Daily Inspiration & Motivation

Breaking Cycles: Focusing On Who You Want To Be, Not Who You Once Were

“Life is full of cycles. Some are very short-lived, while others can become a habit.” 

When attempting to break a cycle our point of focus will determine our success rate in breaking that particular cycle. Whether it is a lifestyle change or a breaking of bad habits, “We must focus on where we want to be and who we want to be, not where we are or who we are, or were.”

In the midst of breaking a cycle, people may snub you. But that’s ok. With every snub you get there will be people sent to make up for what those judging your positive changes lacked.

Just smile and hold your head high. Focus on who you want to be, and when you get there you can look back and say “aHa! I sure showed them!” You will be glad that you became who you wanted to be all along, and that you didn’t let those doubting you interfere with who you are meant to be.

We all make mistakes, and we all fall down. People who stay down like to pick apart those who get back up, try again, and succeed. Ignore their non-sense, and keep doing what you are doing. Only you can make it happen. And there is a satisfaction in accomplishing things that others think we can’t. It makes me smile anyway.  


Knowing We Are Worth It, Being Treated Like We Are Not

We all know that we are worth something. That we have something to offer. That we have something about us that others can benefit from. For some reason, some of us choose to stay among people who don’t allow us to blossom. We allow people to treat us like we are not worth it, when we know we are. Why do we do this to ourselves? Is it our forgiving nature? Are we just insecure? What is it we are holding on to?

If you know you are worth it, then pamper yourself. Surround yourself with only those people who know you are worth it too and who value you. It is all too easy to get sucked into helping others and lose sight of our own self-worth. Don’t compromise your values, or beliefs. Don’t compromise your morals, or standards. And if you have, get away from the people who are sucking your life dry. You are worth it, and you should be treated as such. There are too many good people out there, to congregate with the bad ones.

Patience 101 – God’s Delays Are Not His Denials

Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials.  Hold on; hold fast; hold out.  Patience is genius.   -Comte de Buffon

I think of many scenarios when I read this quote. When I first read it I thought of a friend from my school years who had several miscarriages and still births. Finally on number six she carried a baby to term that lived.  God was not denying her anything, he simply had a better person for her child to have as a father figure. He had a different plan but still honored this woman’s prayer, over time. This woman believed she would be a mother, and she didn’t give up. And by believing it would happen, it did. Her patience gave her the life she dreamed of. Her refusal to hear from doctor’s “You can’t have children, stop trying” got her where she is today. Most women, would have stopped after a couple times. But this woman is strong, and knew in her heart she deserved this prayer to be answered. And it was. She has a beautiful baby girl. Her story gives me chills every time I think about it.

I also think of that friend with the “strained” marriage.  I think of how her dream as a child was to have a family. Something stable for her children. Some normalcy! I think of how they struggled recently, but by holding on and being patient they are now on the cusp of have that family they dreamed of. Something far better than what that marriage has known for so many years. By getting to the root of their marital problems they are discovering more about themselves and each other. God wasn’t denying them a happy family, He was just making sure they still wanted it. It took a little bit of heartache to move the couple closer, but it has moved them closer together. They held on, they are being patient, and because of that their golden years will be beautiful.

This quote reminds me of one of my favorite Bloggers as she works diligently to restore her marriage, and let go of the past. By God denying her love that resulted in an extra marital affair; her and her husband’s patience in restoring their marriage, the hours of counseling, and soul-searching will give her more love than she has ever known over time. If they are patient. God wasn’t denying anything in those moments of despair as the love affair ended. He was just giving her something better. He gave her a strong man to love her unconditionally, along with a chance to know more about herself. The situation that was once bad, has the potential now to bring a lifetime of happiness. Pure bliss!

