SPARK Blog

SPARK Notes for September 9th

Posted by Amy Cochrane · September 09, 2019

with Blaire Harter

"Many times what we perceive as an error or failure is actually a gift. And eventually we find that lessons learned from that discouraging experience prove to be of great worth" - Richelle E. Goodrich

We all make mistakes.

Making a mistake can be a positive, if you choose to view it that way. The first thing to do is to remember to be kind to yourself. Choose to use positive self-talk, instead of focusing on the negative. Take the time to analyze the mistake and determine what you can to remedy it now, if possible, and how you would react in the future should it happen again.

Each time we make mistakes, we learn something from the experience. In order to grow, you have to be willing to acknowledge the lesson and then let it go. Lingering on the mistake will only affect your self-confidence and limit your ability to move forward towards the goal you are reaching for.

Embrace the feelings that accompany a mistake, but then know that your best is more than good enough. Get out there today and be proactive!

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SPARK Notes for Monday, September 2nd

Posted by Amy Cochrane · September 02, 2019

and Blaire Harter

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Today is a special day. Not only because it is Labor Day, but because it is a day where you woke up and exist on this earth.

Each new days brings with it endless opportunity: A day can be where you start a new habit, take time to journal what you are grateful for or what brings you joy, where you begin a new training plan for an upcoming race, where you book that plane ticket to the country you always wanted to visit, or a day where you tell someone how much they mean to you.

No matter what today brings, it is important to strive to live it to its fullest. Yes, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day, but make a conscious effort to embrace the small, simple moments.

For every day is a GIFT.

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SPARK Notes for August 26th

Posted by Amy Cochrane · August 26, 2019

and Blaire Harter

"There is no greater joy, nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone's life" - Mary Rose McGeady

Making a difference does not have to be big. It can be done in a smile, a hug, a kind word, or a listening ear.

The truth is, you never know what someone else is going through. People do not always show that they're going through a difficult time. Even if it can be challenging for you personally, approach each person you encounter with acceptance, respect, love, and kindness. You will never lose out from being kind to someone and not expecting anything in return.

What you do and say can have a big impact. Your single act of positivity might just be the brightest moment in someone's time of darkness.

You make a difference.

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SPARK Notes for August 19th

Posted by Amy Cochrane · August 19, 2019

and Blaire Harter

"There is no greater gift than to honor your life's calling. It's why you were born. And how you become most truly alive." - Oprah Winfrey.

Your 'why' matters! Each of us has a different reason for working toward the goals we have set for ourselves. It is not until you find that 'why' that you can find your 'how.'

There will be times in your journey that you lose focus and motivation. If your 'why' is strong enough, it will be there to continue to pull you toward what you are working for. Finding your 'why' will help you prioritize what is important to you, it will give you purpose, and bring you gratitude.

Revisit your 'why' often. Write it on a post-it note and put it on your mirror so that you see it daily as a reminder to keep showing up, to live positively, and seek out new opportunities.

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SPARK Notes for August 12th

Posted by Amy Cochrane · August 12, 2019

and Blaire Harter

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis

It is never too late to get started on a new path to success, to a new career, to exploring a new sport, or opening yourself up to a new relationship. Who you are today is not who you have to be tomorrow. You are capable of changing at any moment in time.

Oftentimes, we may not reach for a new dream because it seems unachievable. If you take the time to break a big goal into smaller steps, it can be easier to see that it can be accomplished.

Don't wake up tomorrow with regret for what you could have done today. There is no perfect time to do something because life is always changing. In pursuing a new goal, you may find you are stronger, more resilient, and confident than you once thought.

Do you have a goal you've been dreaming of, but are afraid to reach for?

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