Milestone moments: celebrating victory

As I stand with my fellow countrymen and women, observing the unrest in America that hangs over our heads in the midst of the global pandemic, my words today might seem shallow. A mere drop in an ocean teeming with discord, corruption, grief and unbelief. Yet, like many, I choose to search for good, which means diving beyond the surface into the murky depths. But oh, the treasures to be found. This led me to share my post “… discovering plenty amidst the lack,” and why tomorrow marks a monumental milestone moment in my life (shared by those who’ve walked alongside me). One year ago, on June 10, 2019, I surrendered thought patterns shackling me to an addiction, otherwise known as bulimia. Some professionals categorize an eating disorder as a mental health or psychosomatic disorder; however, I know what I struggled with—daily—for decades. And I’m here to celebrate this victory, and to encourage you: hope lives on.

Let’s flood social media with milestone moments: What’s yours?

Image source: quotefancy.com.

Another way to look at the pandemic ‘pause’

In my post, “Are you an energy drain?,” I talk about adopting an attitude of gratitude. Admittedly, I think practicing gratefulness vs. grumbling proved easier pre-COVID-19. Although not impossible, it now requires a greater commitment to look for—and expect—the good. One way that’s helped me focus on the positive includes working through a 28-day joy project. In addition, I ran across this gem: 50 ways to add joy to your life. And I also started listing things I’m learning about myself while life shelters-in-place for many of us. One of my biggest discoveries: that the response I don’t have time could be better described as a reflexive knee jerk. In fact, by simply shifting priorities, I make more time to engage in activities and projects that refuel my “joy” tank—like reading and writing, exercising and taking online classes, listening to podcasts and trying new recipes. With 1,440 minutes at our disposal each day, how can anyone be bored?

What have you learned during the “pause?”

Image courtesy of niamwha at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Checking in: have you accepted the call?

One of countless things that strikes me during this COVID-19 climate is that collectively—as an entire world—each of us feels, at some level, the effects of the pandemic. Whether it’s getting preoccupied with the small things (minor inconveniences) or worrying about the insurmountable things (how to feed our families), it’s impossible to avoid the weight of our present circumstances. On a personal level, the sheer volume of this truth proves both frightening and humbling. But allow me to interject a “food for thought” to contemplate as we carry out our days: Could this disruption—the upheaval in our lives—be disguised as a call of sorts, an opportunity to make a difference? A powerful concept. One that I believe starts by letting go of hate and showing up in love.

It might look something like this: Before doing/saying/posting/forwarding X, Y, Z, ask “How can I respond in love?”

And then do this instead.

What are you doing to make a difference? Or, for ideas, comment here.

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Now what? Pivot vs. panic.

Here’s what I know: the “new normal” can more aptly be classified the new “not” normal. But the question begs: “Now what?” In my post, “When life is spinning out of control…” I share the one thing within our control. Even if it’s simply to breathe… congratulations! I get it. I, too, am scared. Exhausted. Discouraged. And wrapping my mind around the current climate proves boggling at best. Unplug for a moment (after reading this post) and close your eyes. Put your hand over your heart. Feel, and listen. You’re here for a purpose. What is it? Perhaps the new “not” normal will serve as your personal pause button: to pivot vs. panic. In other words, allow this time to change your course: to redirect your thoughts. To replace limiting beliefs with truth. Because here’s the other thing I know: that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:38).

How will you pivot?

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

When life is spinning out of control: what we CAN control

One day you’re anticipating a new decade ripe with possibility. Big things—good things—finally appear within your grasp. But then: boom! Life as you know it: kaput. Unless you’ve remained sequestered from #allthethings, you realize this is your new normal. As a human being, compassion toward the collective face of humanity—splashed across myriad news reports and social media feeds—proves a concerted effort at times. As a Believer, the status quo tests my faith. Yet, after I wade through my battered emotions, I acknowledge a call to action: to reprioritize. To re-evaluate my direction. To shift my focus from the race and to grasp onto the one thing—literally!—within my control: what I can do this moment.

1. Pray… continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
2. Connect… with friends/family/neighbors/support groups via social distancing/texting/calling/emailing/FaceTiming
3. Appreciate… every blessing
4. Extend… love/kindness/help/laughter/smiles/forgiveness/encouragement/grace
5. Begin… a new project/book/craft/online course/wellness program/etc.
6. Breathe… and be present

Feel free to add to my list… and reach out anytime through my contact page.

Talk to me: no invitation necessary

 

I’ve never liked confrontation. Yet, avoidance is seldom the best solution. Perhaps today you’re embroiled in a gross misunderstanding. Maybe you’ve been wounded or your words or actions have hurt someone else. One friend of mine—rather than confront a misunderstanding—oftentimes requires an invitation, of sorts, to re-establish the lines of communication. However, this only serves to foster discord. Although I’m the first in line to minimize conflict whenever possible, I don’t require an invitation to initiate a dialog. For example, I’m always willing to provide clarification or nip an assumption in the bud. OK, except between 9 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., or while I’m hiking or writing or practicing yoga or it’s “Friday pizza movie night.” When misunderstandings occur (because they will), I’d like to suggest a tactic rooted in gentleness, kindness and love: that we proactively seek to facilitate a pathway toward common ground. We may have to agree to disagree. But at least we’re talking.

Who do you need to reach out to today?

Funny story: when God has different plans

I love God’s sense of humor. Me: God, these are my plans for the month. God: Wrong. Granted, we’re only a week into the new year, but illness struck our home with a vengeance. What was that about best laid plans? Because my husband lives with asplenia (see “…from victims to victors”), he requires immediate medical attention upon the onset of fever. So, during the first weekend of 2020, when the Southwest desert temps reached 70 degrees (the nicest it’s been in weeks!), we spent a good part of it surrounded by three sets of four different walls, along with myriad healthcare personnel and other sick patients. But instead of the disappointment I’ve experienced in the past when my plans were turned topsy-turvy, a deep sense of peace settled within my spirit. Once established at home, while my husband rested, I took a brief walk outdoors and practiced yoga down the hall. And allowed my soul to catch up with my body.

When did God’s plans supersede yours?

Walking into the new year like: putting on a new identity

On New Year’s Eve day, I awakened early, my spirit bubbling with anticipation. This is it, ready or not, the new year—the new decade (depending on which “camp” you reside)—begins in T minus 20 hours. And I decided right then—the scent of rich hazelnut coffee permeating my kitchen—I need a new identity to accompany the new year. I’m not talking about the witness protection change of identity but, rather, an identity that I can speak life into. One that I can fix my gaze on and watch unfurl. Not unlike a “word” you might choose (see “20/20 vision…”), it’s who you envision yourself to be. As for me: I’m a Godly woman, a loving and patient wife and mother, joyful worker, kind friend and gentle neighbor. I’m creative, organized and successful. Even when I fall short. Because the truth is: we’re a work in progress, ever evolving. Until we become who we were truly created to be.

What identity do you believe about yourself?