maralascottsblog Happiness, Helping Others, kindness

Make Time to Live With Gratitude

People wonder why good things don’t happen to them, but they happen every day. It merely takes being in the moment or giving a moment of reflection to notice them. Think of the countless times that you’ve held the door for someone, without a word of gratitude returned. Perhaps you’ve given useful advice, helped a friend with their relationship, or created a better opportunity for someone. Maybe there is something that you’ve done or given so often it has become expected, and gratitude from others is no longer there. While people may accept your actions with a lack of acknowledgment, don’t let it change you.

The absence of gratitude is an indication that they are missing those beautiful moments or making a choice not to see value in them. When they’re in a rush, distracted or focused on something negative, their mood or disposition at that time won’t let them feel, see, or acknowledge anything else. When people don’t pause to recognize these moments, gratitude may not be instinctive to them––but it’s never too late to change. 

Gratitude is something you feel deeply; it is not a meaningless combination of words. When you have an appreciation for others and life in general, you’re in that moment, and appreciate things regardless of what is going on. You know the value of being grateful, and you seek the opportunity to show it. When you don’t, you will sustain the ability to see more of the negative things in your life. There are tremendous benefits to being grateful––happiness, improved mental health, and spiritual wellness are just a few.

Three Ways to Live a Life of Gratitude:

1. Be in the moment and care to notice, feel, and then acknowledge the good things happening to and around you so that you can appreciate them.

2. Regardless of what you do for others, understand that they may not reciprocate, but don’t let it change you because this journey is about you and your appreciation for life. 

3. Seek opportunities to express gratitude throughout each day; even for the smallest or most basic things. Including time alone, nature, opportunities, your health, loved ones and so on.

To Learn More Visit: https://www.maralascott.com/

With Gratitude by Marala Scott Available: Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon and wherever books are sold. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1449497276/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BFROCb0YZGNK8

maralascottsblog Happiness, Helping Others, kindness, relationships, Self-Love

The Write Way to Help Others

pexels-photo-1I love writing and I love why I write. I have a system and process that works. I don’t wake up at a set hour and begin writing, nor do I write eight hours a day. That’s not exactly how it works for me. Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night and continue writing with one piping cup of tea after another. I write when it hits me, even if I dig my toes into the cool sand and listen to the ocean waves while I tap on my keys. When my thoughts are stirred and I’m motivated to develop a story, I write. But why, is another story.

Today, I write with passion and purpose, but initially, it was for freedom. It was my way of freeing myself from the burden I carried from one year to the next without realizing the damage it created. At times, we become prisoners of our thoughts, which is why I found writing to be cathartic. When I began taking everything I held inside of me and placing the words on paper, I experienced an innovative transformation and a great sense of relief. The burden of my history was gone. When I typed my last page, it represented the end of an era that I had lived in for too long. I could serenely breathe and move on.

From that point, I realized there are countless people who need to do what I have accomplished if solely for the emotional release and comprehension that honest writing can bring. Whether or not the writing is published is your choice. It’s the process that is restorative. Writing out feelings, ideas, and thoughts to express whatever has been a burden to your soul can be a tremendous release. It can create a point where you can begin again with clarity.

The beauty of writing is that it caused me to have a deeper reflection of my life. I analyzed situations from a perspective I was incapable of doing years prior. In a sense, it was as if maturity helped me to understand my history, who I am, and how I got this way. I loved what I learned about myself and I use it to help others.

Writing inspires and motivates people on many levels and a variety of subjects. The books that I select to ghostwrite are from clients that want to add powerful elements of positivity to the world. My writing is meant to help people learn something that I want to share or that others want me to express for them. After all, it’s our responsibility to share what we know to help others avoid adversity, deep pitfalls, or simply gain knowledge about something that can help them throughout their journey. It doesn’t matter if it helps them build or grow a business or heal and develop in their personal life; writing is about teaching people the lessons that life taught us.

