One thing that life has taught me is that perspective can make you or break you. Perspective is about what we choose to focus on. It involves a very important point of reference, and a particular span of time over which the analysis occurs.
A good perspective can fuel dreams and provide the necessary drive to accomplish things that other people believe to be impossible. It starts with the belief that what you want is important enough to pursue. It requires a willingness to train your thoughts to constantly look ahead so you can maintain a forward momentum.
Planning is key to executing the current task while preparing for your next move. Careful planning means using whatever resources you have at the time to keep moving forward. Sometimes, the resources are minimal so staying creative is a big help.
One also has to recognize that timing is critical. Things don’t always work out when we want them to. Sometimes, difficult decisions need to be made about where resources are most needed. Time, money, and physical energy are the three biggest resources we have to manage.
Retrospection can be helpful to reestablish our point of reference, but it should not keep you from moving forward. Looking at where you have come from and what you have accomplished/come through should be encouraging.
The important thing to remember about retrospection is your intent when looking back. If you are feeling like the only party you can throw is a pity party, retrospection is going to be more counterproductive than productive.
For me, I sometimes get discouraged because I have a lot of things that I want to do. Of course, I only have so much time to split between farm work, my health coaching business, and family. And there is always the issue of money. Needs, wants, business expenses; it feels like a juggling act most of the time.
Most people have the same issues, to varying degrees. Everyone has to learn what works for them. I have a big requirement to see progress. I have a tendency to work on several projects at once just so I have progress going in at least one place.
The problem with having several projects is that it can slow completion for any and all of them. When coupled with limited resources, it leaves me feeling worn out and discouraged.
Retrospection is not always helpful for me. It can take some time to run the gamut of all my emotions. About half the time, I feel like I want to run away and not tell anyone where I am. Fortunately, that feeling doesn’t last long.
Believe it or not, I actually get frustrated with myself for being so unreasonable and ineffective. That’s when I find my resolve, and decide that it is time to take the lemons of life, and make lemonade.
My own pep talk is not flowery or unrealistic. It’s pretty raw and contains quite a bit of tough love. I guess it is something I had to teach myself because it is not anything that I got from anyone growing up.
What I learned growing up is self-reliance. I learned the hard way that it was up to me to make my dreams a reality. No one else is going to drive my boat. Funny, maybe that is why I get seasick; if I am in charge of my own vessel, I am fine, if anyone else is driving, I get sick.
Something that I discovered that is helpful is writing. I am not one to journal, but blogging about my life is a good substitute. It helps me put things in perspective. It helps me to read my own words (sometimes they form an epiphany) and sort through the thoughts separate from emotion. It also helps to have my husband to lean on.
I will be the first to admit that I am complicated. But I think that most people who really want to do something with their life are. I choose to challenge myself to be more. I want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, homeowner, pet owner, friend, health coach, technician, human being, etc.
Sometimes, I get stuck; but staying stuck is not an option. Life is too short to waste any of it feeling sorry for myself. I try to live life without regrets. Not every idea or plan makes it to fruition, and that is ok.
For me, the journey is as important as the destination. I am going to let each experience better me and guide me on my path. I am not going to let them be a brick in my backpack. It is my goal to take what I need, and leave behind that which does not serve me.
Thank you Walter, for putting words to one of my mottos for life, ‘Semper Gumby’, always flexible.
Have a great week!
2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
