The Resolution...a Resolute Life

I did a little grocery shopping today...as I observed everyone purchasing their beverages, renting their Redbox movies and preparing for their New Year's Eve festivities, I thought about how focused and determined we seem to be.  We seem to be determined to say farewell to the end of one year and happy to welcome the beginning of a new one.  Many of us are clearing out junk from our homes, cleaning our cars, and reorganizing our closets in anticipation of a new year.  

There's something about a new year that causes us to reflect.  We think about what we've accomplished or endured during the current and what goals we'd like to accomplish during the next year.  We become more determined to make changes.  Fitness centers across the country are preparing for the swarm of new members all resolving to lose weight and get their "sexy back."  Others are making resolutions to focus more on bettering themselves or working harder on their jobs.  Some are contemplating starting a new business.  But, because of our humanity, behaviors are so difficult to change.  Therefore, in reality, by March or April (Feb. for some), most of us will lose steam and give up on our pursuit of our zealous new year's resolution.

This year, I've decided to make only ONE resolution.  And, it's really not a resolution at all.  It's a proclamation.  

I proclaim that in 2013, I will maintain a resolute life in mind, body and spirit.  I will keep a spirit of determination and purpose.  I will make choices about food, nutrition and exercise that are mindful and serve my purpose. I will read and increase my knowledge in areas that are important for my work and calling.  I will treat my relationships with family and friends as part of my purpose and nurture them as often as possible.  I will strive to make every decision one of purpose.  I will not do things for the sake of doing them.  I will live in the present, but always remember what I'm here for.  God has blessed me with insight into His purpose for my life.  So, for me to responsible for my own destiny and purpose, I must maintain a resolute (determined, purposeful) life.  

That's it.  

I'm thankful for 2012 and now, 2013...let's go!  

embracing new growth in a new year, 

MBisFree

resolute

ADJECTIVE 

1. 

having determination: possessing determination and purposefulness

2. 

characterized by determination: motivated by or displaying determination and purposefulness

***Join me Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 in Fayetteville, NC for the FIRST stop on The Purposeful Roots Book Tour!!!***

Stop the Itch

Recently, I’ve dreaded “wash day” more than ever.  That’s the day when I wash my hair.  The reason I’ve dreaded it more lately is because of the time it takes.  After going to school full-time, working and doing the many other things I do on a weekly basis, the thought of washing, conditioning, deep conditioning, detangling, moisturizing and styling my hair is a little unnerving. 

So, I’ve been waiting about 3 weeks between washes (usually I wash my hair once/week)!  Lately, in between washes, my scalp has been a little itchy.  Because I’m not cleansing/moisturizing my hair & scalp as often, both are pretty dry.  But, instead of washing my hair to soothe the scalp and stop the itch, I’ve been using oils on my scalp just to stop the itch.  The itch stops but sooner or later, it comes back.  The oil is only a temporary solutions.  But, guess what I do?  I put more oil on my scalp!  After a while, I have oily, dirty hair with an itchy scalp....a mess!!  Nothing will truly soothe the scalp and ease the itch like going through the process of “wash day.” 

As I stood in church this morning, I thought about how wonderful God is...and then my scalp started to itch!  lol  At this very moment, I thought to myself, “It’s time to wash your hair Margaret.  Just wash your hair and it will stop the itch.”  Then, I was reminded that sometimes, in our lives, we go through things unnecessarily, because we are avoiding the process that will make it better.  We know what to do, but for whatever reason, we cannot get motivated to “wash our hair” (whatever that means for you).    Instead, we keep trying to resolve the problem with temporary solutions.  When we finally realize that the only way to resolve the problem is to take the right action, we still try to apply temporary solutions.  But, at the point of consciousness, we should take action.  I've heard that when we know better, we do better.  But, that's not always the case.  Even though it's easier said than done, in order to get results and be where we want to be, we have to go through the process.  Because at some point, you get tired of scratching your head!!!

:-)

Embracing New Growth,

MBisFree

Think What You Want To Think

Recently, I read an article that included an excerpt from Marianne Williamson’s new book, titled The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money, and Miracles (to be released in November 2012).  As I read the article, my spirit was awakened by the concepts that she discussed.  One sentence really grabbed my attention and I wanted to share it with you:

“Enlightenment is not a process we work toward, but a choice available to us in any instant.”

