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

 

pexels-photo-172367

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

maralascottsblog children, God, Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships

In Appreciation of Life

Today I look back on my journey realizing how grateful I am for my life. I am only able to say this because I built a relationship with God early when I had mountains of adversity to overcome. It wasn’t mine, rather the journey of my parents that I was born into. But that was the path that I was destined to take so I would seek God, which taught me to understand God’s love, protection, power, grace, and mercy. As time went on, I worked to build that relationship as there was so much more to understand, value, and appreciate.

Years later, when I thought that my relationship with God would protect me from harm, I had yet another bout with adversity that threatened my existence and hurled fear into my children. Still, I reminded my children that God knew I was obedient and without fear, but it was time for me to learn another lesson. I trusted the outcome of a lengthy brain surgery on multiple aneurysms with complete certainty because God told me to get it done. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t do anything but smile at the sight of my family in front of me. I would not ever go against what God told me for the options that man tried to reason with me. I had yet another level of appreciation for life and a testimony. The recovery took time and was a battle in itself, but I needed to fight. I wanted to fight because I had so much more to do.

People fight every day; children fight every minute for life, but sometimes, we don’t win. When we do, the appreciation is so much greater than what it ever could have been because we have the propensity to take family, friends, health, material things, and God for granted.

Today, I celebrate having five more years of service to God in appreciation of my life. I learned the value of each breath I take, everything I see, and the feel of sand beneath my feet. I am grateful for those who love me as it, too, is a gift.

www.MaralaScott.com

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

Without Judgment

lavender-bunch-grass-field-violet

 

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, kindness, relationships, Self-Love

Love Has The Ability…

When you think about how much you invest in loving someone else, it is quite surprising to find how much of yourself you can lose in the process. You may not realize it at first, but in time, you will. You are no longer living for yourself the same way as before. Your schedule changes, the way you think, care, and worry. Although loving someone is effortless, there is effort that goes into making sure that the person you fell in love with knows it with certainty. The amount of time you spend on yourself and the things you enjoyed may decrease and that’s okay when you are growing together and sharing his or her interests.

Is it worth it? What happens when you invest in doing everything you can but you are not the recipient of the same type of love you give freely? After everything you’ve given up, changed, shared and tried to do in order to make the one you love happy, you feel empty or that it was for nothing. Are you angry? Do you feel betrayed?

I believe that love is subjective and no one can dictate how you will come to love someone, who you will love, or why that person will even garner your attention but that gift belongs to you. Love has the ability to make the other person and those around you think that it is your weakness when in fact the ability to love is strength. Your compassion, or willingness to help someone through difficulties, doesn’t mean you are weak; it simply means that you love and feel profoundly enough to care, or want the best for someone. However, they may not understand it at that time. The ability to love is a gift that should not be manipulated or taken for granted. Sometimes, people need what they need for that moment and release it when that time becomes fleeting but don’t allow love to ever leave you. Many times, people forget that having the capacity to love is a gift from God.

 

 

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 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

The Fall_Book_Mockup

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories

Your Powerful Gift

intuitionEach day you are faced with choices. It doesn’t matter how substantial or insignificant they are, they are still yours to make. Do you ever consider how often you’ve made a decision to do something and then changed your mind only to find that your first choice would have been correct? It happens more often than you can imagine. See, all of us have an incredible gift but few select to use it. Why? Simply because of the inability to connect to it or tune in to something you may not be aware you have. If you learn how, this gift can protect you from many unsavory choices and even save your life. It’s one powerful word with remarkable accuracy, intuition.

Intuition is something that will cause an internal debate if you don’t know how to trust it because it rises above reason. Most times, there are things that you want to do but when you get that nagging feeling that opposes it, you may change your mind if it isn’t in your favor. Learning to trust your intuition is much like having faith, as it is trusting something unseen, unheard and untested. Why, because it is a positive part of your evolution. Intuition will help you in your personal life as well as with your career. Learning to trust your intuition even when you don’t know why is the key to embracing it. In time, you will see that you knew best. Trust and appreciate this gift from God and begin using it now!

Here are three ways to tune into your intuition.

Look behind you. You’ve left a track record of bad decisions that you knew you should not have made. Your first voice is your intuition and the second is you trying to debate or reason with yourself.

Tune out the noise and into peace. Take time to release negative thoughts and emotions by meditating, practicing yoga, walking along a beach, or creating something artistic. Whatever you chose to do needs to keep you from anything that disrupts your spirit.