When I read this quote I also think about how long I waited for a career. I stayed home with my children many years, and although I have a PhD in child rearing I felt inadequate when it came to careers. I felt like I had not done much with my life. I began nursing school and felt it was the best thing for my life. Every day I would leave for school excited. Thinking about my future as a nurse gave me chills.  It appeared to be the only solution to many problems. But as I sat enrolled in school spending 60 hours a week between my books and classes, it just wasn’t an option for me at this juncture in my life. I felt like I was missing out on my kids lives for something I can do when they are older. The timing just didn’t seem appropriate, and I will never get these tender years with my children back. So I stopped nursing school.

When I stopped nursing school I said I would find a career. That I didn’t need that degree yet. That my children were most important and that I need to be available for them. For  months I waited,  I cried, and I prayed. I watched my savings take a nosedive as I patiently and diligently searched for employment. I knew in my heart of hearts that God wouldn’t let me down. I knew there was something good out there for me.

As  a result of denying what I once thought I wanted, God gave me something better. Something better than a career I was only entering for money and job security. In fact, He gave me my dream. He gave me a career  that works around my children’s schedules. He gave me full-time pay for part-time hours. He gave me a place of employment but I can still  be here to put my kids on the bus every day, and also be here to get them off.  The income potential with this career He gave me in exchange for my patience, surpasses that of the degree I would have received this June. My patience landed me a higher paying career, without that piece of paper that says “she graduated college, she is smart enough to do this”.

These are just some of the things that came to mind when I read that quote. What comes to your mind? What has happened in your life where you thought God was denying you something? Have you thought He was denying it only to find out He had something better planned all along? Was  His plan was just different for you than your plan for you was?


Spoiling what we have, Desiring what we have not

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have, was once among the things you only hoped for. ~anonymous~

I read this quote and it hit home in so many ways. We are all so guilty of this and we do it in almost every aspect of our lives. Working moms want to be stay at home moms, and stay at home moms want to be working. People who are single want marriage and most marriages are seeking divorce.

We think we want that new position until we get it, then wish we had the old one. We think once we obtain material things we will feel better, until we get them. And then we realize we only felt better until the novelty wore off. We think we would rather live under a bridge off love than a nice home and relationship going through some hurdles, until we are homeless. And the relationship is gone. And bridges are burnt.

We think plastic surgery will fix it, until we get it done and realize we are still miserable inside. We think that having that newer car makes us better socially, but with our words we suffer from social retardation. We thinking bragging about what we have will make people like us, only to find out they can’t stand us.

We think so many things, and the results are often opposite of what we think they will be.

So lets not spoil what we have, or live in regret. Our life and where we are is what we wanted at some point. And if we think we want something else and that having that something else will make life happier…. we better think again.

True happiness, comes from within.

New Season = New Lessons

I hear the birds singing, and love the way the sun kisses my face as I carry out the trash. Oh how I love the start of a new season. And how grateful I am that spring has arrived! As I walked back in from taking out the trash I thought “Uh Oh, new season = new lessons!” “I wonder what lessons are awaiting me this new season…”

This past season, I learned many things. I met new people, reunited with old friends, and built on existing relationships. I distanced myself from some relationships, and even discarded a few. All of which became a requirement for me to grow more, and find the right path.

I learned to never second guess my intuition, and to never doubt God’s plan. I learned the power of patience, and perseverance. I got to see firsthand the power of prayer and it’s ability to move mountains. That part was beautiful!

The biggest lesson I learned this past season was that “behind every failure is an opportunity for success.” I realized that our plan isn’t always His plan. That it is okay to fall, just get back up and keep pedaling! In order to prevent future falls/accidents, do not look back. Peddle like crazy and look straight ahead. Focus on the goal. (We peddled away for a reason, there is no sense in looking back at something we don’t and won’t miss.)

Now I question although I should not, “What will this new season bring?”

I want this to be my season to plant seeds in hopes for a bountiful harvest in the fall. It is the beginning of a beautiful journey. And a happy ending to a story that was once so sad to me. I predict this to be the season of joy! I feel very good about things, and incredibly optimistic! As my feet hit the floor each morning I feel good! I feel like my life has a purpose. I feel secure with who I am, I feel happy.

