30 Days Blessed Challenge

One thing I am truly afraid of and have always been petrified of is failure. I run from it, I hide from it, I do not welcome it, I cannot have it. This past month has been very difficult without a job and not having a place to go and contribute my knowledge and $160,000 dollar Bachelor of Arts Degree to. Everyone around me has a job, everyone works, or goes to school, and has their lives figured out and I am just here.

I know I should not compare my process to anyone else’s but I am only human and I cannot help but to. With that being said, I have to incorporate some guidelines for myself in order to remain positive and to speak good things into my life.

Devon Franklin is a motivational person, pastor, entrepreneur, author etc., and I came across his 30 Blessed Challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to help individuals live positive and joyful lives. My mother always told me if you truly want something, you must live it, profess it and most importantly you must write it down. There is so much power behind doing things like writing down your goals and speaking up your success even if at the moment it is non-existent. This challenge will help me incorporate the advice of my mother and the advice from Mr. Franklin.

The first step is to start each day with a GRATITUDE LIST. When you wake up each morning, instead of grabbing that phone and going through your e-mails, instagram feeds, facebook profiles and more, create a list of things you are grateful for. An example of something I am grateful for is even though I am currently unemployed, I am still able to pay my rent each month and not worry about losing my home or independence. By actively feeling grateful everyday, you will release feelings of jealousy, disappointment, and anxiety and be able to let in feelings of joy and optimism.

Step 2 is to DETOX your environment. Do not surround yourself with negative energy because you are the company you keep. Stay away from negative friends, negative conversations an try to limit the reality television that spews negativity often. For me I will aim to limit the amount of ratchet television I watch and try to stick to the primetime shows with story lines and real plots.

Step 3 is to SWAP TECHNOLOGY FOR COMMUNITY. Now even though we should be grateful for the technology age and being fortunate enough to communicate vis laptops, smartphones and tablets, try to limit the use of any technology at least once a day for 30 minutes. Instead volunteer somewhere, help out a family member with a home project or read a book. I have a three level bookshelf full of books and I have not read all of them, so that is where I will begin.

Step 4 is to LET GO of GRUDGES. Holding on to old feuds and harboring bitterness is not part of living a blessed life. With the new year still being fresh, take these steps toward a life of positivity and allow yourself to first forgive yourself and then forgive others.

Hopefully these tips the Devon Franklin provided will help you and me live more positive lives one day at a time.