Embrace your faith. If you don’t believe, it becomes difficult to trust something that you don’t understand. Trusting the gift of intuition is trusting God knows best. Don’t be afraid if decisions aren’t aligned with what you want as they are in accordance with what is best for you or those affected by your intuition.

Once you begin to pay more attention to your intuition you will learn to trust it.

Click Here to Learn More About Intuition.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

 

maralascottsblog Forgiveness, God, Happiness, Helping Others, inspirational stories

Life

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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, inspirational stories

Being Human

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I often spend time catching up on my favorite shows like Being Human, Revenge, Nikita, Pretty Little Liars, The OC and Gossip Girl when I’m designing book covers for clients. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology I can’t help but to wonder if the characters are really as human or down to earth as some make it seem or if they are annoyed by the constant intrusion on their life.

It was early afternoon when my mother, brother and I casually stepped into a quaint little restaurant in Studio City, California to grab lunch. It was the first time I’d been there but my brother swore that the menu would satisfy my discriminating palette. Mom quickly agreed. After ordering lunch, we sat down at a table on the left side of the restaurant, closer to the back patio. We had just finished a taping on The Talk and leisurely bumped into Dan Bucatinsky, from Scandal, who kindly indulged in a little conversation with us. Then, Sheryl Underwood made time to say hello after a fun exchange between her and my brother, Aaron. The day was beautiful. Mom and I live in Ohio so every time we visit California for business, we make it a point to have fun. This trip wasn’t any different.

The server kindly came over to our table and placed Aaron’s Chai Tea in front of him along with a large slice of chocolate cake, a slice of lemon cheesecake for Mom and a large chocolate chip cookie for me.

Mom politely said, “I’m sorry, I ordered two cookies.”

Without hesitation the server smiled and said, “No problem. I’ll be right back,” before disappearing around the corner. Mom reached into her purse and eyed the receipt to make sure, then she smiled and said, “Lyss, I don’t see two cookies.” My face lit up as my brother started laughing.

“I didn’t pay for it,” she continued. Just then, the server dropped yet another large chocolate chip cookie in front of her and disappeared again before Mom could say anything. “Well, I can’t take this. I thought I paid for it, but I didn’t,” she admitted with a look of guilt on her face.

“That’s okay, I’ll take care of it. I’ll just go pay for it and explain what happened.”

“But what’s the big deal? It’s a cookie,” my brother teased, “It was a mistake.”

“Yes, one that I can fix because you know how Karma is.” I started to walk away and Mom insisted I take her credit card. “I’ve got it Mom,” I said smiling, watching my brother indulge in his chocolate cake.

I went back to the cashier to get in line and there were two guys in the front and a small group of people behind them. I have a habit of taking in my surroundings wherever I go and for some reason, one of the guys caught my attention. It was his skin tone. I know, it sounds a bit odd, but the guy played a vampire on Being Human. I caught a side view of the gorgeous Sam Witwer and instantly knew it was him before seeing his full face.

His friend caught my stunned reaction and said, “Oh, you’re looking at him? He’s my best friend. Go ahead,” he said motioning for me to approach Sam.

He tapped Sam on the shoulder and when he turned around, my heart raced as I managed to say the same thing he’s probably heard countless times, “I’m a big fan of Being Human.”

Without hesitation, Sam closed the menu, stepped out of line, and told the people behind him to go ahead. “Oh, thank you. I’m Sam,” he said, extending his hand.

“I’m Alyssa,” I said shaking his hand.” Then he lightly clasped his hands together and gave me his full attention, looking directly in my eyes (as his character on Being Human did when he hypnotized people) and so did his stunning friend. At that moment, I didn’t feel like a fan, I felt like a friend, too.
Sam said, “Thank you. How’s your day going?”

I told him about us being on The Talk and with sincere interest, Sam asked, who was on the show. It felt like nearly ten minutes before I asked to take a picture and he replied, “Sure. Of course.”

His friend said, “Here, I’ll take it for you.” And then his friend smiled and added, “I’ll take two for good measure.”

I glanced at the picture and Sam asked if he could see it too. “That one’s a little blurry, do you want to take it again?” Sam asked.

I swiped to the next picture and said, “Oh, this one’s perfect!” I thanked Sam and his friend, and told them both it was nice meeting them.

