All posts filed under: Choose to be Positive

Bad day?

Published by Naomi Sirmans

This post is more of a personal chat over a glass of wine than a formal blog post. I woke up this morning and received some bad news. Nothing major, yet it hit me where it hurts and sent me spinning. I felt overwhelmed and like life is one step forward, two steps back. Yesterday, I secured a contract that I really wanted and was feeling very happy about the success of my business. I was telling a friend of mine how I can totally understand how certain high power women stay single. I get such a buzz from my business. When things go well, I get this high that parallels the thrill of falling in love – only it’s deeper because it’s rooted in something I created myself. Today, I got sucker-punched. We all have those days though, don’t we? My little bit of bad news skewed my entire life perspective. Instead of feeling like I can do anything I set my mind to, (a sentiment I believe and ‘felt’ only yesterday) today I …

Live life on purpose – today!

Published by Naomi Sirmans

Live life on purpose. It’s a common expression, and for good reason. We only have one. It requires action, to move forward in the direction of your dreams. But sometimes it also requires experimentation, allowing yourself the freedom to try new things – and make mistakes. Living life this way is incredibly freeing. You can find a positive in almost every situation by choosing to live purposefully, focus on the positive, and allowing yourself a little slack not to be perfect. It is important to do what you want to do. I have made mistakes in my life, but I don’t regret the ones that were my choice. That may sound strange, because ultimately everything each of us does is our choice – but it is possible to forfeit a piece of yourself because you don’t recognize your value. It is so important to love yourself, acknowledge your own worth and trust your instincts. It is possible to place more value on other people in your life than you do on yourself, and this is …

Cherish the Moment

Published by Naomi Sirmans

Live in the moment. The expression has become so common it is almost cliché. And yet, is there a cliché with more truth? We are so connected, so easily contacted – so easily distracted. One study showed that people check their phones an average of 150 times a day. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY!! How many of us have dreamed of having children? I remember thinking about names I would give to my children when I was still young enough to be playing with dolls. I remember growing up and wishing for a baby, dreaming about tiny footsteps in the hall… …. Yet how many times when I hear those tiny footsteps, is my reaction, “Go back to bed?” How many times have I spent time checking my phone when my kids are playing in the same room? There is nothing wrong with either of these things, naturally. And in real-life, parenting is exhausting. In fact, the happiest parents take time for themselves, to do things they love – if you are a happy and fulfilled …

Hard Work, Hard Knocks and Luck

Published by Naomi Sirmans

“You seem to always have a lot of luck” Somebody I have known for only seven months said this to me. Quick rundown of the last seven months – I separated from my husband (though we had been separated in the same house for over a year previously), became a single mom, had my house broken into, worked full time while studying at night to get my degree, worked hard to upskill and change the direction of my career, faced the challenge of an unknown future with my job contract ending, all the while living in Ireland, an ocean away from my family. Same story different perspective. I have discovered strength in myself that I didn’t know I had. I have done things I have never done before. I have followed my dreams and pursued my interests. I have created some amazing memories with my kids and shared quality time with them – exploring the beautiful island of Ireland, playing games, baking cookies, laughing. I have read some truly insightful and thought-provoking books. I …

Everything Happens For a Reason… Or Does It?

Published by Naomi Sirmans

“Everything happens for a reason” Such simple, yet profound, encouraging (yet partially demotivating) words. A phrase we have all heard. Yet they stopped me in my tracks. My friend and I had been chatting about some recent happenings when she smiled her typical warm smile and said, “Everything happens for a reason.” I had always believed that. But this particular day, it struck me – I don’t actually believe that anymore. SOME THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON Without question, some things happen for a reason that we simply aren’t able to see at the time. It isn’t until we are a little further down the road that we can see how the pieces all fit together. Life ran it’s mystical course and brought good out of a dark or bleak situation. BUT ALL? What about rape? What about abuse? Neglect? Innocent children kidnapped from loving homes to experience unimaginable horrors? Premature deaths? These can all seem far removed if they don’t touch our lives personally. So… what about betrayal? Shattered dreams? Broken …