by Janet

Feeling Unruffled

Be kind to yourself while blooming. I know sometimes it feels like your soul doesn’t always fit. It’s all a part of the process. Emery Allen

What I found odd yesterday is that when I was doing the mood images, I was unstoppable. There are so many different moods that one can experience—I could have gone on forever!

Now that I’ve moved on to things that I’m grateful for, it’s been slow moving. There are a zillion things for me to be grateful for, don’t get me wrong, but there are two challenges I’ve faced. One is finding images to match, which is no big deal… but the other thing–that is VERY important—is that I FORGET to be grateful.

In my Thursday meeting, I shared about my fears, as well as some thoughts I’ve been having about whether or not I’m doing the right things. You know, like wondering if my actions and motives lately are too self-seeking, and on and on…

Two gentlemen (my brothers, I should say) said a few things that really helped me change my perspective. Firstly…

God’s not waiting for you to be good, He’s just waiting for you.

I need to hear things like that over and over, because I’m always pulling out the ‘shame on me’ card. The next time that card comes around, I’m calling BLUFF!

And the other…

Don’t forget to LOOK at how FAR you’ve come!!

Not too long ago I was taking another Welcome Chip. Too many of those to want to count. But, in 4 days I will have eleven months- and in 34 days I will be taking a cake for ONE YEAR!

It’s not so much the counting of days that helps me appreciate how far I’ve come. I see how far I’ve come when I remember how much I’ve learned, how much I’ve changed, and how- even though my mind can go to the wrong places- I now have tools. I am able to see my stinking thinking for what it is… and call that bluff.

After pondering my friend’s words, I realized this morning that when I self-reflect lately, it’s like I’m a reporter on the prowl… looking for the DIRT! What I’m going to do today, is just be grateful for the progress that I’ve already made. How sweet is that?!?

Anyway, today I have fellowship (in meetings and in church) with men and women who can, who have, and who DO help me.

For that, I truly AM grateful!

Life is good and God is great! ♥♥♥

11 Comments

  1. I wish more teens and twentysomethings would read this. We beat ourselves up as we grow, thinking that we’re behind the curve, because someone instilled us with this idea that twentysomethings should have it all figured out. But God is pleased with the progress we do make, even as he calls us forth towards more. Ignoring either one robs us of an opportunity to praise him.

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    1. Thank you for the wonderful comment! Yes, at 55 I’m actually still in the twentysomething mindset, believe it or not. Ironically, sometimes I think my calling could be in the realm of speaking with young adults. I think I’ll have to ponder that today as well! 🙂 Thanks again Brandon.

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  3. I didn’t miss a year in college for adult children of alcoholics. So proud of you! I believe we honor God when we draw near Him for there. We find love and amazing grace. I write this in physical pain or I would write more. Send me a virtual slice of cake!!

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    1. I will and thank you, and I’m sorry to hear that! Praying for you still. Grateful you can still read and comment and I pray for no more pain for you!

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  4. For me practicing gratitude, being grateful, remembering things that I’m grateful for, is indeed a practice that I started out struggling with. Now I’m grateful for everything, especially the times of anguish and despair, as they are indicators of and preliminaries to growth. Thanks again Janet for leading me to something to consider.

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  5. Growing up I was convinced that whenever something bad happened it was God punishing me. It took me a long time to get that out of my head. Probably first when I was about 20 years old.
    I would like to say I am grateful for my dog but that sounds silly. I am grateful for life I guess.

    I miss the fellowship of a church.

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