The Life Letter- January Edition 2022

Life Letter

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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM LOVEBIRD PUBLISHING! LET’S TALK MIND OVER MATTER

The Life Letter January 1, 2022. Copyright Lovebird Publishing LLC

JANUARY EDITION 2022

THE LIFE LETTER THE LIFE LETTER

LoveBird pictured here, hosting Kai Love’s Live Show for her independent album Curl Pattern. Dec. 2021 also pictured Michael Flowers Sr. (left), and Aaron Day (right)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

BECAUSE LESS IS

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Get tips on organization, decluttering, prayer and meditation, creating efficient routines for the home and more!!!

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THE LIFE LETTER

VISIT MY WEBSITE TABLE OF CONTENTS INSPIRATION

WELLNESS

LoveBird’s Letter

Lovebird’s Health Corner

LoveBird’s Prayer

Meditation Myths Debunked

HOT TOPICS

ARTS-N-ACTION

What Should I Do With My Tax Return?

Photo of Inspiration

Brain Dumping- Creativity Exercise

Mirrors

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THE LIFE LETTER

LoveBird’s Letter

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR MY LOVES!

Today is the day that millions of people are planning to drastically change their life by dropping old habits, adopting new resolutions, or shedding dead weight of the past. Many people are convinced that the first day of the year brings a will power to make these things last. An innumerable amount of those same people will be disappointed and accept defeat as their fate by the middle of March.

I know from experience that a new day of a new year is not enough to change everything that is wrong in life.

No astrologer’s reading of the stars have held much weight concerning this matter, either.

So what is the secret to upholding your end of the bargain, when it comes to making lasting change?

The elders of my family would describe it as a “made up mind.” At some point you have to be fed up with what has been and must be determined to do something new. I’m not talking about the wishing things would change mentality, but having an, “I refuse to be in this place another second” mindset.

Are you frustrated enough with your current situation to do something about it? Do you have what it takes to make a new path for yourself, or is there something within you that still holds you hostage?

It’s okay to be in any of the aforementioned situations.

However, you must be honest with where you are so you can make any step toward your goals.

mind to think up a way out. The bible says, let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus. Having the mind of Christ gives you limitless access to revelation, knowledge and strategy to make lasting change for any and everything life brings.

My hope for you, is that for every goal you have, you develop a surety to see it through.

For every frustration you have, that God will grant you a way of escape.

And that every thought would be coupled with an unfailing conviction to keep going.

Mind over Matter

Let this year, this day, this moment be your time of putting your mind over matter.

Whatever you wish to change, you have the power within your

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THE LIFE LETTER

HOT TOPICS:

HOW BRAIN-DUMPING BENEFITS PRODUCTIVITY

Writers of all levels of expertise have once experienced a writer’s block. Writing projects have been delayed, postponed and even shelved due to an inability to finish.

I know personally I have taken more than my share of time to simply complete a rough manuscript for a book idea.

(Currently, I am working to publish my first book this year.)

Having writer’s block have led many writer’s into deep depressions, stunting their creativity and being the demise of their careers.

Traumatic events have caused writer’s like the Great Maya Angelou to even go mute.

To combat this stunt in creative release, a common practice of brain-dumping has been used to help break through the wall of writer’s block.

There are many ways to brain dump. We will explore strategies and get the creative juices flowing again.

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1. Write out your thoughts, no matter how scattered.

I find it best to do this at the start of your day, or right before you begin to unwind at the end your day. What this practice does, is it empties out the trivial thoughts that usually interrupt more purposeful thoughts. You can write out list of things to do, questions you have about random things that have occurred, or simply express how you feel in the moment.

2. Create a mind-map.

A mind-map is a diagram used to link relating ideas, concepts, and images together in a more organized way. I have an app on my phone called Ayoa that is phenomenal with helping me organize, envision and plan for projects, ideas, or anything for that matter! Mind-maps can be used to jumpstart an action plan to completing your goals. You can create a mind-map on paper, dry erase board, or even in an app! Do whatever works for you.

3. Two words, VIDEO DIARY If you find yourself feeling a lot, and not having the words to express how you feel, I personally suggest you turn on your camera and start talking. There is no one there to judge you, and you are free to speak candidly.

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THE LIFE LETTER You’ll find that sometimes the issue is not that we don’t know what to say, it’s we don’t know how to say it. We often censor ourselves when in the presence of others, as to not offend or make matters worse. While there should never be room for abusive language when discussing others (or ourselves for that matter), having a safe place to speak frankly about what you are experiencing is liberating.