He returned to the counter to order and I stood behind him before another cashier said, “I can help you down here.” When I explained to the cashier what happened, she said, “Thank you for your honesty but I would have just eaten it.” We both laughed.

But this was one of those little things that Mom taught me a long time ago about Karma. I started to walk away and then I spun around and touched Sam on his arm. “Thank you for taking the time.”

“You’re welcome,” he said with an incredibly authentic smile and caring tone. My mouth fell agape as I floated back to the table.

By the time I sat down, Mom said, “What’s wrong with my baby girl?” noticing my eyes were filled with tears. Okay, well the tears were falling. I recanted what had just transpired and told her that Sam was exactly the way I thought he would be as his character seemed to be a true representation of him. I told her that it’s nice to meet people that are larger than life in their profession and they sometimes draw us into buying or believing their character is who they really are, and at times, we simply want to believe they are like that. Okay, obviously Sam isn’t a vampire but his character is kind at heart and tried to blend in and be more human. It was a reprieve to see that Sam was human and treated me more like a friend than a fan. And his friend, oh my goodness! I knew him and I knew him well as I was a fan of his too. Being on such an incredibly high cloud from meeting Sam, I couldn’t gather my thoughts together to ask him for a picture and tell him how much I love his character. He was more interested in me meeting Sam after seeing my reaction towards him then feeling disregarded. He was extremely kind and had a warm air of sophistication about him. He was none other than the guy you can’t help but love, Jack from Revenge, Nick Wechsler! He too was being human. When they walked past our table, Nick nodded and smiled. Sam gently touched my shoulder as if to comfort me from my unbelievable encounter.

There’s nothing wrong with being human and revealing your compassionate side towards others regardless of what’s going on in your life. Showing people you care is a beautiful way of inspiring others.

Award-winning Novelist
Alyssa Curry

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Intuition Is …

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There are times that you may feel alone in your decision-making but you aren’t. When you need to make a decision and you aren’t sure what to do, find a place that allows you to transition into a peaceful state of mind. Whether that’s walking along the beach, practicing meditation, yoga or cooking, do what you love to calm your spirit before making a decision that has the ability to influence your future.

All of us have something that protects us from our own decisions or rationalization. However, many of the choices we make are emotional choices because we want what we want. When we are overcome with that feeling that is telling you to do something or not to do something, that’s your intuition. You may not understand it because intuition rises above reason and in the words of Steve Jobs, “Intuition is a very powerful thing, more powerful than intellect.” Although you may not understand why you should trust it, it is there to protect, guide and teach you. When you look behind you, evidence of your choices opposing your intuition is there for you to learn from.

Find peace, submit to God’s gift of intuition and trust it. You will be able and more willing to do so as you continue to remove negativity and unnecessary noise from your life so you can tune into your intuition.

Order your copy: Amazon

MaralaScott.com

Intuition

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories

Allow This To Inspire You … The Little Signs Are Really The Big Ones

I was walking along the beach where I found my first sand dollar years ago. I am a collector of them and was searching for another one. After a few days of searching, I realized the ocean was not willing to share it. My mind was clear and I was as carefree as one can get. It’s my way of taking in peaceful moments so that when I take in the negativity or stress from life or others, my peace will not diminish.

Typically, sand dollars are found near the shore burrowed in the sand. For some reason, I didn’t want to leave this beach without one. An hour later, the sun was beginning to set and I paused for a brief moment and said, “Father God, I’d really like a sand dollar. Just one. A big one, but just one.” Yes, it seems like a very insignificant request, but meaningful to me. If you don’t know the spiritual significance behind a sand dollar you will want to know it. It was my daughter that shared it with me.

As I continued to comb the beach searching for sand dollars, I didn’t realize that a wide stream of water separated me from the ocean. To get closer to the ocean I walked across two feet of water. When I reached the other side, I looked down and saw this very beautiful and large sand dollar on the edge of the water, partially buried. The smile on my face was so broad you would have thought I won the biggest lottery. I reached my hand into the water and carefully scooped it up. “Thank you God,” I said jumping around the beach with my smile. “Thank you!”