So many of us are constantly seeking and searching for answers and the truth.  We are on a path towards enlightenment and understanding about the things in and around us.  We go through difficulties and we begin to pray and ask for answers and understanding.    Marianne Williamson discusses that enlightenment is the answer to every problem.  She explains that in every situation, “where you seem to be at the effect of forces over which you have no control, remember that God dwells within your mind, and there are no forces over which He has no control. Therefore, through His power within you, there are no mortal conditions over which you are powerless.” 

WOW!  This IS enlightenment.  It kind of reminds me of Ephesians 3:20.  It helped me remember that enlightenment takes place when we continuously realize that God is in our minds, hearts and spirits and that God is in full control.  So, we are never to feel helpless, hopeless, and destitute or despair.  Sure, our human nature doesn't allow us to avoid these emotions.  But, this enlightenment or reminder of God’s love should help us resolve those feelings and continue to move forward to conquer and overcome.  And, as we dwell on that love from God, we begin to invite goodness into our lives.  We begin to see things from a different perspective.  We begin to approach our relationships, work, family, money and other values differently. 

And at the end of the day, we realize that we are loved (by God) and that’s all that matters! 

Read the entire article at:  http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/excerpt-law-divine-compensation-marianne-williamson

Choose.

I'm not sure who created this image, but I got it from the "My Renewed Mind" page on Facebook.  I love this image because it shows the power of choice and perspective.  I really believe that our lives can be just this easy.  We can choose to be happy and free throughout any situation. 

 

I prefer the word JOY over happiness because joy is something that isn't temporal or tempered by life's circumstances.  You know, life tends to just happen TO us sometimes.  But, through the fearless lens of freedom, we may start to see that life is happening THROUGH us!  We can choose to turn obstacles into challenges that will strengthen our faith and hope muscles.  We can see hardships and heartache as opportunities to test our ability and willingness to love.

 

What is happening in your life and the lives of those you love that you need to view through the fearless lens of freedom?  Will you choose today to be joyful and free?

 

Embracing New Growth,

Margaret

www.margaretabrunson.com

Free your Mind...Naturally.

Dear Natural Sisters,

There are many women, now, that have chosen and are choosing to "go natural" for many reasons.  Many have decided that they no longer want to chemically straighten their hair.

Others have embraced the natural texture of their hair and are now enthused about living as a natural woman.

Regardless of the reason, there has also been talk that this is now a "natural hair movement."  I disagree.

I am not part of a "natural hair movement", nor do I want to be.  

I am a woman who has recognized that my life is a journey!  

I did not simply move from relaxed to natural to be part of a trend or something temporary (as movements usually are).  

I did it because it was necessary for me to embrace my true self in order to keep traveling this journey of life. This discovery of my true self is happening through my hair and in my heart.  Being natural is teaching me who I really am and to walk in FREEDOM based on that.

The choices I make in my life, whether about my hairstyle, my dress, who I love, where I go to church, what I eat, are made with the knowledge that I am FREE and that I no longer have to live in fear worried about what others think of me.

Many of us naturals have become elitist and have isolated ourselves.  We have begun to stereotype each other based on curl patterns, hair types, product choices and so many other things.  We jump on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media and talk about "hair envy" and make judgments about people who aren't natural.  We have made relaxed women out to be strangers to this sisterhood that we are all part of.

It doesn't matter if your hair is straight or curly, the truth is that if you're not FREE (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically) and/or you don't know who you are, you are missing it.  You will continue to allow yourself to become the subject of an experiment.  

So, here's my challenge to you.  We need to live our lives as authentically, as possible.  We need to allow people the power of choice without judgment.  We need to wear our hair as a statement but also as confident, real women who made this choice in or for freedom.  If we do that, we are drawing people (natural and relaxed) to not only our hair, but our hearts and spirits and the love that resides within!  

I'd love to hear from you!  Feel free to email me: margaret@spirituallynatural.com or leave comments on my website:  www.margaretabrunson.com.

Embracing New Growth...spirit, mind & follicle,
Margaret A. Brunson

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH!!!

I'm pleased to announce the launch of my new website:

www.margaretabrunson.com

From my new website, you will learn more about me, various projects I'm working on, and "Embrace New Growth" events. 

You will be able to request me for events and share reviews or comments about my new book!

