journey Archives | Lori Bruton

Check the Expiration Date

June 24, 2020 by Lori Leave a Comment

Les Brown said: Are you holding on to a part of your life that has long expired? Each season in life comes with an expiration date, so life is about releasing and surrendering.

Give yourself permission to let go…of past regrets, failures, or mistakes; unresolved pain and disappointments; or actions that you should have, would have, or could have taken ~ but did not.

Choose to give in and surrender to your dream, your passion, and your calling. Marion White said…”In life when you don’t have enough courage and insight to know that you have outgrown a situation and it’s time to move on…life will move on you.” Let go or be dragged. It is your choice. You have GREATNESS within you!

Life has moved on me and was dragging me, because I didn’t see a way to keep pursuing my passion as the bills and debts pile up and my car got a terminal diagnosis. Not knowing how to dig out of all those holes. It looked hopeless. I felt defeated and discouraged.

As I sit here today, I ask myself if the things I’ve been doing have expired. Thinking I needed to get a temp job and work outside the home only to have stuff keep happening to sabotage it every time. I don’t belong there, but because of a cash flow challenge, I kept going back to what is familiar and listening to people telling me, “get a job”.

Remember that song by Uncle Kracker that says, “Something is wrong here; I don’t belong here.” For me, that would be in a corporate cube. There must be other options, right?

Guess what? My job is to write. God gave me the gift of words. I am a STORYTELLER and SPEAKER. It’s my time to tell my stories and use my voice to impact people, give them hope, and show them how to live their dream. The people who read my books and hear my voice in the written or spoken word will not only know my struggles and the obstacles I overcame, but their lives will transform and as they overcome too.

I am the Queen of Hope. I must not lose hope. The Good Book says, the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. The enemy doesn’t want me to live my destiny, pursue my passion, and impact lives. He doesn’t want any of us to live our purpose on purpose.

I almost fell back and got off track and paused my own dreams. No! God is the Waymaker, Miracle worker, and Promise Keeper.

Do you have a dream you gave up on, because you didn’t see a way to make it happen? No matter where you are now, it’s just where you are, not who you are, as the Oola Guys say.

Alexander Graham Bell said, “When one door closes, another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

Let’s promise each other to pursue our dreams, impact lives, and love life. You were created to create by The Creator.

A great place to start is read what I created and let it inspire you. My book is endorsed by The Oola Guys, Dr. David Braun and Dr. Troy Amdahl. (Thanks for believing in me, Oola Seeker & Oola Guru). Click here to get your copy of Hole to Whole: Journey To Hope And Transformation

Journey on. Your Oola Path awaits. (What does that mean?) Leave a comment or message me to find out.

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM?

March 12, 2019 by Lori 4 Comments

What’s your dream? Is it to write a book, be an artist, a musician, dance, travel, be in a movie, speak on stage, or something else? Tell me. I want to know. Whatever it is, do you believe your dream can come true?

Belief and knowing it’s possible is an important first step. Can you see it like it’s already happened? I’m excited to hear about your vision. Paint me the picture so I can see it with you. Let me know more about you and what’s going on in your life.

When you were a child what did you enjoy doing? Remembering those things may give you clues about your dreams and passions if you don’t already know.

One of my favorite things is writing. I have discovered that many people dream of writing their own book. Most of them have not, because they don’t have time or think they have to be a good writer or some other reason. There is always a way to make it happen. Everyone has a story to tell.

Helping you go from where you are to where you desire to be is my specialty. Maybe it is writing a book. People write books for many reasons. Maybe it’s to leave a legacy, share a message, or the accomplishment of attaining the title of “author”. Telling your story can also be your own healing journey or a way to record your personal history. No matter the reason, if it’s your dream, DO IT. Don’t let anyone stop you or cause you to doubt, especially if the person stopping you is YOU.

Time is of the essence. Make your dream happen now. Let me help guide your way. As my mother used to say: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

Speaking of HELP, may I ask for your help? Please let me know what topics are of interest to you that I can blog about. Also, your feedback about my book is appreciated. Right now it is on pre-sale with a description. Let me know if it intrigues you, why, and if you would read it. If it’s not for you, do you know who would benefit from reading my book?

Leave me a comment. It’s your time to make big things happen!

DO YOU FEEL THREATENED?

February 22, 2019 by Lori Leave a Comment

As I write this, many emotions emerge. I recently got off a call with a group of people I believe I was destined to meet. I am excited to see where this journey takes me.

Every task and direction given to me, I have done and delivered with excellence ahead of schedule. It’s important to me to follow through, follow up, and stay connected. What if other parties do not respond or return messages, especially when they did initially? What if you are hired to do a project, but the person who hired you keeps blowing off your messages and questions? I know people are “busy”. (Don’t get me started on that word–It says, “You’re not important enough for my time.”)

How can I continue to complete projects, especially for others, if they are not as committed as I am? I step back and do my best to see what may be going on at their end. Still, no matter what, COMMUNICATION is key and in a timely manner. Knowing that you have that person’s FULL ATTENTION and that they are actively LISTENING shows honor, respect, and interest. People want to know they are important, and that you truly care, right? No longer will I tolerate putting myself last, because I think everyone else is more important. My time is valuable too. It is a pleasure to work with people who treat me well; be assured that I will give the same courtesy.

