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 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

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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 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 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.

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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 God, Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

Intuition Is …

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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, 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 inspirational stories, relationships

Sharing Your Life Story Can Help Others Heal

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We are meant to learn valuable lessons from our life and even more from the lives of others. They connect to us in some way and help us to understand that we are not alone in our experiences; nor are we meant to be. Although most people can’t understand what you’ve been through unless they’ve experience something similar, talking about it or connecting through the power of printed words can help heal and inspire.

Courage is needed to reflect upon your life and review the choices you’ve made. It takes strength to fight a battle when you have no idea of the magnitude of what you’ll face. A strong mind is necessary to overcome the intensity of excruciating pain. And it requires a loving heart to help save lives when there is no incentive other than to save lives.

This is David Tuccaro Jr., a man with a soul-searching story that will challenge you to fight through whatever it is you’re facing. He encourages you to evolve into a stronger, wiser and more compassionate individual. Like David, it doesn’t mean you will never have another challenge or feel the brutal grip of pain again, but his story will teach you the reasons why you should never give up on life.

His life story, Bad to the Bone: The True Story of David Tuccaro Jr. takes you on an unsuspecting journey. It breathes faith, delivers inspiration and reveals true love as he recounts the deep emotional pain that took root inside of him and the devastation it caused. He shares his vivid and inspiring account of his fight for his life against Leukemia. If you are being challenged or tested, David’s story is one that will encourage you to believe when there is no sign of hope.

David’s mission is to save lives through compassion and providing awareness about the need for donors. If you knew that someone, somewhere was dying, would you do what you could to save that person’s life? Well, many people are and they need your help just as David required it to live. Become a donor and give the gift of life because you can.

Visit www.davidtuccaro.com for more information and to register to become a donor. Be inspired by his story to save a life!

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