When One Door Closes...
Hello, Smiling Faces!Happy July! We have six months remaining in 2019. I can’t believe it! A couple of weeks ago, I enjoyed a very relaxing...much needed...vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in Ohio! I may share some tidbits from that experience in a future blog post, but hopefully, you will take some time this holiday weekend to enjoy some rest and relaxation. It’s necessary that we rejuvenate and refuel our minds.We all are familiar with the saying, “When one door closes, another door opens.” Do you believe that? I truly do, but we often spend so much time focused on why the door closed. An ending can bring about a lot of mixed emotions and feelings, but we have to stay hopeful for the future. Sometimes, bitter endings are truly blessings in disguise. We have to keep the faith, take a few deep breaths and be patient. Doors may close, but there are new doors of opportunity on the other side. I can truly relate!I’ve learned that doors of opportunity in life doesn’t always appear in the way we hope or believe. They may seem boring, frightening or beyond our grasp of imagination. Sometimes, we have to trust that we are walking through the right door or path that God placed before us. Every closed door is just a new beginning. Every little thing we do has a purpose. Every wrong turn and stumble is meant to be a teachable lesson.This picture below represents the many doors of distinct opportunities waiting for us. Each door is unique and different. I took this picture at an event I attended on last month. I was reminded that I have endured some closed doors along this journey (and will possibly endure more), but there were opened doors of opportunity presented. 
In life, there are some things we can’t control, but we can apply a positive attitude. Life lessons and experiences are great teachers. Not every plan works out. We all have endured or will endure losses, setbacks and failures. What we have to do is gather the courage to face our fears with prayer, hope and faith.I can remember when I was preparing to release my book. I almost didn’t release it...or even write it because of fear, the possibility of not receiving support and negative thoughts that we allow to hinder us. I was in a dark place after my brother was murdered, but writing and journaling became therapeutic. I’ve always wanted to write a book to inspire and encourage others, but was fearful on sooooo many levels. That book, SMILE: Success Starts With You, was the doorway that led me to many opportunities to inspire and empower youth and adults. My small business increased on many levels and today, books are still being sold. You can purchase a signed copy, via my website at sherillrdavis.comThat awful tragedy resulted in my testimony of faith and call to action to LIVE life. I have my share of difficult days, but each day (good or bad) is another opportunity to make it count. There are sooo many inspiring dreams and aspirations buried in the grave. Pursue your passions and activate your purpose. We have to step out on faith and allow God to lead the way.Here are a few positive tips when faced with a closed door:1. Don’t focus on the past. Look ahead to the future. Expect new opportunities.2. Have a positive attitude. Having a positive attitude makes your view of life seem full of opportunities and possibilities. Surround yourself with positive people.3. Remain hopeful. No matter what you are struggling with in your life, embrace a sense of gratitude. Be grateful for every experience.4. Take chances. Making a big life change or trying something new can be scary. Do it afraid.5. Be Grateful. Be Grateful. Be Grateful.Keep these helpful tips in your back pocket. Have courage and keep the faith.Happy 4th of July!Always SMILE...Sherill