, others, and our circumstances past and present. 

Imagine putting your old thinking on a shelf for the time being, like a pair of well-worn shoes, while you try on a new pair of shoes. Like breaking in new shoes, it might feel uncomfortable for a bit.  Slowly but surely, you will enjoy the peace and freedom new ways of thinking will bring you. I can assure you, once you start on this journey, you will never want to go back to those old shoes.

Brain Science
Science used to tell us that the brain cannot be changed, but now we know better. We now know the brain can be restructured and regenerated. This is called neuroplasticity, and you can read more about in this article.  Keep in mind that the brain and the mind are two different things but are critically linked together.

Consciousness is Key 

If we want to have more peace and calm in our lives and in our world, and less drama, we have to become more consciously aware. We will keep reacting in the same old patterns until we become aware of them. Albert Einstein put it like this:

For Reflection 
Step #2 asks us to be open to seeing and processing life in a new way. As we unfold the next steps together, how we do this will become more clear but for now ask yourself this question: "Am I ready and willing to change my thinking?" 

If the answer to this question is yes, then ask yourself "What habit or thought pattern do I want to change?" Do I want to see myself as more confident? Healthy? Likeable? Attractive? Intelligent? Do I want to see each day as a new opportunity to move forward in my life? What we expect is what we shall receive. 

When we are ready to change our thinking, we will embark upon the journey of a lifetime. You will be amazed at how your life will begin to change when you change your thinking. You will see more miracles, experience more peace and joy, and see more of your dreams come true. I'm a living testimony. 

To hear this on audio, click here.

If you enjoyed this post and want to join this adventure and our growing blog community, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" . 

More For YOU to Explore

In addition to writing these blog posts, I have compiled a collection of helpful information on a variety of interesting topics such as faith, spirituality, inner peace, prayer, healthy aging, beauty, fashion, mindfulness, delicious recipes, healing, and lots more. Pop on over to my view my Pinterest boards here. 

 

Thanks for reading. Pass this on to a friend and stay tuned for more on this transformational series to help YOU ignite the power within!

As always,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Ignite the Power Within - Step 1

Are you ready to discover YOUR superpower? See those goals and dreams come true? Leave behind the past and the status quo? If so, our new series is just for you! We are going to learn how to ignite the power within!

Personal Story

Now you might not know this about me but people used to call me "shy and timid". Yup. I didn't speak up for myself. I let people take advantage of me, put me down, and I certainly didn't pursue MY goals and dreams. I pursued other people's goals and dreams. But then I discovered my super-power and my life completely turned around. And that is what I want for YOU, friend!

Not Just Another Self-Help story 
You've probably read books on self empowerment before. They usually focus on interpersonal and communication skills and techniques you have to implement in order to be successful. What they don't address are the emotional and spiritual components that are the root causes of most failures in business and in our personal lives.

So today, I'm sharing the FIRST STEP to igniting the power within. It will transform not only your business but your entire life and it starts with what may be the most important part of our being - our heart.

 

Let Go of Past Hurts

We've all been hurt, some of us more deeply than others. We may be holding on to unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, or regret. Or perhaps we are holding on to jealousy, anger, disappointment, or a strong need to control others which stems from fear. Often, we are not even aware we have these negative feelings. Yet, we cannot and will not move forward until we clear these all out. 

Negative energy keeps us stuck. 

If we want to move forward in life, we must free ourselves of any negative energy, in our thoughts and our speech. Let go of judgmental attitudes and assumptions based on perceived slights. It's time to start with a clean slate. 

The First Step 
So where to start? At the center of our being that's where. With the heart. The first step to igniting the power within is to have an open heart.

How do we do this? Here are five key steps to identifying, processing, and letting go of painful feelings and emotions. 

