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The Uncharted Path: Confronting Information Overload and Finding Direction

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My head is swimming! It’s swimming with an overload of information of what to do, how to do it, who can help me, what to listen to, can I do it, what are people going to think of me, is my decision the right decision, do I start when everything is perfectly ready (which it never will be, mind you).

What if I fail, yet what if someone’s life changes for the good, because of what I’ve put out there to the whole wide world? UGH!!!

“Swirling thoughts within the snowstorm.”

Do you ever have these inner thoughts swirling around like a tornado in your head, such as these? Many of us do, and what happens, is we tend to do absolutely nothing about them. Only for the simple reason, is we get overwhelmed and we just don’t know where to start.

We often sit in a state of confusion of not knowing where to begin. But let me tell you, just taking one little step, in one direction, or choosing one little task is the beginning of what could be the biggest step you’ve ever taken in your life.

Take that first step, even if you need a helping hand to get started.
“Take that first step, even if you need a helping hand to get started.“

This past Sunday, was a “down” day for me. Very low key, pondering my life, and just being present within. We all have those days. Then on Monday, I got another surge of spunk in my step, and an urge to get going, with all of my many irons that are in the fire. 

I listen to many, many podcasts, informational Youtube Channels, read exceptionally well authored self-help books, sit in meditation and collaborate with others upon ideas that may have an astronomical effect on my life moving forward. For all these things, I am truly grateful.

"In the stillness, comes profound awareness, a tranquill space where the whispers of our innermost thoughts are heard, and the essense of our being becomes clear."
“In the stillness comes a profound awareness, a tranquil space where the whispers of our innermost thoughts are heard, and the essence of our being becomes clear.”

One of my most favorite, highly regarded motivational speakers and philosophers, to whom I have been immersed into his content lately, is the late Jim Rohn, a farm boy who grew up in the state of Idaho. Many of Jim’s heartfelt teachings are such an inspiration to me in my day to day living. Many of his notable insights of life, have truly assisted me in my journey these past two years and continue to do so.

I would like to share with you, some of Jim’s most highly repeated content quotes that I lean on often.

  1. “Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.
  2. “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.”
  3. “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
  4. “The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.”
  5. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
  6. “Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high.”
  7. “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.”
  8. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
  9. “Success is doing ordianry things extraodianarily well.”
  10. “Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action.”

Jim Rohn’s teachings often emphasize personal development, the importance of mindset, and taking responsibility of one’s life with continual learning.  We only have one life to live, so we better make it the best one we can imagine.

Are you ready to take that first step? Life is awaiting.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well, to be aware, to feel deeply, and to live fully in each moment.” Sue Fraser

Thank you for reading and do feel free to share and if you would like to support my writings and photography, please click on the coffee cup link to the right and treat me to a coffee-it really does help.

So Very Grateful

Unveiling the Uncharted: Navigating Life’s Unconventional Paths and Igniting Your Inner Spark

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When you look out to the horizon of your journey in life, many see a path of routine and predictability. It’s a path that is hugely driven by many people. Yet there is a road that is less trodden, that is barely visible by the overwhelming or uncomfortableness and insecurities within us.

What if you are at a fork in the road of life, and you come to a full stop. You turn around and you look back over the days, the months, the years of what you’ve done, what you’ve accomplished, yet you also see the fading dreams of the many things your heart desired to do, but never had the courage to do it. You ponder all that comes to mind. Then it is time to move forward, and make a choice as to which road moving forward you will take.

Will you continue to walk in the path of routine? Or do you feel deep down in your soul, that it is time to stand out and weave your new path, regardless of the uncertainty of what lies ahead. All that you know is that there is a spark deep within you that has wanted to ignite into a burning inferno, to let the world know who you truly are for some time now. You were just afraid, and insecure to take that first step.

To stand out, and weave your own path can be intimidating and challenging, being in fear of judgment of another. Being in fear of the unknown. Fear no more. The unknown is the path of possibility.  

It’s’ time to ignite that inner spark that explodes into an amazing colorful fireworks display, over and over and over again. Take that road less travelled. Pave your way to a new beginning. Breathe fire into your true authenticity. Be distinctive in your journey. The world is awaiting your rebirth to who you truly are and what it is you were placed on this earth for. It’s never to late, and your never to old.

A rare gem isn’t noticed, until it is polished and shined to reveal its true sparkling beauty.

Surround yourself with people who see your potential. Who will challenge you and make your thoughts and dreams dance in the realness of what could be. Not what you are, but what you can become.

They will be your cheerleader’s along the way. They will also be there sitting in the mud with you when the tough gets going, and the going gets tough, and you have thoughts of quitting, but they won’t allow you too.

Your new journey to stand out in the world, doesn’t require monumental leaps. It only needs consistent purposeful steps.

Your life begins with a possibility that begins with you, with your choice to embrace your uniqueness. To flourish like a colorful spring flower in bloom.

Carry with you the understanding that to stand out, is not to be seen, but to be felt, to leave an imprint on the world that whispers:

“I was here. I mattered. I made a difference.”

