Dear You,
Let’s be clear. If I’m not being told I’m crazy when I tell someone my dreams; I’m not dreaming big enough. If I’m not being criticized while living my dreams; I’m not doing enough. If I’m not being supported by the people closest to me; I’m not loving myself enough.
And I promise you none of the above will be an issue in 2016!
Love and Light,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credit: Google Images
Dear You,
No matter where life takes us, our original roots to our beginnings will never change. It is the foundation of who we are today. Regardless of how we started out in life; we have the capabilities of changing how we live each and every day. Don’t allow your ego to cause fear & keep you from your life purpose. Trust your faith and allow yourself to be EXTRAORDINARY!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credit: Nessa Grace
Let go of your ego & allow FAITH in. Lead others by example to give them HOPE & always LOVE your true self beyond extraordinary means. ~Nessa Grace
Have a Happy Friday!
Dear You,
My life journey is just that…mine. As I share my journey with others it doesn’t define the process or the outcome of their journey because everybody’s journey will be unique. If someone has more life experience than you it doesn’t mean they can do things better than you can. It just means they have more stories to tell. So don’t let the naysayers who didn’t educate themselves about your journey prior to making judgments about you hold you back from doing what you love. Take their judgments as validation you’re living your life for the purpose you were meant to.
XO,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credit: Google Images
Dear You,
The smallest self doubt can hold you back. It allows fear to set in keeping you from accomplishing your goals. Fear is just a temporary mindset. Change your perception of fear & your life will change.
XO,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credit:
Google Images
Dear You,
You are your past, present & future. What you did yesterday defines you today and what you do today defines you tomorrow. Don’t just make some days count; make everyday count!
Stay blessed!
~Nessa Grace
Photo Credit: Google Images
Dear You,
With the New Year beginning you may have made new changes in your life as so many of us do during this time; or you are still working on last year’s changes-smiling to myself. Whichever it may be, just remember it is what it is. If you want the changes to take place it’s up to you to make those changes happen. Don’t let unexpected things get in your way. Deal with it and move forward.
My momma always said, Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. ~ Forrest Gump
Whether you know it or not, you are stronger and better today than you were yesterday and last year. That alone is what will make the difference you desperately seek in your life. You CAN do this because I believe in you the way you should believe in yourself. Now get out there and make it happen and make 2015 the best year of your life!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credit: Google Images
Dear You,
This time of the year I normally get excited about the upcoming New Year. I look forward to the next year because my past year normally doesn’t go the way I would like for it to go or something life changing happened and it wasn’t always for the best. This year however it’s different. I can honestly say 2014 has been one of the best years of my life and I hate to see it go.
I’ve been struggling the past couple of weeks with how to make more positive changes in my life that need to be made. God has been speaking to me daily with what I need to do and I’ve struggled with what he’s had to say. Last night I finally made the decision to re-commit to goals and areas of my life that I’ve neglected. Without reading the weekly text message I get from my church in regards to the upcoming sermon; I had already decided I was going to attend this morning’s service and re-dedicate my life to serving God 100%. I even posted my intentions on my personal Facebook page as praise and worship was beginning. As I sat in the service listening to my pastor speak; I honestly felt like his sermon was meant for me reiterating what God has been saying to me this last week.
Change your thoughts and you change your world. ~Norman Vincent Pearle
I walked out of church with a renewed sense of what I know I’m meant to do and accomplish. I’m not waiting until January 1, 2015 to make these changes. These changes are meant to take place in my life now and who am I to argue with God? 🙂 If you’ve been yearning to make positive changes; I am encouraging you to do so now. There’s no need to wait until the first of the year to make that New Year’s resolution. Positive changes are meant to impact your life at any time of the year and not just the first day of the New Year.
I hope the rest of your Sunday is full of blessings~
XO,
Nessa Grace
The holidays are approaching and everyone is full of different emotions from being stressed out to being as jolly as ever. No matter what may be happening around you, be sure to stop for a minute to enjoy the moment. Appreciate all that you have and everything you’ve experienced to get to where you’re at today. You’re an amazing person and I hope you have an AMAZING day!