1. Make time to get quiet.
This means getting away someplace where you can experience solitude. It may be your home. It may be the library, Starbuck's, a church, or a walk in nature - someplace where you can completely disconnect from distractions and noise and connect with your innermost being, where you can actually hear the still small voice inside you and pay attention to your thoughts and your feelings. 

2.  Search within. 
Ask yourself if there is any situation or person towards whom you may be harboring negative feelings such as anger, unforgiveness, or hostility. Really reflect on this. It might be something that happened a few days ago, a month ago, or many years ago. 

Often, we unconsciously bury these painful emotions because we don't want to deal with them but like a thorn in a finger, they continue to hurt and cause unnecessary emotional pain. Many times we don't even realize we are holding on to negative feelings from the past. We keep ourselves busy with distractions and activity so we don't have time to feel the pain and this is both unwise and unhealthy.  

When we spend some time in self-reflection, negative experiences will soon bubble up to the surface where we can process them in a conscious manner. It is like shining a flashlight into a dark cave to see what is hidden there. We might  feel afraid at first but when we shine the light of awareness we see we have nothing to fear. You are more powerful than you realize and more courageous. 

3. Identify any negative emotions. 
Negative emotions do not go away on their own. I have found that it helps me to name what I am feeling. I usually have an "Aha!" moment when I realize just exactly what has been bothering me and why. It is like a veil has been lifted and I can see clearly. Now, I confess, this sometimes takes days for me to get clear but I have learned to pray and wait till I get clarity. I ask God to show me what is actually going on and He always does. 

Suppressing our feelings does us no good. In fact, ignoring them keeps us from  healing spiritually and emotionally which prevents us from moving forward in life.

What's more, when left to linger, negative emotions usually result in some kind of physical manifestation or illness. The body and mind are inter-connected and what hurts one, eventually hurts the other.  Our feelings are like little children crying out to be heard and they will do whatever it takes to get our attention.

4. Deal with any grief, sadness, resentment or unforgiveness.
Grief and sadness are two of the heaviest emotions to process. They both lower our energy level and steal our joy. If there is any unprocessed grief or sorrow, we must allow ourselves to feel it. Yes, loss is painful, but it is only by feeling our feelings and accepting the situation as it is, that they can move through and out of our bodies and minds. 

Sure, we can keep ourselves busy and distracted till the cows come home, but until we actually acknowledge and deal with our negative emotions, they will continue to keep us stuck - emotionally and spiritually. If there is some action you can take, do it. Write that letter. Make that phone call. Reach out to reconnect. You never know if the door will open until you knock on it. We were meant for unity not disconnection and it takes the spiritually stronger person to take the first step. 

It is important to be gentle with ourselves, accept where we are, and make sure we give ourselves enough time to work through our feelings and heal. We will know when it is time to let go. The heart needs time to heal it's wounds. Our work is to heal our soul and become whole so we can move forward in life with joy and inner peace so we can fulfill the destiny we each have. Be kind to yourself during the healing process but also be cognizant of how long it has been and do seek professional help if you are stuck too long on the same issues. 

5. Forgive yourself and others.
The best way to heal our heart is through forgiveness. We must forgive others and also ourselves. We all say and do things to hurt others and ourselves, often unintentionally. It is usually because we are hurting in some way. We act out, we overeat, we spend too much. There are a dozen ways we try to soothe our wounded souls. 

Remember this. Forgiveness is not for the other person. It is for us - to set US free. It allows us to let go of the negative energy so we can move forward into our destiny. Refusing to forgive others only harms us. True forgiveness comes only through the power of God so if you are having trouble forgiving, ask God for help. He wants you to be set free.

For Reflection

Who or what is causing you to have a closed heart? Who has offended you or hurt you? Take some time this week to reflect and to process your feelings. What action can you take to help yourself heal?

So there you have it - the first step to igniting the power within  is to have an open heart. If you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for the rest of the steps and check out my newest book "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Supercharge Your Spiritual Growth", 

If you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly newsletter plus a copy of my starter book entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", enter your email address in the box provided.

