Wow ... re-reading some of the previous posts here I wonder who is this woman who writes these? She's pretty good! Can't be me!! But yes, it is me! Well, it's a part of me that, given the chance, seems to have something to say. Why did I shut her down? Is there a therapist in the house? ... or an insightful reader??
Markers Along the Way
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying 'Thus far the Lord has helped us'" [1 Samuel 7:12]
Monday, January 18, 2016
Friday, September 24, 2010
Fear of Change
It's been over a year since I've written on my blog. I'm not really sure why. I just stopped writing. Blocked? Confused? Empty? Life keeps changing.
Change can be a misunderstood element of life. We often think of change as threatening, not promising. We fear change because we think it will disrupt our lives, leaving us unsettled and insecure. And many times that's exactly what happens. But is change the culprit?
What else could it be? Sometimes it's choice. We come to a crossroads and have to choose the next direction our lives will take. It may be choosing where to go to school, where to live or which job to take. It may be as simple as choosing to write a short piece, pick up the camera or just step outside. Choice becomes change.
Maybe circumstances have enveloped you. You've received a diagnosis, a pink slip, a foreclosure notice. Possibly friends or family have moved away or your support system is unavailable. Maybe you have no recourse in the matter. Your life seems out of control. Circumstances become change.
Whether by choice or by circumstance, life changes. We know it's true, but what makes us pull back from it? What is it we really fear? Is it the unknown that frightens us the most? The what ifs that taunt us? Maybe it's the work required to get us from one place to the next.
It's been said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. While that may be true, possibly the changes that happen may be something to fear as well. However, as with all fears, if we can press on through the changes we are facing, we may discover a whole new area of life that is exciting, rewarding and worth the price we pay to overcome them!
So, what's changing for you?
Change can be a misunderstood element of life. We often think of change as threatening, not promising. We fear change because we think it will disrupt our lives, leaving us unsettled and insecure. And many times that's exactly what happens. But is change the culprit?
What else could it be? Sometimes it's choice. We come to a crossroads and have to choose the next direction our lives will take. It may be choosing where to go to school, where to live or which job to take. It may be as simple as choosing to write a short piece, pick up the camera or just step outside. Choice becomes change.
Maybe circumstances have enveloped you. You've received a diagnosis, a pink slip, a foreclosure notice. Possibly friends or family have moved away or your support system is unavailable. Maybe you have no recourse in the matter. Your life seems out of control. Circumstances become change.
Whether by choice or by circumstance, life changes. We know it's true, but what makes us pull back from it? What is it we really fear? Is it the unknown that frightens us the most? The what ifs that taunt us? Maybe it's the work required to get us from one place to the next.
It's been said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. While that may be true, possibly the changes that happen may be something to fear as well. However, as with all fears, if we can press on through the changes we are facing, we may discover a whole new area of life that is exciting, rewarding and worth the price we pay to overcome them!
So, what's changing for you?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Seasons, Cycles and Changes
Ah, September Morn, to borrow a song title from Neil Diamond. September is a transition month. It's the month of my birth, so I will be another year older ... actually, on my birthday, I'll only be another day older! September signals a change of seasons as the days begin to shorten and it's the beginning of another school year. September is truly a significant month!
The school year finds kids going to school for the first time, others moving into a new grade level, teenagers heading off to new adventures as they begin high school or college, and adults going back to school after years away from the study process. Major transitions ... but life is a constant teacher, so school is always in session!
The season changes from the sunny days of summer to the crisper days of fall. Leaves turn colors and then drop from the trees. Some places experience a final heat wave as September tries to hold on stubbornly to the last of summer's warmth. Eventually the cycle prevails and we move into the next season. Life is like that as well.
Birthdays are markers that can excite us - think 21, discourage us - think 50+ or remind us that each new day is a gift to be opened, celebrated and enjoyed. A friend who shared September as his birth month recently passed away. As I celebrate my birthday this year, I remember 3 other September people who aren't here for this year's parties. I pause to remember and reflect ... and to give thanks for each of them. They touched my life and have left their mark.
Life is short. Life can be difficult. But life is a gift from the Giver of Life. Let's learn to celebrate the days whether they're long or short. Celebrate your family and friends ... and celebrate you! Birthday or not, today's your day!
