blessed Archives - Inspired & Strong | Making the Best of Every Day with Stacy

Do It Anyway

June 3, 2026 No Comments

People may not appreciate what you do or say when you are kind and honest. And many people may not like it when you find happiness. But you need to be true to yourself and not let anyone else bring you down.

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

~ Mother Teresa

Photo by Viktor Forgacs – click ↓↓ on Unsplash

In Weekly Wednesday Words

What We Learn

May 27, 2026 No Comments

What we learn as we get older is that life doesn’t always go as we plan. We need to learn to control what we can and not worry about what we can’t. Life is going to throw us lemons so let’s make lemonade.

At my age, I’ve learned that most of what we worry about never happens, and most of what does happen we never saw coming. So here’s my advice: prepare for what you can, accept what you can’t, and spend more time living than worrying. The graveyards are full of people who died with perfect plans but unlived lives. Don’t be one of them.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

In Weekly Wednesday Words

One Day

May 13, 2026 1 Comment

I saw this quote the other day on Facebook, and it hit home for me. I was just thinking now that I am 50, I have probably lived over half of my life. I doubt I will make it to 100 so I need to cherish the time I have left by living life to the fullest. I also need to evaluate what things make my life better and get rid of the things that don’t.

One day you realize you’ve probably lived more years than you have left…and suddenly you stop tolerating things that waste your life.

~ unknown

Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

In Family

Dear Sister

May 7, 2026 No Comments

My dearest sister up in Heaven,

Well, dear sister, it’s been eight years since you left this Earth. Eight years since you have been at peace. Eight years since your body has been pain-free. Eight years since you have been reunited with our dad, grandpa, and other relatives who have gone before you. Eight years since you were taken into the Kingdom of Heaven, and God wrapped his arms around you. Eight years since you have been wrapping your arms around those entering Heaven who have no one to greet them.

And for all those things, I am truly happy for you and find comfort in those thoughts.

But, dear sister, there are many times when I am just sad. I miss my best friend. I miss having you to talk to. I miss your levelheadedness, your compassion for others, and your advice. I miss how well you knew me, which was probably better than I knew myself. I miss that you were always right (mostly:)) and I appreciated that. I miss that we grew up in the same house and the same town and could talk about memories that happened way back when. I miss that I don’t have you to share this life with anymore. It leaves the biggest hole in my heart.

And for all those things, I am truly sad and heartbroken.

So, dear sister, I will honor your spirit by sharing my memories with people who knew you and even those who didn’t. I will honor you by showing your pictures and videos to your children who want to know who their mother was. I will cherish your memory by looking at old photos and explaining the memory to whoever will listen. I will honor you by living my life to the fullest because I know that life is precious and at any moment I may be called up to sit at the table next to you.

And for all those things, I need to be strong and let your spirit guide me.

In the end, dear sister, I am grateful for the 38 years we had together. I am grateful for your loving ways and kindness that you carried with you throughout your life. I am grateful for my beautiful niece and fearless nephew, who are growing up into amazing young people. I am grateful for the loving woman, (one day to become their stepmother) and the amazing, fun-loving step-siblings you guided into their lives. Continue to watch over all of us, especially our mother, who misses you more than words can say.

We love you and miss you, dear sister. Send us Signs from Heaven to comfort us whenever possible. We will be on the lookout!

In Pilot's Wife

Decisions

April 22, 2026 No Comments

When I first started this blog, I was posting an inspirational quote every day, as well as a Tuesday post, a Wednesday workout, and a Friday Fixin’ recipe. It gave me an outlet when my hubby was working and Gram and I were sitting around the house. When Sweet Gram passed away in February of 2021, life became very busy, and I found I was Never Home. It soon became too much; therefore, I dropped down to two posts a month and once a week, Weekly Wednesday Words for inspiration. Decisions have never been easy for me, but starting this blog was one of the best decisions I ever made.

This past year, I have found that I am lucky to write once a month, and I started wondering if I should quit the blog. Time just slips away from me. When I am home, sometimes I don’t want to do anything but lie on the couch and watch a mindless TV show. And when we are traveling, I try to be present in the moment instead of being on the computer. Anyway, I thank my loyal readers who have subscribed or clicked on the social media link when I post. I really appreciate it when you send texts or emails to let me know you enjoyed reading a story. Thank you!

