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 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 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 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 Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

Allow Rejection to Strengthen You

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You’re not here to wait and see what happens and it’s not meant for you to leave your future to fate. There are many opportunities that come and go because you waited to see if it would happen instead of making it come to fruition through your own actions. Too often, people are afraid to go after what they want for many reasons and rejection is just one of them. However, you won’t know how to change your game plan if you aren’t rejected. Rejection will strengthen you and help you become wiser if you allow it. Don’t become a product of what already is, be the product. Own your life; don’t let it own you.

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maralascottsblog Happiness, inspirational stories, relationships

You Think You’re Ready to be in a Relationship

Have you ever unwrapped a beautiful gift to find the contents disappointing or not anything near what you thought it might be? More often than not, that is what happens in relationships. The exterior package of the person isn’t what will make the relationship work however, the interior mindset and spirit of the individual is.

We’re worried that if we don’t jump into a relationship when it’s offered that we’ll miss out. Many times when you dive into a relationship and learn more about the person, you’d wish you had passed on it. Take time to know the person instead of believing what they tell you. Listen a little more carefully to what they’re spewing out. One thing we say after a relationship goes south is that he or she told me that… Relying on what someone tells you as oppose to what they show you in their actions is key in having or investing in a healthy relationship. Give it time to see if their words match their actions before jumping into a relationship just to have one.

maralascottsblog children, Forgiveness, God

Aching Heart

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My heart is aching and the core of my soul hurts deeply for the victims, families, and community of the tragedy in Connecticut. I am certain yours does too. The children that woke up and went to school on this tragic day had laughter, dreams, love, friends, family, and beams of excitement for the upcoming Christmas holiday without a thought of any day being their last, let alone today. The adults that were murdered, had plans for their students and said goodbye to their families, not ever imagining it too, would be their last. There were many words unspoken because no one knew it was their time to do so.

A disturbed son made a conscious choice to extinguish a part of his mother’s life, as what may have been vengeance, before taking her future and causing pain to his own family. No one will ever come to fully understand why.

This country now has yet another historic and senseless tragedy and these families are bound to grip this unforeseen pain. Upon reading this, please take a moment and pray not only for what we know about this situation, but for what we don’t. Pray that it doesn’t continue to happen and devastate lives. Pray that these families can heal, in time. Pray that peace comes upon this community and the country comes together to help find a resolution. And pray for God to embrace these beloved souls in His arms for all eternity as their life here has been cut short.

May God Bless Us All
Marala Scott

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maralascottsblog Forgiveness, Happiness, relationships

Give Your Dull Relationship A Makeover

Once a relationship has been going on for a while doesn’t mean the loving touch that was there before has to end however, it will if the both of you allow it. There are many ways to keep your relationship fresh and full of love if you really want it to work. Try these tips and watch that intimate loving touch return:

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Ø  Stop looking for things to complain about instead, find things to laugh over.

Ø  Don’t pick your battles; don’t pick anything except healthy negotiations to resolve personal issues.

Ø  When dining out, sit next to one another so it’s easier to hold hands and share intimate conversation.

Ø  Put a heartfelt card under his or her pillow, in their drawer or on the car seat. Regardless where you place it they will know that you are thinking of them at the most random times.

Ø  Be random with a surprise, meaning just because on any day, at any time.

Ø  Leave a thoughtful message on a stressful day to help improve their mood. If you know their day is stressful don’t add to it.

Ø  Share words of inspiration as a reminder of the blessings you have.

Ø  Agree to disagree and understand that there are always at least two perspectives and yours belongs to you so be willing to compromise.

Ø  Don’t forget the loving things that brought you together.

Ø  Leave the negative past in the past if you’re still together.

Ø Take time away from everyone else to focus on one another.

Relationships are a work in progress that will have a healthy progression if you choose to pair love with understanding.