The school year finds kids going to school for the first time, others moving into a new grade level, teenagers heading off to new adventures as they begin high school or college, and adults going back to school after years away from the study process. Major transitions ... but life is a constant teacher, so school is always in session!
The season changes from the sunny days of summer to the crisper days of fall. Leaves turn colors and then drop from the trees. Some places experience a final heat wave as September tries to hold on stubbornly to the last of summer's warmth. Eventually the cycle prevails and we move into the next season. Life is like that as well.
Birthdays are markers that can excite us - think 21, discourage us - think 50+ or remind us that each new day is a gift to be opened, celebrated and enjoyed. A friend who shared September as his birth month recently passed away. As I celebrate my birthday this year, I remember 3 other September people who aren't here for this year's parties. I pause to remember and reflect ... and to give thanks for each of them. They touched my life and have left their mark.
Life is short. Life can be difficult. But life is a gift from the Giver of Life. Let's learn to celebrate the days whether they're long or short. Celebrate your family and friends ... and celebrate you! Birthday or not, today's your day!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Stepping Out
As I read from the words describing my blog ... thus far the Lord has helped us ... I should be very confident that He will continue leading me on down the path that is in front of me. But fears lurk behind every turn. What if, my brain screams. Not what if God isn't there, but what if I make a mistake? What if I disappoint others? What if my decisions don't work out the way I hoped? Well, what if?!
Looking back over my life with sharp eyes and clear understanding - it's what hindsight is all about! - I see that I did not arrive at my current place based on my own abilities to get things done. Sometimes, I feel like maybe it "just happened" to work out, but, I think things happen for a reason and a purpose. I believe there is a God and He has a plan and He has included me in it! Amazing!
So, as I stand here on the verge of yet another life transition, I need to open my hands, my heart and my head to let go of the old and embrace the new. I need to remember that I have not been given a spirit of fear; but of power (for my hands) love (for my heart) and a sound mind (for my head that screams what if )
My life is moving in a new direction and I'm setting out on a new path. I'm looking forward to the opportunities that lie just around the bend. And I'm looking forward with no fear -- just faith!
Looking back over my life with sharp eyes and clear understanding - it's what hindsight is all about! - I see that I did not arrive at my current place based on my own abilities to get things done. Sometimes, I feel like maybe it "just happened" to work out, but, I think things happen for a reason and a purpose. I believe there is a God and He has a plan and He has included me in it! Amazing!
So, as I stand here on the verge of yet another life transition, I need to open my hands, my heart and my head to let go of the old and embrace the new. I need to remember that I have not been given a spirit of fear; but of power (for my hands) love (for my heart) and a sound mind (for my head that screams what if )
My life is moving in a new direction and I'm setting out on a new path. I'm looking forward to the opportunities that lie just around the bend. And I'm looking forward with no fear -- just faith!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Confessions of a Control Freak
I've always prided myself on my flexibility and easy-going nature. I thought the Commodores were describing me when they sang, easy, like Sunday morning. However, when I find myself in a situation that I perceive needs a little adjusting, I quickly discover I'm not as easy-going as I'd like to think! Would you believe I want things my way?! Of course, it's only because I know my way is the best way!
Or is it because I'm afraid if things are not done my way then the outcome becomes unpredictable ... uncontrollable? I won't know what's happening and I won't be able to take care of it when it exceeds the limits of my knowledge or experience.
But what about allowing those who are familiar with the territory to do what they are trained to do? Hmm ... are they adequately trained ... fully experienced ... knowledgeable and able to handle any situation? You see, it's still fraught with the potential of being out of control.
When I'm away from the situations I have no choice but to let others do whatever they see fit; however, when I enter the situation myself, I want to give directions and orders on how it should be done. What to do? Do I stay away and let it be or do I stay involved and drive us all nuts?
There is a third alternative. I can learn to let go of the way it's been and allow the future to unfold, trusting God will keep everything under His control. My control issues are really about my fears. I'm afraid, if I let go, something "bad" may happen. I don't even know what it might be, but it lurks out there somewhere - just beyond my control.
Life is a never-ending teacher and there are always lessons to be learned. I hope I can learn them soon enough so that I can relax and enjoy the rest of my life before it's over.