Whatever lessons lie ahead in this next season, I have faith I will learn and grow from them. I no longer fear change, I welcome it. With every new season, I embrace this journey even more. I didn’t know when or how I would get here, but faith has brought me here. Faith will either keep me here, or take me to an even higher place. None the less, it is time. And I am ready!

Thank you Lord, for such a beautiful life!

The Healthcare Bill And Using Federal Dollars For Abortion

77% of anti-abortion leaders are men. 100% of them will never get pregnant!

One of the latest snags with getting our government health care approved is this issue of abortion. Many fear the bill will not be signed off on this round because the language in regards to abortion is so vague. Anti-abortionists feel that a government health care plan should not involve a procedure such as abortion.

The process of abortion can range from a $50.00 pill up to a $500.00 procedure. In my opinion, I would rather my tax dollars be spent in the sum of $50.00-$500.00 vs. the cost of a pregnancy, labor, birth, etc. It is not that I preach “Hey, get abortions” but I do feel it is that persons right to choose what is best for their life. I think that if they make the choice to get an abortion that insurance should cover it. Granted, stipulations may be necessary to prevent some people from becoming professional abortionists. However, most people who go through an experience such as an abortion, likely do not repeat the experience. Once is usually enough.

What I want to know is: How is it any different from other health issues? Yes pregnancy is preventable, but so are many other health issues that we Americans bring upon ourselves due to our habits and lifestyles. I don’t think that covering the cost of abortion on federal dollars should be an issue. What do you think?


When We Don’t Know

© February 2010 Angela Bininger

W h e n      w  e     d o nt
know       which     road
to     travel,    He  gives
u s      a      sign.    When
w e    dont   know   how
to  get down  the   road
He    leads     t h e   way.
When   we   encounter  bumps   in    the  road,  He gets  us
over     them.   When  we    dont    know  how   far   we  can
make   it,   He   proves   to   us   we  can.    When   we  didnt
think   we  would   survive   the   trip,   He   shows  us   how
strong  we are.  When  we   dont  know all  of  the  answers
He     reveals    them.     When     we    feel     we     have   just
l  o s  t         i  t          a l l
H  e       g  i  v  e s      u s
S   o  m  e   t   h    i   n  g
T  h a t       i s     m u c h
b      e     t      t      e     r  .
W  h e n     we      d o n t
le a r n      our      lesson
th e      f i r s t       t i m e,
He      m a k e s      s u r e
that   we  r e p e a t    i t.
W h e n       w e      d o n t
listen    t o    H i m,    He
lo v e s     u s       anway!
When      we      are       on
the   cusp    of    fulfilling
our    dreams,   He    had
it   planned    all    along.
When   we   don’t    know
how,  why,  when,  or   if
…….……………..…………..
He does  & always will!

© Angela Bininger and The Empowerers, 2009-2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Angela Bininger and The Empowerers with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

It’s Okay To Question Things

From as far back as I can remember, I have questioned things. I have questioned people’s actions, their words, and their motives. I went around like a detective, searching for answers. And searching for truth. When I sought truth from those that feared it, I would be chastised and beaten down. They would accuse me of lying, because they feared the truth. As a result, I developed some rather thick skin. I realized that those whom fear truth, do not admire those that seek it. However, their fear has never or will never keep me from seeking the truth, or getting answers.

As I began my journey as a writer I didn’t think much about the way society belittle’s reporters and journalists. My goals were to publish some books, and hopefully work for a newspaper or publishing company someday. I knew it would take time to network, and get the name out. I was willing to be patient.

