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Kayla's Only Heart

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Kayla's Only Heart

Tag Archives: reflection

Book Review: Silencing Insecurity

12 Tuesday Nov 2019

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in books, Uncategorized

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Tags

book review, Christian, Christian living, doubt, insecurity, mind, read, reflection, Revell Reads, truth

I received Silencing Insecurity: Believing God’s Truth about You by Donna Gibbs from Revell in exchange for a review.

The insecurity topic had me at first glance when this appeared as a review option. As someone who started fighting an inner negative and untrue voice years ago, I knew I needed as much guidance in my battle as I could get. This book made great armor in its knowledge, application, and truth. Accessible, it finds a great balance between enough information to gain a greater understanding an insight for reflection and application. I found myself yearning to sit down with my journal at the end of each chapter so I could write out my reflections on the questions. The content included a lot that I already knew, but I found it pertinent and appreciated that it added to my understanding. Gibbs gently reminded her readers that adjusting a mind involves a lot more than a simple flip of a switch. Renewing the mind requires daily work.

Book Review: How Joyful People Think

02 Saturday Nov 2019

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in books, Uncategorized

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book, book review, Christian, Christian living, peace, read, reflection

I received How Joyful People Think: 8 Ways of Thinking That Lead to a Better Life by Jamie Rasmussen from BakerBooks in exchange for a review.

 

As simultaneously simple and complex as it sounds to write a book revolving around a single bible verse on a broad topic like peace, Jamie Rasmussen makes it work. He uses Philippians 4:8 to walk readers through a topic by topic route to adjust thinking patterns. Each “whatever” idea falls into everyday thoughts. Reading how to recognize them helped me see where I can stop negative patterns and improve them to better match a biblical standard. In turn, it increases the level of peace I experience throughout my days. While the suggestions felt a little clinical at times, the message maintains its importance. Everyone can benefit from using this book for reflection and instruction on their thought patterns, especially in today’s high stress way of living.

Simple Joys on a Simple Fall Sunday

29 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Journal, Uncategorized

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Tags

bible study, Christian, Christian living, Chrystal Evans Hurst, fall, flowers, joy, online bible study, reflection, She's Still There, thankful

I’ve been going through She’s Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst as part of an online bible study. Each time I sit down with that book, I realize I like her and her  insight even more (today I also listened to her talk about cultivating, curating and creating content for writing). As part of my devotion time today, I reflected on some questions at the end of chapter 12. The first question got the thoughts stirring about simple joys. Sunday feels like a great day to contemplate the little details that my senses can enjoy on this day of rest as well as every other day.
First I made a list of things that I can engage with my senses that make me smile. Considering just today, I came up with:
crisp, cool air: I missed fall last year since I was in Houston (yes, Houstonians, it truly does exist outside the magazines and movies), and I daydreamed about sweaters by late spring, which probably didn’t help me feel any cooler in that hellish Houston heat. This year, I bask in the cool air again and feel especially thankful for it. Especially this weekend as the cold has finally set in, it feels good to be cold again.
colorful leaves on the trees: This falls into the category I started above. Again, I didn’t witness fall last year, and that included the beauty of the trees changing colors. They truly do hold a beauty all their own, and the cool air only adds to the wonder of fall.
the yellow mums sitting on my desk on a plate with sea shells I gathered with my best friend Katrina in Galveston during her visit: Yellow is a joyful color, and flowers always add beauty to a room. The shells add another positive aspect with their memory association; they even come from a memory of a sunny day (probably the only time I enjoyed being outside in Texas…the ocean air made a tremendous difference).
music on my iPod: “Believe” by Hanson was playing as I made my list. My iPod contains a lot of music, and they reflect a lot of memories and emotions. It helps to hear expressions of feelings to which I can relate. Oftentimes, music gives words to what’s on my mind, and it keeps me from going too deeply into my head. It also reminds me that I’m not alone in my experiences.
candy corn pumpkins: My severe allergies have made it difficult for me to find my favorite Halloween candy for years. Persistence pays off though because after checking labels for years knowing each time I would most likely find the bags were possibly contaminated from my allergens in the factories, I finally found some safe candy corn pumpkins! Let’s just say I bought a few bags. Tonight I can enjoy them during my Sunday Ritual. After I paint my nails I can do Halloween weekend my style and watch Stranger Things while I eat pumpkins.
aromatherapy pillow mist on my pillow: I rested my eyes earlier and enjoyed the mist on my pillow. I thought aromatherapy from essential oils sounded hoaky when I first heard about it, but I reconsidered after I saw that Mayo Clinic agreed it could possibly help (any small improvement in mood is worthwhile). Last year I received a diffuser and essential oils and started using it. I enjoyed the different scents and how they seem to relax or lift my mind a little. This afternoon I rested as I inhaled the scent of eucalyptus and tea.
I agree with Chrystal Evans Hurst that simple joys matter. I’m glad that I took the time to fill in my blessings journal throughout the day today and that I took the time to do her reflection questions. It continued to serve as a starting point on staying positive and being open to God’s involvement and guidance in my life.

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

Louder Than Words

15 Friday May 2015

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Poetry/Lyrics

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Tags

behavior, choices, example, Haiku, poem, poetry, purity, reflection, temptation

Choices may reflect

Temptation or purity

Despite what is said 

A Simple Smile Takes You The Extra Mile

06 Sunday Apr 2014

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Journal

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Tags

customer service, encouragement, happiness, happy, heart, joy, joyful, life, reflection, smile, work

Sometimes I fake it. I don’t even always realize it. The actions come pretty naturally. Take my customer service job. I see a customer, I smile, I provide assistance. Maybe I feel that happiness with the joy in my heart. Maybe I don’t. I’m there to make those people happy. Ultimately, it makes me feel good too.

