Do It Afraid!

Do it Afraid!

My thought for the day.  I admire those that can just approach life and seem to be not afraid of anything.  I, on the other hand, am afraid of so much!  

I used to be afraid of everything.  I was called "shy" when I was a child.  But I was really afraid of "doing it wrong" so I did nothing.  And then if I did work the courage up to ask to do something, or try to do something... I was shot down.  So... I quit trying.  Yep... I quit!  

Where did this get me?  Well, I still managed to keep a good work ethic and forced myself to be outgoing when I needed to (with a red face and decollete).  But I never took charge of my life and I have some regrets due to fear.  I let it control me.  It's totally MY fault!  

But it's not too late for me.  I've made some positive life changes in the past few years and I've allowed myself to "evolve" and grow.  I've been learning to become "me". But since I love simple things and keeping it real and simple... I'm determined to not make this too difficult on myself.  I'm not going to believe that change happens overnight and with little or no effort.  I'm going to not overthink it and just do it, AFRAID! 

I've learned that my forced extroversion allowed me to do what I needed to do but over the past year I've allowed myself to start embracing a more introverted side... I'm sort of a combination of the two. 

My husband and I are taking better charge of our health.  It won't happen overnight and changing bad habits that are comfortable is very difficult.  Especially when both of us deal with chronic pain. (He has an arthritic back and I have migraines).  But dealing with it little chunks or mini goals at a time is working well for us.  We are both starting to slowly feel better.  

I'm also taking on other life changes, little dollops at a time.  At times I feel like I've bitten off more than I can chew.  Since my attention span is pretty scattered, at times I take on too many different dollops at a time and accomplish nothing.  So I'm learning to focus on one dollop at a time instead of 10 dollops at a time (10 dollops is a pretty big blob).  I'm trying to be bolder and more confident.  God created me this way for a purpose, so I need to fulfill His purpose on my life and glorify Him in the process.  

All this rambling to say... even if the road ahead looks foggy, take it anyway.  We can't grow by standing still.  If we stand still, stuff will start growing over us!  That's just not the way to live an exceptional life.  

Genesis 12:1-2

Remember... God set you apart for a purpose.  It's only yours, not anyone else's.

Do it afraid!

Positive Thinking

I'm not generally a negative person, but I worry a lot!  Maybe that does make me negative... =(

This morning, while driving into work, I caught myself worrying about my busy day at work and really dreading going in more than normal.  As I caught myself, I tried to consciously change that thought to... "it will be fine, just relax, enjoy your day, life is good, and for goodness sake... PRAY ABOUT IT instead of worrying and dreading it.  So.... here I am, smiling.  We've got one chance to enjoy this life.  I'm wasting it with worry about the future, our finances, my weight and health, work, the drive, our kids, etc.  

Sigh... this is going to be hard, but I really, really want to change my thought patterns and be healed of this fear and worry for good!  

God is sovereign!

I pray that you have a wonderful day.  If you struggle with worry, fear and anxiety, I feel you.  I'm praying for you too.  

Pave a New Road - How To Simply Begin Making Positive Life Changes

How to "pave a new road"
A simple and light hearted approach to start making positive life changes.  

Stage 1:  Planning

• Do you need building upon? (What needs to change?)
• What are the real issues? (Procrastination, worrying, thriving on drama)
• Who will be affected by your project? (family, friends, co-workers)
• How will you begin your project? (jump right in, get a planner)
• How can your project be an asset to those around you? (Will your positive life changes improve your marriage, friendships, career)

Stage 2:  Design

• Location (situation),
• Soil (health),
• Possible future development,
• Effects on your surroundings (family, home, friends, co-workers, etc.)

Stage 3:  Earth (work)

• First, find a contractor (mentor, encourager, coach, physician).
• Next, bulldoze the dirt. (start detox from unhealthy habits, relationships, friendships, this may hurt, etc.)
• The "dirt" is sprayed with water and compacted to its maximum density (ouch).
• All of this work must pass strict inspections before the project can continue (how are you feeling?  what is improving? what's not working? you are your own gauge).
• Keep on working (exercise, supplements, journaling, podcasts, networking with like minded individuals, continue education)

Stage 4:  Paving

• The cost of continuing your project and maintaining the progress (exercise, organic food, counseling, time management, work/life balance)

The final steps are:

• Listen for positive reinforcement (compliments, encouragement)
• Landscaping around the road (dress up your progress and show it off),
• apply the permanent lane markings (make this your new lifestyle).

Loosely based on DOT instructions on how to pave a road but inspired by Dolly!  Thank you for the inspiration and now to get on to paving a new road!

Inadequate?

I don't think so!

II Corinthians 3:5  I am adequate for anything because my adequacy comes from God.

Amen!

Ken Coleman - Liberty University Convocation - Find God's Will for your life...

I heard this yesterday on the Zig Ziglar podcast... It's pretty good.  Start at about 4 minutes and it's about a half an hour long.  How Do I Find God's Will For My Life... "It's not a giant mystery"