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In Need of a Little Perspective

February 16, 2011 in Inspiration, Leadership, Work with 6 Comments

As many of you know, one of my all-time favorite books is The Noticer, by Andy Andrews.  In it, Andy shares about experiences with a mysterious man (I’d say angel) named Jones…known for being able to offer fresh perspective on life.  I’ve read the book five times, and each time, I get something new out of it.  I love how God uses the power of story to teach us lessons.

Lately, I’ve been challenged by a few issues and needed some fresh perspective. I spent time with one of my mentors and walked away from that discussion with a whole new outlook on things.  Here are a few of my takeaways from that much-needed conversation:

1. Never, ever underestimate your power in encouraging others-We know the power of community.  The power of prayer. The power of faith.  But we often forget the power of an encouraging word.  Life was spoken into me when I heard “there is no one more capable of fixing this situation than you.”  Having people in our corner isn’t only wonderful–it’s necessary. A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else believed in them.

2. Be willing to learn-When we begin to struggle with a situation, there’s usually something involved where we don’t want to give in, don’t want to let go, or are unwilling to see the other side.  When I saw how I can learn not just one thing, but several things, my whole attitude changed because I’m not losing…I am actually gaining, as long as I’m willing to look for the lessons.

3. We can’t base our self-assurance on the whims others- Ever feel like you go around the Same mountain over and over (and over) again?  I don’t consider myself a people-pleaser, but I do need to have wins, and do fall prey to caring too much what others think (and judging my actions too carefully). Carrying the weight of our own expectations can be exhausting.   It’s so much easier when we remind ourselves that God is our strong tower. Our provider. And that He has a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11

4. Be thankful, even on the hard days-Isn’t it amazing how being thankful for the good things in our lives helps overshadow the tough patches?  Even on my worst days, I still have a job that I love, a roof over my head, friends and family who keep me grounded, and a Father who adores me.  We are truly blessed.

What thoughts do you run back to when a little perspective is needed?

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The Power of Letting Go

February 3, 2011 in Inspiration, Leadership, People with 8 Comments

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. -Mark Twain

Life can sometimes be brutal.  I’ve felt the sting of too many kicks this week.  And at some point along the way, I got angry.  Why was everything happening at once?  Why was the work I was putting in seemingly never enough?  Why does there have to be tension?

God, in His wisdom, gives us each a “breaking point”…the inner battle that tells us we must “Let Go and Let God.”  Hot tears stung my cheeks as I hit my own breaking point and realized that the only way I was going to make it through this was to do both.  How merciful is our Lord that even in our weakness, He reminds us He is strong.  In those moments of relinquishing my need for control, God reminded me of these things:

The goal is not to make everyone happy-Far too often, I fall in the pit of trying to get everything done and keeping everyone happy.  Not only is it impossible, but our role in life is a far higher calling than burning daylight striving for the approval of people.  If  we are serving Him well, the rest more easily falls into place.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving in-In our desire to be right, we can lose sight of what’s most important.  This week, letting go of some things, even when I haven’t fully agreed, made more sense than trying to prove a point.  Sometimes “Okay” is the smartest word we can use.

Saying “I’m Sorry” covers a multitude of sins-There are times when it’s hard to apologize.  We feel wronged or slighted, and the last thing we want to do is say “I’m sorry.”  But there’s so much power in those two little words.  They erase tension, breathe fresh air into discussions, and open the door to reconnection.  I found myself apologizing today…it was needed to get things back on track and as soon as I uttered them, I felt better and so did the other person.

I fight the need for control of…well, everything in my life…fairly often.  But God continues to show me the power of letting go.

Question: When life is knocking you down, how do you fight back?

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#OneWord2011

January 3, 2011 in Family and Friends, Inspiration, Leadership, People with 16 Comments

Several friends have been blogging and sharing online their one word for 2011. The task, for me, was a bit daunting.  One word that would be a theme for my year?  Hard to reduce to one thing.  Over the last two days, I’ve prayed, dreamed, and jotted down ideas.  I thought I’d landed on it yesterday, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized there was a required action behind it.

My word for 2011 is: Commit.

As I’ve gotten older, as my career roles have changed, as I’ve started a family, I’ve realized that what was once the cornerstone of my “get things done” personal brand has evolved to being a great starter, but not always a strong finisher.  And, in some areas of my life, it’s not only beneficial, but necessary. But there are a few areas where I see it as a detriment to real growth, so in these areas, I am making a commitment to action over the next year:

1. I commit to knowing God more.  To trust daily in grace, forgiveness, and faith. To grow my prayer life into a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus. To begin and end each day with true worship.

2. I commit to being more intentional about my personal life.  Time that should have been spent on the treadmill was spent in front of the computer. Conversations that should have been had in-person were done by email. Life that should have been lived was put on hold because I didn’t want my child raised by an absent parent. I want to be healthier and more engaged this year. I want to make-and keep-better connections with friends, new and old.

3. I commit to having more adventures. In my childhood and young adult years, I actively pursued new adventures (which put many gray hairs on my parents). With age and responsibilities came a fear of jumping into the unknown. I want to live with passion and purpose…not live safe just to pay my mortgage.

4. I commit to spending more time on my art. This covers not only painting, but also photography, crafts, and blogging.  I’ve been inconsistent with them all, even though they bring me joy.  Time to put more priority on the color of life, rather than just that which is black and white.

I love having an anthem for this year.  I love being accountable to God and my life in a big way.  I am committed.

What about you?  What’s your One Word for 2011?

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A Birthday Wish List

December 27, 2010 in Family and Friends, Inspiration, Leadership, People with 9 Comments

Ever have those periods in life when you feel as though you’re just existing?  Things are getting done. Life is good. But your sense of adventure-that fire inside that spurs you to do big things-has been on sabbatical just a little too long? Me, too.  And one thing I’ve learned when those times hit is that I can’t begin to live there…I have to set my sights on what’s ahead.  And since today is my birthday, it’s the perfect time to look ahead and write out my “wish list”…actually more of a “bucket list” for the next 365 days. In this next year, I want to:

  • Begin each day with a smile.  Life is too short to let the little things, like a morning routine, set a bad tone for the day.
  • See the best in others, even when it’s hard.
  • Be a leader others remember later on in their careers for having inspired them.
  • Write at least one thank you note each day. There’s much to be grateful for, and handwritten notes do it beautifully.
  • Forgive easily and forget often.
  • Allow Jesus to be the pilot–a daily, conscious effort.
  • Dig deeper with friends, and cast off life-suckers.
  • Take a dream from “some day” to “this year”.
  • Remain sticky through the peaks and valleys.
  • Actively seek our more opportunities to invest in others-through time and resources.
  • Use Every day of my vacation time!  I love my work, but I love my life more.
  • Be a 3-c parent as my kiddo hits the preteen years: connected, compassionate, and consistent.

Whoa, nelly.  Looks like a big year ahead.  If you were making this list, what would you add?

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