Stay tuned as we discover the next step to igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

All rights reserved. If you would like to use this material, contact me at arielpaz08@gmail.com

5 Tips to Fly Like an Eagle in the New Year

2025 is now a page in the history book. How do you feel about the year gone by? Did you accomplish the goals and dreams you planned? Are you better off today than you were a year ago? Are you filled with excitement about the New Year? Or not so much?

No matter where you are or how you are feeling as the New Year starts, get ready! The good news is when we start feeling bored, joyless, or down and depressed, it is a sign we are on the brink of a transformation. 

The New Year is the perfect time to take a leap of faith into something NEW, EXCITING and maybe a little bit scary! This week I am sharing 5 actions we can take to get started on the right foot. Let's find out what they are. 

1. Leave the Old Behind.

You know what it is deep down. It could be a dead-end job or career decision,  a dead-beat boyfriend or relationship. Or maybe you just want to leave your old life behind and travel the world. After all, the world is your oyster!

If we want to make room for something NEW in our lives, we have to first let go of whatever is no longer bearing fruit it our lives. It's kind of like decluttering our closets. We only have so much time, energy, and money and it is important to be mindful of just how and where we spend these resources.

2. Forgive Yourself and Others 

This one is not always easy to do, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. We all make mistakes. We say or do things in the heat of the moment that we later regret. Mistakes are learning experiences, but don't just blame someone else. There are always two sides to every story, and two people in any disagreement or conflict. Accept responsibility for your part and make the necessary changes. Hopefully the other person will do the same. Then you can forgive yourself and them and move forward. 

3. Welcome in the Joy
Joy is fuel that moves us forward into the NEW. Consider the joy factor when making any big decision. If there is no joy in it, it probably is not the right decision, person, job, etc. Moving forward in life involves trading the old for something new AND something better. We leave behind people and activities that have become stale, unhealthy, or unfruitful to open the door for new opportunities, healthier people, and activities that will bring us joy and purpose. 

Sometimes letting go means making tough choices. This is where the rubber hits the road and we have to really dig deep to find out what matters most to us. Life's choices become more difficult the closer we get to what we truly want from life. If you want to take back your life this year, I hope you'll order a copy of my ebook "Take Back Your Life: 5 Keys to Reclaiming Your Personal Power". It is also available on Amazon and Apple Books and other online booksellers. 

4. Step Out in Faith 

If we want to transform our lives, we have to be willing to step out of the boat, in other words, our comfort level. 

Years ago, I took a leap of faith and left a dead-end job that was stressful and unfulfilling. I trusted God to provide and he did. I now live in freedom and abundance. I left an unhealthy marriage with two young sons and stepped out into peace. I left dysfunctional family members and stepped into harmony and connection. Folks, we have to let some things and people go if we want to move forward into the life Jesus died for us to have. 

Moving forward involves faith, courage and the willingness to step out into the unknown. If you'd like to learn more about strengthening your faith, check out my collection of books on spiritual growth here. 

5. Discover Your Destiny

I don't know about you, but I believe we each were put on this earth for a purpose. Not to just live a humdrum ordinary get-by life. You were meant for more than status quo! I love the way author Marianne Williamson puts it when she says, "You began as a thought in the mind of God". I recently heard it put like this, "You will only go as far as you can envision yourself going." or something like that. If we want to make a difference in this world, we have to have a vision for our lives. If we want to soar like the eagle, we must ignite the power within so we can discover our destiny. 

For Reflection
What is it that is no longer bringing you joy? Certain relationships? A nowhere job? A church or community? Unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns? Do a run through and see.

Are you pursuing your dreams and aspirations? Rising to new levels? Or are you content with the status quo? The same old same old? When boredom sets in and we lose our joy and zest for life, that is a sign it's time for something new. We were meant to fly like eagles and SOAR!

