You know, in all honesty, I've never been really good at self-reflection. Maybe it's because I don't think I'll like what I see when I look back or maybe I just prefer to look forward and learn from what was behind me.
This challenge, and my attempt to do whatever it said each day, has forced me to look at the good things in life on days I know I wouldn't have. As a result, I'm sure my days were a little brighter, my attitude was a little better and the people around me were thankfully not around a grump. Instead, they were around a person who was purposely looking for gratitude in things and people. It's difficult to be a grump when you are doing that!
And guess what? Faith grows. Belief grows. I grow.
It also made me to reflect on things my dad used to say to me whenever I would get down or feel like I was less-than-able to do something.
Things like: Can't Never Could. If you think you can or you think you can't...you're right. Why spend time worrying about something that may never happen? You'll have enough to worry about then ... if it even does.
In other words, if you believe...if you have faith...if you put forth the effort, the once 'impossible' things are now very possible.
I have always been a worrier for as long as I can remember. Actually, it's probably more like since 1984, when my mom died. Since then, I'm sure I put up some kind of wall to protect myself from the "in case" things in my life. If I'm a little more prepared for these situations (ie...if I develop them into happening in my mind and come up with a scenario of how I'd react) then I'll be more prepared. And smarter for having been prepared, right?
This challenge, and my attempt to do whatever it said each day, has forced me to look at the good things in life on days I know I wouldn't have. As a result, I'm sure my days were a little brighter, my attitude was a little better and the people around me were thankfully not around a grump. Instead, they were around a person who was purposely looking for gratitude in things and people. It's difficult to be a grump when you are doing that!
And guess what? Faith grows. Belief grows. I grow.
It also made me to reflect on things my dad used to say to me whenever I would get down or feel like I was less-than-able to do something.
Things like: Can't Never Could. If you think you can or you think you can't...you're right. Why spend time worrying about something that may never happen? You'll have enough to worry about then ... if it even does.
In other words, if you believe...if you have faith...if you put forth the effort, the once 'impossible' things are now very possible.
I have always been a worrier for as long as I can remember. Actually, it's probably more like since 1984, when my mom died. Since then, I'm sure I put up some kind of wall to protect myself from the "in case" things in my life. If I'm a little more prepared for these situations (ie...if I develop them into happening in my mind and come up with a scenario of how I'd react) then I'll be more prepared. And smarter for having been prepared, right?
Wrong.
All that does is imagine a whole bunch of "if's" that may never come to fruition and cause the ones around you to suffer because you are in a defensive mindset.
As a society, we spend an inordinate amount of time worrying. Not that it doesn't have it's purpose. There are negative situations that require attention and our focus on them. Our brain alerts us to them and we deal. Imagining these possible situations on our own is when worrying crosses the line into what could end up as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Mmmmmm...no thanks.
So, this challenge has compelled me to try to see the good when it may not be in my nature (or mood) to do so. I want to be that person. I don't want to be naive or gullible, but I do want to look for the positive. Why? For one reason, I want my kids to live that way. And I want their kids to. And so on. I know the way I lead my life doesn't just affect me, it affects those around me. And while I am 42 years young, I in no way whatsoever think it's ever too late for a person to change and better themselves. It just takes a choice and decision to do so (as well as a lot of prayer, at least in my case!).
All that does is imagine a whole bunch of "if's" that may never come to fruition and cause the ones around you to suffer because you are in a defensive mindset.
As a society, we spend an inordinate amount of time worrying. Not that it doesn't have it's purpose. There are negative situations that require attention and our focus on them. Our brain alerts us to them and we deal. Imagining these possible situations on our own is when worrying crosses the line into what could end up as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Mmmmmm...no thanks.
So, this challenge has compelled me to try to see the good when it may not be in my nature (or mood) to do so. I want to be that person. I don't want to be naive or gullible, but I do want to look for the positive. Why? For one reason, I want my kids to live that way. And I want their kids to. And so on. I know the way I lead my life doesn't just affect me, it affects those around me. And while I am 42 years young, I in no way whatsoever think it's ever too late for a person to change and better themselves. It just takes a choice and decision to do so (as well as a lot of prayer, at least in my case!).
Given the choice, and I do believe it's a choice, to let the sun into my life or block it out...I chose the sun.
Some days I will NOT be in a great mood. But I will do my best to not let it affect those around me. One day I will be treated poorly by someone. But I will not assume they did it on purpose or would do it again. One day, I will not want to play "Panopoly" (Shelby's way of saying Monopoly!) or Wii with the kids, but I will turn off my computer, the television, or just let my phone ring and do it because I love them and need to find joy in their joys. One day, someone will talk ugly to me and I won't reciprocate. I'll hold my tongue. (I'll try!).
And...One day, I will probably unintentionally do these things to someone and will apologize... and hope and pray they forgive me like I'd try to forgive them.
Faith, forgiveness and gratitude go hand-in-hand. I'm very grateful to have the capacity for faith and to forgive. I'm just as grateful (if not more) that I have been forgiven and that people have had faith in me. Both scenarios have lifted my heart and made my walk, heart and thoughts lighter as a result.
I've always enjoyed looking at quotes from people. Seems they can put into words what I'm thinking and unable to convey. Lately, Albert Schweitzer's quotes have been on my radar and I found this one that I not only like, but it allows me to end this with some great words I emphatically believe. Enjoy.
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
Here's to relighting the flames in ourselves and others. And to the faith and gratitude that it can be done.
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