The challenges we face…

Your Authentically Thought-Provoking Weekly E-Newsletter

Nov/Dec Series: Reflections | 12.4.24 | Issue 4 | Resilience & Perseverance

CANDID questions:

The Challenges We Face

Reflecting on the challenges you faced over the past year can reveal resilience and perseverance, as well as insight you might not have gained otherwise. Here are some questions to help you reflect on ways you have pushed through and survived, if not thrived.

QUESTION 1: What unexpected opportunities or challenges came my way that led to growth or blessings?

Sometimes what feels like a challenge is actually a door God has opened to redirect us.

QUESTION 2: What did my response to challenges this year teach me about myself?

The question “What did I learn about myself?” is highly relevant because challenges often reveal truths about our character, beliefs, and areas for growth that we might not otherwise notice.

QUESTION 3: How can I use the lessons I’ve learned to encourage or help others?”

When we share the lessons learned from our struggles, we give our pain meaning. It becomes a tool to support and uplift others rather than something that weighs us down.

QUESTION 4: What could I have done differently to approach the challenge with more faith or wisdom?

Considering alternative actions to a decision can greatly benefit a person by fostering growth, self-awareness, and better decision-making in the future. By reflecting on how you could have responded with more wisdom or faith, you build a toolbox of strategies for future obstacles.

The goal of these questions is to ultimately answer the question: What obstacles did I overcome and how did these experiences shape me? Difficulty is often our greatest motivator to change and shift our actions or perspectives. What will you bring with you into the new year?

Have a thought-provoking question to pose? An interesting response? We want to hear your story. Be heard. comment@tanapattenpoole.com

CANDID conversations with Tana:

Struggling with Success

I know how to fail. I know how to keep going when the chips are down. I know how to persevere. BUT - how do I move forward when I just want to enjoy the moment? When success is knocking at my door and I want to relish the moment. To stay put.

I end up getting stuck and missing out on what’s next. I appreciate success, but I find it more of a day-by-day experience, and focusing on the task at hand keeps my head out of the clouds. I need to move forward – enjoy the season but keep moving. I’ll take a day to celebrate, be grateful, remember, and take stock. A good day. A God Day. A day to pause to see His goodness, and be filled with gratitude. These are the days when your spiritual eyes are open, and you have clarity. Enjoy it. For one day and then move on.

Keep your healthy rhythms, but celebrate. Tell someone. Tell someone about the good that God has done in your life. In the Bible, Judges speaks many times of how the Israelites did not remember the good God had done for them, and their hearts were turned away from Him. Remind yourself daily of the good gifts – pause weekly, and occasionally have a day of celebration. Remember. Relish. Refocus. Repeat.

CANDID quote:

“Difficulties prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

C.S. Lewis

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Small Business Partners

This time of year, small businesses need partners - don’t miss out on these relationships!

UPS Store

Maybe I like them because they make my life easier, and they are friendly and helpful. They have never messed up an Amazon return - bonus!

USPS

Give them a chance, again. USPS has come a long way from even 5 years ago. If you go early, they are affordable and friendly. Don’t forget to pick up some cute Christmas stamps.

ULINE for shipping

All the supplies for your shipping needs. They make for great Christmas boxes as well - both shipping and local giving - a professional touch to a personal gesture.

Have a recommendation for your area? Submit it to: comment@tanapattenpoole.com. Include your location and permission to use your first name or not.

WHAT I’M LIKING

Women’s Gifts Edition: Perfume

I can’t give a review of men’s gifts without a women’s gift guide counterpart! This is for the men who are struggling to give the woman who has everything something special this year. A perfume is unique and speaks to the qualities of the woman wearing it. Determine what you love about your woman and get her a scent accordingly. Here are three you can’t go wrong with.

Monique Lhullier EDP Spray

It’s my personal favorite and daily go-to. With airy tones of bergamot and freesia, two of my favorite scents, the blend is refreshingly different.

Happy by Clinque

High energy, and enthusiastic, you can’t help but be in a good mood with this perfume. It is a bit recognizable.

Mont Blanc EDP Spray

In a milky-white bottle, of course! I met a woman out walking one day and asked her what perfume she was wearing. She directed me to Belk, and I think this is the one she was wearing. Regardless, it’s lovely.

What are you liking? I’d love to hear about it at: comment@tanapattenpoole.com