As I posted the article on my review of the electronic cigarette, I never imagined being put in a hot seat. If it weren’t for the tracker on my site I would wonder if anyone reads my work at all. When the “vapors” came to my site I followed the link to their site.  When I arrived they were criticizing my article, accusing me of lying. I was being criticized again in my life, for telling the truth. I then became a member of their website to inform them that I did indeed live the experience and that the article was true. They all came at me firing guns, not wanting people to know what happened to me. They called names, criticized, poked fun etc. One woman from my city claimed that because she didn’t see our local station air the story I saw, that it didn’t air. Another spoke that my article tells people to smoke regular cigarettes when the article clearly states trying alternative methods to quit.  Some of these people were completely ignorant. There were some however, that educated me on the F.D.A.’s attempt to ban the electronic cigarettes. But even then, I called the F.D.A. and I questioned things, again. And of course each side has their story and I’m left with my own personal experience, and their stories to sort it out. By the end of the day I realized these people attacking were manufacturer’s, supporters, and sales people of the electronic cigarettes. No wonder they were attacking.

As I tucked the children in last night excited that 10 t.v. contacted me in reference to my article and the fact that they were finally listening to the story, I had an epiphany. It was then that I  realized the reason I had to develop such thick skin at a young age. It was to prepare me for this. With this profession people attack you regularly. They either love you or they hate you. They will criticize and they will praise. You never know what is coming next.

As I sat there I realized that I finally had the answer to the hand God dealt me. I knew why He gave me a life where I consistently had to question things, people, and their motives. Those things I didn’t understand trotting through life, suddenly all the experiences good and bad were beginning to make perfect sense. There was no more asking God “WHY?” The puzzle has found its missing piece! I had an answer!

I have always been an investigator by nature. I have always been a passionate writer. Never in my life did I see myself having a burning passion to be a reporter. But I do! I love to talk, I love to tell things, I love to make people aware. It is my personality! And now, on the cusp of living a dream I find myself very grateful. Life experience speaks louder than degrees and classrooms. Life experience books sell more than someone with a bunch of letters behind their name. My life experiences and sharing them, has opened many doors. I am getting great feedback from people who owe me nothing. They are merely people passing by, and we know nothing about one another aside from names. They are people saying good job, and they are giving me even more inspiration and drive. They are other writers, editors, and site administrators. They work for publishing companies, news stations, and newspapers. They are not all just friends and family anymore. Not that I ever doubted what friends or family who support me in this say or said, it is just different hearing it knowing that the person saying it owes me nothing. It is an unbiased opinion.

People have no idea how much their words mean to me when I read them or hear them. I was just a single mom chasing a dream that is now becoming a reality. I didn’t know how I would get here, or when. But I knew I would. Once again, proving the power of positive thinking. I am glad I have always questioned things now. I’m glad for the situations in my life that were traumatic. I’m thankful for the good and bad, all of which is what gave me the drive to get to this new place. It’s okay to question things. And in everything give thanks. We never know what He is up to,  but He has a plan for us. And after 33 years, I finally found out part of His plan for my life. And with every word I write or speak, I give thanks.

Dream It –  Believe It –  Do It

© Angela Bininger and The Empowerers, 2009-2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Angela Bininger and The Empowerers with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

My Review: The Dangers Of The Electronic Cigarette

Pictured on the left is the cigarette after explosion. The bottom piece in this picture that shows 3 separate pieces, is the interior of the cigarette plainly showing exposed wires on the far right. This photo was taken via celphone and was uploaded to mypics via verizon wireless and then loaded to this site and the factoidz site that I write for. This happened March 2009 in a Ft. Lauderdale hotel room while traveling. The picture was then sent to the saleswoman within minutes of the explosion, and can easily be verified via verizons records if someone would like to challenge the dangers of this product at the time of which I used it. I promote healthier living, and support people in quitting smoking. This is a situation that happened to me, in no way am I saying never use one. Im just saying be careful. When charging, be present. etc.

I purchased an electronic cigarette last year, and can vouch for the fact that they are dangerous. At least this particular one was. They will aid in reducing or even quitting smoking, however there is a danger that hasn’t been spoken of. In fact, the woman who sold me mine was featured on WBNS news promoting the cigarette within days of this one exploding. When I emailed the reporter and explained my situation with the cigarette, I was ignored. They had aired a segment telling how great they were, apparently they didn’t want to return within a week speaking of this incident. That, or it was for law purposes. Most likely they were avoiding being sued by those that sell the product, for projecting a negative image.

