The Ladybug

"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

Message in a Bottle “I am here to create connections with other people and communicate. Communication isn’t restricted but a two way street. It involves sending and receiving messages. Through communication, we can overcome loneliness, eliminate confusion and tensions. Communication permits us to exchange information, express our feelings and touch the lives of others in an amazing way. Today, I’ll listen and adjust my method of communication to ensure I can contact the individual I need to reach.”                                                                                                          -Darlena Swann

Solitude “When I am separated from everyone else, I can hear myself. I can find my own particular space, collect my thoughts, and experience my inner peace. Presently, I search for moments of solitude that bring me a sense of calmness, serenity and put me in contact with my inner spirit. I no longer attempt to maintain a strategic distance from solitude, but embrace it like getting acquainted with an old friend.”                                                                                               ...

Time for Change “Today, I give myself all the vital tools and support I need to continue this journey of transformation to become successful.  Deep inside I felt the need to move forward because I realize I couldn’t remain the same and expect to grow. Accepting reality has provided awareness and freedom. Change is the process of addressing oneself but being capable to take on new challenges while expanding new horizons. Today, I accept change and the person I am. I’ve learned to follow my own intuition and discovered more happiness and a peace of mind. “                                                                                                          -Darlena Swann

Morning Awakens “Trust that morning will break through the clouds of darkness.  Believe that a bright, new dawn awaits. See the radiance of the sun’s rays. Listen to the enchanting sounds of the birds sing. Feel the gentle breeze of the wind whisper. Know that you are loved and kept safely in God’s care in the mist of it all.”                                                                                                                 -Darlena Swann

Silence “There’s something magical about silence. It is a state of being without sound. Silence uncovers all the things that are conceivable and can’t be heard in the uproar of everyday life. My heart and soul look for silence needed for expression to address my inner thoughts. In moments of serenity and silence, I discover calmness, courage and peace. In the morning before I start my day, I set aside time to pray, meditate and think. Each day, I search for small moments of silence to appreciate.”                                                                                                             -Darlena Swann

No Worries “Worrying is a vague sentiment feeling of fear with no real focus. We worry about the unknown and preoccupy our minds with what could happen tomorrow. The only thing we can be certain of is the present state, the now. From time to time, we may face challenging situations that we have to overcome. Some things are just beyond our control. Worrying creates useless and tiresome energy. We find ourselves feeling stressed out and frustrated. Today, I choose to deal with the present day and refuse to waste time predicting unknown consequences.”                                                                                                              -Darlena Swann