Life Is Not a Correspondence Program. (Also, Staying in the Solution) ............ ...................6/2/11

  "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its trouble, but it
 does empty today of its strength."

Staying In the Solution:
       The quote above reminds us of the value of being positive and optimistic.  Especially true when we are troubled.  What can be done?  What are our options, given our circum-stances?

         The best approach is to focus ----while relying upon God's strength and direction and relating with our Balcony People-----on what can be done.

         It's critical to realize there are alternatives.

        We are not helpless, hopeless victims.  Constant complaining only makes our problems more prominent and more disturbing. (Al-Anon Family Groups Inc. One Day At a Time, Virginia Beach, 75)

        We want to see how to extricate ourselves from the bogs of life.  This is staying positive.  Healthy alternatives to life's difficulties are slate stones.  They lay across the swamps of life.

         Staying present is neither fearing nor pan-icking. It is diligently applying sound princi-ples.  It's placing the slate stones of princi-ples above the weak parts of our personality.

          They allow us to move forward towards a satisfying life.  They help us to be surrounded by caring, supportive friends.  These people are our Balcony People.  When with them, we're less likely to be swal-lowed by the quicksand of despair and self-pity:

"Acting like a victim is a choice, not a destiny."     Hope For Today, p. 189

Life Is Not a Correspondence Program
Growth Occurs When We Are in Community With Others 

        I mentioned, "working with the support of our Balcony People." Life is not a correspondence program.  It's not a matter of reading helpful books, watching practical programs on PBS, and writing down our answers in a notebook that solves life difficulties.  Nope, life isn't as simple as that.

       Surrounding ourselves with emotionally and psychologically healthy others is the way to go. These are people whose talk and walk are dynamic. They know serenity and sanity, even amid life's trials.

       These individuals thrive during challenging moments.  They are known for their joy.  No upside-down smiles are found on their faces, for the most part. Positivity and resiliency are characteristic of those who succeed.  People who move forward in their lives put their arms around negative reality.

        We need psychological and emotional distance, to be honest about our frailties.  These issues are so part of us, like our nose, that we don't notice them.  Having Balcony People as a part of our personal community ensures growth.  They ask us hard questions and keep us honest.

         It's easy rationalizing unacceptable behavior: "Well, everyone else does it..." "You didn't see that person...." "He made me angry...."  Supportive, Balcony People don't enable us; they don't allow us to get away with denial, not taking responsibility for our actions.

"Open rebuke is greater than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of the enemy are deceitful."    Proverbs 27:5-6.  

     Do we want to continue with habits that really don't serve us?  I thought not.

My Gratitudes:

1. Removing clutter from my work is encouraging; I took care of details today. Doing so always provides more clarity regarding my office work.
2. I'm moving forward in my life. I'm working toward goals that will enable me to expand my business and work in a beautiful environment.
3. I saw several friends this evening.  It's nice having consistency in my life. I see these friends almost every week.
4.  I'm going to bed early tonight. I look forward to getting extra rest. I'm beat.

How About You? 

How might God, or your Higher Power, want you to put your arms around negative reality during this season in your life? 

I'd love to hear your answers.

Images: "Countryside Old Bridge" by Tim Blessed,  used by permission