Okay, it sounds strange, but it is truly my faith. You see God sends me little affirmations all the time to let me know He hears me. So when the big things happen or the beautiful things evolve, I know it’s because of Him too. God knows my true spirit, heart and mind. He knows that I ask because I know He can and will. With all of the troubles and burdens of this world, He has always made time for my prayers and conversations. He has healed me from feeling the pain of my childhood and given me tremendous strength to endure. Regardless of what you may think, it is your faith that will bring you to this if you truly believe. I don’t believe in coincidence but I do believe in God. Sometimes the little signs are really big signs to let you know that God is listening, so believe.

maralascottsblog Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Do a Little Work on Yourself

When you criticize people, you’re expressing your own inadequacies or insecurities about something. Putting others down is a way people attempt to build themselves up but what they’re providing is a substantial contribution to creating a negative environment. Think before you speak or react negatively. Take under consideration what it is you’re really trying to communicate and why. If you can’t do it respectfully, then wait until you can. Those situations are a perfect opportunity for you to go inside of your own life and do a little work.

The tendency to complain about deficiencies that others have is greater than our willingness to look at our own life and make changes. When you change yourself you can alter your mindset and teach yourself to solicit positive results instead of fixating on the negative aspects of life. That’s when you will experience the manifestation of positive change and perhaps inspire others to change too. There is so much that begins with what you say and how you say it. Keep in mind your body language and actions speak volumes as well. Determine what your true intent is before you communicate your thoughts. If you begin with anger or negativity, that’s what your results will bring. Elect to bring a bit of inspiration instead.

maralascottsblog inspirational stories, Self-Love

Don’t Inherit Pain That Isn’t Yours

wordpress butterflies Collage

Many people have personal insecurities that originate from following a path that wasn’t meant for them to take. The decisions and mistakes that your parents or family members have made are not yours. The pain they’ve chosen to inherit isn’t supposed to be passed along to you. Any anger they’ve allowed to destroy their life isn’t waiting to destroy yours so don’t own it.

Each of us has an opportunity to create the life we want to have. It’s up to us to make choices. If one of the choices happens to be empowering others so they use or hurt you understand that choice was still yours. You are not here to relive your parent’s life or that of anyone else. You are not supposed to impede your progress and happiness by carrying someone’s pain as though it is destined to stay in your family or bloodline. You are unique. You are here to live your life, make independent choices and live freely. Your choices will bring about your own results and regardless of how difficult some may be you aren’t meant to live or bask in pain.  Own your mistakes, and learn from them. Stake a claim in faith not failure and accept that you are destined for greatness. –Marala Scott

1280_Butterfly on a Tree

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Each Year Brings Wisdom and Strength From Your Past Experiences

Another year is upon us and I believe it to be a blessing to me for the simple fact that I am alive. The opportunity to experience this gift of life continues. When I look back on my journey it amazes me to see the things that I’ve done, shared, and triumphed over. I refuse to give credence to difficulties, as they are now a part of history not my present or future. Instead of burdening my mind with negative situations of the past I focus on my faith, strength and ability to combat and overcome everything that has challenged me. Yes, I say overcome because I have.

My life story is one that many deem unimaginable yet I have moved through and far past it. The horrors I was plagued with did not define me as a person yet, they strengthened me as a woman. Years later, as things began to show promise I found out that while I was raising my two beautiful children, I had multiple brain aneurysms that threatened my very existence. I had to make a choice to trust God and have the surgery or live in fear dragging my children through the emotional journey. I trusted God and had the surgery without an ounce of fear and only telling a handful of people. The reason being is I love who I am and how I’ve lived. Sure, I’ve made mistakes but I’ve asked God for forgiveness and given it as well. I live in Gods light, not my own, and if by chance it was my time, I had nothing to fear. I would have left a trail of love, inspiration, and memories that would not die.

This year I am going to continue to live in faith. I am going to remain fearless as God is always with me. I am going to continue to love and not worry about being loved as it comes naturally when you love from the depths of your heart. I am going to leave an imprint that will change lives. I am going to tell you I love you and mean it, as I want you to know that you are loved and not alone. I am going to advise you to embrace life and its lessons and go get it instead of waiting for life to conquer you. Live this year and begin in faith and clean your slate by asking God for forgiveness and forgiving those that hurt you. Dare to be your best and give your best to all!

Happy New Year!

Marala Scott

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

Understanding the Inevitable Act of Letting Go

Fashion-Purses-Make-More

I was doing some Christmas shopping with my beautiful daughter this evening when a young woman behind me in line took a moment to tell me how much she loved the unique design of my cream designer handbag. Her brown eyes lit up as she admired the details. I smiled and said, “Thank you,” as I lifted the strap over my shoulder and began to empty the contents of my new bag. “Since you like it …  you can have it,” I told her. She took a deep breath and stared at me in disbelief before exhaling heavily. Nevertheless, I continued to pass along the contents of my purse to my daughter, and then handed the woman the bag.

