Whenever you hear a whisper or get a feeling. . . listen. Really listen.

The more you listen. . . the clearer the communication.

The more you listen. . . doubt diminishes.

The more you listen. . . faith increases.

So listen. Really listen.

Share your story: What unlikely source gave you the best advice?

photo courtesy of istockphoto.com/Kameleon007

I never met a woman who didn’t have a trial. . . or two, or three. As women, we all benefit from a few words of wisdom. I’ve learned that stumbling is necessary, falling is important, and failing is instructional. Whether we like it or not, we learn far more when we stumble, fall, and fail than when we don’t.

But, staying down is optional.

There is nothing like being emotionally tested. Your heart tells feels this is “The” trial, the trial of all trials. Maybe it’s a recent divorce, job loss, or your personal health. My mom’s cancer put her through a few trial of all trials. She’s also a big believer in “Staying down is optional,” and went from thoughts of “Will I live?” to “I will live.”

Where are you stumbling?

No matter where you stumble, remember it is necessary, and temporary. Difficulty is always followed by ease. Light follows dark. So, as you stumble, give yourself permission to fall, fail, and even cry. You have the right to get angry, feel hurt, or confused. Just remember. . . staying down is optional.

Please comment: Where are you being tested?

I’ll be the first to admit, simple can be complicated. Every weekend, my husband shares a crossword puzzle, and it’s always the kid’s clue that stumps me. Why the kid’s clue? I over think and over work it. I find myself working hard to analyze what needs no analysis. It’s just that simple. But, it can’t be. . . can it?

Life is full of surprises and we thrive when we simplify. Here are a few ways to keep things simple:

1. Have lunch with a friend. . . not 3 or 4. The conversation is less rushed when two connect, laugh, and share.

2. Leave some things undone. Sooooo hard to do but worth it if you need a nap and take it. . . instead of folding laundry. You’ll be happier when you wake up.

3. Give yourself permission to be “Not in the mood.” As women we often perform and play the happy role, even when we’re not in the mood. When you’re not okay, say, “I’m not okay.” It’s emotionally healthy and honest.

4. Stay connected to loved ones. Communicate when times are tough. Life feels easier and more manageable when you stay connected. It will strengthen your resolve and relationships.

Question: What are some ways you try to keep things simple?

Copyright 2011. Asia Sharif-Clark

Recently, I’ve noticed how much time we spend indoors. I’ve found one way to relieve stress  is to just go outside and . . . play. Take nothing with you. Learn to play using only your eyes.

What a joy this is for me! Sharing, Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos, with the Thaxton Elementary School family, in Thaxton, VA. I admit, the quirkiness of the title had me hooked. It didn’t take long for this Newberry Award Winner to grab my interest and my heart. As a child of the 1970′s, my mom had a few strange ways of keeping my siblings and me in line. Although, none as strange as the experiences I’ve read in Dead End. Too funny! Such a pleasure to share, relish, and enjoy.

Thanks again for partnering with me! Every time you purchase a copy of my new ebook, “Create Your Work, Create Your Wealth: 5 Ideas to Feed Your Family and Feed Your Soul,” I donate a new book to a school library, creating richer reading experiences around the country and around the world.

Happy Reading!

I challenge you today. Practice receiving one kind gesture with two simple words: “Thank you.”

As the tree deeply loved that little boy, your family and friends adore you. So, let them give freely. Say, “Thank you,” and nothing more. Here’s to the beauty of giving. . . and receiving.

Thanks for allowing me to share my favorite love. . . reading! Come back and visit! Through my Raise the Joy campaign, every you purchase a copy of my new ebook, I’ll donate one new book to school library to inspire great reading experiences for children around the country and around the world! My first school: Thaxton Elementary in Thaxton, VA! Stay tuned. . .

We talk a lot about gratitude. Giving thanks for things that flow in and out of our lives. Sunshine, weekends, and days off. What about rain? When was the last time you felt deeply grateful?

When one speaks of rain it’s gloomy or dark. Weathermen and women share, “It’s messy.”  “It’s nasty out there.”  When in fact . . . it’s beautiful.  Something amazing is taking place underground.  Seeds are bursting, flowers are blooming, and plants are growing. Sunny days alone can’t feed us. We depend on the rain to nourish the plants which nourish our bodies. And, in celebration of rain,  here is my gratitude prayer:

Thank you, for this day

Thank you, for this day

For the rain that falls

For the seeds that burst

For the flowers that bloom

and the plants that grow.

Every time you send a waterfall,

you nourish me,

provide for me,

and grow me.

In gratitude.

What are you grateful for today?

You may be reluctant to change, to turn the corner with courage, to embark on a new adventure at 40, 50, 60, or 70. Be calm and know. . . you are ready.

My husband, James, a Tech lover and Naturalist, says that every year bulbs on a tree are given everything they need, all the information they require, to thrive in the upcoming year. How powerful! You and I are made the very same way.

Everything you need to thrive is planted inside of you. Under the right conditions it will. With the right circumstances, love, and encouragement. . . it must. This is a law unchanging. Everything you need for your journeys is tucked inside.

Where could you use a little encouragement to move forward, a nudge in the direction of your heart? Share your comments below.

I remember finishing grad school and a professor asked me about my plans for my doctorate. I had no plans. I wasn’t interested. She was intent on handing me her track to “success” based on her blueprint. I wanted to take it slower, enjoy my family, and build a home.

This was my idea of “success.” Sometimes others can’t understand why you’re not traveling “their” path, making choices they’ve made. She couldn’t understand my desire to do it my way. She didn’t need to. Be content with pleasing yourself, you will certainly disappoint some.

Can you handle the disappointment of others?

The most powerful thing you own is your identity and your ability to firmly plant  your own footsteps. You must if you’re going to enjoy your journey. Every left, right, detour, and circle should be your own choosing. Lead by your own heart. When was the last time you made a detour led by your own heart? Please share your story.

That’s the key to staying vibrant. Go where you’ve never gone. Do what you haven’t done.

As a big Sci-Fi lover, I can’t help but think up images of space voyages on a quest to “Boldly go where no ‘wo’man has gone before.” Filter through the space battles, aliens, conquest, and lightspeed through time, and you’ll find one common thread: self-discovery. The voyage isn’t “out there” but “in here”. It all takes place in your mind, heart, and soul. Our minds plan our journey and our hearts lead us. Reinvent yourself by following your “in here.” You’ll go where you’ve never gone and do what you haven’t done.

Don’t wait. Go now. Stay Vibrant. Let your mind plan the journey so your heart may lead. Wishing you a bold and beautiful New Year!