 

Here are a few reasons why writing is beneficial:

-It is cathartic or healing

-To educate or help others

-For passion or creativity

 

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For questions about ghostwriting, consulting, and publishing, please contact Jeff@seraphbooks.com or call (866) 861-2442.

maralascottsblog God, Helping Others, inspirational stories, kindness, Self-Love

Without Judgment

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Most of the time we think we know people but is our judgment an accurate and fair assessment? Just because it’s a family member, friend, co-worker, or someone you routinely come in contact with it doesn’t mean you know what their reality is. People have problems or situations that they don’t share. If they do, it may not be the complete version. Some people keep their personal life private; they don’t believe anyone will care or can help them. Sometimes, they don’t want to be judged. Instinctively, most people are quick to judge, but that judgment can keep you from showing compassion, especially when it may be needed most.

We have the tendency to forget how blessed we are and that others may be going through a period of need. When we walk by a person digging through the garbage, trying to find something to eat, would you buy them something or ignore their plight? Can you imagine the difference that each of us could make if we did an act of kindness in a kind, non-judgmental way? We don’t know what we think we know about others. And we can be quick to determine the reason someone is homeless, struggling financially, quiet, withdrawn, or struggles with their academics. We don’t know if they have health issues, are dealing with a loss of a loved one, or depressed. We don’t know.

Since most of us have the inability to get into someone’s entire history and understand why, what, or when something may have happened that caused their situation, we should be without judgment. If we are going to offer our help, we should do it without condemnation. We never know the reason, season, or lessons that will come in our life and kindness offers much more than that individual may have at that moment in time. It could change or save a life. Find a way to make a difference without judgment. We owe it to ourselves to be a contributor to a kinder, more compassionate society.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, Helping Others, kindness, relationships

Life Comes With The Responsibility…

It’s amazing how quickly time begins to pass and then you suddenly realize that you’ve become that very age you first thought your parents were old. It’s an eye-opening revelation that will cause you to reflect on your life with more depth. The thought of what you have or haven’t accomplished in both your personal life and career can cause you to feel that you’ve failed. On the other hand, you may be extremely proud of what you’ve accomplished. However, have you left a mark in this world that you can be proud of? Do you love the person you’ve become? Have you done something that spiritually connects you to what we are here for? Have you been able to positively impact the lives of others in some big or small way? Will people remember your contributions to society or continue your initiatives?

Considering where you are and what you have or haven’t done, it is never too late to do more and care about others by giving more of yourself. This opportunity we have, called life, is meant for us to live to the fullest and we are supposed to be happy. Nevertheless, life comes with the responsibility to show compassion for our brothers and sisters around the globe with understanding that compassion is without boundaries.

Keep in mind that as long as you are breathing, you are not finished and there is more for you to do. Take a moment each day just to ask yourself, ‘What can I do for others? How can I show that I care? How can I please God?’ and then begin your day from there. You’ll make a difference although you may never see it. Your destiny is greater than your goals and your goals are greater than you may realize as of yet. In time, it will all come together. Until then, make better use of your ability to impact the lives of others in some way.

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MaralaScott.com

maralascottsblog Forgiveness, God, Happiness, Helping Others, relationships

A Matter of Perspective by Marala Scott

 

It’s so unbelievable that at times, I’m at a loss for words.

If you could only imagine what my relationship with God was like.

I hate my life.

Today, I gave up on having faith in God.

It’s impossible for me to ever say,

“God is all that I need!” and “Everything will be as it should be if you trust in God.”

I learned the hard way.

I’ve tried and trusted.

It is my entire relationship with God that caused me to feel this way,
and anything – anything at all is possible.

What an unbelievable life I am living!

Showing compassion, having faith, love, and respect while investing in others.

I can make a difference.

Really.

Every bit of adversity, pain, and sickness contributed to my perspective.

Just looking at the way this world is and the people in it.

Confessing my sins, asking for forgiveness, giving, helping and praying for others does not make me feel whole.

Trust me when I say,

I had to give up a lot to follow God.

I had to put God first!

Life consistently demands the best of me.

There was so much need that I knew I’d have to give it everything I had.

When I looked at the world,

I didn’t want to stand up and show compassion for others.

Not ever.

