Perhaps you were like me; you never really thought death or serious illness would happen to you or to someone you cared about deeply.  Then one day, you get the news.  Trust me, how you cope with it makes all the difference. I initially wrote this post months ago, but after hearing many stories of illness recently, I thought it would be fitting to share this story now.

Why does it take hardship for people to realize a person’s character?

Let me explain. 

Recently, I made a mistake, and I’m the first to admit it.  You see, I befriended someone and we got super close and chatted regularly. Then all of a sudden, this person stopped talking to me for the period of a month (this can seem like forever if you talk to someone a lot). 

I thought the reason they pulled away had to do with me.  I am guilty of this - if someone pulls away or is upset, my first instinct is to believe that I am to blame. These are the thoughts that came into my head as soon as this person stopped talking to me: “I am the one to blame. What did I do wrong? Was it something I said? What was our last conversation?” I was really hurt that they stopped communication.

Jessica Larsen is a word-wrangler, story-seeker and general lover of wonder + whimsy. She loves green smoothies, summer evenings, and motivational movie montages. She is actively pursuing a life of inspiration, adventure and truth. By day, you can find her giving legal and policy advice to the Government. By night, she is a cape-wearing online superhero who writes, pontificates and inspires over at www.sparrowandsea.com and Hello Wordsmith. Thanks, Jess, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your life! Keep writing, smiling, and sharing your story! 

Over the years I have received the comment that I’m too nice when responding with anything that life throws at me. The comment is usually seen as a bad thing – that I didn’t handle the situation properly.

Our society tends to favour loud and aggressive people. I have been told that I should be more assertive to get ahead in life.   However, when they mean be more assertive, they mean aggressive and loud.  Just because I don’t respond in the same way that they do doesn’t mean my opinion is less valuable or I’m less powerful than them.  Sometimes their opinions and comments are hard to ignore; you always hear them because they make a lot of noise. However, I truly believe actions speak louder than words.

I love combining my images and favourite quotes. Here is one I made for you. Motivational words to tell yourself each morning!

I just realized something about myself, well I have known it for a long time actually. I perform better and am happier when it is sunny outside. This realization became very apparent today when the sun appeared and suddenly my energy level skyrocketed.

Then it dawned on me that some of my readers may not be feeling bright in spirits today and may need an extra dose of sunshine. Perhaps your dampened spirit is due to a darkened day, harsh words from a critic, or you are dealing with a difficult time in your life. I have been there and just wanted to tell you that the sun will be shining again soon. PERSEVERE! Therefore, this post is dedicated to all of us who could use more sunshine in our lives. Especially to a reader whose appearance was criticized harshly by her boss today and she needs some cheering up. She's a beautiful person inside and out. Don't let the mean words of others ruin your day! Focus on the positive.

I found out yesterday that I won Best Body Image Blogger for the 2012 Nourishing Body Image Awards.  I'm honoured and humbled as this award came from you my readers.  You all took the time to nominate me and continue to support the work that I'm doing.  This award is not just for me - it's for you!  I may write Arianna's Random Thoughts but the site would be NOTHING without my readers and supporters.  We are all in this together. 

My birthday is coming up this week.  In the past couple of years, I felt like a failure around this time of year because I was reminded of milestones of adulthood that I hadn’t yet achieved. However, this year my outlook has changed and I am embracing the day!

I have interviewed many people for my “Profiles of Perseverance” series about how they persevere through many types of obstacles.  After watching Krissy's TEDTalk online, I had to ask her to be part of this series.  I'm so blessed she agreed to take part. She really inspired me!  I'm so glad I heard her speak.  Krissy Moehl is a Ultra trail runner, event promoter of Runner Girl Races, Coach,  Patagonia Ambassador,  and a 2 time Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc champion. She is an awesome woman!  I love the work she is doing! I really respect her and think she has a powerful mission. Thanks, Krissy, for sharing with us the lessons you have learned throughout your life! Keep running, smiling, and sharing your story!

Yesterday, I found this beautiful song by Tristan Prettyman and I have been playing it non-stop since I found it.  I first found out about Tristan after hearing her song "I Was Gonna Marry You." I love her voice and had to listen to other songs by her.   That is how I found the song "Say Anything."  Have a listen! I love how honest and vulnerable she is in her writing.   She has inspired me to write from my heart and not hold back.  Thank you Tristan!

Changing your thoughts can really impact your life.  I have been changing mine and recommend that you should try it! Get involved by clicking here and sharing why you are a star! I'm only on day 4 and LOVING it so far :)  Imagine what you will get to see and experience.

I'm pleased to announce my new series called:November is the time to become your own CHAMPION.  This is a month where you should start to express gratitude towards YOURSELF.  I hope you will join me!