Soul Starters – Preview

Pieces of Me ~ Reblogged from Soul Starters – The Next Edition

The Next Chapter

Dear Stepping Stones Community,

It has definitely been a long time since I’ve written a live blog, but I simply could not let this next chapter in my life begin without first thanking each and every one of you who have visited my blog and have continued to be loyal followers all these years. I’ve read every message ever received and to this day continue to feel inspired and motivated by all of you.

I am eager to announce that Stepping Stones will be coming to an end, but only to make room for a new home and platform at www.soulstarters.wordpress.com. Soul Starters is my new home where I plan to explore and discover all the new pieces of my life…as a woman, wife and mother.

I welcome you all to join me for a thought-provoking, transparent, no-nonsense discussion about life.

Can’t wait to see you there ; )

 

With love,

Melissa

 

My Evolution

I sat down today and read through each and every post I’ve written over this past year since I created Stepping Stones, partly because I was intrigued by the massive increase in visitors to my site in the past few weeks, but also because I’ve finally reached a major crossroads in my life and felt it fitting to look back and see just how far I’ve come.

The biggest realization I have come to is that thankfully God had a plan for me..even when I thought he didn’t. I see clearly now that he rightfully took certain people out of my life to make room for more joy and happiness than I ever thought imaginable. He made me see that every chapter has its ending and that the best was obviously yet to come…but now…it’s come.

This post is entirely inspired by the greatest love of my life..Mr. Nagib Choucair…my future husband-to-be. After 7 1/2 years of wonderful memories, trying roadblocks, and overcomed obstacles…I can finally say that all the patience..and ultimate resilience has paid off in the best ways possible. I am so extremely excited to spend the rest of my life with you, to be your wife, and build our family.

I also need to give a major shut out to my family, friends, and real supporters. You all know who you are…you’re the ones who are still standing by my side and I couldn’t be more grateful to you…for everything. The outpouring of love and support we have received has been magical and truly moving.

Finally, a special thanks to a special friend who reminded me that God’s delays are not his denials.

With love,

Melissa

It’s My Life

I Can Because I Am

 

The title of this blog is definitely a reflection of where I stand in my life at the moment. I’m at a stage where I feel that I can do anything in the world….and there’s no one or anything strong enough to stand in my way. Is anyone else feeling this way today? Motivated, inspired, alive?

I’ve spent the past week surrounded by family and close friends, teaching workshops, working with kids who have transformed my life in more ways then they will ever truly know, grading papers, and singing along every step of the way. It hit me that for many years, there were all these goals and dreams that I always said “One day…I’m going to do that…I’m going to be that.” But still….year after year, I would feel like life just wasn’t accelerating as fast as I had hoped. There were many times when I unknowingly considered God’s delays to be his denials…..but in truth…I feel that all the obstacles that have ever stood in my way were put there as a force to test and shape my character.

Today, as I see how my dreams and goals have become my reality…I still feel somewhat stunned. I feel like my time to fulfill my destiny is here and as I continue to see new doors open for me…I am filled with excitement about what lays ahead.

Right now…I feel like I can do absolutely anything, because as a result of all the trials, tribulations and roadblocks…the stepping stones I have climbed to get to where I am were worth every single blood, sweat, and tear.

So I’ll leave you with these final words for today…..

“You can be anything you want to be in life…because you are filled with much more strength, courage, and determination than you give yourself credit for…therefore you will be anything in the world you set your mind to be. “

Thanks for stopping by ~ Melissa

On The Other Side

  

I am not quite sure how or when things began to change in my life. I suppose that is the underlying gift you receive when you have experienced a roller coaster of unexpected life events. Looking back now I can clearly remember thinking to myself that one day I would wake up and all the things I foresaw as negative would find a way to create positive meaning and understanding. As I reflect on my experiences, I realize that I definitely undervalued the importance of time and patience.

I think that naturally when we experience tough times we tend to focus on how to get rid of the feeling or circumstance, rather than really taking the time to figure out the root of the problem, our own involvement and what we need as individuals to heal and move forward with our lives. I certainly took all these aspects for granted before I realized that by not facing my problems, my fears, and ultimately myself that I was inflecting more pain than was necessary.

So I had to make a conscious choice to make some major life changes. It required me to get out of my comfort zone and explore parts of myself that I didn’t know existed. The interesting part was that as each day passed I found myself feeling better, stronger, and for the first time in a really long time I started to feel connected again and eventually all the confusing thoughts and questions began to make sense in a whole new way.

Now that I am on the other side of that part of my life, I can say without any doubt that I would not have changed my experiences this past year and I look back with no regrets. I can say this honestly because of the woman I have become as a result of my struggles. In 27 years, I have never felt more confident, beautiful, resourceful and most importantly ready to create a new and better version of myself. I have seen how positive things have found their way to me as I have begun to open my heart and mind to positive people, things, ideas…you name it.

A few months ago, someone suggested that I watch “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. This film has been transformational for so many people around the world. It focuses on the power of self-awareness, self-control, and opens your mind to the possibilities that each human being possesses by the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction. To put it simply, what we see is what we get. If our thoughts are constantly consumed by negativity then that is what we attract into our lives. If our thoughts, words, and images are positive then we create a strong magnetic force towards positivity and slowly but surely life takes on a whole different meaning.

I have seen this play out firsthand in my life. With a more positive outlook on life, I am now attracting people who share in my values and interests, I am building stronger and healthier relationships with family and friends, I also see new doors opening for me both academically and professionally. The list can certainly go on and on, but all to say that we all have the ability to attract the things we want and need into our lives.

 Remember, the power of thought is the greatest weapon we can use to achieve every and anything our heart desires.

 ~ Melissa~

Hands of Time

 

If I had one more day I would have said thank you. I would have held on a little tighter, hugged you a little bit longer, laughed a little bit louder. 

These are the should haves I’ll have to hold on to now. Because no matter what I can never go back in time and rewrite the past…but because of what you taught me…I will move forward appreciating life and the people in it because every single minute of every single day brings a new chapter. Even though I’ll be walking this one without you by my side…I’ll always keep you close to my heart. I’ll listen to that voice when I’m searching for answers…praying for guidance. I’ll find comfort in that voice when I need a shoulder to lean on. 

If I could turn back the hands of time…believe me…I would.