Jemima June

Its almost been a week since I said my goodbyes to Missouri and made my way back to the humid arm pit known as Tallahassee. (Im not being dramatic. I promise.)

Not seeing this part of my family nearly enough, it is always nice to get to spend enough time that you get past the barrier of "I am a guest in your house and you have to entertain me." You know it is quality time with you can sit on the back porch looking at j.crew and Pottery Barn magazines while enjoying a cup of coffee. Or go to dinner and almost lose your food over the laughter of talking about Modern Family. In my case I have memories of playing "hot or cold" in the basement playroom with the cutest 5 year old I have ever met! However, holding my 4 days old baby cousin was the icing on the cake.

Me and Jemima June Colle

Family Evening walk, and we didnt sweat! 

Me and Tallulah Grace! 

My whole heart

I want to know You.

Let Your Spirit overwhelm me,

Let Your Presence over take my heart. 

"For NOT he who commends himself is approved, but whom the LORD commends." 2 Corinthians 10:18

Adversity

“I will not hinder my taste for aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself. How will you surprise yourself this week?

I remember the days being blistering hot as the summer was being written to the soundtrack of sweat, sunshine and a neighborhood of kids loving every minute. It was a typical weekday filled with no school and all the playtime an 8 year old could hope for. Just one thing haunted the back of my childhood thoughts- the daunting reality that I could not ride a bike without the oh-so embarrassing wobbly training wheels. All my friends, including my 5-year-old little brother, were getting dizzy off of the circles they made in the street. Yet I stood there, sweat dripping from my frizzy curls as they mixed in with the tears. I was in quiet a pickle as an 8 year old: I didn’t want to be left out of the laughter, yet I was overcome with the possibility of falling.  Running away, I hurried inside as my mom was in the cool house folding laundry and enjoying her afternoon escape of Guiding Light. Concerned something actually happened, she lifted my hot sweaty little body up on the bed and left me to chill out (literally and figuratively). As I sat on her bed, I got lost in my little mind as the blue sponge painted walls and Philip Spalding became white noise to my wondering fears.  I stared out the window, knowing the tears were not directed at anyone but myself.

 Then, it hit me. I sat straight up and decided at that moment to overcome my adversity. Heck, if my little brother can ride a bike, gosh darn it, so can I! A soon as Daddy walked in the door that evening I knew it was tonight or never. As we made our way out to the garage, the panic of reality started to set in. But I knew I had to be a big girl, I was going to be in fourth grade after all.  We made our way to the end of the driveway and towards the cul-de-sac that daunted my thoughts. I placed the pink helmet on my curly ball of hair and put one leg over as my Dad’s hands securely held the bike. I felt the push of the steady hand and my legs started to pedal forward.

“Daddy, don’t let go yet! Don’t let go!”

“I wont until you are ready.”

“Daddy, don’t let go yet! Don’t let go!”

“Laura Jean you are doing it!” as his voice became more distant and my legs pedaled faster.

For the next few hours I soaked up the summer sunset as my brothers and me rode our bikes in endless circles. Looking back to the house I saw my parents, sitting in the driveway surrounded by the half deflated kiddie pool and basketballs, cheering us on.

The next day I conquered the neighbor’s driveway and ran into the mailbox. No worries, its on homes video somewhere.

But yes, I got back on the bike. 

Fear

These are voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is fear holding you back from living your fullest life and being truly self-expressed? Put yourself in the shoes of the you who’s already lived your dream and write out the following answers:

1.     Is the insecurity you’re defending worth the dream you’ll never realize? Or the love you you’ll never venture? Or the joy you’ll never feel?

No, no and no.  Take that step of faith. Let it encompasses all that is within you and don’t let nothing keep your life from being fully over taken by the power that is already in you. If He is for us the who could ever be stop us? It is scary and unknown, but it will be worth it all. (so I keep telling myself)

2.     Will the blunder matter in 10 years? Or 10 weeks? Or 10 days? Or 10 minutes?

10 years? No. But just as everyone else, I am sensitive to my own insecurities and how others will feel if I was in their shoes. Sacrifices have to be made and the things will change. And others will be affected. Yet I cant base my life decisions off of someone else and what they think. However I can realize it will affect more than just me.

3.     Can you be happy being anything less than who you really are?

I believe you must realize you can me more than who you think you are right now. I believe people settle for what is tangible and what is comfortable and gives us the most control. Push yourself and get out of the way. Let Him take full control and be sensitive to the leading of His hand. Realizing that you were made for far more than the limitations you see yourself.

Now do. The thing. You fear. 

Imitation

Imitation is Suicide. Insist on yourself; never imitate. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write down in which areas of your life you have to overcome these suicidal tendencies of imitation, and how you can transform them into a newborn you – one that doesn’t hide its uniqueness, but thrives on it. There is a “divine idea which each of us represents” – which is yours?

