I am tired of living a life trapped in cheap rose colored glasses. I no longer want to pretend I am someone I am not to appease you. I no longer fear to be known for who I truly am as I have been trying so hard to be someone I am not. It is tiring to keep up a game that I never wanted to play. I release this facade. This is me, unfiltered and raw. If it bothers you, that is your problem. - Mindy Ganz

We are constantly changing, growing and adapting. One minute we are happy and content, the next minute we are miserable and bored. Life is meant to be challenged, we are meant to change. If we are not changing, we are not growing. Do not allow the "normalcy path of the herd" deter you from living your life on your terms. If you force yourself to go against your naturally flowing current, it will be you who continues to constantly struggle to move forward. You will feel the pain, you will waste your time, your passion will dim and you will suffer. - Mindy Ganz

Be fearless but don't be overly impulsive. Have courage but stop at the danger sign.. Take chances but not to the extent that they hinder your progress. Don't be afraid but try to stay cautious. Walk away but look down the road before you decide to start running. - Mindy Ganz

The hardest person to forgive in life, is yourself. Integrity takes strength, acceptance takes courage, letting go takes faith. It all starts with the one in the mirror. - Mindy Ganz

Take in the simplicity. It's where true joy lies. The kiddie pool you dip your hot feet in while your child runs through the sprinkler. The cold beer you enjoy in the sun around your small family bbq. The way the sun feels on your chest as you lay on a cheap lawn chair on your patio. We don't need tons of money, a big pool, a large yard with a fire pit or an overly abundant salary to enjoy our life. We need perspective. We need an ego less ideal of life's most precious times as they are all fleeting. If money was enough, if materials fulfilled, there wouldn't be so many empty souls out there. Fill it with simple things...the clean air, smell of cut grass, a kiss, a compliment, a prayer. May you all be as blessed as those who figure this out sooner than later. - Mindy Ganz

They say the grass isn't always greener on the other side but you'll never know until you hop the fence. Life is meant to be explored. You are meant to be challenged. You are here to take chances. If you stay in a place out of fear of the unknown, you will never know what could have been. Perhaps the grass isn't much greener on the other side - but maybe it's better taken care of, watered more and given an array of accent flowers. Let me be the first to tell you....the grass is usually greener if you are asking the question, you just need that courage to take the leap.

I've spent a large part of my existence caring about what others think of me. Trying to appear happy when I wasn't just so others felt comfortable. Trying to fit in, when my square box didn't fit into their round peg. Being a people-pleaser became a job description for my life and I always tried my best to impress - even to an unhealthy emotional fault. I've worried for no reason, over thought things that needed no attention and done all I could to salvage the relationships and things that were already lost. In the end, know you've done your part in that chapter, Know you did your best. People will think what they want and do as they please - no matter what you feel is right. It's not your job to change someone else. It's up to us to decide to take the higher road and make the healthier choice for our own happiness. It is not done for their sake, but for ours. Always do your best in all facets of your life and when something no longer serves you....breathe and let it go...with confidence and with grace... Have a thicker skin but remember to keep a tender heart.
**be blessed, be joyful & find inner peace**
`Mindy Ganz

Letting go is hard. We may desire to fix something that is irreparable or help those that do want our help. As difficult as it is to accept these things, it's much more painful and permanent to lose yourself in the process. Give things a chance to get better but then choose you. - Mindy Ganz

How do we find our proper path in life?
If you are like me, you have asked yourself this question many times throughout your life. It is scary to walk through dark uncharted woods or what some refer to as “the unknown”. Because of this fear, we stick to the safer roads that have plenty of street lights.
But what if the other direction is the way towards our purpose? Perhaps what we need is a flashlight or a guide that helps to lead the way.
What most of us don't realize, is that we do have this tool. Some call it the inner voice or intuition but perhaps it's something bigger than that. Perhaps it's divine inspiration.
The problem is that most of us don't know how to recognize this and allow it in. Some don't want to give faith a chance. Society has placed within us preconceived notions about the life we are supposed to live and the dreams we are supposed to chase. We follow safe routes, acceptable careers, more money, stability and comfort zones because that is what we have been programmed to believe is right. We buy homes we can’t afford and accumulate unnecessary materials through added debt just to try to buy a happiness that has no price tag.
But what happens when it isn't enough? What happens when you have that knot in your stomach? When you just know things aren't right? When you are miserable and unfulfilled regardless of these accumulations? What happens when you no longer recognize yourself? You may even begin to develop anxiety, sleeplessness and emotional distress. These are all by products of ignoring that divine pull. You can try your best to muffle the sound but the vibrations will just intensify.
So how can we begin to alter our current path? What can you do to change things? Well first decide that you can and will begin now regardless of your circumstances. Not tomorrow or next week but now! Start with soul searching.
Be brutally honest with yourself and decide which areas of your life need drastic changes and which ones just need some polishing.
Some ways to accomplish this task is with a journal. Start keeping daily logs of your thoughts and activities. Keep a tally on triggers that cause the severe emotional shifts. What about your day leaves you feeling unfulfilled? What do you wish you could do instead? What are the things that feed your soul and which things are consuming you?
Another helpful tool is meditation and spiritual worship. You can try various techniques from sitting meditations, mantra meditations, visualizations or prayer meditation on scriptures. Breathing exercises can help to slowly quiet racing thoughts so you can focus during your meditation. You will need to try various techniques to see which type works best for you.
Spiritual discipline is also very beneficial to personal development. Become involved in your congregational community. Attend services, volunteer and most importantly pray.
Exercising is also a great addition to the mix.
Lastly and most importantly, be kind to yourself and others. Start each morning being grateful for the life you have, the beauty that surrounds you and the people you love.
Implementing these new changes will not magically work overnight but I promise that with daily practice, you will begin to see the benefits.
Put your trust in God and let him steer the way. Allow yourself to surrender to something bigger than any of us.
I strongly implore you to live a life you want to live and not one that just looks good on paper. It will take courage and persistence but the outcome will make it all worth it. I am here with you on this journey.
-Mindy Ganz
www.Enlightenthejourney.com