Looking back is nearly as important as looking ahead. Acknowledging growth, the need and ability, makes it that much easier the next time around…and trust me, it always circles back around.
We are not meant to be stagnant. If we are not growing, we are dying.
Here is the short list (there are tons more) of lessons learned in 2014 from a recovering perfectionist…(me)
1) I’m only responsible for me. My actions, my words, my thoughts…fully and completely. This sounds like such an easy concept, right? Should be! As a self labeled, hyper-responsible being, it’s been tremendously hard…
knock-your-head-against-the-wall… H.A.R.D.
But ohhhh the freedom when I aced this test! I couldn’t have soared higher if I had wings!
Some could say it is an issue rooted in control…maybe so. I know my intentions were not in that vein… but to make peace…in all situations, even when they weren’t mine to resolve.
….It’s possible The need to please was rising to the top there too.
Anywhooo…I love that I’m free of those chains. It isn’t to say that I don’t slip the cuffs on from time to time….but I recognize it sooner…and I know where I hide the key.
2) Let go of expectations. Letting go of how you think someone should behave opens the space to give freely. Why? Because you are not evaluating your giving based on their response. Conflict swells when expectations are not clearly spoken, understood and agreed to.
If you are doing anything with the expectation (goal) of getting someone to respond in a particular way, take a moment to consider why you desire that response… to feel loved, happy or just to feel good about yourself?
Acknowledge what you need, why it’s needed, and if you can fill that void with or without the desired response from another…self-awareness unlocks the door to deep satisfaction.
3) There are lots of terrible things in the world. Having someone new to love is not one of them. We welcomed baby girl into our lives almost six months ago. Their story isn’t picture perfect, but it works. My heart calls her name when we are apart. In her presence, my world stands still. I’m a young grandma, AND I LOVE IT….every second, every minute.
4) In the end, ‘IT’ always works out…Worrying simply won’t change the outcome. In fact, nine out of ten times, the thoughts rattling around between your ears is worse than the actual problem.
Pray. Do your best. Know when to walk away and when to stand your ground. Communicate. Your track record for getting through tough times, as of today, is 100%. I’d say that is pretty damn good…and a pretty good indicator of your future results.
In the mist of trying times, I’ve learned to ask myself, “What is the worst that can happen?” I walk through the scenario until the answer is “life will go on” and i know it does….Always.
As I say farewell to 2014, I look forward to 2015 with excitement and eager anticipation. Knowing it too, carries a suitcase of lessons yet to be unfolded. Lessons that will reshape, whittle away, and further define who I was created to be.
I can think of nothing better.
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