Listen up!

It seems to me, listening has become a lost art. One of the greatest annoyances I’ve found is people who cut me, or anyone else for the matter, off before we finish our sentence. Have we become so hurried as a society we no longer have time to listen to one another? I fear it to be true.

We seem to listen while formulating as response instead of paying attention to what’s being said. There are those who will “yeah-yeah” in the middle of a person’s sentence because they think they know what’s about to be said. Then we have some, as I said earlier, who will completely cut the talker off for the same reasons. The worst offender is the one who walks away because they feel the conversation doesn’t even merit their presence. I’ve learned in each case we can be 100% wrong.

Active listening is a virtue it would behove each of us to adopt. It takes practice because it’s easier to just interject. But I promise if we as a people take the time to quiet our minds and hear what’s being said, this world would be a better place. Thanks for listening!

Ciao!

Savannah J. providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life.

http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com

Follow Savannah on Twitter http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o

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Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

On Sunrises

Every morning while at work, I have the opportunity to watch the sun rise. Each one is different and my reaction is always the same, I feel it’s the most beautiful yet. Well, a couple days ago, I watched a sunrise that I know beyond a shadow of doubt out did itself.

There are trees outside the window where I work.  On this particular morning, the sky behind the trees turned a brilliant red; it was as if the very sky itself was on fire. It stayed that way for at least twenty minutes  before the sun popped up over the trees.

Let me pause here and say, mornings are my favorite time of day. I see mornings as a new opportunity to begin again; a second chance, if you will to make things right. Morning brings with it a certain joy for me; a brand new day I’ve never seen before.

If you’ve not taken the opportunity to watch a sunrise or two, may I suggest you do so. And as you do remember every new day is a gift. Enjoy!

Ciao!

Savannah J. providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life.

http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com

Follow Savannah on Twitter http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

Beware the Fast Talkers

I was recently approached by a co-worker asking for help with his writing project. He is an entrepreneur with current up and running businesses and the gift of gab, if you will. What stood out in the conversation was his wording. Let me pause here and give you a bit of insight into what I do. Aside from my writing, I get a salary for listening. I always tell my family and friends, I get paid to listen.

As we talked this morning, he began sharing his vision for his book with me. One theme stood out, he wanted my skills as a writer. Now, I have no qualms assisting him with his project, but I realized my assistance would involve a lot more than coaching.

It’s been said, writing a book is a lot like giving birth and I suppose it is. Any writer will tell you, it take a lot of time, patience and sometimes struggle to create. We spend hours alone with our laptops, tablets or pens and paper bringing our characters to life and no one can tell our story for us. That is unless we use a ghostwriter. My co-worker’s wording had ghostwriter written all over it.

Years ago, I would have fallen for the idea and consequently over committed myself. (Growth is a beautiful thing) I have since become more astute. As I stated earlier, I don’t mind assisting my co-worker but I will make it clear, this is his project. Hence he will do the work.

I’m sharing this because there are those who’ve learned to manipulate words to convey a message far differently than what we think we’ve heard. And in the end, we find ourselves inundated with more responsibility than we can handle. It could be because they aren’t proficient in the tasks they need help with and not just about laziness. To that I say, what an opportune time for a learning experience under our tutelage. In the case of laziness, no better time than the present to roll up the sleeves and go to work, again under our guidance.

The art of listening along with the assertiveness to say no will save us a lot of grief when conversing with a Fast Talker. Stand your ground and redirect the conversation letting them know you’re there for them but the work to be done is theirs.

Ciao!

Savannah J. providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life.

http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com

Follow Savannah on Twitter http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

Living Fearlessly

One of my favorite cliches is “awwww live on the edge.” The interesting thing is although I  strongly suggested others live fearlessly, and proclaimed to do so myself,  I really wasn’t. I allowed fear to control many of my decisions and often dominate my life. However, I recently resolved to truly live life to the fullest. That includes tossing fear aside and living on the edge.