Had God abandon me?

I’ve learned the most valuable lessons I won’t ever forget.

In the long run it’s better that way.

I found that walking in faith is challenging.

If you put forth an honest effort, you’ll learn that quickly.

Like me, it won’t take long before you’ll get tired of trying and failing.

And life is waiting with its many lessons.

I am human so I will make poor choices.

If I ask.

Will God really forgive me?

(Press play and read from the bottom to the top.)
Change your mindset, change your life!

 

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, Helping Others, kindness, relationships, Self-Love

Love Includes Honest Communication

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Love can be complicated and truly loving someone means you want what is best for those you love. Sure, the good times are great, but there will come those occasions that require your ability to deliver honest communication even when it is not often appreciated. Although it may hurt, you may be the only person that keeps them balanced or acknowledging reality when they need it most. Allowing someone to continue on a path that is detrimental to his or her well-being is not love.

Sometimes that destructive behavior is concealed, however, being tuned into someone will allow you to detect unhealthy or inconsistent changes in behavior or habits. If someone is hurting, they may be searching for something or someone to help distract them from their pain or to help find a resolve. Let them find you there until they trust you enough to submit to being helped properly. Continue to love them so they get it and realize your beautiful role in their life.

      3 Indicators it’s Time to Talk

  • Passion turns to frustration
  • Plagued with a lingering sadness
  • A preference to be alone if it is not typical behavior

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If you note that they need professional help or if you are unsure, recommend that they seek it or help them find it. Love cares through the best and worst of times.

Love can see what most cannot. –Marala Scott

maralascottsblog Forgiveness, Happiness, Helping Others, Self-Love

Hanging on to What You Can’t Control Will Only Hurt You

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When it comes to those days where nothing seems to be going the way you need it, don’t worry, things will improve once you change your way of thinking. It helps when you step back and allow whatever is unavoidable to happen, especially since it was going to take place regardless. If you did whatever you could to avoid it, but it didn’t make a difference, let it go. Hanging on to what you can’t control will only hurt you. It doesn’t mean accept failure or submit to the problem at hand, it simply means release the burden at that moment so you can gather your thoughts, compose yourself, and take time to rethink the situation or create another strategy.

How do you release it?

  1. Take time to learn how to solve the problem instead of becoming a part of it.
  2. Discuss the situation with someone you trust who gives unbiased and solid advice that will help diffuse your negative mindset.
  3. Don’t discuss a negative situation with negative people.
  4. Step back and take in a breath of fresh air. Go to a movie, listen to music, meditate or do something calming that will help recalibrate your way of thinking.
  5. Look at all sides rather than just yours and give an honest evaluation.
  6. Understand that it’s not the end, especially if you are looking for a positive resolution.

Overreacting can make things worse and talking about it while you are upset is a sure way to overshare thoughts that you may regret later. There’s a lot more you have to do so learn to accept that you cannot control, fix or stop every situation. Sometimes, in that moment it’s hard to believe that it will be okay, but it will.

 

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maralascottsblog God, Happiness, Helping Others, Self-Love

There Is More To Your Life

Do you ever wonder why you aren’t out there accomplishing more? If you are accepting of your life but not happy with where you are, it’s time to change your thought process. There is so much more to life than you may realize. When it came to the things I loved, I did them with passion but one day, I realized I was running the same routine while looking at the rest of the world from inside of what seemed to be a safe globe. I did the things that I was familiar with, but I didn’t pursue the opportunities that made me happy. I felt stuck.

There came a point when I decided to step outside of my comfort zone so that I could learn more about myself. When I realized there were many things I loved to do and learn about, I allowed those things to be a part of my life. Ultimately, I was happier as I discovered there was more to me than I expressed. I had ambitions, passion, and an innate desire to help others.

Through self-discovery, I learned to love myself unconditionally, which allowed me to be better at loving others. I came to understand the true purpose of my life. Sometimes, people need a little help beginning, what may seem like, a difficult process but they too can do it. It’s vital to your success not to be afraid of life. Break the cycle of living a life that isn’t fulfilling, but normal to you since it’s all you know. Dare to rewrite your story and begin to live with a different outlook on life because there is more to be discovered.

