My Forsyth_March 2021

CHOOSE
Love
By Berni Leonard
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children: to earn the appreciation of
honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit
better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or redeemed social condition; to know one life has breathed easier because
you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The horizon of A new year brings fresh perspective,
a new slate, and open opportunities. 2020 made me
pause and reflect on how I do life. I realized if you
yearn for more, you have to grow more—constantly
investing in yourself. If you want love, you must give
love. What you put out into the world is what you will
receive in return. Your surroundings are a mirror of
how you choose to give and react in life.
SO, HOW DO YOU GIVE AND CHOOSE LOVE?
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:
WHO AM I?
In both my business and personal life, I seem to always get asked these
questions. What is at my core? What is my foundation? What is the one
thing that grounds me?
For me, it is always “treat others the way I would want to be treated.”
I know this is a common phrase and principle, yet it is so rarely seen and
recognized. To serve and treat others to the best of my ability, I strive to
incorporate integrity, servitude, and truth into my core foundation.
Integrity is one of the greatest gifts that you can give; it is keeping
your word and letting your actions be in alignment with what you have
said. Servitude is having a servant's heart, finding, and losing yourself in
the service to others. And truth; straying from any gossip and spreading
only love and honesty with one another. Though this is easier said than
done, sometimes it takes time to choose the honorable and honest
path. But once you are upon it, the reward is priceless. Find what drives
you and ask yourself what you value - it is in these questions you will
discover who you are and what you represent at your core.
HOW AM I IMPACTING OTHERS?
At the end of the day, it is not the material things that make us, but
rather knowing you have given your all and made a difference in even
one person’s life. Write down five people that have shared wisdom with
you, helped you grow, been a mentor or helped you through change and
adversity. By acknowledging those who have influenced your life, you can
think about who you have impacted through wisdom, encouragement and
unconditional love. You learn from those who give to you, so you can give
to others.
WHAT DOES MY DAILY AGENDA LOOK LIKE?
You will not change your life just by thinking about it. You must do
something and do it daily. The secret of success is found in daily routine.
Take a moment to reflect on how you spend a typical 24 hours. Are you
investing in yourself? Are you consistent? Are you intentional with your
routine? We must put time into our own personal care if we are to give
back to others. Be sure to start incorporating moments to reflect and
recharge in your day. You are what you put in. Be mindful of what you
read, who you listen to, what your friends embody - for these will all
influence you. Fuel yourself with good thoughts and tools that will help
you grow personally. You must learn to love yourself first, and by doing
that, you will represent and offer unconditional love to others. Choose
yourself so you can change others.
Reflecting on these questions made me take a good look at my choices
and how they impact those around me. I know that if I am going to lead
others with positivity and maintain lifelong relationships, it starts with
me. I must continue to grow in all areas of my life spiritually, financially,
professionally and health wise. It is our choices that show who we truly
are. You can choose to read 15 minutes a day on a healthy lifestyle; you
can choose friends wisely; you can choose to accept and give love. Love
can be spread and given in the smallest of ways. Sending flowers, saying
thank you, paying for someone’s coffee, giving a compliment, making
a meal for a loved one—these are all simple and small acts that give
love. Spreading love can change hearts, it just starts with you. We can
all make a difference one heart and one act of kindness at a time if we
consciously make it a priority. Choose love this year. Leave the world a
little better than you found it.
Berni Leonard is a beauty salon owner and coach. She
is passionate about adding value to the lives around her,
continuous growth and personal relationships.