It’s been five and a half years since I started this blog, Inspired And Strong, and I love it. I love writing, and I hope that some of my stories have inspired you to go on new adventures, have encouraged you to start a new chapter in your life, or have motivated you to make the world a better place by holding the door open for someone or putting your shopping cart back. Whatever this blog means to you, I do hope you enjoy it.

Recently, I have been contemplating life’s decisions. I know sometimes people have a difficult time when they retire because they end up losing their purpose in life and aren’t sure what to do. I have been “retired” from the field of education for almost 11 years now. I have done remote work for my school system, got my travel agent and real estate licenses, worked in an ice cream shop, and was a receptionist at a chiropractor’s office. Although I enjoyed all of those jobs, nothing has stuck as a career path. I love doing this blog, but it’s not a moneymaker. And I don’t need money to make it worthwhile but I get frustrated because I would love to be a better travel agent or real estate agent, but seems education is the only career in which I feel confident.

I was trained in education and had 16 years of experience. With all of the other careers I have started, I don’t feel like I have a firm foundation. I don’t feel like anyone has taken me under their wing to jumpstart my career. I am at a loss on which career path to follow.

When I had Sweet Gram, I had a purpose and enjoyed caring for her. Since she passed, I don’t know exactly what my purpose is. I enjoy being a Pilot’s Wife and am grateful for all of the experiences I have had. I can’t have a “normal” job because I have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and definitely don’t want to miss out on the next big adventure! But I also want to feel like I am making a difference on this Earth. Hence, my dificulty with decisions!

I enjoy writing, and maybe I should concentrate on writing my book like Jake the Medium said. Or maybe I should get my real estate license again and try to sell houses. Or maybe I quit trying to force it and enjoy the journey.

In the end, one decision I did make was that I am not quite ready to give up my blog. My posts may be few and far between, but I hope you will subscribe and read them when they do arrive in your inbox. I hope they continue to inspire you. I also hope you will go back and read the daily inspirations if you’re having a down day.

Life can be hard. Decisions are hard. But somehow we all end up exactly where we are supposed to be. So let’s try to enjoy the ride.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

In Weekly Wednesday Words

Maturity

April 15, 2026 No Comments

A lot of times, we need to realize that when someone lashes out at you, the problem is really about something that is going on inside of them. They may be having a bad day, and instead of pausing and trying to turn their day around, they take their frustrations out on other people. Maturity is realizing that and not lashing back and not taking it personally.

Maturity is realizing most things aren’t about you. The bad driver is having their own day. The short email has nothing to do with your worth. The friend who didn’t call back is fighting their own battles. Taking things less personally is a skill that creates space for peace.

Photo by Robert Koorenny on Unsplash

In Family

This is 50

April 1, 2026 No Comments

Well, today is my birthday. This is 50. It’s hard to believe I am half a century old. How did this happen?? I remember when 50 was so old! And now here I am…adolescent old age, the youngest of the old people, old people Freshman class! (Check out the IG link). But I guess it’s better than the alternative! 50 is daunting because most likely you have lived more than half of your life, which can be sad.

Last year, I read a post by SARK about recognizing birthdays as levels because it is a blessing to be getting older and achieving another day, another year, another level. Therefore, today I am going up to Level 5.0, and I am going to be grateful for it. I am going to be grateful for having spent a week with my family coming out to Utah to see me. I am going to be grateful for friends who made the trip. I am going to be grateful to live in this beautiful world in which we live. So here I am, and this is 50.

I am extremely grateful for the life I have. Even though there have been many losses that have left a few big holes in my heart, I am thankful for the support, the amazing people in my life, and the opportunities that have been presented to me. I wouldn’t trade all the relationships that didn’t work out, all the jobs that sent me down different roads, or all of the choices that led me to where I am today. You are never too old to take a leap of faith. Quitting my career at 39 years old and moving to Thailand was the best decision I ever made!