XO,
Nessa
Dear You,
It’s been a while since I’ve written anything at all. However, not without a good reason. My vision for this blog is to help motivate and encourage others and try to do so without incorporating too much of my personal life. However; as writers we all know it’s hard to have a blog and not include something personal or provide a personal insight on any given topic.
Writing full-time is my ultimate career goal. However, for me personally I know there are steps I need to take to get to this point. One of which was to make a major career change that would cut the time back I would have to physically work, sustain my current income and provide me an opportunity to help others. I remember sitting in church in August of 2013, asking God to lead me in the direction where I could financially stay at home for six months and write. I also remember verbally stating this to my friend who was with me that day and laughing about it as if I was wishing to win the lottery or something. Then a week and a half later I was laid off from my job of 5 1/2 years.
It was a corporate layoff where 74 other people were laid off just like me. We were taken to the Human Resource department and split up into different meeting rooms depending on your job title. I was grouped with people who were in supervisory roles and I think I was the only person ecstatic about the whole situation. How could I not be? They offered a severance pay for my five plus years of service and I can apply for unemployment without the company opposing it. I was in a writer’s financial heaven as far as I was concerned. However, my goal for writing the entire time I was taking off from working took a drastic turn and I ended up doing something completely different.
The end of the third week after my layoff, I was online bored on a Friday night. For some reason massage therapy came into my mind and I began looking into schools and getting more information. Massage therapy was something I had always been interested in, but being a mom of three kids and in a single income household I never thought I would have the opportunity to go back to school. So here was my chance. I first looked at the median income for my area and it surpassed the income I was making in the corporate world. I found the closest school to my home and filled out the request for more information. The next day the recruiter called me and set up an appointment for Monday to tour the school. I went and took the tour and before I left, I was signed up and ready to start orientation that Thursday and class the following Monday. Impulsive decision I know!
You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. ~Dr. Seuss
When I told my two best friends what I had done, one was speechless and really didn’t know what to say but ‘ok’ and the other reminded me that massage therapy was very physical work. My only response was that I knew that already and was up for the challenge! So not quite the reactions I was looking for but when I make an impulsive decision and set my mind to it; there’s really nothing anyone can say to change my mind-laughing out loud
School began on September 30, 2013 and within a couple of days I knew I had made the right decision. I was meeting new people and learned very quickly massage therapy was more than just an hour’s worth of relaxation at a spa. I was actually placing myself in a position where I can truly help people one day. As the school year was progressing my best friends could see how much I loved it and how important school became to me and ended up being my biggest cheerleaders. I was getting a much needed breather from the corporate world and bonding with people that I will be friends with for life. I was literally starting a whole new career path that I never thought was possible and it was going to give me the much needed time and financial ability to write and publish my first book.
I graduated on June 21st of this year and after spending a couple of months focusing on studying for my state required exam, October 30th my license to practice massage therapy became effective. Thirteen months to the day I began this new journey I am now able to call myself a Licensed Massage Therapist! I’m one of those people that need to accomplish one goal at a time. I’ve hurdled a very huge step in the process to becoming a full-time writer. Now it may be a year or two before I accomplish this next goal or it may be twenty or thirty years from now. But the main thing is I am one step closer to reaching that goal and no one can ever take that from me!
For those of you that are looking for career or life changes; you should create a plan of action for yourself. It doesn’t have to be as drastic as surviving a company layoff as I had to do, but it can be smaller actions that need to be taken to reach those goals. And don’t forget to ask God for help and be ready for whatever it is he sends your way. I asked God for financial freedom for at least six months so I can jump start a writing career. He provided that; it just wasn’t what I had imagined it would be. In fact it was so much more than what I thought it could be which only leads me to believe my ambitions to be a writer will not only become true but also be very rewarding as well.
