Spring is probably the most anticipated time for changes. For those of us in Illinois, or anywhere this year that has been hit particularly hard by this winter's snow, ice and frigid temperatures, I think we are all quite ready for the change of seasons.
This week also marks Lent. I am not Catholic, but I hold respect for other religions, and I truly advocate meditation and reflection. The new Associate Pastor at our church just wrote about the origins and the purpose of the 40 days in the published bulletin. The sentences that struck me are the things that I never hear anyone talk about when it is Lent. Our beings rise from ash, return to ash, and our responsibilities are what we do with our time in between. Sure, Lent is a time when all of us can look at our temptations and practice restraint, but this year, I am particularly going to focus on my purpose in this life.
As the temperatures start to rise (we all hope!) and new life in plants and trees form, let us all look inward at what we have to offer for growth and change. I am ready to spring forward.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Changes in Expectations, part 1
I am stunned it has been over a year since my last post. Yes, I have been busy, and yes, I am still adjusting to a schedule change... then summer break, then schedule change again.
Yet what I always notice is Expectations and Priorities. When something is important, you make it happen. That is the biggest reason most people (some women in particular, that I know, anyway) make themselves have fun "last." Everything and everyone and every other responsibility comes first.
I admit -I have not made it a priority for me to 'blog' because I don't expect anyone to read what I have to say and I don't expect to change anyone's views or opinions. I just live, day to day, adjusting and coping with changes in my own life.
A few years ago, I established this blog because I had a friend who suggested that I have opinions that others might be interested in reading. I believed her, and I went out on a cyber-limb. I think I misjudged my expectations. I didn't expect to change anyone, but I did want to change myself. I'm not sure if I have had much impact, specifically to myself.
I'm not sure at all of what it was that I expected... maybe that is not even the point. But I do want to make it a priority again. And I admit, I do it without the same expectations... but please Comment, if you will. Share/let me know any of your expectations.
Yet what I always notice is Expectations and Priorities. When something is important, you make it happen. That is the biggest reason most people (some women in particular, that I know, anyway) make themselves have fun "last." Everything and everyone and every other responsibility comes first.
I admit -I have not made it a priority for me to 'blog' because I don't expect anyone to read what I have to say and I don't expect to change anyone's views or opinions. I just live, day to day, adjusting and coping with changes in my own life.
A few years ago, I established this blog because I had a friend who suggested that I have opinions that others might be interested in reading. I believed her, and I went out on a cyber-limb. I think I misjudged my expectations. I didn't expect to change anyone, but I did want to change myself. I'm not sure if I have had much impact, specifically to myself.
I'm not sure at all of what it was that I expected... maybe that is not even the point. But I do want to make it a priority again. And I admit, I do it without the same expectations... but please Comment, if you will. Share/let me know any of your expectations.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Schedule Change
A new school year begins for my daughter this week. Fourth grade. We all wonder, "Where did the time go?" We should, however, be asking ourselves, "Have we been spending our time wisely?"
Far too often I hear people say "I just don't have time." Yes, you do. Honestly, time is all that we do have. It's all about how we spend it, and yes, how we choose to spend it.
Are you wasting your time? If you find yourself complaining about being "too busy" - perhaps it's time to implement change. If you don't think you have any control, then you need to realize that you do have a choice and embrace it.
Most of us with full calendars are overwhelmed because we have difficulty saying that small-but-seemingly-huge word NO. We need to be honest that we cannot do it all. Even if we want to. There is no weakness to admitting that we can't be there for everyone or manage every aspect. Weakness is shown, however, when we run behind or forget something because we are in fact too weak to say no.
The past few weeks, I have let myself worry and lose sleep trying to make all Hope's activities this Fall work together... to fit into a schedule. Reality check: I can't. Classes, practices, rehearsals are all out of my control. It makes me sad that Hope will have to say "no" to a couple of her favorite things this school year. Yet, I also realize this will give her training and knowledge that she can't "do it all" either.
Eventually, we are forced to say no at some point. We then need to make sure we decline the appropriate things so that we can stay true to ourselves. "Do what you like, like what you do" (Live is good motto: www.lifeisgood.com). Life with less regrets. It is our time, and "should have, could have" is a waste of it.
Change your schedule - change that automatic reaction of over-committing and trying to please everyone but yourself. When you do that, you can change from being "too busy" to simply already having plans... which is a far better feeling and much more positive attitude.
I'm looking at this week, looking toward my family's new school-year schedule. While it's not set yet, I know that changes will pop up that I cannot control. It's okay - I can make adjustments that work for me and work for us. I do not have to do it all - but I can choose the possibilities and do what I can.
Far too often I hear people say "I just don't have time." Yes, you do. Honestly, time is all that we do have. It's all about how we spend it, and yes, how we choose to spend it.