Or is it because I'm afraid if things are not done my way then the outcome becomes unpredictable ... uncontrollable? I won't know what's happening and I won't be able to take care of it when it exceeds the limits of my knowledge or experience.
But what about allowing those who are familiar with the territory to do what they are trained to do? Hmm ... are they adequately trained ... fully experienced ... knowledgeable and able to handle any situation? You see, it's still fraught with the potential of being out of control.
When I'm away from the situations I have no choice but to let others do whatever they see fit; however, when I enter the situation myself, I want to give directions and orders on how it should be done. What to do? Do I stay away and let it be or do I stay involved and drive us all nuts?
There is a third alternative. I can learn to let go of the way it's been and allow the future to unfold, trusting God will keep everything under His control. My control issues are really about my fears. I'm afraid, if I let go, something "bad" may happen. I don't even know what it might be, but it lurks out there somewhere - just beyond my control.
Life is a never-ending teacher and there are always lessons to be learned. I hope I can learn them soon enough so that I can relax and enjoy the rest of my life before it's over.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Well, Mom is settled in her new home and her transition is complete. I am still settling in with the lessons to be learned from the transition. It's always amazing how much hindsight I have! It must be a gift! :)
One of the concepts from Bill Bridges' work on transitions is that we must let go of the old life and fully take hold of the new before the transition is complete. The time of wandering in the neutral zone is the time of discovery - and of letting go - before we can enter the new beginning. Concepts are marvelous ideas both in their content and intent. Applying the knowledge acquired is an entirely different matter. I much prefer talking about what I've learned than actually putting it into practice. The integration of knowledge into the daily routine of life is quite challenging.
First I have to recognize the speed at which life changes. It is after all change that signals the beginning of transition. However, the change may happen and we may never make the transition because we did not recognize - or deliberately ignored? - the signals.
So, what have I learned? Well, for one, I've learned that I only think I'm in control here! And that may be a very good lesson to stop and apply before I quickly zip along to identify the next thing I think I've learned.
What are you learning? Are you applying it?
One of the concepts from Bill Bridges' work on transitions is that we must let go of the old life and fully take hold of the new before the transition is complete. The time of wandering in the neutral zone is the time of discovery - and of letting go - before we can enter the new beginning. Concepts are marvelous ideas both in their content and intent. Applying the knowledge acquired is an entirely different matter. I much prefer talking about what I've learned than actually putting it into practice. The integration of knowledge into the daily routine of life is quite challenging.
First I have to recognize the speed at which life changes. It is after all change that signals the beginning of transition. However, the change may happen and we may never make the transition because we did not recognize - or deliberately ignored? - the signals.
So, what have I learned? Well, for one, I've learned that I only think I'm in control here! And that may be a very good lesson to stop and apply before I quickly zip along to identify the next thing I think I've learned.
What are you learning? Are you applying it?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Marking the Anniversary
I started my blog on July 24, 2008 with a post titled "Beginning Markers." I began the blog as one of my goals during an Artist's Way workshop I attended last summer. Writing is my basic art form; happily, the workshop opened me up to a wide variety of artistic endeavors. However, writing is still where I return and feel the most comfortable.
In that first post I wrote, "learning to pause when the markers merit reflection helps us adjust to the changing landscape of our lives." One year later I am pausing to reflect, and working to adjust, to some recent changes.
I wrote about them in more detail and posted the story, only to discover a pop-up ad where previously there had been none AND it was connected exactly to the life change I wrote about.... hmmm ....
So now with no mention of the exact life change - and deleting the widget it seemed to be attached to - hopefully, the pop-up will go away. I do not want to mark this anniversary with a pop-up ad!! We shall see ....
In that first post I wrote, "learning to pause when the markers merit reflection helps us adjust to the changing landscape of our lives." One year later I am pausing to reflect, and working to adjust, to some recent changes.
I wrote about them in more detail and posted the story, only to discover a pop-up ad where previously there had been none AND it was connected exactly to the life change I wrote about.... hmmm ....
So now with no mention of the exact life change - and deleting the widget it seemed to be attached to - hopefully, the pop-up will go away. I do not want to mark this anniversary with a pop-up ad!! We shall see ....
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