Having a video diary helps the person understand the weight of words, self-reflect and reassess your feelings after an issue or circumstance has occurred. If David can encourage himself, so can you.

4. Clear your mind with meditation.

I think it is no secret I am a Christian. So, I think its vital for me to be clear with this. When I recommend mediating, I am not referring to pagan worship of other lesser gods of any kind.

I am simply suggesting turning on some soaking worship music, and sitting in stillness awaiting to hear God’s voice or feel his presence (or have no music at all). You can also read a passage of scripture and think on it to help center your mind on the things of God. I find if you sing a song to yourself, during mediation it will calm your mind and spirit. Once your meditation period is over you will feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to tackle the hard thing again.

5. You can simply do something else.

There is power in knowing when to refocus your attention on something different. You may not have chosen the best time to work on a specific project. It’s okay not to have a productive day. As long as you don’t lose your passion for it, it is okay to take a break. Go have fun, watch a funny movie, take a ride, or hang out with friends. Basically any activity can be used to relax the

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mind. All creatives will need a healthy outlet to reset the creative process and increase productivity.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

FOR MORE CREATIVE WRITING STRATEGIES CONTACT LOVEBIRD FOR A CREATIVE WRITING CONSULTATION TODAY!

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THE LIFE LETTER

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY TAX REFUND? The last couple of years have shown us just how constant change is in our society. A global pandemic sent the world into a whirlwind of uncertainty. Poverty, job loss, unexpected tragic loss, lack of access to quality healthcare, and school shut-downs affected every household in one way or another. As some families fight to keep their homes and avoid eviction, other families are recovering from adverse affects of having COVID. Millions around the world are attempting to cope with loss of their loved ones, while picking up the broken pieces of their lives caused by sloping economies.

Mental health issues are at an all time high, and we all are just hoping 2022 is the year we can turn things around. In the United States, millions received stimulus aid to help them cover the essential needs. PPP loans were taken out by countless business owners and other people to trying to recover and survive.

While tax season may look different this year, due to millions receiving their child tax credit throughout the year, and businesses being bought out, it still is imperative we do all we can to regain a solid footing in our finances. Here are a list of money saving and investment strategies that will aide you in avoiding financial ruin in the new year.

1. SAVE SAVE SAVE Now I know this may not be feasible for all families, but stashing your tax return in a savings account for a rainy day is a great start in creating a financial cushion for emergencies.

Even if you can’t save all of it, at least tithe to yourself so you can have a starting place to building up your savings account.

2. PAY UP YOUR MORTGAGE/RENT Housing expenses have been the cause of many sliding into thousands of dollars into debt. Many mortgage companies and landlords put their resident’s housing expenses into forbearance for a certain period, as advised by the government. However, one the forbearance period was over,

QUICK TIP: Make sure your savings account is not as easily accessible as your checking account. It removes the temptation from doing quick transfers. Accounts with two-factor authentication are great to help you be disciplined.

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THE LIFE LETTER

continued from page 15

the entire balances came due most with interest, putting many middle class and lower income families at risk of losing their homes. To avoid experiencing this tragedy, make a couple of extra payments now to secure your home later.

If you have a mortgage, paying extra payments can help you dip into paying down the principal a bit faster. Including an extra 100 dollars a month on a mortgage can carve 6 years off of your amortization schedule!

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3. GET LIFE INSURANCE COVID gave the world a close-up view to how random and impromptu death can be. As the breadwinner of your family it is vital to have an action plan in the untimely event that you are unable to secure the future of your loved ones. It is never too late to take the financial load off of your family!

There are many competitive pricing options in the market for all ages. Having coverage for your entire family should definitely be a new year’s resolution! Please note you may have to shop around if you have certain medical conditions or history.

4.PLAN A FAMILY TRIP Last year was a rough year for many. What your family might need more than anything is time to relax, decompress and just enjoy moments together that will last a lifetime. While it is good to plan an exclusive all star vacation, be encouraged if that is not in the budget.

With booking sites like Trivago and Expedia, you can find affordable and fun trips that will fit any budget!

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5.CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR If none of the above suggestions apply to your situation. Seeking counsel from a financial advisor about how to best manage your money is the more responsible choice. You wouldn’t try to replace your own car engine, if you weren’t a mechanic. Listening to a professional could set you up for financial stability in the long run.

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THE LIFE LETTER

Lovebird’s Health Corner Digestive Health: How Tea Helped Me

Ok, STORY TIME! Let’s just say I have struggled with my digestive health since I could remember.