“No, you can’t do that, can you? You’re really doing this aren’t you? Where are you going to put your things?” she continued.

“In my pockets,” I replied.

“Why would you do this?” she asked.

“Because you like it. Merry Christmas,” I said with a light wave as I walked away without looking back.

It’s quite easy to find things you love and become attached to them, but sometimes the attachment isn’t always good. When we leave this earth there is nothing in it that we will take with us. Part of the beauty in life is sharing what you do have while you’re here by learning to let go of the things we love most. It doesn’t mean you go around giving away everything, but try it. Take something you love and see if you are able to walk away from it without a second thought or a single regret. When you can you’ve learned something valuable.

Everything in this life is really on loan from God. When we leave, it will stay here. People we love are the biggest test of this while being able to part from material things are a test of our spirit and prepare us for being able to understand the inevitable of letting go. Material things don’t define us and people don’t belong to us. Learn to let go while you can as it makes it less difficult when you don’t think you can. We are forced to let go of things in many unforeseen ways, such as natural disasters. But I’ve seen many do it with grace and begin to rebuild from scratch when it is one of the most difficult things they’ve had to do. Random acts of kindness remind us to let go freely. Don’t wait until you are forced to do so in order to learn this.

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

Your Life In Review Before It’s Too Late

When it’s all said and done and your life is over here on this earth, how will people remember you? Will they speak of you as a giver or taker? Were you a lover or did you seek out fights because you were angry? Were you someone who was fair or biased about everything that benefited you? Did you care about others or could you care less? What I want you to ask yourself is, are you on track to leave this world with a memory that you would be proud of? If you have children, will they be proud of you and have loving thoughts that no one can remove? Is your powerful imprint resting on the hearts of many or are many waiting to erase what you have left because it’s too painful? Before the time comes for you to depart from this gift of life, repair, change, and forgive, if even yourself. Take this moment right now to determine that you will live and give to the best of your capability. Make the choice to leave an impression that reflects the person you want to be and are. It’s not too late to begin again.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

Family Is …

Many times people keep ties or close relationships with family members that are emotionally unhealthy because they feel they don’t have anyone else or they are supposed to simply because it’s family. Although it’s often said that, “blood is thicker than water,” to the contrary, water is more pure and so are many relationships that are not of your blood.

It’s one thing to love your family in a healthy manner but to have love out of obligation that is only masked behind hate, anger, and resentment is detrimental. Whether it’s you carrying resentment or other family members throwing a series of jabs, if you can’t work it out you’re really doing yourself and them a disservice.

Fighting to keep your relationship intact just to continuously fight brings damaging emotional results, as well as, much wasted time. Make conscious efforts to work towards resolutions and compromise to alleviate stress. If there is something standing in the way of a better relationship with your family that you or they don’t feel can be resolved, then step out of the fight. You may never agree, which means the battle will be ongoing.

Putting your energy into healthy relationships can often bring you more peace, love, and support. God puts good people in your life so appreciate them as you would family because family isn’t always of the same blood. People that love you, show respect, help you thrive, encourage faith, and believe in you are those you hold onto and do the same for.  Don’t stay in a relationship to cause hurt or take it. Sometimes space brings time to reflect and ultimately appreciation.

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories

Navigating Around Your Opponents

There’s always that point when your life begins to show promise and progress. Happiness begins to fall upon you, love opens a door, and success in your career or relationships with friends strengthen. Without warning, something comes along to jeopardize what you’ve diligently worked to build.  At times you already have enough to deal with, situations that cause stress, have the tendency to surround you even more. As relentless negativity keeps piling on your weary, fraught shoulders, it has the ability to make you feel broken, if not break you. It happens, and it will continue to happen if you decide to keep playing that game. When you’re making a consistent effort to change your life with positive strokes of progression, know the opposition will be waiting for you the same way it’s there … in any game. Opposition is meant to keep you from winning, so it does its best. Keep in mind, when the opposition fights you harder and gets stronger it’s because you’ve become a real opponent. If you don’t want to miss what God is trying to show and do for you, then stop listening to and giving your opponent your attention. Stay grounded with faith. Don’t waste time playing a game that you may lose, but you will win if you stay on the path you were destined to travel.