Are you wasting your time? If you find yourself complaining about being "too busy" - perhaps it's time to implement change. If you don't think you have any control, then you need to realize that you do have a choice and embrace it.
Most of us with full calendars are overwhelmed because we have difficulty saying that small-but-seemingly-huge word NO. We need to be honest that we cannot do it all. Even if we want to. There is no weakness to admitting that we can't be there for everyone or manage every aspect. Weakness is shown, however, when we run behind or forget something because we are in fact too weak to say no.
The past few weeks, I have let myself worry and lose sleep trying to make all Hope's activities this Fall work together... to fit into a schedule. Reality check: I can't. Classes, practices, rehearsals are all out of my control. It makes me sad that Hope will have to say "no" to a couple of her favorite things this school year. Yet, I also realize this will give her training and knowledge that she can't "do it all" either.
Eventually, we are forced to say no at some point. We then need to make sure we decline the appropriate things so that we can stay true to ourselves. "Do what you like, like what you do" (Live is good motto: www.lifeisgood.com). Life with less regrets. It is our time, and "should have, could have" is a waste of it.
Change your schedule - change that automatic reaction of over-committing and trying to please everyone but yourself. When you do that, you can change from being "too busy" to simply already having plans... which is a far better feeling and much more positive attitude.
I'm looking at this week, looking toward my family's new school-year schedule. While it's not set yet, I know that changes will pop up that I cannot control. It's okay - I can make adjustments that work for me and work for us. I do not have to do it all - but I can choose the possibilities and do what I can.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Lot Can Happen in a Year...
April 30 will mark the anniversary of Chad losing his full-time job. This past year has been full of new challenges.
Trying to be optimistic, I am attempting to focus on surpassing all the new changes. Good and bad, a lot has happened in the past year. Special people have passed away; babies have been born; seasons have come and gone... but ultimately, some very core things for me are just, well - different.
Friends have disappointed me, surprisingly so. Employers have disrespected me, but honestly, I probably should have expected. But in the sadness, some people have surfaced in my life bringing me new-found hope. Some relationships have strengthened, giving me encouragement and joy.
Resistance to change is what frustrates us. When we can focus our energy on the positive improvements, we can have faith that all things happen for a reason and that everything really will be okay. I am still adjusting - not having steady, predictable income to pay bills and save for big-ticket items or vacations does drive me insane. However, fighting it doesn't help. So, I continue to reflect on all the terrific things that have occurred in the past twelve months and trust in the future.
That in itself helps me look forward to the next twelve months... and on. There will be more difficulties, but there will also be more celebrations. Soaking up the fun moments helps us all get through the complicated times.
Trying to be optimistic, I am attempting to focus on surpassing all the new changes. Good and bad, a lot has happened in the past year. Special people have passed away; babies have been born; seasons have come and gone... but ultimately, some very core things for me are just, well - different.
Friends have disappointed me, surprisingly so. Employers have disrespected me, but honestly, I probably should have expected. But in the sadness, some people have surfaced in my life bringing me new-found hope. Some relationships have strengthened, giving me encouragement and joy.
Resistance to change is what frustrates us. When we can focus our energy on the positive improvements, we can have faith that all things happen for a reason and that everything really will be okay. I am still adjusting - not having steady, predictable income to pay bills and save for big-ticket items or vacations does drive me insane. However, fighting it doesn't help. So, I continue to reflect on all the terrific things that have occurred in the past twelve months and trust in the future.
That in itself helps me look forward to the next twelve months... and on. There will be more difficulties, but there will also be more celebrations. Soaking up the fun moments helps us all get through the complicated times.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Some Things Never Change...
This year's Election Day led to voiced criticism that President Obama has not lived up to the Change and Hope he promised. It got me thinking about the impact one person can have.
The catch about improving a government... or a business... or a family is that you can't change people.
You can try to motivate and encourage, but changes can only happen by individuals who want better - people who are willing to work at it every day. Groups that all see the same desired goal and each do their part to achieve it.
How can things change if you are the only one who sees the great need? How can one inspire all the others to change? Most importantly - what do you do when all efforts fail and nothing seems to ever change?
It is hard for some of us to give up. Especially when your belief can be so large, so passionate. Yet, sometimes letting go of the vision you have is the only option.
Obviously, I am not Barack Obama. I wish I could stay positive in the face of challenge and harsh resistance. There are, however, also important lessons in these situations. Accepting what cannot or will not change... taking the positives that can be discovered... limiting your exposure and focusing attention and efforts elsewhere.
While you are not able to change others, you can make adjustments to yourself. Some things never change, but we can choose not to be one of those things. We can be better, working from the inside out.