Without getting too personal, At the age of 4 years old, my then pediatrician wanted to perform intestinal surgery on me in an effort to help me be more regular. I’m very thankful for discerning parents who saw through his experimental tactics and got a second opinion.

I was plagued with severe chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, cramping pains, bloating, and nausea. Over my life I have exhausted every over the counter remedy and saw no lasting relief.

As an adult I went through a period of forsaking professional medical advice and researching for simple more homeopathic ways to cope. In January 2018, my husband and I gave up pork, and that helped tremendously. Another healing agent I love to indulge in is herbal tea. Now, I am not referring to the sugary sweet and green teas you get from the gas station. The tea that has the most benefits are herbal teas you have to steep yourself.

My favorite tea to drink when I feel a little weighed down, (which is far and few between nowadays), is lemon and ginger tea. Ginger is a natural digestive booster that helps cleanse your body and keep you regular. It sits well on an upset stomach and alleviates many symptoms I described before. It can be quite potent, so I suggest adding honey or a natural sweetener to offset any bitterness.

Other herbal teas that I enjoy that helps with digestion are: chamomile tea- soothes the tummy and helps you relax green tea- promotes digestive health peppermint tea- alleviates stomach pain

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THE LIFE LETTER

C H R I S T I A N

10 Myths about Meditation DEBUNKED When one thinks of meditation, the image of a bald Chinese monk adorned in his ceremonial robe usually comes to mind. We all have mimicked the famous “hummm” sound of these religious figures as we sat Indian-style on the floor.

People rarely equate meditation to the Christian faith.

I have noticed that in recent times, more people are questioning whether meditation should be an essential part of the Christian faith. Many would agree that Christian meditation is indeed biblical, based on the scriptures like Psalm 1:1-3, which encourages us to meditate day and night. On the other hand, others would argue that the practice of meditation is pagan and ungodly. Most people who agree would suggest the ritualistic practices of burning incense, sage, and praying with crystals invite evil spirits to your environment causing a demonic presence to arise. Both of which are true.

The question then remains is meditation biblical or not? To that I say, it all depends on how the practice is carried out.

Before we unpack this question, we must know what meditation is. According to Merriam-Webster meditating is -to engage in contemplation or reflection -to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness.

- to focus one’s thoughts on; to reflect on or to ponder over - to plan or project in the mind.

M E D I T A T I O N

From what I gather from all the definitions, meditation is an action word. One must do something to meditate. That means for a Christ believer we must activate our faith by doing or acting upon our belief. We do this by worshipping, praising, singing, dancing, praying. evangelizing, preaching, teaching, and doing missions.

One could argue that doing something about our belief is our specialty.

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THE LIFE LETTER Meditating can be perceived as simply living out our creed. To that point I would agree, but we must be careful not to practice any pagan rituals and offer that up to our holy and sovereign God. People outside of our faith may try to shame us into not confessing that our God is supreme over all other gods. But the bible tells us so in Colossians 1-16-17.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 So it is safe to state, that mediation has to become a practice. We must do meditation.

Just as the definition explains, we ought to reflect, concentrate and focus so we can become spiritually aware of what God is saying and doing.

How do we do that? We can be sure that we shouldn’t copy the pagans. Burning sage, lighting incense, rubbing and praying with For by him all things were created, in heaven and earth, spiritually charged crystals, visible and invisible, whether chanting, is condemned in the thrones or dominions or rulers bible. Jesus instructs us not to use vain repetitions like heathens. The or authorities-all things were old testament is full of warnings created through him and for from the prophets of God rebuking him. And he is before all things the children of God from adopting and in him all things hold pagan customs and worshipping together. as lesser nations did in those days.

So if we are to worship and use meditation as a means to connect As present-day believers we with a God such as this, we are to should heed these instructions. We do it his way. The book titled should meditate on the word of Celebration of Discipline by God, silencing our thoughts and Richard J. Foster lists mediation focusing on hearing from God as a foundational discipline for our either by his voice, through his faith. He goes in depth of the word, or in his presence. God still importance of it and how we speaks through the prophet if you should implement this in our lives, have the faith to believe.

(I encourage you to read for more understanding). Foster defines The bible tells us to “think on mediation as the ability to hear these things...” Thoughts that are God’s voice and obey his word. In pure, good report, just and order to hear one must be silenced and focused.

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praiseworthy are things we can turn our attention to in meditation.

Here is a list of things to do when you meditate to hear from God. You can do one or all of these things to help you meditate. I encourage you to try them all and find out what brings you closer to God. • Sit or lay in stillness, (any prayer posture will work).