So remember never give up and let nothing hold you back!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Dear You,
This is truly my favorite time of year! For those of us that live in the United States we are now in the fall season. Some of us don’t realize there are many countries in the world that really don’t get to experience the weather cooling down, the leaves changing colors and all the baked goods and drinks that are made all at the same time. My mother is from the Philippines, so she never knew what fall was like until she married my father and moved to the United States. If you are one of the lucky ones who do get to experience this, take this time and treasure it. This is the time of year where families tend to come together for the upcoming holidays and many new memories are created. It’s time for bonding and allowing the kid inside of us to come out whether we want to admit that or not. 🙂 I can’t wait to bring out my fall decorations, find cute costumes for my furbabies and take my sons to the Texas State Fair! I hope you enjoy the season and if you have special memories of what your family does around this time, please share! I would love to hear about it. Have a blessed day everyone!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Dear You,
You may be one of those people who are always quick to help someone in need. There are times you offer your help because you can see that this person needs it, but doesn’t know it yet. And then there are those times you’ve gone above and beyond to help someone out and they are simply not getting it, not seeing it and not understanding their actions is what causes them to be in need in the first place. It can be frustrating to put so much effort and energy into helping someone to only feel like your not getting anywhere, not getting the response your looking for and not seeing the same amount of effort your putting in, to help themselves. Then your left feeling responsible for what happens to this person. Feeling guilty because things aren’t changing in their lives like you had hoped they would. And the big one I’ve personally experienced-Thinking you didn’t do enough and maybe you need to do more. Sound familiar? Well guess what? You can’t help someone who’s not willing to help themselves or doesn’t want your help.
Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. ~Helen Keller
I know it may make all of the sense in the world to you and you know you can help them; but there are times you just need to let go and put it in God’s hands. It can be hurtful watching someone you care about go through tough times; but sometimes you need to let them find their own way. Even if that means letting them hit rock bottom. So think about what your doing and determine is the help your trying to give truly going to benefit this person? If it’s a yes, then go for it 150%. If not, then back away and wait. Wait until they are ready to be helped. Wait for them to be ready to help themselves. By doing so, your not only relieving a much added stress in your life; but your also allowing this person to grow and take responsibility for their own happiness in life. I will pray your given the strength to make the right decision and if needed the strength to let that person go. I will also pray for the ones you feel need your help and that they are also given the strength to help themselves. When they are ready for your help they will let you know. Just make sure they know you are there for them when they are ready and I can ensure you when they are; the outcome can and will turn out to be a positive and beneficial one!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Bentley & Harper
***Update- Bentley & Harper are now at home safe as of 9/11. Thank you for the much needed prayers!***
Dear You,
Today my heart is heavy along with my family. Yesterday on 9/8 our furbabies got out of our backyard and went missing overnight. Our local Animal Services had Harper first thing this morning; however Bentley is still missing because he ran away from the people who tried to help them.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
Today my family and I are in need of your prayers. The energy in our home is very somber as both of these dogs are like family members to us. There’s a sadness here amongst all of us that has never been present in our lives before. We are very hopeful Bentley will come home; but until he does we will not be the same. I feel for Harper the most. I can tell she really misses him being the younger of the two. Please keep our family and Bentley’s safe return home in your prayers.
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. ~Unknown
~For more pictures of Bentley & Harper you can visit their profile on Instagram~
XO,
Nessa Grace
Dear You,
Sometimes we let our past negative experiences hold us back. We allow ourselves to place so much focus on what had happened that we continue to attract that same energy to create the same type of negativity over and over. By not letting go of these experiences; it can prevent us from moving forward and experience what can be a very positive situation. The Law of Attraction is a manifestation of what we think. If we believe something won’t happen; it won’t. If we believe it will happen; it will. Depending on the type of relationship you have with a particular person the same thing can happen. By focusing on the negative things the other person does, the negative will consistently draw itself within the relationship. If you focus on all of their good qualities, more of their good qualities will continue to flourish and in turn will create a positive and healthy relationship.