My decision came about following a recent awakening. The beautiful thing is, I’ve never felt so free in my entire life. I’m doing as many of the things I’ve always wanted to do as possible. With that, I’ve developed a longevity list. I don’t believe in Bucket lists for me because it conjures feelings of having to complete a list of things as quickly as possible. I prefer the term longevity  because I’ll need a long life to enjoy all the activities I have planned for myself.

I want to put my discomfort with heights aside and go zip lining with my family. I plan to audition to sing the National Anthem at a professional sports event. And that trip to Italy no long sounds like too much time in the air.

The amazing thing about living fearlessly is it brings a sense of joy along with the freedom.  Each time an item is crossed off my longevity list, I feel exhilarated and challenged to move onto the next item. As always, I share my stories to encourage others to join me in embracing life. So, toss caution to the wind, as they say and join me in living on the edge. In other words, Live Fearlessly!

 

Casting Pearls

 

Matthew 7:6  AMP says, “Do not give that which is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, for they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” It took me years to understand what that scripture meant. One day it dawned on me and I understood it for myself.

I’m one who enjoys a good laugh and I love to smile. I smile when I’m at home, I smile when I’m out and about, I smile because it feels great. I enjoy joking around and one of my favorite things is a good belly laugh. The kind of belly laugh that makes you beg for mercy because your stomach muscles are cramping up.

While out and about I tend to smile at strangers and if they’ll let me, I’ll strike up a conversation in the grocery line. I noticed over the past years that some people just refuse to smile. It didn’t matter how friendly I tried to be or how brightly my face glowed. They just weren’t going to return my gesture.

Recently it dawned on me. The pearls spoken of in the above scripture are things precious to us and God. I came to realize my smile and friendly manner were precious. And so, I continue to smile, but I understand my gesture isn’t for everyone. Please don’t get me wrong. I’m aware some people maybe going through something and have a heavy heart; others may be shy or introverted. In other words, everyone has their reasons for not smiling. I, however, will continue to be me.

Is there something precious in your life? Be careful who you share that precious thing with, not everyone is able to receive. Guard it and your heart. You’ll be thankful you did.

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

 

The Little Things

Recently, I was invited to lunch with some my employer’s leadership. I admired the 4 vases of beautiful flowers on the table and said to myself “God, I want to take one home.” At the end of our lunch, they were given away to anyone who could correctly answer questions posed by our CEO. I answered one of the questions.

Psalm 103:5 says “who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the Eagles.” It doesn’t take big things to satisfy our souls, sometimes God speaks in the little things. Be blessed.

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

A little bird singing in the rain.

“Baby, you’re like a little bird singing in the rain.” Those were my late mother’s words to me on more than one occasion. She based those words on my tenacity; my ability to never give up. What my mother was telling me in essence was, she saw me as a worshiper.

Have you ever had your attention drawn to a window because you heard a bird singing it’s heart out in the pouring rain? Most birds will seek shelter when it storms but every now and again, one will stay and sing; that was my mother’s definition of a worshiper. A worshiper will sing in spite of. In spite of their circumstances, their feelings, or their health to name a few. Like that little bird who raises it’s voice in song to our Creator in the storm, a worshiper will raise their voice with tears streaming down their face.

I, like most people have had my share of hardships. When things become unbearable, I do what comes naturally. I close my eyes, throw my head back and I worship God. And above all, I trust and believe that in my brokenness like that little bird singing in the rain, my prayers are heard.

Quite often, life throws us curve balls, it’s what we do with those curve balls that matter. The next time you find yourself caught in one of life’s storms, close your eyes and throw your head back. And then like the bird in the rain, sing.

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

On Being Single

There was a time in my life when I obsessed over  being alone. My obsession was fueled by the comments of others such as “maybe you’re supposed to be single.”  I set out on a quest to prove them wrong.  But now that has changed. I’ve learned to be content in the state I’m in. (Philippians 4:11)

My journey to contentment began when an acquaintance told me a story of a woman who married her life partner at age 60. At the time she told me that story, I was 53 years old. She went on to liken my situation with the woman in the story. I was infuriated. Her statement caused me such trepidation my mission became to meet, date and marry my intended immediately.

