Be Still...

Patience has never been one of my virtues. It seems as though I'm always in a hurry...to use my talents...to become successful...to make something of myself. This morning, I came to understand what my problems of late have truly been about. I expect way too much out of myself, and, when my efforts don't reflect what I believe I should receive in return, I become discouraged.

What I failed to recognize is that I am not the sum total of this equation. It is not my efforts alone that will take me where I desire to go. I have not been trusting God to be there to assist my efforts. I am taking the initiative instead of allowing life to progress in its own time. Frustration is the result. 

This morning, I hear the words of God in my heart. "Be still and know that I am God." I understand that, while I may be on the path, the road is a bit longer than I thought. I don't need to hurry myself along. It is time to rest. It is time to reflect. It is time to let go and allow myself to be nurtured on my journey by my constant companion, the great I Am.

Once again, I am comforted and reassured that I am exactly where I need to be and that my life will unfold as it is designed to.

~CSE

   

Are You Too Comfortable?

Do  you ever feel as though you are stuck in life? Maybe you are at a pretty good place, but you see more out there and crave some of it? If you can't seem to get to the next level, the question you should be asking yourself is, "Am I too comfortable?"

Often, we see comfort as a good place to be. It feels safe. It feels secure. It feels like home. We know what to expect and how much we can accomplish. After all, we do it every day...and that's where the problems begin.

If you continue to do the same things you have always done, you cannot expect growth or change. Living in the rut may feel safe and secure, but doing the same old thing day after day will only make the rut deeper. The longer you continue on in the same deep path, the more difficult change becomes.

Now that you have established you are in a rut and need to change, what can you do to step out of your comfort zone? Sometimes, changing something small can create enough discomfort to take you out of your everyday rut. The follow is a list of ideas you can use to help yourself acclimate to the feelings change brings about in your life.

Small changes that create BIG growth:

1. Take a new route to work! Just getting out of your normal daily routine can be enough change to help you see new possibilities!
2. Take on a new hobby! Expanding your mind and body by learning something new not only creates new neural pathways in your brain but also gives you feelings of accomplishment.
3. Explore a place you've been wanting to learn more about! Maybe you've thought about touring a local museum or hiking a new trail. Allow yourself to go outside your normal routines to access new things to do.
4. Meet new people! Join a club where people gather to discuss hobbies or topics you enjoy. Talk to people at the grocery store. You never know where you might meet someone who can help you see a new way of doing things that will promote growth.
5. Explore the interests of people who are important to you! Not only will this assist with new perspectives, but this has the added benefit of helping you become closer to your loved one through shared experience. 

Stepping into the uncomfortable is mandatory for anyone wanting to make significant changes in their lives. Allow the little things to shake up your routine enough to prepare you for the bigger changes you want to accomplish!!!

~CSE