Electronic cigarettes give the same sensation as a real cigarette. You inhale and exhale a mist, along with the level of nicotine you prefer. The nicotine cartridges come in 3 strengths. For me personally, I preferred the medium strength. I loved that little cigarette and was temporarily saddened the day our smoking affair had ended, in a Ft. Lauderdale hotel room.

I had been using the cigarette for about 3 weeks. After the first week nicotine began to leak out of the metal structure and the LED no longer worked, so the saleswoman replaced it. The new one seemed to be working fine, until about week 2. As I sat in my hotel room on vacation with my children I caught a whiff of a unique odor. Having been through a fire or two in my life, I can smell potential fires from afar. And that is what I smelled.

Upon entering the other room there was a haze, and I unplugged the electronic cigarette from the charger. As I unplugged the charger from the wall, and removed the cigarette from the charger it exploded. There were red and green wires hanging out of it, and an awful aroma of burnt plastic. I became paranoid about the wires, I was boarding a cruise the next day to leave the country. And this once safe electronic cigarette now looked like a bomb. How would I make it in and out of the country with such a thing? If I throw it away I will never see that $160.00 refund. I sent her a photo of the cigarette just in case I had to toss it.

Needless to say I made it back home with it. I got my refund and I found it odd for that saleswoman to be on the news promoting this product. I had gone though two, in 3 short weeks. After one nearly caught a high rise hotel on fire, here she is on the news talking about how great they are just a few days after I returned my second one.

True Forgiveness Is Uncommon, But Possible

True forgiveness is when you no longer bring up the subject in a derogatory way, or at all. It is when one has reached the stage of acceptance and has decided to put that issue behind them, and move forward. It is when we no longer dwell on the fact we have been done wrong and accept it for what it is.

Forgiveness can be a struggle in some cases, but it is beneficial to one’s health to forgive. It makes for a healthier life both mentally and physically.

 

Forgiveness, like many things in life is a choice. It is a choice we must make daily if we have been wronged by someone we choose to keep in our life. At times, we may even think that we have forgiven someone. Until they say or do that certain something and then we are quickly reminded as to how they hurt us so bad. In that moment of recognition, we must choose again to forgive. Often times we must forgive people who have no clue they need our forgiveness, for they have created their own reality. Sometimes, people are just clueless.

Forgiveness brings strength, and builds character. In some instances, people should have a PH.D. in forgiveness surviving some of the things that people in their life have dealt them. From what I have found,the more forgiving the person is generally the happier they are. They don’t have this negative energy weighing them down. They have forgiven, they have moved on. They wish no ill will. They have accepted it!

It takes a stronger person to forgive than to hold a grudge. It is easy to find flaws in things, dislike them, dislike people, and be disgruntled. I can look around in this world and see a lot of things or people I could easily not forgive or even like. But I choose not to.

It takes more personal strength to forgive those that wrong us, than to carry a grudge. Not to mention, grudges are unattractive. Who wants to be around people who carry grudges and are full of hate? 

Sometimes if we look deep enough, there was a lesson we needed to learn through that situation that brought us pain. Yes, there was a lesson in that situation where forgiveness was necessary, I can guarantee. Sometimes, it takes time before we see what the lesson was. But it is there, if we care to see it.

Forgiveness is love. Love for yourself, and love for mankind. It builds character, and gives wisdom. And wisdom, is what we all lack at some point.

It is a choice we make daily.

To forgive, or not to forgive is up to you. If you think you have forgiven yet still bring the subject up, look deep within yourself. Although you may be taking steps to forgive you aren’t quite there yet. But don’t give up, it is still possible.


© Angela Bininger and The Empowerer, 2009-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Angela Bininger and The Empowerer with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.