What I’m All About:
| Welcome to my first Blog Post! I’m determined to have this published before my sourdough loaf comes out of the oven so let’s go! (And if you think I’m a premier baker…. please know this is only my 2nd attempt. I love to dable in the kitchen but this blog isn’t necessarily a cooking blog – but the journey of a woman who loves to help people feel better. Sometimes that happens from a fresh slice of home made bread, but more often than not it comes from the way we think.
Before any more time runs out on the timer, let me explain. Often we feel triggered, stuck, and disconnected. You see, if we aren’t careful, our emotions and thoughts can run our lives and often lend themselves to depression, anxiety, and complex struggle. Living intentionally, on purpose, every day, that’s what I’m interested in. It’s been a joy to enter the field of faith-based Life Coaching and watch lives change since 2020. Especially my own! Have you ever heard the quote, “If you only knew who you really were you wouldn’t act the way you do?” Sigh. Awkward pause. Shuffling of papers. Yes, that was me you just detected in a moment of introspection. I have found a lot to look at and have changed the way I am showing up in life. In my practice, I am an advocate for personal development and increasing the power of Christ in one’s life so their true identity and purpose can be discovered and enjoyed. Yes that was a big sentence, but it’s where the magic happens. I have watched people move mountains in their lives by simply changing the way they think, talk, and act as they connect with their higher self and partner with Christ. With that said, I’ve met a lot of people who simply are carrying heavy loads and happiness doesn’t seem attainable. My friends, if we are made in the image and likeness of God — what’s going on? He is a God of Love, the very author of the Plan of Happiness. Could it be that we stepped away from Him in some way? Is it possible that we stopped listening to what He was trying to teach us in those moments of trial and testing, and started to put our focus elsewhere? Is it possible that we started to believe things about ourselves and others that simply aren’t true? That’s been powerful for me to consider. When I stay connected to Him, the way I show up in life is completely different because He knows me best. The Book of Mormon (one of my favorite scriptural witnesses of Christ) tells of a unique group of people called the Nephites and what their culture was centered upon. H a p p i n e s s. Infact, they are described as follows: “And they lived after the manner of happiness.” What did they do to create this culture of happiness? Collectively and individually? Is it possible for you and I to do the same, when circumstances are often out of our control? I offer you the following to think about: Are you thinking after the manner of happiness? (i.e. are your thoughts positive or negative?) Are you talking after the manner of happiness? (i.e. are your words inviting or condemning?) Are you loving after the manner of happiness? (i.e. are you trying to connect with or avoid others?) Are you sharing after the manner of happiness? (i.e. do you treat others like you want to be treated?) These simple questions and more, allow you to see what you might do to increase joy in your life. I’m also going to give you a simple invitation today to increase the happy factor in your life. Before I go please enjoy the following quote: “I doubt that Nephi intended his list of ingredients in a happy society to be exhaustive. There is no formula for guaranteeing happiness every day of our lives; in fact, scripture suggests that God did not intend for every day to be entirely happy (see 2 Ne. 2:15–16). There is eternal design and purpose to be seen in suffering, sadness, and adversity.”(Living after the Manner of Happiness, Elder Marlin K. Jensen) But through life, can we consider some small ways to improve the quality and happiness in our lives? I say, “YES!” Remember, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives,” Russel M. Nelson. At this point, my oven is beeping and my house smells amazing. I only wish I could share a hot slice of bread with you and of course a smile! All my best! Marne |