Sometimes I need to make it my job to make myself experience happiness. I possess such a natural joy, but that doesn’t mean I always feel happy. My joyful disposition pairs with my sensitivity (to keep me balanced I suppose). I need to remind myself not to get lost in the sadness after I mellow out. Those feelings can escape and get replaced with happier ones as I smile through each situation.

I smile to all customers in an attempt to keep them satisfied, the curled lips a symbol to them and a release for me. The gesture releases natural endorphins. It brings a certain authenticity to even the forced smiles. That’s probably what keeps me from getting bogged down by the rude and mean customers.

I just need to maintain this practice in my everyday life. My life gives me so many reasons to smile, but it’s still life. It comes with its own obstacles. They weight heavier on me right now.

Yet I can still smile. I just need to get some good face time to show it. That involves a variety of acts and reminders. I take the time to take care of myself, even simply looking at myself in the mirror as I make myself presentable for high standards. I use my own social media to share positive messages with everyone that I myself need to consider. My friends take time to maintain correspondence with me as we write letters and talk on the phone. All these words and reflections make me smile. The smile ultimately shows happiness that matches the joy in my heart.

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Cracked Mirror

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Poetry/Lyrics

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Tags

breakup, communication, hope, letting go, love, mirror, poem, poetry, reflection, relationship, words

I look into the mirror
After the fog clears
I can’t see you
Through all my fears

I know you’re there
After it’s said and done
A crack splits us
No reflection as one

I hold it so tight
This vision inside
You staring back
Returning with the tide

Now it’s only me
When you don’t take time
To cherish this love
Worth more than a dime

All I feel is alone
When you say nothing at all
How can you not know
Without words I fall?

I have my one request
That you’ve let slip
So I’ll stop asking
And save this service of lip

39.184840 -94.582361

Sunday Reflections

18 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Beauty, Journal, Photography

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Tags

balance, mirror, nail design, nails, Photo, productivity, reflection, relaxation, rest, Sunday

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Happy Sunday everyone!

Sunday holds the spot as my favorite day hands down. As the time designated for rest, I look forward to the time when I know I will slow down. You may have noticed I paint my nails each week during what I call my Sunday Ritual. Even if I don’t get to spend the day relaxing the way I want or should, I have that time set in stone.

Sunday evening is the one time specifically set aside for myself. I enjoy the process of painting my nails: the straight strokes made with the brush, the careful articulation I must use to draw my design, the movie I get to watch so I sit still while my nails fully dry. The movement of the brush strokes lets my mind walk some of its thoughts out as I focus on my physical task. I also put my creativity to use as I generate a design based on the colors featured for the upcoming week. All of this provides my body and soul its adequate rest.

I encourage you to take regular time to rest as well. Sunday works well as you can start the next week refreshed. I know most people don’t like Mondays, but I always go into the week feeling ready to go because I recharged the previous day. Taking time to relax keeps you feeling healthy and balanced. Recharging makes it better for you to continue tackling your situations and tasks and can give you a fresh look as you return to them. It’s an extension to the concept of walking away from walking away from a problem and being able to solve it upon return. Productivity can rise when we step away from our busy schedules to relax. So take the time to be good to yourself so you can continue feeling fully charged and at peace.

The 20/20 Perspective

12 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart in Journal, Photography

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Tags

album cover art, blog, imitation, Justin Timberlake, perspective, phoropter, photography, reflection, selfy, The 20/20 Experience, vacation, vision

20130712-155945.jpg

I snapped this photo at the beginning of my vacation, which started with an eye appointment the first morning. As a big Justin Timberlake fan, I couldn’t resist the urge to combine my love for his classiness with my budding photography in my own version of his 20/20 Experience album cover art.

At first I contemplated changing my profile pictures to that imitation, which got me cogitating (as usual). It stirred me to finally reveal a little more of myself on my page and make the information my own. What better reflects my interest in perspective and hints at the facets of what shapes mine than a selfy of my face behind a phoropter? The only slightly off detail is that you can’t see my eyes. That means you’ll have to read my blog to gain insight into how I see myself and the world around me. I aim to reflect the Light through encouraging words.

This photo should make its way onto my main page soon, accompanying a couple other wordy additions.

Image

Two More

21 Friday Jun 2013

Tags

boyfriend, first kiss, journey, love, mirrors, poetry, reflection, relationship

You must know how I feel

Your eyes say you feel it too

I’ve wiped the tear from your cheek

It’s the least I can do

Til my fantasy’s come true

 

Just take one step

I’ll take two more

Come closer to me

You know what we’re for

 

My life I make for you

Venture with me my dream

Look at my face in your mirror

And see more than you seem

That my reflection in yours makes us a team

 

Just take one step

I’ll take two more

Come closer to me

You know what we’re for

 

I’ve caught the words on your lips

Not an article I would miss

I’ve spoken to make you mine

As we sealed our world with a kiss

So that as one we will be this

 

Just take one step

I’ll take two more

Come closer to me

You know what we’re for

 

You found the key to hold

It’s you who opens our door

You took one step as I fell into your eyes

You take one and I’ll take two more

Then I’ll take two more forever more

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*The photo credit here belongs to the man in the picture who inspired this piece.

Posted by KaylasOnlyHeart | Filed under Poetry/Lyrics, Uncategorized

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You can't make advances if you don't take chances. These posts share my perspectives of my journey as I step forward, walking in the Light.

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