If you'd like to grow your faith, check out my true story "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony" available on Amazon and your favorite online bookseller. Or you can order the ebook through Zelle using my email address arielpaz08@gmail.com for only $3.99. The new audiobook is available on Google Play. So excited to finally have an audioformat. 

If you feel motivated and encouraged by this post, enter your email in the box provided and you'll receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". Sometimes in life we have to change lanes and the new year is the perfect time to do so.  

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom.

Until next time, keep looking up and get ready to SOAR!

Ariel Paz 


All rights reserved. If you'd like to use this material, contact me at arielpaz08@gmail.com

Reflections to Help You Take Charge of the New Year

Time to say goodbye to 2025 and prepare for 2026. Can you believe it? This year flew by for me - again. And I'm sure for you too. Before we usher in the New Year, I am a firm believer in taking time to reflect on the year that is ending to bring closure and to revisit our priorities to see where we might need to make adjustments for the year ahead.

Every year does not go as planned and we have to be willing to deal with whatever comes our way. This is where a spiritual practice is vital. Life can throw us a curve ball and a strong spiritual practice can help us navigate life's unexpected challenges with more grace and faith. 

                

Here are some questions to ponder before we jump feet first into 2026.  I'll share my honest answers with you as well. 

1. What are some good things you accomplished this year? Here are a few of mine. 

My son moved back home in February after 12 years in Texas. Things haven't been as smooth as I would have liked but distance does affect connection and communication. 

Was able to visit sunny Florida again in the Spring. Love Siesta Key Beach. It was more crowded than usual due to the change in school vacation schedules this time. 

In September, went on a girls' retreat to Hilton Head, SC with a good friend. We had a great time, being relieved of all of our daily duties and responsibilities and had someone else cook for us. 

What fun positive events happened in your life in 2025?

2. Did you learn something new? Try something new? Buy something new? 

Replaced my entire HVAC system in June! A big deal but not as big as I had imagined. Mostly researching the various options, companies, and brands. It was 22 years old so it did well for many years. Lesson: when you start worrying about whether something is going to break down, it's time to buy new. That includes appliances, cars, etc. 

Learned a new calligraphy lettering style called Square Capitals and used it making Christmas cards this year. It is a fun and mindful activity as well as creative. 

Spent time practicing my Spanish for my upcoming trip to Spain in 2026. There is a lot to learn about the idiosyncrasies of a new language, that is for sure.  

Started a new exercise routine that I experienced at Hilton Head Health. TRX. Have you tried it? I am seeing results already and am excited about working out again. 

How about you? What new thing did you try, buy or do this year?

3. What lessons did you learn this year?

Relationships can be very draining, particularly family. If someone you love is draining you, it's time for firmer boundaries and a time out. Make self-care a top priority. 

My peace and my joy don't depend on other people's behavior. It depends on my behavior. It is a choice to make peace and joy a top priority. And remember, you can't have joy unless you first have peace. 

Some things only God can fix, try as I might. My own efforts are often futile. When you get frustrated, let go and let God. Works every time. 

What lessons did you learn this year?

4.  Who did you connect with this year? 

Online bloggers and social media personalities which has been fun. The world is connected via the Internet. 

My nephews and cousins who live out of state. Been having some good conversations so that is a blessing. 

5. How did you use your time this year?

We make our plans and our goals, but sometimes our time is not our own. When we are working we have a schedule and deadlines or quotas to meet. When we retire, other responsibilities like elderly relatives, health issues, and finances take our time. The key is to accept the will of God, do whatever is right in front of you, and trust God's timing. With a smile. 

Finally created an audiobook for my first book, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony." Ebook available on Google Books and audiobook on Google Play So excited to have accomplished that. Am currently working on reformatting this ebook to get it onto other platforms. It is on Amazon Kindle already. 

Updated my Mediterranean cookbook, over 160 pages of deliciousness including several ethnicities. Order your digital copy today for only $24.99 using Zelle and my email address arielpaz08@gmail.com and I'll get it right out to you to start cooking fun!