Your thoughts are the architects of your destiny. -David O. McKay
Today I am encouraging you to change your focus on something that will have a positive impact on your life. If you truly want something, you will have it. You not only have to believe it, you have to know it. By doing so you will build such a manifestation within yourself, your relationships and career; more and more positive outcomes will prevail and you my friend will be victorious!
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. -Albert Einstein
XO,
Nessa Grace
Not only is it Friday but also the end of summer! I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am that Fall is fast approaching! I hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday and for those of you in the United States have an amazing three day holiday weekend!
Bye-Bye Summer!
Another day another blessing! ~Nessa Grace
Hello Fall!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credits: Google Images
Dear You,
There’s someone you know right now that is in need. They may not have expressed this to you or anyone else, but for whatever reason they may be feeling down, lonely, lost or even heartbroken. This person could be a family member, friend, co-worker or even just an aquaintence you barely know. People can walk through life each day looking happy on the outside but may be an entirely different story on the inside.
So in the spirit of the recent challenges that have been followed on social media; I want to challenge you to do something that may make a difference in someones life. I encourage you to reach out to someone at least once a day and let them know they are important and their well being matters to you. This can be as simple as giving a hug and asking how they are doing to picking up the phone and calling someone you’ve lost touch with or surprising someone with a special gift meant just for them.
Just know and understand the smallest blessings can make the biggest difference in someones life. It lets them know someone cared enough to take time out of their day just for them. Giving your time each day may give hope to that one person who may have hit rock bottom and didn’t think anyone cared. But YOU did! That is what encouraged them to move forward in life when they thought they couldn’t. So go out there and make a difference in someones life each day. I promise you, giving to others is something not only beneficial to them but it will bring you the greatest rewards in life as well. 🙂
XO,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credit: Google Images
If you can’t fly, then run,
If you can’t run, then walk,
If you can’t walk, then crawl,
but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.
~Martin Luther King Jr.
You are only as strong as you allow yourself to be; never get discouraged, never give up because consistency & dedication is the key to success. ~unknown
You are in control of your future and what becomes of it. As long as you keep moving forward, nothing can hold you back!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Photo Credits: Google Images
Dear You,
I’m sure there are days you feel like your needing a change in your life but your not sure what that may be or how to go about it. You may be feeling stuck in a situation or feel as if your in a limbo state and just wish a sign from above will tip the unbalanced scales in your life in one direction or another. Just know signs are being placed in your life everyday. However, you may not be open or ready to receive the signs that are placed before you. Without being open to these signs, change cannot take place in your life. One of my favorite quotes by Mahatama Ghandi is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Sometimes we have to look at ourselves and ask, “what do I need to change about myself in order to make changes in my life?” It may not be your fault for what may be going on, but it is your responsibility to change it. It is time to stop ingnoring the signs you know are being placed in front of you and take the action you need in order for the process of change to take place. I’m declaring NOW that you have the courage and strength to embrace these changes. I’m declaring NOW that you have the patience to endure the time it will take, as this is a life changing process. Change will bring opportunity to your life you never have imagined before. You hold the key to unlock the greatness that’s within you; I’m now asking that YOU believe in you as much as I believe in YOU and embrace the changes and favor that are coming your way!
Be the change you wish to see in the world. ~Mahatama Ghandi
XO,
Nessa Grace
I’ve always been really good at looking past the imperfections in people, things or certain situations. I make sure I focus on the positive side of things and never let the negative things bring me down. And I find I’m happier when I just live life to the fullest; without looking back and only looking forward to what’s to come. I can’t imagine spending my days here on earth any other way~
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. ~Mahatma Gandhi
XO,
Nessa Grace
Dear You,
You may be facing some challenges this week you were not expecting. Sometimes these challenges can wear you down, make you think twice about a decision you’ve made or make you feel your ready to give up just because it’s easier than face these challenges head on. Well I’m here to tell you to NEVER give up! It’s not worth putting in all of the hard work you’ve spent just to turn around and give up on it just because you’ve had a set back. My message for you today is to take a time out. Take a day or two, or even a couple of weeks to regroup, relax and get YOU back. Once your ready, you can get back on track and keep pushing forward. In the meantime I will pray for an abundance of strength to get you through the challenges you face. Part of the strength you need is to be able to recognize when it’s time to seek help from others so you don’t have to face these challenges on your own. Sometimes that’s the hardest part; I know this because it is for me. Strength in numbers builds a dynamic force that can get any one person through even the most difficult times and never leaving them to feel like they are by themselves. I want this for you because you’ve worked way to hard not to get through this as God has intended for you to do. So remember, you’ve got this-I believe in YOU!
Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much. ~Helen Keller
XO,
Nessa Grace
Dear You,
You may be struggling with finding your purpose in life. You have gone through many trials and errors to only end up feeling you haven’t accomplished anything. Just know your purpose is there and it’s buried deep inside your soul. It comes in the form of a great passion that you have for something that only you can find. Once you have found what you are passionate for; I’m asking you to share this with the world. By doing so, your allowing yourself and others to discover what your real purpose in life is supposed to be. As you speak your purpose into existence you will then be able to turn your passion into a reality. Over time you will begin to wake up each morning feeling renewed and accomplished. The struggles you’ve had to endure to get to where your at; will have turned into the stepping stones that got you there. So whatever your passion and purpose may be-LIVE IT-as this is the lifeline to your soul.
Passion is contagious. Find your passion. Live it, exude it. Then watch it inspire passion in others. ~Jaime Vandergrift
XO,
Nessa Grace
*The ‘Dear You’ series will be published every Sunday and Wednesday of each week.
My imagination is in overdrive this week! Being around other people who have passion for the arts has put me in this creative mode and given me a natural high I don’t want to come down from. I feel inspired by different situations in my life and for the first time I’m learning to venture out of my comfort zone and allow others to help me. I’m looking forward to my weekend and can’t wait to see what transpires from it.
Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation and a pinch of creativity.~Bo Bennett
XO,
Nessa Grace
Dear You,
Often times we look to others for inspiration. We watch how they grow in their personal and professional careers to only sit back and wonder why we can’t be more like them. The answer is-Your not them! You were created to be your own unique individual. There is greatness inside of you that others need to see. You need to allow them the opportunity to learn from you because YOU have so much to offer them. This world is a much better place because you are a part of it and WE are all grateful that you’ve become a blessing in our world. My thought for you today is be your OWN INSPIRATION. Let you motivate you to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself this week. By doing so you will inspire others to be more like YOU! Be grateful of who you are as well because only YOU can do you BEST!
XO,
Nessa Grace
MOTIVATION is what gets you started. HABIT is what keeps you going.
~Jim Rohn
I am the worst when it comes to creating a habit for writing on a regular basis. I have the most support from my friends and loved ones and the greatest motivation right now than I ever had before. I just need to take advantage of this time and keep reminding myself, “I CAN and WILL finish my first novel!”
Philippians 4:13-I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
XO,
Nessa Grace
Dear You,
Today is the first day of a new week. Today you can start over and not forget but learn from any challenges you may have had last week. It is an opportunity to forgive those who may have hurt you and let go of the ones who are not able to make a positive impact in your life. I will pray for an abundance of blessings for you, your loved ones, health and career. Remove any fear you may have of not being able to complete any goals your trying to reach. You can do this~I believe in you!
Have a blessed Sunday and a great week!
XO,
Nessa Grace
That moment when you express yourself to another the feeling of wanting and being close to them. Your heart skips a beat while butterflies are felt in the core of your soul. Getting lost in something so passionate it takes your breath away. And realizing the love between two souls have brought you both together as one.
You should be kissed, and often, by someone who knows how. ~Rhett Butler
XO,
Nessa Grace
Recent events have given me a different mind set on what I thought was to be. It’s amazing how people don’t realize the impact they are making on others in regards to their actions & verbal expressions. I’m even more motivated than ever to reach my goals & can’t wait until the day I can look back and smile at the ones who didn’t think I could do it!
XO,
Nessa Grace
Nessa Grace 