Life happens. We’re forced to adjust to change almost routinely, and most of the time we aren’t prepared for it. Character building develops as we figure out how to handle unexpected challenges, and in the midst of struggle is where new-found strength surfaces for each of us. I’m learning that for the most part, there’s no black and white, right or wrong choice to make when faced with life-altering decisions. If there was a way to peek into the future to see which outcome is best, I’d take it, but that’s not reality. Using one’s best judgement from prior knowledge and experience leads to an educated choice that caters to a certain outcome with high hopes it’s the “right” one. A CHANGE IN PLANS
Fact: There’s never really a way to know if the choices you make are right or wrong until time chooses to reveal the answer… so how do we cope with the perceived “wrong” choices? It’s simple, actually – The choices you make lead to different outcomes as they shape your future and who you mold into as a person, for better or worse. We make decisions closest to the goals we developed at that point in time, then manage the repercussions associated with it. All the time and energy invested into making what seemed like the “right” choice should never be discounted, for even if you end up making the “wrong” choice, the decision made was the best option at that given time. Even if it leads to a harder or more frustrating path, it’s the one that was taken so we must learn to make the best out of it and learn from potential mistakes. With some circumstances, it’s easy to predict how we would react when the situation arises, however, with others, the set assumptions for our reactions are not as clear. I am the kind of person who likes to have a plan and work towards the end-goal. I’ve had moments where I became paralyzed with fear, not knowing how to react. After the situation ended, I kicked myself for not handling it better. I’m here to tell you it is OKAY if you come across this. Learn from it and apply it for the next unforeseen challenge you experience in your life plan. In times of trials and tribulations, our integrity is put to test. I encourage you to share the mentality of not allowing fear of change or curveballs being thrown in your path to keep you from standing back up when you’re repeatedly being knocked down. Whether it be an unexpected lifestyle adjustment, family complications, overwhelming pressures from school, relationship issues, or a job change - a rift in your routine is inevitable. Hang in there, I’m here to tell you that you will get through it, and more importantly you will grow from it if you choose to think in that mindset. These moments are the blessings in disguise that we take for granted. GAINING INTROSPECTION Introspection is the examination and observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes. I believe being self-aware and knowing more of who you are, what triggers certain reactions, and how you ultimately deal with uneasy reactions adds value to managing adjustments and transitions. Pastor Rick Warren said, "If you don’t know who you are, other people will mold you in who they think you ought to be." Warren spoke to me with this message. The core of who you truly are develops when placed in challenging situations. For example, chipping away at a rock to sculpt something calls for taking off the raw materials that aren’t part of the ultimate design for the final product. Pain is used to add, build strength and to take away things that are unnecessary – hence growing through the unexpected situations. You can choose to look at challenges as being impossible to overcome while victimizing yourself, or you can see it as a blessing in disguise, learn from the experience, grow stronger, and prevent it from repeating. Accept your strengths, and with humility, accept your weaknesses. The less dependent on the approval of others helps you to mold yourself & your character instead of allowing others to do it for you. Read that again. Based on personal experience, building self-worth, taking courageous leaps, and testing the limits of your character all dedicate to the building blocks of not only reacting positively in times of struggle, but also provides insight into seeing them as blessings. You certainly don’t need people’s opinions to validate your own self-worth. I repeat – You, and all of your amazing self, do NOT need other’s opinions for validation of your worth. Choose to gain self-reflection and make thoughtful decisions to grow through what you go through. TAKING ACTION First and foremost, understand and let sink in that happiness is a choice. If you allow others to determine your personal happiness, you are letting them control you. Andy Stanley mentions “anything that undermines your peace, undermines your happiness.” Find out what makes you happy, hold onto it, and prioritize time in your busy schedule to do just that because you deserve it and you need it. Learn to be patient. It’s hard to be patient sometimes, especially when you don’t have control over your situation. Do the best you can with what you are given, roll with the punches, and focus on enjoying where you are and who you are with at this moment Chances are the situation is temporary. What you can remember are the good memories from this point in your life and the teachings gained from it. Lastly, walk with one foot in front of the other. As an organizer, it was initially hard for me to adjust to the idea of not being 100% in control of the initial plans I set for myself. In time, I shifted my thinking to work towards short-term and long-term goals yet taking a one-day-at-a-time approach. Not getting caught up in the midst of the picturesque life you thought you’d have by now in comparison to what your reality is and setting yourself free from comparison truly allows for personal happiness to bloom. Just because you might not be where you want to be at this very moment does not mean you aren’t still succeeding. Chances are you are exactly where you NEED to be, and with the choices you’ve made, it’s shaping you into who you are meant to be. Own it. Make the best out of it. FINAL THOUGHTS – I view all situations – good and bad – to be considered blessings. The good ones are obvious, the negative situations are blessings in disguise. Think over some blessings in disguise you have in your life right now. Really think hard about why those could be seen as hidden gifts from the Big Man Upstairs, and just maybe it will make the darker moments in life a little more enjoyable with a touch of Mere Simplicity.
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Hi, I'm MeredithHey you! Welcome to my personal blog. Combining life lessons and bits of wisdom gained through my experiences. Feel free to leave comments & share the posts. Categories
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