I hope you will visit the site soon!

#EmbraceNewGrowth

Spirit, Mind, & Follicle

#LIVE

I've been in quite a few conversations (mostly with myself - LOL) in the past months about this topic, and after watching Tyler Perry's movie Good Deeds, I decided to blog about it. 

As I get older, become more comfortable with who I am and what I believe, I'm learning that I have some very solid opinions about what I want for my life. 

I realize that I want to #LIVE.  Period. 
I want to #LIVE the way that God intended for me to live; whatever that means.
I think everyone is entitled to finding their God-intended life.

I'll tell you...
Day in and day out, I see people.
They appear to have it ALL (appearances can be tricky).  
You know...the "ALL" that society says they should have?
The cookie cutter husband/wife with the matching kids, nice house in a nice, quiet neighborhood, nice luxury car(s), and a pretty good job.  OR, they're living the "single" life...driving their hot car, wearing the latest Louboutins (aka Red Bottoms), dating the "perfect" guy/girl who fits their image, and in a constant race to get ahead. 

But then, I SEE them. I mean, I really SEE them.  I SEE who they really are behind the appearance.  They're miserable.  They're unhappy, unfulfilled and don't have a clue about what they're here for.  Sometimes, I end up talking with them and find out that what I saw was true.

They've somehow accepted that they must "live the life."  They must live the life that this society says they're supposed to live.  They aren't the least bit excited about their purpose (or finding it); they don't know where their lives are headed; and are generally disconnected from their dreams.  They're not in love with their spouse because they married for the wrong reasons.  They can't find fulfillment in their relationships because they're stuck on lists of superficial qualities.  They don't understand their children because they're too busy trying to give them things instead of love, time and attention.  And, they are miserable trying to afford all the STUFF that defines them.  Their daily existence is, in general, a routine bore.  They get up and go to work at the same time, go home, sit in front of the tv, watch the same shows, go to the same restaurants, hangout spots, take the same vacations, do the same activites...blah, blah, blah.

I don't want that.  I want to #LIVE.
I'm not saying that if you're blessed to have all the nice things I mentioned earlier that you aren't LIVING.  You very well might be.  But, be careful.  Be careful not to lose the individuality that God attached to you, your gifts and your destiny in all that STUFF. 
Don't apply society's template to your life's purpose. 

Find your God-intended life and the way He wants you to #LIVE it. 
If you don't know how, check out what Matthew 7:7 says:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Ask, Seek, Knock. #LIVE

I SEE YOU!

embrace new growth. 

...spirit, mind, & follicle.

The Big Picture

Recently,  I've had a few conversations that have inspired this post.
After speaking with friends, co-workers, and other people I know, I've realized that people are searching for fulfillment in their personal relationships, careers and lives in general.
They are trying to figure out their next move or where to go from here.
There's something in their lives that's missing and they're trying to figure out what it is.

I've realized in the past few years that nothing I do in my life will bring fulfillment unless it aligns with my true purpose.  I have realized that my purpose in life is to help others find theirs through encouragement, and living a life of love and faith.  It's so difficult to think of our purpose in isolation of thinking about a job/career or the ideal spouse.  But, I believe that the ultimate picture of our lives (our purpose) is MUCH bigger than a vocation or a relationship.

Once we figure out our purpose, the career and relationships will be by-products of that revelation.
It's extremely easy to talk about purpose, but it's another to actively seek God to find out what our purpose is.  There are things going on in our lives everyday that will help show us what we were put on earth to do.  If we look at our gifts, the special skills that come naturally to us, and how they affect others, that will give us an idea.  Or, if we look at the things we're extremely passionate about that lead us to take up certain causes, that takes us a step closer to our purpose as well.  Also, painful circumstances in our lives lead us to a stronger sense of purpose.  We go through things in our lives and once we make it through, it gives us a testimony that will help others make it through similar situations.  We are able to relate to people on a deeper level through the experiences that connect us. 

I think that before people can even begin to dream dreams or make plans for their future, they must first know their future and seek to align their plans with that purpose.

If you're not sure of your purpose, I'd challenge you to ask.  Before you ask, you have to believe that God will answer you. 

