Are you starting a new exercise program? Check out these practical items that can enhance your health journey. Invest in comfortable workout attire, such as a good sports bra and compression leggings, to ensure you can move freely without discomfort. Quality athletic shoes with proper support and cushioning are essential. Don't forget a non-slip exercise mat and versatile resistance bands for floor exercises and strength training. Stay hydrated with a reliable water bottle, and track your progress and reflections in a fitness journal. Remember, this journey is about progress, not perfection. Surround yourself with a supportive community and let's embark on this health journey together!
Please note that the original blog post also recommends a specific 11 Day Jumpstart program and suggests creating a workout playlist.
Read more...Looking to jumpstart your health and wellness goals in the New Year? Consider joining the 11 Day Jumpstart program! This program focuses on resetting your body and mind, creating new routines, and establishing healthy habits. With delicious and nutritious meals, no starving required, and the guidance of an experienced founder, this program is perfect for those looking to make a lasting change. Not only does the program emphasize what you eat and how you move, but it also teaches the importance of mindfulness and maintaining a healthy mind. Join over 3,000 participants each month as you embark on this journey together. Take the first step towards a healthier you today! Check out more at jump.micheledickerson.com
Read more...In a world that seems to favor extroverts, being a shy Christian introvert can be challenging. However, confidence is a trait that can be grown by drawing closer to our faith. Grounding ourselves in our beliefs and surrendering our fears and anxieties to God can help remove the burden of others' opinions. It's also important to develop social skills at our own pace, taking small steps outside our comfort zones and celebrating our unique gifts and talents. By doing so, we can cultivate the confidence needed to navigate the world with authenticity and embrace our personal growth journey.
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365 Days a year, we have this Gift of CHRISTmas to open…to give and receive.
No matter what this past year was for you, we have every new Today to keep opening our Gift. When the Lord created us in our Mother's Womb, He knitted within us a specific design for power, impact, love, strength, ability and value. We were created to radiate His glory through our hearts, loving Him and loving others in a world Created by Love yet for the most part, betraying it every day.
We were created as Light Houses to shine in the darkness.
When the Son is before us,
shadows cast behind us.
We have the Holy Spirit, who helps us in our weaknesses and our doubts to strengthen us to show up in power and love in. world so desperate for it. I think we get so busy or down on ourselves www forget our missions, we forget our equipping to change atmosphere in Jesus Name. When ws the last time your heart smiled? your should felt truly rested? surrendered?
We have all we need to walk consistently and confidently in our missions here on earth. You don’t have to be perfect. God is perfect!! Jesus gave us His heart and we have the choice to give Him ours.
When He holds our heart, our world opens up in ways we cannot imagine. Everyday is a Gift.
So while we sit in the dreamy decor of Christmas lights and shiny gift wrapped presents, may our souls be kept in His Presence. When you feel the swift swoosh of Calm and Delight, it's not magic...it's Holy Ground shaking beneath your feet. It's the reminder of an Oh so Holy Night, Divine Appointments, a Prophecy and The Promise fulfilled.
Today, may you also find yourself at the Feet of Peace, adoring the Great I Am, The King of Glory who Is, Was and Is To Come. He is the Alpha and Omega, The One our Hearts Long for. Let the Silent Night be your daily hope. For unto us, Our Savior was gifted to us. Receive His heart in to yours and let's choose to Light up this world with the Hope we have.
♥️
I enjoy sharing little videos of encouragement on my Facebook Page if you don't follow me over there, I share my heart over there too!
Blessings,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Wishing you had more friends? Feeling shy? Wishing you had more energy to have more friends? Wishing you felt like one of the cool kids too?!?
Insecurity is a thief! Shyness and insecurity robs us of joy, confidence, and the ability to have meaningful connections with others. This is especially hard when you are an Introvert, and even more so if you have dealt with anxiety. It takes real energy to put ourselves out there!
The fear of being judged, the fear of rejection and the constant comparison to others is exhausting! It leaves us paralyzed, hesitant to trust ourselves and, more importantly, hesitant to trust others. And let's get really real...when we don’t really like who we are, we assume others won’t either.
There's the bottom line of it all!! FEAR!!!
But God! We were created as a precious and important part of The Body. We need others in our life. How else will Titus 2 happen? How else will we mentor others and Go Therefore to disciple others?!? It begins with the hearts closest to you. For me, the key to making real friends and breaking free from "friendship-insecurity" was when I focused on trusting God’s heart first, to lead me to others He had prepared for me.
At the core, I think most of us who are shy or struggle with insecurity, need to look at our lack of trust—trust in ourselves, trust in others, and trust in God. When we anchor our trust in God, we build confidence and can embrace vulnerability with others. I knew I was a good friend to others...loyal and trustworthy. I just had a hard time sharing my own heart, out of fear.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Taking small, intentional steps toward vulnerability and openness feels scary but again, if we place our trust in God first, seek Him first, we can start practicing our vulnerability with Him which will help us do the same with others. The first friend you should have, after Jesus, of course, is yourself. I know that sounds weird and hard to do but it’s necessary!
I know! You don’t really like too much but that’s because you’ve listened too long to what the enemy has told you. You’re pretty cool actually and when you find your friend group, you’re gonna light up inside and feel blessed. You won’t feel the need to hide or filter your thoughts. That feels so good! Trust me!
Here are a few things to get started:
- Prayerful Reflection: Begin by seeking God. Ask for wisdom and discernment in understanding your own insecurities and how they impact your relationships.
- Scriptural Assurance: Trust God’s Word over you. Understanding that you are loved, valued, and protected. Lean into His friendship first.
- Community: Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can provide encouragement and accountability. Practice sharing your opinions and talents with a small group and allow God to expand your boundaries of friendships one person at a time.
As you begin to open up to others, here are some practical steps to develop trust with others:
- Invite God: Invite God into the relationship, whether it’s working, friends or intimate, inviting God to be part of the cord of three strands not easily broken is crucial for alignment and building trust.
- Open Communication: Share your thoughts and feelings with others, and encourage them to do the same. Transparency builds trust. Remember it should be 2 ways!
- Forgiveness: Understand none of us are perfect and misunderstandings will happen. Embrace a spirit of forgiveness, recognizing that forgiveness is a gift to yourself as much as it is to others. It allows relationships to heal and flourish.
- Celebrate Each Other's Journey: Instead of comparison, celebrate each of your unique journeys. Recognize that everyone has their own struggles and triumphs. You may be someone's answered prayer in friendship! Ever thought of that!?!
Breaking free from insecurity is a process. It's a personal development journey for sure! This all begins with trust— trusting God, trusting ourselves, and trusting others. By anchoring our relationships in the unwavering love of our Creator, we pave the way for meaningful, authentic connections.
With God as our BFF, we can overcome insecurities and experience the richness of genuine relationships.
It’s worth the time and energy to do the work necessary to open your heart! As an Introvert, you likely don’t want or need a ton of friends and that’s okay! But we do need some to do life with. Pray for those iron sharpeners whom you can trust with your heart and watch your heart overflow and wash away shyness one heart hug at a time!
I am excited to be your friend!! If you are looking for a group of other shy Sisters, meet us over in the ButGodSisterSquad.com
Big Heart Hugs,
Your New Friend,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
