This wonderful addition to my blog is from a very dear friend of mine. She is so insightful and this really hit me right where I needed to be hit today. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!
Putting Life Back in Perspective
While we are engaging in the festivities of this holiday season, let us take a moment to reflect on our current perspective about life. Are we enjoying the journey or asking, where is the next stop to get off? This year has been challenging for me in more ways than you can count. Recently, I sat down and took time to ponder my year in review. There was one constant; my limited view of things played a huge role in the outcome of various situations. Our perspective on life can inspire or hinder. I invite you to email me to continue this discussion as there is no way to give this subject justice in the few moments we have. Connect and share with us at info@stayonthevine.com.
Perspective is how you see things, a mental view or observation. Living a life flourishing with pleasant fruit requires us to possess a healthy perspective of who we are as women. Women are on call to endless responsibilities; we lay down our lives to family, friends and neighbors. This year may have been thriving for some yet dry for others, smooth sailing for you, and perhaps rough waters for me; nevertheless, we must take ownership that our perspective played a key role in how we lived.
Our objective is to practice being our best. We can begin by looking in the mirror. This year's "Fireside Chat" will require you to engage yourself. For this moment in time, I am asking you to connect with the Creator and conduct your own year in review. Once you have done so forgive yourself and press forward. Then get out a pen and paper and try these holiday nuggets that are sure to add clarity to your current perspective.
1) Determine Your "Own" Strengths: What is it that brings you total gratification? Stop and think about the amount of time you spend doing what you really love to do, what you know you are good at and perhaps created to do. Now ask yourself how much time and effort are really investing in this area of your life.
2) Lighten Up: For me, writing and teaching brings me great joy and when I am flowing in this arena, I am a better wife, mother, and friend. However, when the cares of life come crowding in, we may find ourselves putting off those passions. Understand that others may not take you as seriously as you take yourself. Losing touch with what really matters is a sure sign that you are out of touch with those around you. People matter most. Knowing how to adjust your level of expectation when dealing with others will save you a lot of time mulling over disappointments.
3) Give Back: This type of investment yields a high return. Whether you are volunteering or sowing a monetary seed, you will get a return on your giving. I am a firm believer in donating to my local church, community events, and school system. This practice supports the overall vision of building strong families. Giving back generates a feeling of connecting to purpose. When you are able to connect through your giving then you will take on a sense of ownership in whatever you do.
Finally, believing your efforts matter will inspire you to step out of that perplexing box you may have created for yourself. Know and embrace the truth that you were created with purpose in mind. This season take time to ponder the truth about who you are, remember, your perspective projects a mental image. What images are you projecting? Never underrate your worth, for you have the power to create the change you desire.
A Prayer: Father we trust You to help us live beyond our current circumstances, beyond where we can see. Attach Your Spiritual binoculars to our eyes so that we might see the greatness that You see. I pray that everyone receiving this newsletter will begin to take action for personal perspectives today. We must not lose heart, we can have hope, which is a confident expectation that when we seek His presence all things come together according to His time and accomplishments (Psalm 27:13-14).
Jackie O.
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