Life Is Not a Correspondence Program, Revisited 11/1/12

         Good evening.  How are you?
Go ahead and stop the video. You'll find it down below.
         I'll wait.
        Sorry about that.
        I'm still new at using technology.  I actually used HTML to embed the video below.  I don't know how to do that with the video NOT starting up right away.

        That's okay.  I'll be gentle towards myself----progress, not perfection.  It's a terrific video by a fellow that I quote here, in this inn. We'll get to it in a moment.

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        Lately, I've been posting a bit earlier. I'm bumping up the following. I'd enjoy knowing your thoughts. I wrote it a year ago, June of 2011.  Here it is:

   Staying In the Solution:

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

       This quote reminds us of the value of staying in the solution when troubled.  What can be done? What are our options, given our circumstances?

       Focusing----while relying upon God's strength and direction, and working with the support of our Balcony People (click here, for more info about them) -----on what can be done, is best. It's critical realizing we have options.

        We are not helpless, hopeless victims.  Constant complaining only makes our problems loom larger  and more disturbing.

        Looking at what can extricate us from the miry bogs that life is full of, is staying in the solution.  Exercising healthy alternatives are the bridges or slate stepping stones tossed across the swampland portions of life. Staying present, is neither fearing nor panicking, but diligently applying sound principles.

        It's placing the slate stones of principles above the weak parts of our personality.  They are what move us forward, towards a satisfying life, surrounded by caring, supportive friends.  We're less likely to get swallowed up 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 reading helpful books, watching helpful programs on PBS and writing our best guesses to solving life difficulties.  Nope, life isn't that simple. Our perspective is limited and flawed.

       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 in the midst of life's trials.

       These individuals thrive during difficult moments.  They are known for their joy.  No upside down smiles are found on their faces, for the most part.

       Take a listen to the following video, it's well worth it.  Trust me.  Here, Dr. Henry Cloud speaks of the positivity and resiliency characteristic of those who succeed, those who adapt well to the ups and downs of life.

       They "put their arms around negative reality."  Do we?  I hope this video inspires you as much as it does me.  You might want to start it from the beginning, now that you are not distracted.

         

         We need psychological and emotional distance if we are to be honest about our frailties.  There are issues that are such a part of us, like our nose, that we don't notice them.  Balcony People ensure the growth of our character.  They ask us the hard questions and provide us with a balanced perspective.

         It's easy rationalizing unacceptable behavior: "Well, everyone else does it..." "You didn't see that person, what he did first...." "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 unacceptable behavior. For more about the Demon of Denial you might want to read this.

"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 for Thursday, 11/01/12 

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 allow me to work in a beautiful environment.
3. I rested today. Yesterday's excursion to San Francisco and having a full load of clients made for an exhausting day.
4. I'm working on getting a new office.
5. I enjoyed time spent with my youngest son, Josiah.
6. 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 hearing your answers.

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