I belabored the topic of my singleness to whomever would listen. Consternation gave my voice a whiny-tone and eventually, the listener’s eyes would glaze over. With each passing year, I became more focused on meeting my goal. One day, however, I began to change. The change came gradually and when I think about it, I’m not sure when it started. I just know, I’m okay now.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned to embrace me for who I am. I appreciate my outspokenness coupled with knowing when to remain silent. My gray hair in my eyes is a sign of wisdom and I wear it proudly. When I look in the mirror, I see an intelligent, beautiful, slightly flawed almost 60 year old with much to give this world. In other words, I no longer need to be married to fulfill a void. I am complete in and of myself.

To all my sisters out there; single and married, I wish you the same peace I’ve found. Within us, we possess all we need to make this journey called life an incredible one. No one person can complete us, we have been complete since birth.

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

Putting Down Roots

 

This morning, I stood in the middle of the living room floor staring at the bare white walls that surrounded me. Pictures I’d been meaning to hang for the past three years remained stacked neatly in a corner. The same colorless walls were found in every room of my home with the exception of the kitchen, den and half bath.

I’ve lived in my house for over twenty years now, yet I’ve only painted three rooms. How I’ve managed to survive without color for all these years is beyond me. Yet in still, it’s not. Color would mean, I’ve put down roots.

Allow me to pause here and say, my favorite color is red. I find it exciting, vibrant and invigorating. My car is red as are a lot of my clothes. As I stood surveying my bedroom, I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t painted it red. Suddenly, I realized this moment, this epiphany if you will was a turning point for me. I’d grownup north of the Mason-Dixon line and in my heart, I’d never left home. I decided right then and there, it was time.

I have big plans for my house and yard this summer. I’m going to upgrade my appliances, kitchen and bathroom fixtures as well. I’ve already envisioned the oasis of serenity I want for my deck and yard. It’ll be a place I can retreat to in the evenings away from the cares of life. But most importantly, I’m going to head over to the local hardware store and buy some red paint. After all color means I’ve put down roots.

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

Beyond Cancer

Well, this may be one of the most emotional blogs I’ve been led to write so far. This morning, I attended a breakfast in honor of a co-worker who’s in the process of defeating cancer. She looked radiant, full of life and beautiful; as she should. It blessed my heart to see employees coming from all over the building to grab a bite to eat and place a donation in the jar to help out with her expenses.

My co-worker was humble and gracious as person after person stepped forward to hug her and offer continued support. She quietly answered our questions, providing a small glimpse into her world. None of her actions evoked pitiful stares or comments but demonstrated a woman strong in her faith.

Cancer is an awful beast. It has stolen time from a number of my family members including, my oldest sister. My sister was a remarkable woman and artist. She was intelligent, beautiful, talented, wise, kind, giving and all around incredible. For three years she fought a valiant fight but one day her body grew tired and she closed her eyes for the last time. Here in lies the beyond.

When my sister died, we had to make a decision. Do we allow grief to consume us or do we move beyond cancer and keep living. We chose to move beyond. I believe that’s what everyone must do, especially those receiving the diagnosis. We must dig deep and find the tenacity to stare cancer in the face and say, you may not have my future.

Although my sister died, her belief in God and assurance of an eternal home saw her move beyond cancer. She knew that on the other side of the door she walked through, God and the angels were waiting to greet her. Those who receive a cancer-free diagnosis after treatment have purposed in their hearts long before their first therapy to move beyond.

It takes tenacity, obstinacy, and resolution to look challenges in the eye and say, I will move beyond this. Cancer is a challenge. I agree with Henry Ford when he said, “whether you think you can, or think you can’t— you’re right.” The challenges you face may be different from those faced by me and others. Regardless of the situation, make a decision today to move beyond. Your future awaits.

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g