This is 50, and my bucket list continues. My goal was to get to all 50 states by 50, but I missed it by one, Oregon. I was supposed to go last November, but My Prince’s work trip got changed, and that opportunity was missed. Hopefully, I can get there this summer. I have been to the Minneapolis airport, and that’s my “official visit” so far, but I would like to see more of Minnesota. And there are many states I would like to go back to.

In my fifty years, I am gaining on my goals of getting to all seven continents and as many countries as possible. I never thought I would be a skier, but now I have 29 different ski resorts under my belt on the continents of North America, Europe, and Asia. I have also been to 25 countries, which isn’t too shabby for a small town girl.

So this is 50. There are more lines on my face. There is more gray in my hair. It’s harder to lose weight. There are curves where there weren’t. I am trying to embrace these changes that come with aging. I am trying to appreciate all that I have in this life. I try to create memories instead of collecting stuff (although I do like to buy souvenirs). I try to see the positive of a situation instead of looking at the negative (which isn’t always easy). But life on this planet is short, and we need to live life to the fullest.

I hope that whatever level you are at, you are taking advantage of the opportunities on this Earth. There is so much to see and do, and you never know when your time to go to Heaven will be.

In Weekly Wednesday Words

Misfortune

March 18, 2026 No Comments

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I found this quote. I hope misfortune never finds you. Keep your head high and gratitude strong.

May misfortune follow you all the days of your life
And never catch up.

~ Irish blessing

Photo by Sujay Paul on Unsplash

In Fitness and Nutrition

Natural Remedy

March 11, 2026 No Comments

Herbalism seeks to restore balance (homeostasis) in the body, treating conditions such as chronic illness, digestive issues, stress, and skin rashes. It focuses on the whole person and root causes, not just symptom suppression, according to my Google search. My girlfriend is in recovery from a long battle with cancer. She started using a natural protocol recommended to her by this herbalist as a way of gaining strength and vitality through a more natural remedy. She, in turn, recommended the herbalist to me.

At the beginning of the year, I met with the herbalist named Lisa Hamilton. I have always been intrigued with natural remedies and feel it is a better path to health. I decided to meet with her to discuss issues as an aging (almost 50!!) woman, namely these ridiculous hot flashes that come way too often! It’s funny how conversations with your girlfriends change through the years, from ” which bar are we hitting this weekend to how are the kids to I miss the kids and where are we traveling to I am getting hot flashes and my hormones are all messed up!” I am sure our husbands are tired of the menopausal conversations.

Anyway, I don’t like how, as a society, we have a pill for this and a shot for that. I don’t want to take medications for the rest of my life; therefore, I decided to meet with the herbalist and see what natural remedies she may have for me. She analyzed my eyes and my tongue as well as my symptoms and started me on a protocol of homeopathic medicines and tinctures. It has been two months, and I am feeling better and spending less money than I was on synthetic vitamins and supplements.

Using a more natural remedy isn’t for everyone, but the roots of using plants to foster health and well-being are one of the oldest healing traditions on Earth. If you are interested in learning more about natural remedies, check out her website and articles in the links above.

Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash

In Weekly Wednesday Words

Habits

March 4, 2026 No Comments

I saw this list of good habits the other day and thought it would be a nice starting point for making small changes in your life that add up to big things. Just reading nine pages of a book a day will add up super quickly. We have time for daily habits if we make time. Spend 10 minutes on meditation instead of scrolling through social media on your phone. Anything can be achieved IF you want to achieve it.

1 hour of exercise
2 cups of herbal tea
3 liters of water
4 balanced meals a day
5 colorful fruits daily
6 minutes of deep breathing
7 minutes of stretching
8 hours of sleep
9 pages of a book
10 minutes of meditating
11 minutes of morning sunlight
12 grams of nuts or seeds
13 minutes of walking after meals
14 deep belly breaths before bed
15 seconds of cold water on your face to lower stress
16 minutes away from your phone before sleep
17 seconds of gratitude for what you have
18 slow mindful breaths to end your day

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

blessed

Do It Anyway

What We Learn

One Day

Dear Sister

Decisions

Maturity

This is 50

Misfortune

Natural Remedy

Habits

Missing Gram

Letter to Gram