Be unapologetic of who you are. There is only one of you. And you are special.

There is a song to sing within all of us, just waiting to be sung. A melody of our distinct thoughts, dreams and ideas. To stand out, you must find the courage to sing your solo, even at the times when you want to blend in with the chorus.

Just know, your song doesn’t need to sound like anyone else’s. It’s your tune and yours alone.

Won’t you begin to sing your song today? All the while, walking the path less traveled?

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. When we step into the unknown, the endless possibilities of life surround us. It is then, and only then that we realize the changes we can make within ourselves. 

Sue Fraser

Just a little side note:

As my life continues to unfold, as a single lady, I love to write my thoughts from the voice within on this blogging platform. Firstly in a form of therapy for me, and secondly, that I may assist someone else in their journey of life.

I have added a feature that supports me in a nominal way from you, the audience. It’s called “Buy me a Coffee.” The coffee cup logo is located in the bottom right hand corner of my blog.

It’s a simple and friendly way for fans to express appreciation by contributing the cost of a virtual coffee. This voluntary gesture assists creators such as me to sustain my work and continue to produce the content I share, that the reader enjoys.

I like to think of it as you and I, sitting down at your table, sharing my thoughts from within….while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

So if you feel up to joining me from my “Thoughts from the Voice Within”, and that hot cup of coffee, I would be so ever grateful.

“Earthly Harmony: Nurturing Wellness Through Connection”

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I had the opportunity to meet a number of new people at my workplace this past weekend, at the local city curling rink. One particular younger, good looking gal, came by for a glass of water. I struck up a conversation on how her game had gone. “Great!” she replied.

She went on to tell me that she and her team mate would be playing again in 30 minutes, and she was feeling a bit on the tired side. My first thought and suggestion to her, was to go outside for a walk on this beautiful warm November day. Get some fresh air, and enjoy a lovely jaunt around the block in the great outdoors. “It will do wonders for you.” I told her. She agreed.

To connect with nature, is such a spiritual experience, that can renew us from within. As I stepped outside early this morning, heading to my regular gym “me” time, I stopped to gaze up into the dark clear sky, only to see so many brilliant bright twinkling stars. Way to many to count. As my eyes gazed across the vast open air, taking it all in, I verbally said aloud “Thank you Universe, God, Creator, Ancestors, Medicine Woman, Dad. I am so grateful to be alive. Thank you for the beauty of this earth.”

Although we are human beings, we are also nature beings, created from the same source as animal, plants and even rocks. The earth we’ve been gifted, calls for us to connect so that we can feel balanced and whole, a part of the universe.

Have you ever hugged a tree? It feels so good! So healing. So empowering and energizing. It’s strength of wood is a comfort in its amazing solidness and as one leans against it, one can feel the solid support from its might trunk. When I wrap my arms around the tree trunk, it’s as if the tree is hugging back. You should try this sometime. Pick a tree, and come back to it often, to be grounded, energized and feel a sense of healing.

To be outdoors, awakens the senses. We tend to breathe more deeply, taking in all the scents around us. Depending where you are and the season upon you, the air may smell like deep green pine needles, fragrant fresh blooming flowers of all kinds and colors, and maybe the air is smokey from wild burning forest fires.

Calming walk on the beach.

Walking on the beach, feeling the sand between our toes, can create a calm and relaxing feeling all the while listening to the tides of the water roll onto the shore and recede back again. Our toes could become chilled, and our bodies feel a bit more rigid, as we coast side to side, down the bright big snowy mountain, with the wind whipping at our faces. Yet, we could feel refreshed standing in the mild gentle rain that trickled down our face, washing all our worries and concerns away, even if it is just for a moment.

Crisp snowy ski trails of the Rockie Mountains of Alberta

Stepping outside on any given day, can bring many different natural earthly sounds and sensations in the body, from flies, bees, and bugs buzzing, to the roaring sound and feeling of the mighty wind against our skin, or we can stop, and bask in the incredible peace of silence, which at times can be so very deafening.

Connecting with mother earth and the nature that is given to us, evokes a sense of awe and wonderment about the vast universe. The Canadian Rockies can be so humbling as you pass through them, and the magical colors of the rainbow intrigue us every time one appears in the sky. Witnessing and experiencing all that nature and mother earth has to offer us, connects us as one……….if we allow it.

The Beautiful Alberta Canadian Skies

Be present, as often as you can in the great outdoors. The more we become one with nature, the more it has to offer us. It is a never ending place of enjoyment, healing, renewing of our bodies and mind which in turn can enhance and enlighten our intuition.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Be still. Sit quiet. Listen to the surroundings of your being as you sit in the great outdoors. It will teach you so much, if you allow it.” Sue Fraser

Who Inspires You?

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Wow! When I sat down with my thoughts, of what inspires me, or who is an inspiration in my life, the little hamster wheel in my brain began to spin. My first thought, was that the bulk of inspiration comes into our lives from another human being. Which much of it truly does. However, I began to dig deep in thought, and began to realize that inspiration can come upon is in so many other forms that surround us.