For Reflection

As the New Year begins, what adjustments do you need to make? What can you let go of? Control? A relationship? What is it that you truly would like to accomplish or embrace in the New Year? 

I hope you were encouraged by this post. If so, do pass this on to a friend who could use a bit of encouragement. I am looking to increase readership and I need your help. All they have to do is enter their email address in the box provided. They'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide, "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path. We're all on a spiritual journey and sometimes we have to take a different route. 

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom on igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year and remember - 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

 

The True Gifts of Advent: What is True Love?

Think back for a moment on the greatest gift you have ever received. How did it feel when you saw it? Did it make you want to jump for joy? Did you feel like someone loved you a whole lot?

Yes, that's how a great gift makes you feel - like you want to share it with the world. That's how the shepherds and the wise men must have felt when they saw the angels light up the sky announcing the birth of the baby Jesus that silent night so long ago. 

Just imagine

the manger scene and the announcement of the birth of the Messiah.

See the awe of the shepherds as they watched the angels singing in the skies proclaiming the good news. Feel the anticipation of the wise men who traveled such a great distance to bring their gifts to honor a newborn child they weren’t sure they would even find. Sense the joy and wonder Mary and Joseph felt as they watched in amazement as the angelic and kingly visitors encamped around them.

Something truly miraculous was happening.  The people of Israel had not heard from God for over 400 years and then the news of Jesus burst upon the scene and the destiny of mankind was forever changed. Hope was born anew. Love made it's grandest appearance ever.

As we celebrate the fourth week of Advent, we focus on the gift of Love because God showed us how much he truly loves us by sending his one and only Son to earth so many years ago. There is no greater gift than that but often we confuse what love really means and what it looks like. 

What True Love Looks Like

If we want to know what true love looks like, all we have to do is look at Jesus. True love shows itself by actions, not merely words and certainly not on just feelings. It is in giving of ourselves to one another that we show love. Jesus showed love to the poor, the ill, the lonely, the outcast. He made them feel loved by his actions and his words. We can do the same. A smile, a phone call, a thoughtful gift, a word of encouragement, a hot meal. There are a million ways to show love right in our own backyard.

The greatest expression of love we could ever be given is God's gift to us - His one and only Son, Jesus, the Christ. True love requires stepping out of our comfort zone and our self-centered focus and sacrificing for someone else's good and growth. It means overlooking mistakes and forgiving. It means seeing past each other's flaws, and accepting ourselves and each other as children of God. 

This is what Jesus did when he came down from Heaven to become a mortal here on this earth. He left the comfort and grandeur of Heaven to be born in a manger with no roof over his head. Then, he sacrificed his life on a cross so that we might gain access to God and have eternal life. As the shepherds and the wise men stopped what they were doing to behold the miracle before them, so too, let us pause and reflect on the miracle of Christ's birth and what it means to us today.

The True Gifts of Christmas 
The gifts Jesus brought us don't get old and tossed away like used toys.  They are life-giving and eternal. We all know words are powerful, but there is power like none other in Jesus's words. When we are feeling lonely, Jesus promises he will never leave us nor forsake us. If we are hurting, he heals our wounds and our hearts. When we are afraid of what the future holds, we can rest in the knowledge that He has a future so much brighter than anything we could imagine, if only we believe. 

For Reflection:

Who can you show love to today? Who is hurting, lonely, or perhaps joyless this season? Who needs to be forgiven? Loved? Cared for? Will you be Jesus to someone this Christmas? When we do unto the least of these we do unto God (Matt 25:40). Will you believe in Jesus this magical time of year?

This Christmas season may the wonder of the love of God fill you to overflow.  May you understand how high, how wide, how long and how deep is the love of God for you (Eph 3:18) and may you share that love with those around you who need it most.

Until next time, 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz