To be successful in reaching our goals, it’s necessary that we focus on direction. Our plan may not be sure-fire and our steps might not be the same as someone else’s. Our footing will possibly be a little wobbly along the way. We may stumble from time to time. Our sense of balance may be challenged, and if we’re not sensitive to our own internal barometers, our attitudes may suffer.
If you’ve joined me here for very long, you know that my posts often deal with these areas: writing, spirituality, teaching, and encouraging.
I especially love to encourage. Without rehashing what I’ve talked about before, let me just say, I know a little something about encouragement’s counterpart. I understand suffering, fear, loss, and heartache. I’ve wandered in the valley of mourning. I’ve dined on platters of brokeness. Life’s buffet hasn’t always been tasty.
On the flip side, I’ve learned. I’ve grown. I’ve savored hope, renewal, joy, and victory. I’ve traded saucers for serving bowls to contain my blessings. And when those have overflown, I’ve brought out the big guns–casserole dishes, cookie sheets, and baking trays!
I’ve found the best way to prepare for a feast is to shake out the tablecloth and grab my best dishes. No matter what the grocery checker may ask, this is a time when paper or plastic just won’t do. The disposable just doesn’t hold the same lustre as the real deal. Why stare at the manufacturer’s seal while I’m waiting for the banquet? I’d rather see the glean of a pretty plate any day than the glow of a factory-stamp.
Life can’t always be prime rib and potatoes, but we can enjoy the meatloaf and mac and cheese while we’re coasting. And if our dishes get dirty, why not wash them and add some shine?
Here’s how:
- Become an active participant. Don’t sit back and wonder where the suds went. Be a doer. Add the better detergent and don’t be fooled by the knock-offs. There are a lot of “feel-good” fixes, but rest assured, those are temporary. Their shine won’t last.
- Exercise. Washing our dishes keeps them clean, but we have to do it regularly to really make them shine. The same is true for us. Our minds and bodies need regular activity to keep them strong and healthy. Not to sound like a bad diet commercial, but it’s true. It’s impossible to sparkle on a regimen of little sleep and a lax lifestyle.
- Tackle something new. Stepping out of our comfort zones once in a while can lead to fabulous possibilities. It can be scary, even overwhelming, but reveling in the moment can spark a creative journey.
- Make new friends. I’m not saying we should discard our current ones, but every now and then it’s good to widen our circle of relationships. When we expand our horizons, we invite knowledge. And while it’s true that knowledge is power, it’s also fun to learn something we didn’t know.
- Set goals. Define objectives. Talking about what we’d like to accomplish is good. Writing goals down with concrete steps on how to obtain them is better.
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How do you add some “shine” when you feel you’ve lost your sparkle?
Comments 10
As you know, exercise is a big one for me. Ironically, adding more exercise to my day has allowed me to do Numbers 3 and 4 as well.
Have a great weekend, Cynthia!
Author
When we’re physically fit, Sarah, I believe it makes a huge impact on every facet of our lives. And you are queen of zumba!
I pray your weekend is great, as well!
I love analogies (and I love mac and cheese!). Exercise is SO important. I recommend getting a dog to anyone who struggles to get out and about. Those mornings when I just don’t feel like going out into the dark and the cold, I look into those puppy eyes, sigh and put on my tennis shoes. And I always feel better for doing it! It’s also a great way to do #4. I’ve met some lovely folks walking or at the dog park.
Author
A pet will certainly keep us active, Sarah! And I just know that you are the type of person who makes friends wherever you go.
I’ve been working on all five of the items on your list. I’ve become more active, adding a doctor-prescribed regimen to my life, which is new for me, with the goal of making myself stronger, and I’m making new friends in the process as I workout at Curves.
Author
Good for you, Keli! There’s such satisfaction in mastering challenges, and I love making new friends, too!
Being a bit shy, I have trouble with #1; and I am ashamed to say I have let the exercise slide a bit –as evidenced by the scales. But, my journey into blogging has helped me create friendships with brothers and sisters in Christ that I pray will last a lifetime. I have stepped out and am now writing for ChristianBlessings, which has helped me set new goals that I would not have thought possible before. Thanks so much for your list. It is an inspiration because I have been telling myself to get back on that treadmill but never seem to find the time. I am going to make a point of getting it going today. Have a blessed day.
Author
Making new friends, writing, blogging–good for you, Drusilla! And about the exercise–if the treadmill doesn’t seem to beckon just now, find a walking partner and head for your favorite walking trail or rec center. It’s always great if you can find someone else to link up with, i.e. someone who will hold you accountable.
Congratulations on your exciting journey! And I pray your day was blessed also!
I’ve been working on all five – especially the last 3.
Fun post.
Author
Working. Indicates action! Great job, Loree!