Tag Archives: boundaries

Life Without It

I love the way God prepares me for what is next.

Everything you step out and do in life is practice.

It may not be a part of your plan, but by being willing to go forth, and just do, it will lead you onto the next thing.

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I was reminded this week, I cannot help people unless they are ready for change. It’s healthy for me today to set that boundary, and step away. I cannot save souls by posting on Social Media. It may make them feel better for a moment, but that is just a band-aid for something that runs deeper.

God gave me an idea on Monday, so this is day 3 of praying, pondering, and asking questions. I’m gonna move forward with it and see what happens. It is something I’ve done before, and it’s normally successful, but even if it’s not hugely successful, it helps others, and causes me to become better.

The biggest thing God has prepared me for recently is, not having Internet since Saturday. A short time ago, I would have come unglued. Slowly becoming disenchanted with technology, and letting go of all that a phone can do, has brought me to this peaceful space. The Internet will be back, but it’s nice to know, I’ve been able to enjoy life without it.

A Teflon Umbrella

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Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Pexels.com

Nobody enjoys storms.

The one thing I know about storms is, we are a better person afterwards. You won’t be the same person who walked in.

I barely remember my storms. What caused them and how I survived. It’s kinda like childbirth where you don’t remember the pain, because you’re left holding the most precious of gifts afterwards. We need to break out our umbrellas made of Teflon and weather every storm. No running allowed. Stand firm, hold your ground, and come out of it a better person than the one who walked in.

Get Disturbed

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Do you embrace change? Do you run toward it, or away from it? Most avoid it like a plague. I know I did, until I just couldn’t stand any longer. I was in a world of pain, but was it painful enough to do something about it? We tolerate it for so long, our mind and body get used to it and adjust.

Then it happens. God sends someone right up to you, to gently point out how miserable you are. In my case, it was my daughter. She asked me if I was ever going to smile again?My parents stayed together for four of us kids, and I was doing the same thing. My child knew I was miserable, so what was my reason? I was out of excuses. It was time for a change.

It was time to get disturbed. Becoming complacent and settling was not where I wanted to be. It was time to decide, would it be more painful to stay stuck, or step out in change?

Are you disturbed? If not, maybe you should be.

I encourage you today to reflect upon your life. Is there an area that needs change? It could be something small to something big. When I made a large change, it was easier to make the small changes on a regular basis. By taking a personal inventory on a regular basis, I can keep my side of the street clean.

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Over a year ago, I ran into a wise friend of mine. She could see I was struggling with what life was throwing at me. I had a new life, and wasn’t sure of everything, or everyone I was letting into it. I told her, “My life is becoming unmanageable, and I don’t know what to do”. She said, “Look at it and tell it to….STOP IT”! How simple was that? Like you would tell a small child that was being annoying…just stop it!

So, I did. Every little annoyance I had in my life, I told it to STOP! The air cleared and I could see the beginnings of a fabulous life waiting for me. I got rid of the clutter, and could see the beauty! Is there something or someone in your life that needs to hear, “Stop”? I pray today that you will say it, and get ready for every good thing God has in store.

This Life

I strolled down to the pier early this morning to fellowship with God. This is the one place I can go and feel His presence. A cool, gentle breeze was whipping around the pajama pants I still had on. The pond was alive with activity from fish and various creatures, but at the same time it was peaceful.

Scrolling through my playlist, I chose, This Life by The Afters.

“We can’t own it
We just get to hold it for a while.
This Life.
We can’t keep it
Or save it for another time.
This Life.”

This has been a somber week for me. One of those weeks my daughter would say, “You need to go back and read some of your Blogs.” Practice what I preach sorta thing. I feel like God is getting ready to move in my life. You know that, ‘Calm before the storm’ feeling? Everything He’s done up to this point is preparing me for what’s next. He has made me stronger than I need to be for some reason. This allows me to look back at the choices I made this week, and how they will impact my life.

I believe our actions speak louder than words. Sometimes no action, or dead silence screams at us louder than words. My actions this week has caused some to feel hurt, anger, disappointment, confusion, joy, happiness and love. Mama always said, “Be true to yourself”, and I cannot control how my actions are received.

I posted this quote on my Facebook page, and it caused quite a stir. “The one who makes you the happiest is usually the same person who is capable of causing you the most pain and stress.” I love how it uses the word, ‘capable’. Just because they are capable, doesn’t mean it’s ‘allowed’.

We all need encouragement! A friend gave me a bucket of refreshment this morning. She asked if that was my daughter she saw me with the other day. I told her, ‘Yes’, and she said, “She’s beautiful”! I responded, “Yes, she’s a sweetheart.” She then replied, “That’s because you’re her mother.” Those five words made me very grateful for this life.

When You’re Ready

One of my Favorite Letting Go Lessons is Letting Go of Unhealthy Relationships. It’s trying enough letting go of these people, but what do we do when they come back? It’s simple, but not always easy. Here are some simple steps.

1. Pick a questionable relationship in your life. One that does not align with your definition of health and well being.
2. Close your eyes, breathe and be calm.
3. Feel the presence of this person you have identified as questionable. Notice how your body responds to their presence. Take the time to get clear upon the effect they have upon you.
4. Then, answer the following questions:

a. Does this relationship make you feel balanced?
b. In what way does this relationship physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually benefit you?
c. What is the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual cost of this relationship? (I keep a journal beside me to write my answers in)

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Lastly, if there are relationships, which you know to be extremely unhealthy for you, openly listen to your Higher Power. Ask for clarity, strength and courage. If the truth is, it’s time to avoid further harm to your spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well being, then rest with that feeling until you are ready to act.

I have witnessed people openly tell the person, “I’m letting you go”. and I’ve seen them detach allowing the person to disappear. You do what’s best for you and your well-being. By you becoming a stronger, more loving person, they will most likely show up again, no matter how you let go. Verbally or quietly.

Maybe by then, you both have changed enough that it can be healthy. I leave you with two of my favorite quotes by Joyce Meyer.

“Don’t be upset about losing something. It might be putting you in the place you should have been in to begin with.” and “Sometimes God will take something away to straighten you out. He’ll give it back when you’re ready”.