Guest Author - Angela England

May 14th- "We all have gifts: powers to varying degrees - and everyone has at least one gift - that is your particular piece of power. Acknowledging that you do have power is a major energy of change." by Dr. Lee Palus

This quote reminds us that we all have something important to offer to those around us. Sometimes when I forget this fact, I get discouraged. Remembering that I have a special gift for those around me is an energizing and purpose-filling thing. What gift or gifts do you have? What is your particular piece of power?

May 15th - In the quote above Dr. Palus mentions that acknowledging the power you have is what creates an energy of change. Why do you think that the things we acknowledge has such a strong impact on our lives?

May 16th - Today is Armed Forces Day. Do you know a veteran who has served in the armed forces? What do you believe about the necessity of an organized military? Compare today's military forces with early militia. Have you ever served? Would you?

May 17th - I'm writing for a living right now, but a recent school assignment has be writing a personal reflection piece. Here are some thoughts from my journaling about the assignment, "Much of my writing is on a set topic or by assignment or under private contract. A garden nursery business wants an article about sun-loving plants for their customer newsletter. They give me $40-$50 and I give them the article they want. This assignment is a lot different though! I'm not being hired, I'm not serving someone else's whims and fancies - I am totally on my own for this one. :-) That's kind of interesting to me. And a lot-a-bit scary. "

Sometimes the most challenging things are not totally new and unexpected circumstances. Sometimes they are simply new twists on the familiar. Have you experienced this recently? In what ways have your talents and knowledge been challenged lately?

May 18th - "To know a man, observe how he wins his object, rather than how he loses it; for when we fail our pride supports us; when we succeed, it betrays us. by Charles Caleb Coltoz.

Think about a time when you worked hard towards a goal and achieved it, or competed against someone and won. How did you act? Would you be described as a "gracious winner"? Why or why not? What does your behavior upon success reveal about your character?

May 19th - "I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure -- which is: Try to please everybody." by Herbert Bayard Swope.

Sometimes I can definitely fall into this trap trying to help everyone else with everything else other than my own dreams and goals. I've learned to be more cautious about what I devote my time and energy to outside of my family so that I can have enough to give the people who are relying on my. Especially now that I am a mother.

In what ways are you working too hard to try to please everybody? How is that working out for you? What do you need to change?

May 20th - Describe what you like best about your daily routine.

Stop by the forums and share the answers to your journaling prompts if you want.