(Author: Fabian Kruse)

  Imitation is easy. Imitation is safe. I can look at someone who has similarities of what I see in my own life line and think "if this, this and this line up as the same, then my life will end up like that." But the truth is, my life is a choice of my own and is imprinted with characteristics that make up who I am. No one can truly imitate me, just as I can not truly imitate you. You witness the cruelty of the fake followers who try so desperately to be something they are not, so much so that you cringe. Yet we get caught up in the reality of emulating someone every day. We compliment an outfit, or see an action or deed we admire- and we aspire to imitate.  The problem with imitation, is it can hinder the process of creativity and keeps us safe. When we see how someone else does certain things, we know the consequences, the effects and reactions already. It is safe to imitate cause there is no faith. 

I can imitate someone elses ideas, lifestyle and patterns- yet the truth always surfaces. Its is just a matter of how terrible the consequences will be and who will be effected by them. 

Honesty is the best policy.

I have to be honest with myself.

Who is Laura Jean Colle?

I have to take a step back and see that my interest and personality does not derive or become directed from those around me or change with the passing seasons. But it has roots that are true to me and the foundation is of the original Creator. My taste may change, the clothes will adapt, and the music will evolve. But my roots are of no imitation other than my own. 

Your Personal Message

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?

(Author: Eric Handler)

I had to think about this one for a moment. Ok, a long moment. I pondered, processed, prayed majority of the day to try and figure out what my "personal message" would be. For 1 million people to hear what I would say. Its fairly simple yet has so many roots. It can be taken lightly, but has depth that, I believe, can hold its own. 

Love God. Love Folks and realize you are just the vessel being filled and poured out. 

If you are not a Christian, then only 2 words can really apply to you. So I guess first, my message would be to get Jesus.

Then you can follow along with the others.

Now granted, this is a choice. We all have witnessed it- in the Publix parking lot as you almost get hit by the absent minded lady driving the tank of an SUV. Or the last one to empty the Brita container in the fridge left it empty...again. You've met and heard of those who get behind the pulpit and take all the credit. We see the evidence of selfishness and lack of Spiritual leading when you talk to a child whose insecurities stem from lack of decent parents. I could go on....

It is a choice.

You don't have to do anything. You can keep your eyes, your heart, and your life focused on you...but what good does that do?

There are more but it all is rooted in this: Love God. Love Folks. (its biblical too)

Oh! and of course you have the Colle Parents cardinal rules as we lived under their roof: "Let us know where you are at all times and keep your pants on. If you do this we avoid a lot of problems."

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Afraid to do

The other terror that scares us from self-trust is our consistency; a reverence for our past act or word, because the eyes of others have no other data for computing our orbit than our past acts, and we are loath to disappoint them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson says: “Always do what you are afraid to do.” What is ‘too scary’ to write about? Try doing it now.

(Author: Mary Jaksch)

MMM... yeah not putting it on here. 

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Five Years

There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What would you say to the person you were five years ago? What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years?

(Author: Corbett Barr)

Dear Laura in 2006:

   You are graduating high school and about to move to California. A few things to tell you that will help you but without giving anything away: 

      1. Take a deep breath and relax

      2.  You are going to look back and think "I thought I was FAT?!" Go eat something. 

      2. Find friends that love you for you and invest in them. Seize every moment and Soak. It. Up

      3. It is not going to go like you thought. 

      4. Everything you think that you want? Start letting go now, for your life will never be the same

      5. Take a deep breath and relax

Dear Laura in 2016:

  You are probably still in Tallahassee. I know, I know. NEVER thought you would still be here. Well I need to tell you a few things that will help you in this process:

      1. Take a deep breath and relax

      2. You are going to look back and think "I thought I was FAT?!" Go eat something. 

      2. Find friends that love you for you and invest in them. Seize every moment and Soak. It. Up

      3. It is not going to go like you thought. 

      4. Everything you think that you want? Start letting go now, for your life will never be the same

      5. Take a deep breath and relax

Some things never change. 


Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Dare to Be Bold

Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.

A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work

The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.

Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.

The only thing left is to, you know, actually go make it happen. What are you waiting for?

(Author: Matt Cheuvront)

   In all honesty it is hard for me to pin-point a certain "goal" or a certain aspiration that I have always wanted to accomplish. I don't look at my life as a series of goals and accomplishments, but rather at the faithfulness of the day to day. Did I serve whole heartily? Did I pray continuously? Did I love unconditionally?

 I have desires.I have dreams. My "bucket list" is a bit ridiculous. I would love to move to a big city, get a job at a local cafe and live life with as little responsibilities as possible. To wake up one day, grab only my essentials, and take on Europe with no plan- just a map and a camera. To feel that sense of adventure and constant idea of a something new and different. To bake pies and spend days at the beach. To be the saucer to the cup. My goals and dreams have nothing to do with a position in an office, a nice car, or really anything with status what so ever.

