Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
I can't believe how busy life can get, and then we catch ourselves running around reacting to our chaotic world to try and bring some order and calm again.
One trait that is so attractive is someone who is content. What a great place to be - content. I find great comfort in this verse as contentment doesn't come naturally to me, but Paul says, "I have learned". That is so awesome, you can learn content, it is something all of us are able to work on and a noble pursuit. My natural default position may be far from content, but this is something that can change, like learning any new skill it just requires practice, repetition and consistent discipline.
Every situation and challenge is now not just the issue before me but an opportunity to help me learn to be content, and from that place of resting I will more clearly see God's grace at work in my life and through my life.
Now, I too will catch myself and not just speak in regard to need, but learn to be content, because I know this is something I really can learn and the rewards are so worth the pursuit.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
5 Steps to live your best life
1. Believe in yourself
• If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anyone else?
• What do you see when you look in the mirror?
We all develop a healthy self image more than being born with it.
o Don’t take yourself too seriously – no one else does!
o Exercise / diet / sleep – believing in a better tomorrow that you are
going to be a part of.
Winston Churchill wrote “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.”
• Plan an hour per day for “Me Time – you can become an expert!
• Radiate a genuine, positive attitude. Positive people help to bring us up. Negative people help to bring us down
No one else can raise your self esteem
Be consistent in 4 areas;
• Be kind
• Be honourable – integrity is high self esteem
• Be productive
• Be proactive not reactive
2. Connect
Personal relationships are the jewel of life. We’re social by nature; we can only be so happy alone.
Good habits are the key to success, and they are established equally through commitment, discipline and accountability.
"Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."
~ Andrew Carnegie
Great accomplishments require great relationships. There is something so invigorating about getting out of your comfort zone and connecting with others side by side in a challenge. The momentum it creates is its own reward.
3. Follow Your Dreams
“It's amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions.”
Author: Charles F. Kettering
Goals are dreams with timelines. Articulate goals and write them down. As soon as you have clarity you have power.
Do you love your job? If not, why in the world are you doing it?
The most common answer is bills. We need money to live; we need a job for money; therefore, we work to survive.
But the survival instinct is the basest of human motivations.
If you think chasing your dreams is hard, consider how much harder it is to work in an uninspiring job for thirty years, wasting away in a cycle of mindless production and consumption. Dare to dream again.
4. Contribute
“You make a living by what you get but you make a life by what you give.” Winston Churchill.
Our potential is revealed in the extent to which we give.
We give our gift; others express appreciation; we too endorse our contribution, and the end result is that we feel good.
“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”
Barbara Bush
You can also contribute to the world by volunteering, helping a family member, or donating. The world needs you, and you need it. Give back. Receive joy.
5. Be Thankful
Have an attitude of gratitude. Being thankful is a habit – and it’s the best one you can ever have.
The fact that we recognize our shortcomings (so we can improve them) does not mean we can’t be thankful for all the wonderful things we already are; all the gifts we already possess.
Life is the greatest gift of all, so we should all be thankful for the breath in our lungs, and I’m sure you can think of a few other blessings if you set your mind to it.
“In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.” Albert Clarke
An attitude of gratitude is powerful because it helps us recognize our gifts, our talents, which helps us feel comfortable with our place in the world and highlights the unique contributions waiting to spring forth from within us, making the world a better place and leading us toward our dreams.
• If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anyone else?
• What do you see when you look in the mirror?
We all develop a healthy self image more than being born with it.
o Don’t take yourself too seriously – no one else does!
o Exercise / diet / sleep – believing in a better tomorrow that you are
going to be a part of.
Winston Churchill wrote “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.”
• Plan an hour per day for “Me Time – you can become an expert!
• Radiate a genuine, positive attitude. Positive people help to bring us up. Negative people help to bring us down
No one else can raise your self esteem
Be consistent in 4 areas;
• Be kind
• Be honourable – integrity is high self esteem
• Be productive
• Be proactive not reactive
2. Connect
Personal relationships are the jewel of life. We’re social by nature; we can only be so happy alone.
Good habits are the key to success, and they are established equally through commitment, discipline and accountability.
"Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."
~ Andrew Carnegie
Great accomplishments require great relationships. There is something so invigorating about getting out of your comfort zone and connecting with others side by side in a challenge. The momentum it creates is its own reward.
3. Follow Your Dreams
“It's amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions.”
Author: Charles F. Kettering
Goals are dreams with timelines. Articulate goals and write them down. As soon as you have clarity you have power.
Do you love your job? If not, why in the world are you doing it?
The most common answer is bills. We need money to live; we need a job for money; therefore, we work to survive.
But the survival instinct is the basest of human motivations.
If you think chasing your dreams is hard, consider how much harder it is to work in an uninspiring job for thirty years, wasting away in a cycle of mindless production and consumption. Dare to dream again.
4. Contribute
“You make a living by what you get but you make a life by what you give.” Winston Churchill.
Our potential is revealed in the extent to which we give.
We give our gift; others express appreciation; we too endorse our contribution, and the end result is that we feel good.
“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”
Barbara Bush
You can also contribute to the world by volunteering, helping a family member, or donating. The world needs you, and you need it. Give back. Receive joy.
5. Be Thankful
Have an attitude of gratitude. Being thankful is a habit – and it’s the best one you can ever have.
The fact that we recognize our shortcomings (so we can improve them) does not mean we can’t be thankful for all the wonderful things we already are; all the gifts we already possess.
Life is the greatest gift of all, so we should all be thankful for the breath in our lungs, and I’m sure you can think of a few other blessings if you set your mind to it.
“In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.” Albert Clarke
An attitude of gratitude is powerful because it helps us recognize our gifts, our talents, which helps us feel comfortable with our place in the world and highlights the unique contributions waiting to spring forth from within us, making the world a better place and leading us toward our dreams.
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