Ask God to show you the gifts, passions and personal experiences that lead you to your divine purpose.  What is it that God put you on this earth to do?  Ask God.  Ask God why you were created and what you are to do with this life you have.  Once you receive some answers, ask God to show you ways to walk in your purpose and to bless your journey. 

Embracing New Growth,
Margaret

New Growth: A Prophecy Fulfilled!

My New Book!!! 

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"New Growth: How My Hair Saved My Life is about how God used Margaret’s transition back to her natural hair state to transform her heart and life. This period of transformation led her to gain more strength and wisdom to move closer to her destiny. This book will encourage you to focus on a higher and deeper purpose about your life. The events, actions, and choices in your life have played a part in your journey. You can make the choice to view them as hindrances, or you can choose to allow the experiences to push you closer to your God-given future. The hope is that you will develop a sense of who you are and not be afraid to step out and live your destiny."

Pace Yourself through the Storms

Last night, there was a terrible thunderstorm.  Lightning, thunder, and a DOWN POUR of rain.  I left Greensboro (from class) to head back to Durham and the entire drive was through this terrible storm. 
There were periods of heavy rain, flashes of lightning that lit up the night sky and rolls of thunder that at some points were pretty scary.

From the time I got onto I-85 until the time I took my exit to my house, I stayed behind a white SUV.  This SUV had on his emergency flashers and maintained a safe speed in the middle lane.
I used this car to guide me home.
He was my pacer.  He kept a steady speed and drove safely the entire time. 
He remained in a lane where there wasn't a lot of water building up on the side of the road.
Even as cars sped by and trucks were itching to get around him, he maintained a safe and consistent speed throughout the storm.

I started to think about how I've been led through storms in my life in this very same way.
Either God's Spirit, his Word or those he has placed in my life at those times, have served as "pacers" or guides for me:

• God's Spirit within us helps us maintain a steady and safe speed throughout life's storms to let us know that we are safe and ok as long as we continue to follow and trust him.  If I hadn't seen how safely the white SUV was driving, I wouldn't have trusted him to lead me.We know that we can trust God because he's proven to us (many times before) that he can be trusted and that in him, we are safe.
• As we read and become grounded in his word, it also serves as a way for us to maintain our pace and make it through the hardships of life.  God's word serves as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105) and helps to guide through WHATEVER life presents.
• God also sends people into our lives with spirits of peace, joy and love who serve as a model to follow and walk with.  They are not in a hurry to get through life or "fix" everything that's going on.  They realize that there is purpose in everything that we endure and they maintain their love, peace and joy.

I was so happy for this new way of looking of God's goodness and faithfulness towards me.
He always makes a way for me to truly SEE how much he loves me and that even through the "storms" of life, I can look to him to help me pace myself to safety. 

Tell SELF to kick rocks...

Deep down, I believe that we all want to be accepted...
We long for our families, friends, co-workers and others to accept us for who we are with hopes that we will be good enough, smart enough, cool enough, etc...
Sometimes we deceive ourselves and say that we don't care what others think of us, but ultimately, I believe that is a defense mechanism that we use to protect ourselves from REJECTION.

However, recently, I've been confronted with different situations where I've noticed that people generally do not want to ACCEPT the things about ourselves that often lead others to reject us.
In other words...SELF is in the way.

For example, we want others to accept us, yet we will not ACCEPT the fact that we're SELFish or SELF-centered and that if others don't agree with us, we push them away or dismiss them.
Or, we want people to spend time with us, yet we will not ACCEPT the fact that sometimes we aren't very friendly or we bring people down when they are in our presence.

Soooo, instead of working on ourselves, we take on attitudes like:
"Well, if they don't like me, so what?  I don't need them anyway."

But, deep down, we really want to be accepted....
The funny thing is...the desire to be accepted and even acceptable, will start to bring to light, the things about us that we need to work on; yet, we are blinded to our own flaws and shortcomings.
Sometimes, we need to stop, look in the mirror, and ask God to show us the things about OURSELVES that we need to change.

We tend to focus so much on other people and what they aren't doing right that we miss the purpose of self-examination.

Growth is difficult and very uncomfortable, but the reward is that we will change and take on a character that not only others will accept, but one that God will accept.

So, the next time you are quick to dismiss others for their non-consent and discontent of your "ways," kick pride to the side and ask God to help you be better.

Tell SELF to "kick rocks," and seek to figure out what areas of your life need to change and grow.