Happy Monday!
And just like that, we’re at the end of August. So many things happened this month. We enjoyed vacations and time away from the daily grind. We hiked, beached, swam, exercised, practiced mindfulness, and spent time in meditation. We had cool drinks, shared ideas and thoughts with friends, and managed back-to-school shopping, and many began a new year of learning, advancing, and strategizing for the next ten months. There was much self-care for some, not so much for others, and significant changes for many. And we’re still breathing, imagining, and looking forward to some new challenge.
We live in a constantly changing world. At times, it feels daunting. Other times the feelings may be peaceful and encouraging. In all things, though, there seems to be a rhythm and an order to our lives. Sometimes that order seems unusual or uncomfortable. Yet, order can promote growth and enrich our lives, even when it appears to be the last thing we need. Often, it’s hurtful, and we endure with reservation and reluctance.
I found the following quote as I contemplated the meaning of order. The word is more than just a sequence of elements, a numbers game. And more than a legalistic term that conjures images of unruly behavior versus instruction or direction. Order is a tool we use to construct our lives. We might embrace order, so that we can meet our goals. Perhaps we reject order to move away from the status quo. In both cases, we make a choice that affects how we make decisions, structure our work and free time, and approach healthy emotional and mental balance.
Take a moment to read the words mindfully:
Looking at order as a means to an end is useful in working through difficult times and stressful situations. To hurt in order to grow sounds counterintuitive to our way of thinking, but I challenge you to recall a time in life when the pain was almost unbearable, and you recovered with new insight, skills, and tools to improve the quality of your life.
When we fail in order to know, albeit not by choice, we learn our limitations. We experience humility. And we position ourselves to gain knowledge and strength.
None of us revels in loss. On the contrary, we avoid it at all costs and deem the process and act of impertinence or naiveté. However, when we lose in order to gain, the experience may be the most impactful because the price is generally high.
I think of sayings like no pain, no gain, and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And how about you’re strong; you can handle it, survive despite it, or get over it. In these instances, the concept of order is poignant because how we speak to ourselves and allow others to speak into our lives determines our perspectives and image of self.
Following are a few quotes about order:
“Order and simplification are the first steps toward the mastery of a subject.” Thomas Mann
“Good order is the foundation of all things.” Edmund Burke
“Order is the sanity of the mind, the health of the body, the peace of the city, the security of the state.” Eliza Cook
“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” Gretchen Rubin
Psalm 37:23 enlightens us about order:
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”
Order is a beautiful tool in learning to make wise choices, begin a project that requires creativity and innovation, and find peace amid chaos. Take a few minutes this week to discover where you thrive due to order and where you might benefit from incorporating structure. It’s a great time to make some positive changes!
Have a wonderful week wondering about order and life. Consider sharing your thoughts with others. Maybe reimagine a project in a way that promotes order and clarity!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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