Talk is cheap; ACTION (or lack of) tells the real story. Unexpected stuff happens to everyone. Just communicate when it does or at least assign someone to relay the message. Be honest; be authentic. It’s okay. Most of us, at some time, have bitten off more than we can handle and made promises we can’t keep. Be real; just say so. Don’t keep me guessing; take time to respond. I would rather know if anything has changed than to have unrealistic expectations, wouldn’t you?

Maybe $100 or $500 or even $20 is a big investment for some and only pocket change for others. The fact that you made that investment and trusted certain people was a HUGE risk for you. Recently, I had an unexpected medical and financial situation that was a game changer. Despite everything, I keep making investments and taking risks. Many of those risks almost put me under. Have you ever been there? Feeling like you keep getting sucked dry only to be mocked or called crazy. Even worse, feeling devalued when threatened to be “disowned” if you don’t have the investment required and never to be allowed into that circle again. Wow, that hurts!!

Know the difference between excuses and people who are giving it their all and doing their part to find a way. Hopefully, their finding a way and digging a deeper HOLE prevents them from being homeless versus truly achieving success. Take time to hear their situation. They are counting on you, because you promised to be there. They put their TRUST and BELIEF in you. You have seen their efforts and accomplishments, don’t just laugh it off and take it for granted.

There are people who use and take advantage of people, but most people DO have good intentions who truly help people succeed. When we break promises or fall short, step up, admit it. Lead by example. Again, we all strive to lead by example. None of us is perfect. I disappoint myself many times. Let’s not disappoint each other. But when we do, forgiveness and understanding go a long way. Know who really is there for you and who isn’t. Don’t pretend. Find the circle who supports and encourages you and helps you reach your destiny. Remember, what you know and the life you live may be foreign to new people in your circle. Have mercy and patience. What comes easy to you, isn’t easy for everyone. Build them up and teach them how to rise up and help them when they fall; you will be appreciated and rewarded for doing so.

There have been too many people I trusted and who made promises; it didn’t end well. When similar patterns emerge, it causes me to pause and evaluate if I am in the right circles as I move forward. Time and actions will reveal the truth. I am committed to doing my part.

Thank you, Dani Johnson, who taught me, “Nothing becomes dynamic until it becomes SPECIFIC.” For example, “Honey, when do you want to start a family?” OR “When can you fix the sink?” OR “When will we schedule our next call?” If your answer is, “SOMEDAY” or “SOON” those answers are NOT specific.

Is having INTEGRITY important to you? We all fall out of integrity at times. Then what do you do? Own up to it, apologize, and get back into integrity with yourself and others. Is “image” or good character more important? Some people use arrogance or ego as a cover. It reminds me of a man who was often late on purpose to show how important he thought he was so that people should be thankful to get time with him. Really?

My grandpa always said, “Don’t think you are better than anyone, but know you are just as important.” Be humble, and respect everyone’s time no matter who you are, from peasant to king. When people commit to a time to connect, all parties are expected to show up. Sure, there are glitches and delays and unexpected things that happen; that’s life. Just communicate that information so you don’t leave people hanging.

Have you been “ghosted”? What is that? Ghosting is breaking off a relationship (often an intimate relationship) by ceasing all communication and contact with the former partner without any apparent warning or justification, as well as ignoring the former partner’s attempts to reach out or communicate.

Ghosting can happen in business too or friendships. One day you are communicating regularly, and everything is great. Then, poof, it ceases. What happened? You may never know. If it was an intimate relationship, maybe they ran off and got married even if they said you’d always be best friends. In business, maybe a richer client came along. Don’t waste your time on people who don’t value you. Even if it seems like some people put you on the back burner or cut you off, don’t give up on yourself or your dream. Shake the dust off your feet and keep it movin’.

WHY I CHOSE TO WRITE A BOOK

February 8, 2019 by Lori 2 Comments

In my last blog, I announced that I wrote a book called HOLE TO WHOLE. It’s been a strong desire on my heart to write a book for many years. In fact, I believe it is my assignment. More importantly, I choose to make a difference in many lives.

Some people write to gain status or the title of being an author. For me, it’s not an ego trip or for a “title”. I speak and write from my heart sincerely in truth. May my words help you in a profound way and make a positive impact in your life. Get comfy; there may be tears and definitely laughter. May your heart and life be touched changed forever after.

Even though my book talks about my personal experiences, it isn’t truly about me. What do I mean? The purpose is to help and encourage others. No matter how many “holes” and obstacles we encounter, anything is possible. We can overcome and press forward.

My dad always told me everything starts with an idea; my dreams CAN come true. I admit that I doubted. Hearing people say, “You can’t do that. No one will read your book. Only rich people are successful authors.”

Know that I poured my heart and soul into every page. I took a BIG RISK putting my story out there. I know that I know that I had to expose my darkest secrets. Why? There are too many people in pain; suffering shame and guilt and feeling unworthy and discouraged.

I chose to come to a point that I didn’t care what other people thought, their opinions, their judgments; I care more about how my story can help others. Losing hope and giving up is no way to live; it’s just existing.

We are all born and created for a purpose; to make a difference. It’s time to get off the couch and live. Maybe you want to get up, but you feel you can’t. Something is keeping you down; something you may not be aware of yet. It’s not just about willing yourself to do it. It’s time to dig deep and expose those roots that have kept you stuck. Don’t let them rot and ruin your life. Maybe you don’t even know all the stuff you’ve been stuffing. Warning: It will surface in some form.

Let’s take this journey together so you will come out on top. My story may offer you solutions. Just knowing someone else has gone through similar experiences may be helpful. There is so much more! It’s time to thrive and make your dreams a reality.