Good Monday Morning!
I trust you spent your weekend doing things that bring you joy! I realize that some of us work on the weekend, and I hope you find other times to rest and refresh during the week. Or health and wellbeing depend on a functional balance between work and recreation. Of course, our tastes are different, and what might be relaxing for one might be a struggle for another. The point is that we must each strive to find and implement the activities that make us feel balanced and ready for life’s changes.
I’m a firm believer that we must make our own happiness. We can make choices that can lead to positive experiences. We also have the freedom to choose a course of action that may not be in our best interests. Both take courage and the ability to adapt. However, finding the courage and choosing to let go of something that is no longer serving us well and releasing, in the ah-ha moments, those activities that we strive to change or control can often be cathartic.
For example, we’re walking with a friend, colleague, or client on a journey. We quickly determine the best course of action but aren’t able to persuade the other person with our findings. They are stuck and seem to have an inability to recognize what we see as the obvious solutions. Our friend, on the other hand, is entangled in their drama and consequences. We want to help them change, but they’re determined to stay the course regardless of the results. As a result, we feel we may be defeated and ineffective. However, we must have the courage to let go. If we model this well, the other person will often determine that change is attainable and worth taking the risk.
Here’s a quote that expresses the happiness that comes from letting go:
Many of us have careers that focus on helping people to embrace change through releasing situations, ending unhealthy relationships, and entertaining alternate perspectives for growth. The people with whom we work require encouragement and insight to accomplish their goals. Our jobs are to walk alongside, offering vision and techniques that assist others to stay the course and realize the happiness of releasing old habits and mindsets.
Mariska Hargitay shared these thoughts, “Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous start.”
And, Brenee Brown noted, “When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brand new ending.”
Scripture supports our courage in enlisting change through verses such as these:
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t’ give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; He won’t leave you.” Deuteronomy 3:16 (msg)
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 (NIV)
Think about taking time to consider how you can support and bring encouragement to someone who’s struggling with change. Reach out for help if you’re in that place of questioning your decisions and can’t seem to get free from negative defaults. People are standing by to lend their time, wisdom, and help!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
Comments by lucinda