As we step into the next day of our lives that is also the beginning of a new year, a new decade, what thoughts come to you? What new perspectives do you have? What of your life do you want to keep, restore, or reshape? Or do you choose to also expand, reach for something new and possibly uncomfortable? Are you ready to live the life you are meant to live and do it with energy, enthusiasm, and freedom fearlessly every day? What would you do if you knew you could not fail? What would you do if you accepted that you were strong, courageous, and committed? What would you begin to think, feel, or do if you chose to grow? What would be your first step?
These are just questions. Questions to ponder and then to act upon. When we choose to get serious about life, our lives, these are some of the questions that we might ask ourselves. I heard this statement listening to a video sermon* recently.
“Let’s look to others for inspiration, but not for self-esteem.”
Only we ourselves can live the life we have been given. Only we can do the work to live our best lives. Only we can choose to change the channel and experience our amazing greatness.
When we choose to get out of our own way and resist looking outside of ourselves for courage, for truth, for love, we find that all that we ever needed was right inside of us. And then, that is when the outside responds (so we think). In truth, it is simply a reflection of who you are. What we project is what comes back to us. What we give, is what we get. When we set a goal and believe, truly believe, it is achievable, it will be. Do you know why I can say this with such conviction? The reason is simple. You will do the work to make it happen with no doubts. If you stumble, you will learn from it and get back on the journey. When or if you hear discouraging words, you will listen, take what is of value and get back on your journey. If you falter, you will make some adjustments and once again, get back on the journey. Believe in you.
I’m in the midst of reading a book called Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is a fascinating read especially for me. History has become a favorite reading pastime for me recently as it is [maybe not so] amazing that as much as things appear to change, much remains the same particularly where people are concerned. The mind and the heart are most powerful instruments in each of us and each is most unique.
This book provides insight to transformational, crisis, turnaround and visionary leadership as experienced by four of our most memorable presidents – Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. The lessons in the book may inspire, guide, and cause you to reflect on your personal life, your family life, your corporate life, your community life, your country and world perspectives, and possibly your spiritual life. One thing that is reinforcing for me as I read this book, is that our courage, confidence, and ability to care for something greater than ourselves is paramount to our self-esteem and our ability to lead ourselves first, then others.
As we take that next breath, that next step, that leap of faith into the next year and decade may we choose to leave behind the things that do not serve us any longer, keep the things that bring us joy, and welcome the things that might be unfamiliar. Some things may be a little scary, maybe make us uncomfortable yet stretch us so that we can and will live our best lives on our terms doing no harm to others. And from that same sermon mentioned above…
“We can never fully possess our tomorrows while living in the bondage of our yesterdays.”
I wish for you much joy, laughter, and people who you welcome with gratitude and gladness leaving judgment behind. May you choose to GROW.
Get out of your own way making space for new thinking, feelings, & actions.
Reach for what brings you great joy.
Open yourself to the possibilities that life offers.
Will yourself to make course corrections as you desire.
Much love and many blessings,
Sherrie
*Terry Brisbane, Lead Pastor, Cornerstone SF
(Thanks to my sister, Ms. Tara Brown, for sharing the December 29, 2019 sermon from Cornerstone SF with me.)