We may value something based on how much we'd get if we sold it, who it belonged to, how we received it, how we would feel if we lost it. In other words, what it means to us.
This was brought home recently when Facebook jogged my memory with a picture of my first ever handknit shawl.
I recently took a "behavioral" test and it was remarkably accurate! Yes, I love to research, read, write, learn new things. I am happiest with systems and checklists and playbooks.
But really, is that all there is to me? Not a chance!
You see, it can be helpful to have a test "validate" your unique talents and gifts. And it can predict your shortcomings when you act fully according to these traits. What it misses is what you have learned over the years and what you do differently as a result.
People are so interesting! Some excitedly move forward with passion. Others are introspective and consider before making a move. Some are energized when they are with crowds of people while others are happiest in a small group or even alone.
But the experience of life can change us. Not everyone is satisfied with the usual. We might step out and speak up or stand down and let others take the lead. We can surprise even ourselves!
We are unique. We are not robots. We can change, adapt to what is needed and find that we are much more than a series of traits on a test. If we choose, we can grow to be more, much more.
Do you have a dream? Something you've always wanted to do, someone you've always wanted to be? You may have never told a soul because you thought they'd laugh at you, try to discourage you - maybe you HAVE shared and you ARE discouraged!
Don't give up on your dreams because you think you are stuck with what others have said about you, what you have said about you. Don't settle. Find your voice, your true calling, what excites you.
I believe that passion we find in our hearts is put there by God. If you feel a stirring, a desire to DO, to BE, write it down! Read it daily. Let it grow and inspire you. It's never too late to find your voice, your calling. Make that difference you've always wanted to make in the world!
Take that next step. Remember, there’s more to the story – you are writing it every day!
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- Looking for like-minded thoughtful women who feel alone or invisible? It's time to blossom by confidently embracing health and finding significance and community! Check out my FB group: Solitary Senior Sisters.
I've talked about the Gratitude Jar over the last couple of years. I love the idea of looking back at the positives.
You know, if you're like me, you tend to remember the negatives - the losses, missed opportunities, sadness, things you may still be mad about, what you didn't do, didn't have, didn't see! But the good stuff? Well, those can be forgotten - maybe not the huge things, but the things we often experience and appreciate at the time, and the memory slips away. It's easy for the negatives to drown them out.
Now I have a confession to make! I fully intended to have a Gratitude Jar this past year. New Year's Eve came and I realized I didn't add one piece of paper in the jar! Yikes! As I think back, at the very beginning of the year, things happened - there was big change in my life. Plus I was dealing with a sick husband and barely getting enough sleep to keep going at that time. A couple months later there were two other losses that were even more life-changing. Yes, there were some real highs during the year, but overall it's difficult to look back and see the many times I truly felt gratitude.
Well, all that to say it's easy to see why the Gratitude Jar wasn't a top priority - but I wish it had been. If I had just put it on my calendar, I could have captured those moments of gratitude that I know were there throughout the year. Then I could have looked back, been reminded of each of those occasions and felt more thankfulness. Instead, I struggle to think of more than the big high's. You know, it's the little things that add up to a full year of amazingness.
I don't want that to happen this year. Are you with me?
OK, so what is a Gratitude Jar? If you haven't heard of it, it's just a way to collect memories of what we are grateful for. Notice the little things. Jot down some specifics, not just it was a nice sunny day, but it was a nice sunny day so we went out for a ride and sat in the car and looked at the lake - there were some sailboats and kayaks and I loved how the sun shimmered on the surface of the water - it reminded me that I can find peace when I stop and look for it - so you remember enough of the details later - and add the date! On New Year's Eve, or thereabouts, read through them and reflect. Remember all you are grateful for.
For a little more info, check out my short video. And remember, the more you add to the jar, the more you have to review at the end of the year.
Check out my original Gratitude Jar blog post!
- Subscribe to my blog so you won't miss anything.
- Looking for like-minded thoughtful women who feel alone or invisible? It's time to blossom by confidently embracing health and finding significance and community! Check out my FB group: Solitary Senior Sisters.
Recently, I spent a couple long days and nights in the ER after waking up early one morning with vertigo. I'd had dizziness off and on over the years, but this was very different - I was unable to function at all. This was actually the second time in my life when I was transported down a tricky flight of stairs by a great team of EMT's.
