The Ladybug

New Year’s Resolutions “Many people make New Year’s resolutions. They seek to develop decisions to put an end to old habits, develop new ones or achieve goals that are important to them. Sometimes, we succeed in keeping our resolutions, but after the third or fourth month passes by, we set aside our good intentions and resume back to our old habits. Before making a resolution, we should evaluate our true motives and level of commitment to change. This year, let’s bring in the “new” and put an end to old habits.”                                                                                                                  -Darlena Swann 

Be Strong We become stronger when we pursue a better education for ourselves and for our children. We become stronger when we demand a safer and secure environment. We become stronger when we stand up for equal rights and justice. We become stronger when we choose to live a healthy lifestyle by taking better care of our bodies. We become stronger when we decide to live in peace and harmony with others even when we’re not accepted. We become stronger when we succeed at fulfilling our dreams by overcoming obstacles. We become stronger even when we fail because we learn from our experiences. Today, I will focus on something positive to draw strength from.                                                                                                                                               -Darlena Swann   

A Fresh Start "Life starts today and anticipates tomorrow to developing, restoring, and starting once again. It’s not always  about what you've done or what you are, but instead it’s about what you’ll become truly matters. For yesterday is gone, today is here, and hopefully, there will be a tomorrow."                                                                                                                     -Darlena Swann

Whispers "Tune in to the whispers of your heart. Discovering who you truly are  isn't  that straightforward. It takes a while for the unnecessary distractions and chatter to settle down. In a moment of silence and absence of movement we begin to realize what we truly feel. If we listen and hear what is truly being offered, then at some point our intuition whispers back to us."                                                                                                               -Darlena Swann

Special Permission Permission to be less than perfect Permission to be bold and dared Permission to be uncertain even unprepared Permission to be beautiful both inside and out Permission to step outside the comfort zone and be different While experiencing doubt Permission to be outspoken or silent Permission to be compassionate and loved Permission to answer to God’s calling sent from above Permission to be creative Permission to make Permission to use these hands of clay to create Today, I choose to write my own permission slip instead of waiting for someone’s consent of approval.                                                                                                           -Darlena Swann  

My Opinion  “I can be right sometimes and perhaps I can be wrong. I don’t have to be right at all costs. I can let some things go, if I choose to. I have the flexibility of being right or being wrong. It’s just a point of view and learning to see things from a different perspective. Ultimately, I can win a battle but lose the war. So in any given situation I will try not to overwhelm myself with the need to be right all the time.”                                                                                                         -Darlena Swann 

Test Drive  "I have to live through my own experiences, examine the facts and form my own conclusions instead of relying solely on the opinions and judgments of others. In the final analysis, I must live according to my own values and principles. To do this I must continue on a journey to discover the truth. I’ve learned to listen to the opinions of others, but I base things on my decisions, values and experiences tested for myself."                                                                                                        -Darlena Swann 

The Heartbeat  "We engage in several physical activities to exercise our heart such as walking, running, and aerobics to promote better health. Why not try exercising with a new program, by extending our hands and hearts with love and kindness towards others? Something wonderful happens. Our spirits are changed and healed. We become happier and more peaceful. With every heartbeat, we can see how much good we can do for others in the process. Today, I will listen to the beat of my heart to help humankind."                                                                                                                    -Darlena Swann   

An Open Invitation   "Opportunities come to us every day, but often we don’t recognize them. We get invitations to social parties, networking events but we’re too tired or lazy to respond or we choose not to attend. Who knows, we could have missed the chance of a lifetime. We’re distracted by social media, job pressures, family matters, and our to do lists to the point it’s difficult to focus on what’s going around us that we fail to acknowledge the little things that keeps us grounded and brings the most joy. We miss out on opportunities to create new relationships and explore different things because we’re too busy. Today, I will say yes to the invitation I received, start planning for a brighter future and explore other opportunities."                                                                                                     -Darlena Swann

Break an Egg “You can’t make a decent omelet without breaking an egg” is an old cliché. Sometimes we may have to make difficult decisions in order to create something new. Individuals who want to start a business may have to sacrifice the security of a steady income and insurmountable time. Individuals who want to end dead end relationships may have to break ties and say, “Farewell.” Today, I’m no longer apprehensive of breaking a few eggs to accomplish positive outcomes in my life. I realize that if I act in a positive manner and persevere, I know that I’m capable of making the right choices.”                                                                                                              -Darlena Swann

Seeing is Believing “Some things are only possible to accept after witnessing them first hand. Do you see what I see? At times, we get annoyed because we neglect to see things that are staring before our very eyes. It’s called reality. On occasions, I’ve created deceptions in my mind by accepting what I’ve heard as opposed to going to see for myself. Presently, I’ve realized this important fact, as I resolve to look around me to see with my own eyes. Today, I see things clearly and in an unexpected way.”                                                                                                                 -Darlena Swann

"Say Cheese" “A smile can send a powerful message of communication. A smile gives pleasant thoughts to the mind. It gives a sense of serenity and peace. It shows a desire to communicate with an open heart. A sincere smile is like an outstretched hand, a bridge that another person can cross to reach you. Today, I recognize the power of a smile. I smile to break through barriers of detachment and create ties of compassion and friendship. Smiles are contagious. When you smile, other individuals will smile back at you.”                                                                                                                      -Darlena Swann