• Close your eyes and imagine you being closer to God. • Breath in your nose and out through your mouth slowly and rhythmically to help clear your mind.

• Once your mind is clear. Focus your attention on a scripture.

• Think about what you need from God. • Listen to soaking worship music to create an atmosphere for worship.

• Echo the words of Samuel,”Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

• Wait until you hear from God or feel his presence where you are.

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ARTS-N-ACTION SECTION: PHOTO OF INSPIRATION Which triangle are you?

Does the bottom one appeal to you because it’s dense and seems to hold the entire structure together? Do you like the idea of being the most stable one, or do you think it can be quite tiring? Are you afraid of being forgotten at the bottom, and not being appreciated for your strength? You risk being taken for granted and others assume you will always be there to hold up everything.

Are you like many who would want to be at the top? The brightest and lightest seems to be the ideal position. Yet aren’t you worried about people thinking there is not much to you, always underestimating your abilities because from what they see you have it easy? Your life experiences dismissed due to the spirit of comparing struggles. Your tragedies aren’t quite big enough to take seriously.

Or would you want to be somewhere in between?

This seems like a balanced place to be. Very safe. Almost too safe. No risk involved in anything. You always know how things will go and the monotony of life drains the substance of your very existence. Not to mention there are others near you that are having the same experience but are too afraid or prideful to admit. So, the silence of it sits with you day in and day out until you have to decide whether to go up or down.

What is direction anyway? Is it finding a divine center to build from, or a downgrade? Is up the path to purpose or does ambition get in the way?

Wherever you are on this line, there are clearly pros and cons that come along for the ride. So decide now, where you fit, or don’t for that matter.

Time will reveal what you don’t. Life exposes what you won’t. So it’s time to put your thinking cap on and pick a position.

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THE LIFE LETTER

She.Is.Lovebird Some prophesies just stick with you. My spiritual father Bishop Rodney Hutton Sr. told me one Sunday in the summer of 2021, that less is more.

I will be exploring my journey into adopting more minimalist principles for my home and life this month on my blog.

Follow for more @she.is.lovebird on FB & IG!

That word led me on a path of making room and creating space and time for what was coming next.

I initially thought that I was getting prepared to receive my house miracle, but this journey led me to a life of minimalism.

Now, I am not buying a tiny home and living in 400 square feet with my husband and children in the woods, but I am more intentional about who and what I allow in my life.

she.is.lovebird on FB and Instagram #alovebirdword #spreadthelove Spread the Love

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THE LIFE LETTER

Mirrors When the applause stops, when the silence gets louder, when all that is left is you, do you carry the same confidence, have the same aura?

When you take off the trendy clothes and lay the newest designer purse to the side, and kick off your stilettos, do you still feel valuable?

Do you love you? the real you, I'm talking about the you that wakes up in the morning with no make-up and bonnet.

The you before the waist trainer, the butt lifter, and the body shaper. the you with the extra dimples, dips and curves or lack thereof...

Do you like what you see?

Can you stand in a mirror and not be distracted by what you deem as imperfections? Can you see yourself naked and not pick yourself apart?

So with that being said, I’d suggest to be nicer to yourself. Beyonce taught you how to be your own best friend. You deserve every ounce of love you have to give.

So give it freely, give it daily, give it continually and never forsake the one in the mirror.

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-LoveBird 20

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THE LIFE LETTER

What Christmas Taught Me

Some family traditions fade, in order for new ones to be created.

It’s now my time to create the magic of the holiday season.

The definition of family can be as rigid or fluid as you make it. I choose to let it flow.

Having a lot of something doesn’t always translate to having the best of something.

No matter what other philosophies say, Jesus is the reason for the season.

My home is the gift that keeps on giving!

My home has just as much holiday magic as my mothers.

Even though so many people that I love have gone, there is so much joy to get out of my life! Time truly is healing.

I can't get enough of my husband and children!

Grandeur isn’t the essential ingredient for a good time. Oftentimes the lasting memories come from the simplest moments.

I’m so grateful for my life.

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THE LIFE LETTER

LOVEBIRD’S PRAYER Lord, Thank you for all you have done to grace my readers to see the new year.

As we start the year, please God lead the way. Show us strategy for our next move. We don’t want to do anything without your hand being on it.

Enlighten us, awaken us, and make us aware of your supernatural flow for the year.

We thank you for all of these things being done in Jesus name, Amen.

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Life Letter

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The Life Letter. January 1, 2022 Copyright Lovebird Publishing LLC

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