Where to begin:

1. Learn to stop being uninspired or stuck
2. End self-defeating patterns
3. Conquer limitations

If you are ready to transform your life and live in the Los Angeles area, this is a great place to start:
http://rewritestory.com/evolution-fest

 

maralascottsblog children, Forgiveness, God, Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories, kindness, relationships, Self-Love

The Truth About Parenting: 10 Simple Tips

family-vacation-less-stressful_47_900x600I have a passion for life! I love who I am and above all, I love God. It is God that taught me to love myself. Then, the need for others to love me didn’t exist, but I learned why it is essential for me to love others. I was apprehensive about becoming a parent. It wasn’t something that was natural for me since my childhood had a narrative that was nothing less than horrific and scarring. Once I was, the test began and the one thing I wanted to get right in life more than anything else, was parenting. As a mother, the choice became mine to submit to what I was familiar with or do something to change the lucid visions that could hurl a fragile and scared little girl into her own dark world. I was determined not to replicate the abuse and pain. I made the decision to leave it behind, taking only the good experiences and memories, although it wasn’t easy.

I remembered my painful tears as a child and promised myself that I would provide my children with the things I prayed for. I wanted them to laugh from their soul, smile because it’s their natural expression, and inspire others because they know how. It didn’t mean they would be without challenges, but I gave them unwavering love, complete trust, and confidence as tools. Then, I taught them to have compassion, persistence, goals and why a relationship with God is an essential part of their existence. Every single day, I told them I loved them and I made a constant effort to make sure they could see it. I shared the mistakes I made throughout my life so they would trust coming to me for advice when they made theirs. My children had to learn how to be fearless because as a child, I lived in fear. They needed to know it was okay if they fell as long as they got back holding their head high. They were pulled close to understand me and talk about their day just as I shared mine with them while we cooked and ate dinner together. We prayed together, laughed together, cried together and lifted one another. They both think they are my favorite because neither of them felt I loved the other more.

The truth about parenting is that you will make mistakes, as I’m sure I’ve made my share. However, learning to correct parenting skills by listening to your children and learning from them helped shape me into the mother I am today.

  1. Love them as God loves you.
  2. Encourage them to be better than you and give them the tools to accomplish that.
  3. Keep them close rather than pushing them away when you get busy. Allow them to share in your success and understand your failures.
  4. When they ask you a question, don’t lie. Tell them the truth so they learn to do the same.
  5. Take time to ask questions before jumping to conclusions.
  6. Don’t assume they know you love them because you are their parent. Tell them, and more importantly, show them.
  7. Be the example that you want them to become. They are learning from you and they see and hear more than you think.
  8. Don’t tell them about God. Show them His work and help them build a relationship with God.
  9. Try not to react or discuss situations when you’re upset. Give it time and revisit it when you have a better mindset. Allow them to share their perspective as it may change yours.
  10. Remember, you were a child once.

With Love,
Marala

Marala Scott with her children
Marala Scott accepting The Shory Award for Best Parent

Watch Marala Scott at The Shorty Awards

Read Marala’s Books

 

maralascottsblog Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories, kindness

A Simple Courtesy

I often hear people say, “no one does anything for me”, which is difficult to accept when there are an abundance of blessings in front of us. Part of the problem is whether or not we chose to see them. I was walking into a store and watched a little, sandy hair boy with wide eyes struggle to hold the door open for a woman with a grocery bag and large purse in her arms. She didn’t look down and she didn’t thank him, but I’m quite sure she knew the door didn’t open itself. When I was having lunch, a gentlemen dropped his napkin on the floor and looked down, but left it there. The server came over, politely picked it up, and placed a fresh one next to his plate. The gentleman failed to look up and acknowledge him. He continued talking as if the server was invisible.

I observe these types of things more often than I see polite exchanges of appreciation. It is as though people feel entitled to courteous behavior, but fail to acknowledge it with a simple “thank you” or nod of appreciation if they are on the phone. Some type of acknowledgement is better than none.

