“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

I want to encourage you this week to not give up.
Why is encouragement so important?
We’ve all had times in our lives when we needed a little encouragement.
Encouragement increases your confidence, blesses the soul, provides hope, energizes you and helps you to develop the courage necessary to keep going.
Things may not be working out the way you want but be encouraged. There is hope!
I love this classic quote from Arthur Ashe, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Trust God, believe in yourself and believe in the process. Take it one step at a time; you will make it through. Change takes time. Be patient.
We all go through periods of testing and trials, these challenges of life may slow you down but don’t let them take you out… you have to finish the race.
It’s okay to get discouraged just don’t stay there. Get back up!  Start where you are taking tiny steps towards your desired outcome and decide that you’re not going to give up just because things are hard right now.
Keep pressing forward at your own pace and you will reach your destination, whatever that particular destination is for you.
You will inevitably encounter disappointments in life but living in misery is your choice. Just because you may feel like giving up does not mean that you are supposed to give up!
Think about all of the reasons that you should continue to keep moving. Take some time and think about all of the blessings that are surrounding you.
Remember why it’s important for you to keep pressing on.
Truth, perseverance and determination will help you to keep moving forward.
Allow me to be your encourager today.
So…Be encouraged and take some time to encourage those around you. An encouraging word can be a powerful force.
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Remember: A bad season in life does not equal a bad life.  Trust God, be grateful, take action, limit the negativity and maintain a positive attitude. Hold on to your faith and remain hopeful.
You’re stronger than you think you are! You will get through this.
Blessings and peace,