I must say, throughout my life, I have had soooo many people come into my life that truly impacted and inspired me in some way, shape or form. And for that, I am truly grateful. Of course I could never mention every single person, but today, I want to share with you, my friend Jenn.

This past summer Jenn and I went on a exciting fun adventure, to the Bowden SunMaze located in central Alberta, Canada. We were looking so forward to enjoying the mass fields of bright yellow sunflowers. Well, the experience didn’t disappoint. We were thrilled to view bright yellow fields for as long as the eye could see. But first, we came upon these goofy boards, to which Jenn encouraged me to get in behind and poke my head through, to which brought forth quite a few chuckles and giggles, to us and the passersby’s.

My friend Jenn continually inspires me, as she is as bright and radiant as a fully bloomed sunflower. Jenn ignites creativity, motivation, and positive change in her day to day life. She has lifted my spirits many times, when they were on the floor, so to speak. Jenn’s joyous laughter resounds from within, capturing others attention nearby. I can’t help myself from laughing along too!

Jenn captures the beauty in that one single sunflower that towers above all the rest. There is a meaning to that she says. Jenn is an inspired individual that is true to herself.

She embraces her uniqueness and authenticity, which in turn, this genuine expression of self, resonates with others, encouraging them to be true to themselves as well. Jenn has truly impacted and inspired me with all her wonderful qualities in life.

In essence, inspiration in a person such as my friend Jenn, is a transformative force that not only elevates her own life, but also has a ripple effect, touching and influencing the lives of others. I’m so very happy and grateful that our paths crossed when they did.

My friend has been very instrumental in my healing journey of life these past two years, when my husband decided to depart from me. I cannot thank Jenn enough for when she answered the call to have a listening ear, anytime I needed to share. I like to say, Jenn’s sat in the “mud” with me many many times. A term I especially like, that comes from American author Simon Sinek.

Ultimately, inspiration in a person is marked by the positive impact they have on the world around them. Whether through their work, relationships, or contributions to their community, inspired individuals leave a lasting and uplifting legacy.

And in closing, who or what inspires you in your journey in life? Feel free to send me a message and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “To be inspired is great. To inspire is incredible.”

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyways

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We’ve all felt fear at some point and time in our lives. Whether it be when we took our first attempt to ride a bicycle when we were little. Fearing of falling over and scraping our hands and knees, yet trusting our daddy would prevent this from happening.

The fear of not being accepted in that popular group of kids, when attending the first day of school when you were the new kid in town. The fear of flying in an airplane for the very first time, that was taking you to a amazing destination you so badly wanted to explore.

The fear of being alone, the fear of connecting, the fear of abandonment, the fear of failure and success, the fear of being fully alive, the fear of loss, the fear of trying something new, the fear of beginning a new chapter in life, the fear of loving and the list goes on and on. Not one person is exempt from feeling the extremity of fear.

But did you know, that fear can be healthy? It is programmed into our nervous system, and gives us the survival instincts you need to keep yourself safe from many forms of danger.

Fear is unhealthy when it makes you more cautious than you really need to be, to stay safe, and when it prevents you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy.

Why not face your fears to succeed or fail?

When we have loved and lost, or tried and failed, we may fear opening ourselves up to a painful competitive experience again. 

When we have succeeded or won—possibly at someone else’s expense—we may experience guilt, or fear retaliation. 

Thus many of us learn to hold back in love and life, thereby not risking either failure or success. 

We may feel the world does not allow us to be fulfilled.  Or we may feel guilty and afraid for feeling fulfilled.

We sometimes get hung up, from the fear of the possibility of being injured, whether physically or emotionally from the things we wish to endeavor.

We fear the knowing that we may fall to the ground, to our lowest point of failure, and have to face ourselves in getting back up to try in earnest again, sometimes trying over and over and over again.

Knowing full well, others may critically judge us. But the judgement of others, should never matter.

Take a step forward, and face your fears. Avoiding fears only makes them scarier. Whatever your fear, if you face it, it should start to fade.

Close your eyes and visualize the complete scenario of the fear that you are avoiding. Feel each and every sensation. Play the movie in your mind of the outcome you’d love to have.

Feel it. Hear it. See it. Believe it. Then do it!

When we practice this visualization continuously and repetitively, and then take the step forward, face the fear, that’s when the real miracles begin to take shape. The fear dissipates, and we rise to conquer all things in our lives, one fear at a time.

And remember, when you have faced that fear, whatever it is, jump for joy and be celebrated by others.

Life is full of stresses, yet many of us feel that our lives must be perfect. Bad days and setbacks will always happen, and it’s important to remember that life is messy.

Feel the fear and do it anyways.

Thank you for following along on my blog. If you’ve enjoyed it let me know and share it with a friend.

All the photos I have inserted, are my work, making memories one click at a time.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Being brave isn’t the absence of fear. Being brave is having that fear but finding a way through it.” Bear Grylls