  • The next time someone communicates with kindness, return the kindness by acknowledging it and passing the courtesy along to someone else.
  • Use the words, “thank you” more often.
  • Look someone in the eye when they are doing something for you, even if you didn’t ask for their help.
  • Because someone is serving you, doesn’t mean they are subservient or beneath your acknowledgement. We all serve someone in one way or another.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Have You Ever Taken The Fall?

I love what I do as it allows me to inspire people to see the best in themselves and invest the time and work to bring their vision to fruition. My passion evolved from my personal journey many years ago and when I cross paths with those that do the same, it feeds my soul. It takes someone who has been on an extraordinary journey to bring enlightenment and encouragement to others. By sharing their experiences, they can help those that want to begin healing, but don’t know how.

When it comes to things that lead to child abuse, bullying, substance abuse and relevant subjects that need to be addressed, Todd James Myers has done so in a powerful story based on his life, The Fall. I love taking time to observe people in their natural state because it allows me to see the truth as to who they really are. I learned more than one could imagine about Todd and how he came to fall out of one life and into another. As he was writing his story, he took me to places he lived, the bridge he took the fall from, the location where he had his spiritual awakening and the ranch that he spent months in rehab piecing his life back together. He showed me where and how people begin a life of devastation from a history of pain. Have you ever taken the fall due to painful circumstances and found it difficult to overcome? We all do. The difference is some fight to overcome it while sadly, others concede and give in.

After hearing the powerful narrative of Todd’s life, I looked into his eyes and saw a man that truly understands his mission. He’s living it and making a difference in the lives of others every single day. In working with Todd to communicate the fascinating, yet painful details of his past, I found him to be the epitome of a compassionate soul that was created by the harsh experiences, which were his reality for many years.

In reading The Fall, you will learn to understand what people internalize and how carrying painful experiences can change the path of or destroy their life. We hold on to negative emotions without realizing the damage it will do if we don’t release them and seek healing and forgiveness from God. The inspiration and message in The Fall will change you forever!

Amazon Best Seller:
The Fall by Todd James Myers
Click Here to Buy the Book on Amazon

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maralascottsblog Happiness, Helping Others

Mortgage Secrets, Strategies, & Warnings

In the past several years I’ve heard many personal accounts of people falling prey to bad mortgage loans or having made poor financial decisions, while others have lost their homes, which completely devastated their financial situation. One of the common denominators was lack of knowledge and understanding the consequences of not adhering to the warnings. It hurt my heart because I wasn’t certain there was much I could offer other than compassion, until now. We can’t change the past; however, we can better prepare for our future decisions.

We forget to protect ourselves by learning things that typically fall outside of our interest. Unfortunately, many people make financial mistakes simply because they don’t know any better. Lack of knowledge causes you to rely on or trust someone that may not be completely trustworthy or transparent with you. By the time the transaction is complete, they are gone and you are left with the consequences that may affect you adversely in more ways than you know.

Mortgage Secrets, Strategies, & Warnings is a guide to help you, or anyone you know making financial decisions that are specific to the mortgage marketplace. It will give you the secrets and strategies that your loan originator may not and reveal warnings that will make you question if you are being handled with integrity and whether or not the loan being offered is best for you. It will teach you how to improve and protect your credit score, the fundamentals to borrowing money and much more.

Knowledge is power so share Mortgage Secrets, Strategies, & Warnings with your children, those you mentor and anyone that is about to make one of the biggest financial decisions of his or her life!

Now Available on Amazon!

Click Here to Get Your Copy!
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maralascottsblog Forgiveness, God, Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories

Life

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Once you’re here, it’s real. Life isn’t simulated and you don’t get a practice run so you may as well resign to the fact of making this gift work, as our time isn’t guaranteed. Now I am at an age that I’ve learned to give an honest reflection of my life. I think about what I’ve been through and how many situations and their outcome have shaped me into the person I am today. I have to admit that sadness seeps in when I review the time that I squandered being angry and unwilling to forgive others for things that may have been out of their control at the time; they may have been a product of their environment. I remember time spent trying to control things I had no control over and the frustration it brought. I had moments that I wanted to give up before understanding the challenges I had were meant to make me stronger, and they did.

