I am finding strength for my days. Unlike any other time in my life. I am encountering stressors but without an emotional response. I am doing a lot of things during a time of relative health, but I am meeting most, okay at least many, of my obligations. I'm very busy but I am not overwhelmed.
I believe a few things are responsible for this change.
I took a relative sabbatical. Meaning I left a toxic job and environment. One that had drained me of all energy and hope. I made the hard choice to leave that mess and pursue a new adventure. Something for me. A way to stretch and see what I am capable of doing. If you are a dedicated reader, you know my soul flourished and I loved all it offered. It was a needed break, although I was not sitting on an island in Tahiti sipping a soda.
I spent time with other people in a way that allowed me to observe life experience and expectation. I listened more than I spoke. I approached time with others as a way to learn. As an avid speaker, it is natural for me to lead conversations rather than wait for others. Those who are more inclined to observe and listen rather than strike out first are just swept along in the wake of USS Ang.
Lastly, I spent more time focusing on my faith and service. I went to Bible study. I stepped into a leadership role at church with a team of volunteers, which put me in close proximity to strong followers of Jesus and good mentors. I put some action to my "good intentions list" and the ripple effects are worth watching. I don't just say, "I love Jesus" - I am living it alongside others. The closer your relationship with Jesus is the more assured you naturally are. You dwell in safety, Jesus has already walked this way, and the stressors of this life are capped with a temporal lens.
Strength for my days. Ability to cope and teach coping. Big strides for the emotionally laden friends among us.
Think about these things, should you fall within such a category.
If your job stresses you, strongly pursue something else. Use the "sabbatical" time as an opportunity to grow and work on longer term goals if the new job isn't the height of your dreams. Don't stay stuck. It took me a long time to jump and I do not regret the fall.
Learn with and about others. Listen a lot. Hear the words and experiences. It will help shape you and enhance your perspective. Even good, dear, old friends have things in their closet that you don't know yet. Big or small. Be the person who can listen and learn about mayonnaise on french fries.
Most importantly - Jesus. Find him. He is the key to all your life happiness. Many things in this life masquerade as Him, but there is only One. He will heal your heart and you will find wholeness of which you have only dreamed. Get plugged in - not everybody is doing it but they should!
Thanks for encouraging me as I share my heart. I've missed writing.
No comments:
Post a Comment