My dream, that aspiration, is to love those around me, no matter where I am at. When I close my eyes and think about what I would do if nothing was holding me back- well that is all in His timing and apparently it is not time yet. 

My boundaries and walls are combinations of fear, responsibilities, expectations, money, and just down right the Lord's timing. How do you over come those? prayer and patience. But realizing that today is today and I need to be faithful to today. 

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Come Alive

Life wastes itself while we are preparing to live. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you had one week left to live, would you still be doing what you’re doing now? In what areas of your life are you preparing to live? Take them off your To Do list and add them to a To Stop list. Resolve to only do what makes you come alive.

Bonus: How can your goals improve the present and not keep you in a perpetual “always something better” spiral?

(Author: Jonathan Mead)

If anyone had the blessing (or curse?) to know that they had one week to live I don't think anyone would go to the office from 9-5 and then head to the gym afterwards. You are a blessed person if you enjoy your job on a typical day- knowing you have to have one to survive. Pondering this hypothetical fact of life, the kid in me comes out and screams "lets go to Disneyland!", but then I feel like whoever reads this might judge me a bit. However, everyone would be invited. I am the definition of a social bee and I thrive off mingling and talking to people. My last week alive would consist of my parents house overflowing with friends, family, food and the love of Jesus being poured out. In reality that happens quiet often, but not nearly often enough. 

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Travel

If we live truly, we shall see truly. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Not everyone wants to travel the world, but most people can identify at least one place in the world they’d like to visit before they die. Where is that place for you, and what will you do to make sure you get there?

(Author: Chris Guillebeau)

I have my list.  You can find it here. Only don’t worry- it is not complete and is added to daily.

“Not everyone wants to travel the world” may be true for some but I am not that person. 

I have only conquered 6% of the world and that makes me sad and oh-so excited.

How will I get there? Well I am 23, life has just begun.

My problem is that I cant go somewhere and just be a tourist. (I are refuse to be apart of those groups of 50 all wearing neon orange fanny packs as they follow the obnoxious person with the mega phone) I have to turn into a local and I have to leave a mark. I have had people tell me I should apply for the "Amazing Race", yet I would lose. I would get to some poverty stricken village in the middle of a random country and want to put every single shoe-less child in my backpack. I would be the last to arrive at the end of every day cause I had made friends with a local woman and I wanted to watch her cook dinner for her family. I would have to stop at the local bakery and try every type of coffee. You would find me sitting in the middle of a cafe on the busiest street, being surrounded by the lives of complete strangers and not understanding a word they are saying.  

Some days, I want to grab my passport and head anywhere.   

I am 23, life has just begun.

Where God Guides, God Provides. 

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Post it Question

That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him. Where is the master who could have taught Shakespeare? Where is the master who could have instructed Franklin, or Washington, or Bacon, or Newton? . . . Shakespeare will never be made by the study of Shakespeare. Do that which is assigned you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Identify one of your biggest challenges at the moment (ie I don’t feel passionate about my work) and turn it into a question (ie How can I do work I’m passionate about?) Write it on a post-it and put it up on your bathroom mirror or the back of your front door. After 48-hours, journal what answers came up for you and be sure to evaluate them.

Bonus: tweet or blog a photo of your post-it.

(Author: Jenny Blake)

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

One Strong Belief

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?

I made the mistake of reading my dad’s entry for today’s topic before I started thinking about my own response. He has far better wisdom then me and I think you should go read his before mine.

So go read it.

Right now.

 Wasn’t it good? I know I could not write it out any better, and why fix something that aint broke? I could sit here and write the same thing just with a  “Laura Jean” twist. But at the end of this you would get the idea:

If you are not surrounded by people who share your desires and passion you need to get new friends.

Its ironic (or rather, the Lord) that this is even a topic. For the past few months this is something that I have been pondering and processing in my own brain. Your life is a choice, so why waste it trying to prove yourself and your passions to those around you? Surround yourself with family and friends who want you and your gifts, who share the same interest and visions. Who bring you up and encourage you, not tempt you. Who desire to see you go after something that is bigger then yourself and not hold you back. Who don't make you feel small just cause you desire something different or more.

Go where you’re wanted, not where you have to make your way in.

All that to say- I don’t know if I have any passions or strong beliefs that are not shared by the people closest to me.  Sure we might see things in different colors, but the picture is the same.

Yet that is what makes it such a vibrant picture to paint.

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me

Today

Liz Danzico – Today

Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing. The force of character is cumulative. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

If ‘the voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tracks,’ then it is more genuine to be present today than to recount yesterdays. How would you describe today using only one sentence? Tell today’s sentence to one other person. Repeat each day.

(Author: Liz Danzico)

Today is one where, for whatever reason, peace and contentment consume me and I will enjoy it cause I know it wont last. 

Thank you Pops for showing me this: #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me