Hey there Reader, heyy!

YOU KNOW my love language is giving gifts.

If we’ve spent time together at a workshop, a Visionary Leaders’ Salon, a retreat, or on my website, you probably already know this. I rarely send anyone home empty-handed. Maybe you left with a journal and pen, an affirmation card, a copy of The Gratitude Train, or a funny little squishy brain. Maybe you got one of these. Maybe you got them all.

For me, a gift is a way of saying, I see you. You matter to me, cuz you do.

None of it is promotional merchandise meant for a drawer. I chose each one thinking about the life you’re creating and the dreams you’re carrying, and what might help you remember them long after our time together ended.

You gave me your time. I wanted to give you something meaningful in return.

So I have a question for you.

Are you using your gifts?

That journal and pen

Whenever you see that journal, I hope it reminds you of this: there is nothing more important than your dream.

Not the dream someone else has for you. Not the list of things you should accomplish. The dream that makes your heart whisper, Wouldn’t it be wonderful if…?

That’s why we begin by casting a vision across four areas of life: health and well-being, relationships, work and creative expression, and freedom with time and money. When we write a dream down, it stops being a vague wish and becomes something we can see and act on.

When was the last time you opened that journal and spent a few minutes with your dream?

Not your to-do list. Your dream.

That funny little squishy brain

I love giving these away.

One client told me she rolls hers around in her hand like a fidget toy. Others trace the raised lines with a fingertip, following the little pathways across the surface. I love that, because those lines stand for something real.

Your brain builds pathways through repetition. That’s how habits form, and thank goodness. Imagine relearning how to tie your shoes every morning!

But some pathways lead somewhere we don’t want to go. Habits of thinking that leave us anxious, discouraged, or sure that something wonderful isn’t possible for us.

So when you notice an unhelpful thought, pick up your brain.

Squeeze. Release. Take a breath.

Ask yourself, Is this thought serving me? Is there another way to see this?

The brain isn’t magic. It’s a reminder in your hand that you can interrupt an old pattern. Every time you trace a different line, you’re practicing a different path.

You don’t have to believe every thought that passes through your mind.

Those affirmation cards

The squishy brain helps you interrupt a thought. The affirmation cards give you something to put in its place.

Telling yourself Don’t think that! rarely works. Try not to think about something, and it’s suddenly all you can think about. Nature abhors a vacuum, so we need a new thought ready.

Instead of I’m not good enough, practice I am worthy, just as I am.

Instead of It’s too late, try There are still wonderful possibilities available to me.

Instead of I can’t do that, consider I can learn. I can take the next step.

This isn’t pretending. It’s practicing a thought that opens a door instead of closing one. Just because you’ve thought something a thousand times doesn’t make it true.

Put your cards where you’ll see them: the mirror, your desk, the refrigerator, beside your bed.

All aboard The Gratitude Train!

If you joined my community through my website, you may have received The Gratitude Train devotional.

You’ve heard of Soul Train. You’ve heard of the Love Train. Well, I’m inviting you aboard another one.

Gratitude isn’t only something we feel when life is going our way. It’s something we can train ourselves to practice, noticing what’s good, beautiful, and possible even when life is hard.

I’m not asking you to pretend everything is wonderful. I’m inviting you to remember that whatever else is happening, something is still worthy of your gratitude.

The breath you’re taking. The people who love you. The chance that today might surprise you.

Haven’t opened your devotional in a while? No guilt. Your seat is still waiting.

The gift you came here carrying

Your imagination. Your creativity. Your particular way of seeing the world. Your capacity to love, to learn, to make something beautiful, to offer what no one else can offer in quite the same way.

You are not an accident. And you are not a duplicate. One of one. UNIQUE!

Maybe you’ve been so busy caring for everyone else that you forgot about it. Maybe you’ve decided the season for using your gifts has passed. Or maybe you’re waiting to feel more ready.

A gift you never open is just clutter with good intentions.

You don’t have to change your whole life today. Open your journal and write one dream. Notice one thought you’d like to change. Find three things to appreciate. Give yourself fifteen minutes to do something that feels unmistakably you.

The gifts I give are small reminders. The gifts you carry are the real treasure, and the world is waiting for them.

So I’ll ask once more: Are you using your gifts?

Email me and tell me about one gift you’re ready to put to use. I’ll be cheering you on.

With grit, grace, and gratitude,

Coach Lori

All Rise. All Shine.

Love is a great place to start.

P.S. Lost your copy of The Gratitude Train? Download it again here. And if you’re ready for help putting your gifts to work, next step.​
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