Each time I sought solace, I went to God and each time, God answered. There were times I listened and then there were times I didn’t because I wanted the fast, convenient path to my goals; but it never worked. As I learned to become diligent in submitting to God and the destiny that He had for me, things became clearer and I was able to see and comprehend His plan.

God wanted me to be kinder, more forgiving, and see far beyond my own plight. God wanted me to care about something other than what was within my grasp and share something that didn’t cost a thing. The same inspiration God granted me was meant for me to share with you. It lifted me up so I could see there was more beauty to life than what I was focusing on.

In your darkest hours, painful moments or times of struggle go beyond your boundaries and share compassion for others. Give freely and care abundantly as the healing will be for you. I am still growing and learning but I am trusting God to lead me through my journey. What people see in me that inspires them and lifts them at times of need is simply God working through me because I am receptive to it. Take the attention off of your problems and focus on developing yourself. It works because it will make you stronger and more resilient so you will accomplish your goals.

maralascottsblog Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories

Switchfoot’s Wave of Inspiration

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I was sitting at my desk overlooking a beautiful view of the woods, but I couldn’t seem to pull my thoughts together and write. Everything was peaceful, yet I couldn’t remember where I should begin or what to write about. Noticing that my fingers weren’t striking the keyboard of my computer, my daughter, Alyssa walked up behind me and said, “Let’s listen to some music.” Before I knew it, she selected one of my files and suddenly the melodious sounds began streaming into me. “Do I like this music?” I asked. “No,” she replied, “You love it.”

I was recovering from a craniotomy where I had multiple aneurysms clipped only two months prior. My speech was slow and my short-term memory, poor. I had trouble reading and writing, but I allowed the inspiration of Switchfoot to move me, and it did the same for Alyssa. The romantic, psychological thriller, Intuition was inspired by true events and one chapter after another was written to a seamless collection of their music.

Intuition was released a week prior to Switchfoot playing in our hometown. It was unquestionable that we’d go to the concert. Excitement filled me at the mere thought that they might play, “Where I Belong” because the conclusion of the story was specifically written to it. They did, and Jon Foreman exhibited the most incredible display of passion possible. He dove inside the music for the duration of the concert, belting out soul-shaking lyrics. He didn’t know it, but during one of the songs, he walked along the banister to where Alyssa and I were standing and held my hand while emitting a solid hardcore performance while the base rocked my soul! The luminosity in my daughter’s face was most likely reflected from their inspiration that night. They were a collective effort of perfection at its finest.

After the concert, we met Switchfoot backstage and shared our story of how and why Intuition came to be. Every one of the guys gave us their full attention and I will never forget the look in their eyes. I was humbled by their keen passion for life, flawless music, making a difference and inspiring people like me … without ever knowing it! I’m certain the countless fans of Switchfoot have undoubtedly been inspired as they have my daughter and I, so you get it. But if you haven’t listened to them yet, pick up any of their albums and ride the wave of inspiration. Listen to their soul tell stories about their lives, feel the creative elements they distribute freely, absorb the lyrics, feel the salt water and stars. Allow them to breathe inspiration into you. It works miracles.

 

Thank you Andrew, Ike, Jon, Tim, Drew, Jerome, and Chad!

With Love,
Marala Scott & Alyssa Curry

Visit Switchfoot’s Official Site

maralascottsblog Helping Others, inspirational stories, relationships

Secrets vs. Gossip

Keeping-secrets

Have you ever been asked to keep a secret only to find out that it’s one you would rather not have been told? Secrets can be a form of burdening the spirit with guilt or gossip, especially if it’s something that is damaging. It’s not necessary to take in everything just to say, you know. Be cautious instead of eager to know someone’s secrets as they can be damaging to your own life as well as that of others. Politely say, if this is a private or personal issue someone is having, I’d rather not know. Bow out graciously from taking in gossip or knowing someone’s secrets.