The catch about improving a government... or a business... or a family is that you can't change people.
You can try to motivate and encourage, but changes can only happen by individuals who want better - people who are willing to work at it every day. Groups that all see the same desired goal and each do their part to achieve it.
How can things change if you are the only one who sees the great need? How can one inspire all the others to change? Most importantly - what do you do when all efforts fail and nothing seems to ever change?
It is hard for some of us to give up. Especially when your belief can be so large, so passionate. Yet, sometimes letting go of the vision you have is the only option.
Obviously, I am not Barack Obama. I wish I could stay positive in the face of challenge and harsh resistance. There are, however, also important lessons in these situations. Accepting what cannot or will not change... taking the positives that can be discovered... limiting your exposure and focusing attention and efforts elsewhere.
While you are not able to change others, you can make adjustments to yourself. Some things never change, but we can choose not to be one of those things. We can be better, working from the inside out.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Change of Employment
Whether you lose a job, quit, get downsized, relocate... changing jobs is challenging.
My husband lost his full-time employment because his company needed to save money and could not afford to keep the Creative Department staffed. I lost my job because I worked too hard to save my company money.
Whatever the reason you lose or leave a job, it gives you something money cannot buy: reflection. It's a perfect time to evaluate your role, your goals, your motivation... and look to your next step.
I do believe that all things happen for a reason. Also, as long as I learn from the experience, what happens cannot be a mistake. The key is learning from it. Some lessons teach you right away, while others can take months or years. (For example, I still don't have a full understanding of why our move to Chicago did not succeed.)
For my recent job, I knew it wasn't perfect for me. I knew I wanted more... I hesitated on it for months. It appeared to be a good opportunity, and I thought I could make a difference. I was encouraged by someone I admire and took a chance.
I have already realized things I have learned from this, and I know I have a few more revelations about it that are still pending. Holding true to myself, I am praying that it helps me grow and move on to a place where I can flourish. A place where I will undoubtedly learn new lessons, and hopefully not have to repeat others.
Life is a journey, not a destination... and sometimes we have to change our direction.
My husband lost his full-time employment because his company needed to save money and could not afford to keep the Creative Department staffed. I lost my job because I worked too hard to save my company money.
Whatever the reason you lose or leave a job, it gives you something money cannot buy: reflection. It's a perfect time to evaluate your role, your goals, your motivation... and look to your next step.
I do believe that all things happen for a reason. Also, as long as I learn from the experience, what happens cannot be a mistake. The key is learning from it. Some lessons teach you right away, while others can take months or years. (For example, I still don't have a full understanding of why our move to Chicago did not succeed.)
For my recent job, I knew it wasn't perfect for me. I knew I wanted more... I hesitated on it for months. It appeared to be a good opportunity, and I thought I could make a difference. I was encouraged by someone I admire and took a chance.
I have already realized things I have learned from this, and I know I have a few more revelations about it that are still pending. Holding true to myself, I am praying that it helps me grow and move on to a place where I can flourish. A place where I will undoubtedly learn new lessons, and hopefully not have to repeat others.
Life is a journey, not a destination... and sometimes we have to change our direction.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Changes in Routine
Some of us rely on routines. Schedules of a day help structure and guide our expectations. Others are better with flexibility and spontaneous activity. Though I admire the abilities of the latter, I am of the first group.
Chad lost his full-time employment approximately one month before Summer Vacation. It is mid-July and my "routine" has still not found ground. I cut back my work hours to balance being a Mom and responsible employee (before Chad's loss of employment)... but with work schedules changing and some questionable Central Illinois weather, that has been easier said than done!
Adjusting to new schedules can be stressful, can seem crazy - but as long as I know what is expected, I find the shift far easier.
Things are not always foreseen - and that is the true life lesson of it all. How to just roll with things though they may not coincide with your plan. I'm trying to have patience and hold on to hope for our situation. This certainly is not the first time we have hit a challenging portion of life. And it will not be the last.
As my favorite author states "A Lesson is Repeated Until Learned." Life is, after all, continual learning.
Chad lost his full-time employment approximately one month before Summer Vacation. It is mid-July and my "routine" has still not found ground. I cut back my work hours to balance being a Mom and responsible employee (before Chad's loss of employment)... but with work schedules changing and some questionable Central Illinois weather, that has been easier said than done!
Adjusting to new schedules can be stressful, can seem crazy - but as long as I know what is expected, I find the shift far easier.
Things are not always foreseen - and that is the true life lesson of it all. How to just roll with things though they may not coincide with your plan. I'm trying to have patience and hold on to hope for our situation. This certainly is not the first time we have hit a challenging portion of life. And it will not be the last.
As my favorite author states "A Lesson is Repeated Until Learned." Life is, after all, continual learning.
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