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

The Ties That Bind Can Tear Us Apart

The ties that bind are sometimes the very ties that tear us apart, yet we stay within the proximity to allow the pain to continue on the path causing destruction. Because someone is family doesn’t mean that you should allow them to continuously plant deep seeds of negativity that will grow deeper roots of anger and discouragement inside of you. Although family is supposed to be our lifeline of encouragement, trust, protection, and love it doesn’t always turn out that way. It doesn’t mean you are bound to accept their ways as the way it is supposed to be either. You are not meant to remain a victim and let it wear you down until you can’t function to the capacity you are destined. There is much more to life than waking up each day to fight against those you love. Sometimes, a breath of fresh air and a move towards independence is liberating. Although it may seem difficult to do, it is self-destructive to continue taking. Progressing away from family, if done with positive intentions to better yourself and life as a whole, can be healing for all. It will allow you time to grow, reflect, and understand. You may never know where someone’s pain comes from but you will come to realize that his or her pain is not meant to be yours. This life is a journey and the journey is your individual imprint. Use your powerful prayers to bring God’s favor in order to help them heal.

Hard Work + Faith = Success

maralascottsblog God, Happiness, inspirational stories, Self-Love

You Think You Have The Power To Change The Past

When you drive down a road you won’t return to, the view behind you narrows until what was once there fades into history such as with life. –Marala Scott

 

It’s interesting how we’re able to hold onto negative experiences and give concentration to what happened instead of creating a solution to resolve those emotions. If you’re reading this, your life didn’t stop because of them. Regardless of what you think, you are meant to go on and persevere. Perhaps you can help someone else along the way. Allow experiences to make you stronger instead of weaker because God willing, you’ll have a long trip ahead of you and will need the strength you’re wasting on negative history. Shift your heart and mindset to make use of the life you have in front of you. Don’t dwell on the one behind you that can’t be altered in any capacity. When you drive down a road, the view behind you narrows until what was once there fades into history. Yes, the road may still be there, but it’s no longer in your future to travel.

maralascottsblog Helping Others, inspirational stories, relationships, Self-Love

Don’t Talk Behind Someone’s Back, Tell Them How You Feel

Don’t smile in someone’s face and talk behind their back. Share an honest smile and be real. That’s how you show respect. ~Marala Scott

There’s always something that needs to be said and there are plenty of ways to communicate what you feel to get your point across. There’s no need to be rude just be direct and honest. The problem comes in when you’re friends with someone who you really don’t like but you’re willing to compromise your standards to be around someone. All you’re going to do is talk behind their back after spending the day hanging out, having lunch, or shopping together. It’s disrespectful to talk behind a persons back instead of just telling them what the problem is or how you really feel and why. The problem with the whole talking behind someone’s back is that you end up having the very same qualities you don’t like in that person. There are several words to describe that type of individual, but do you want that description too? Put your communication on a different level by learning to speak what you feel. Do it properly and without malicious intent, but do it. It speaks volumes about your character and it can actually help the other person if they simply have never been told that you or anyone else has an issue with something they do or have done. Dare to be real!

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

Is the Perception of Your Life the True Reality?

Now Available. . . the special version of Marala Scott’s book,

In Our House: Perception vs. Reality

“In Our House” is the chilling true story of an abusive husband, his wife, and their six children trapped inside of a hellish nightmare.

Recruited by both the CIA and IBM the successful, handsome, and deceptive Colin has rendered countless abusive episodes on his beautiful wife, Alley, and his six children until he finally breaks Alley and she is no longer able to fight back. One day, three women involve Alley in a church that promises to protect her and the children from her husband’s attacks. By the time Alley realizes how they will do it, she finds herself demonically possessed with demons eating away at her. The horrifying undertaking is beyond life and now the children must find a way to survive both parents.

Purchase through AMAZON

maralascottsblog relationships, Self-Love

Is There Such Thing as a Perfect Relationship?

Relationships mean one thing for sure if nothing else, work! Anything you do will take some degree of effort and a relationship is no different. Let’s be honest, everyone has something about him or her that the other person may not like. It could be the way you drive, the music you listen to, or the way you fold their shirt, but that doesn’t mean your relationship isn’t perfect, it means they have things about them that define who they are. We tend to look for imperfections that people have instead of their perfections. If we took time to notice all of the things that your significant other does that made you fall in love with them, you’d be surprised at how good your relationship really is. Stop focusing on the flowers you didn’t get for your birthday but remember the ones he bought you for no reason instead. Don’t compare relationships, work on your own. Stay away from relationships that are riddled with problems and drama or yours will end up the same way. When you keep company with negativity it has a way of invading your life. Your relationship is as perfect as you want it to be. Put God before the relationship and you’ll have a better understanding of what love and perfection is.