This year has been very challenging for me in many respects. And it’s only half over. My vision for how things would go and where I would be right now? Well…it’s been a rough road and I’m not where I thought I’d be. But I’m somewhere, and I’m learning to appreciate the here and now and to stop fretting about the where and when.
My 3 words for 2011, the words that were intended to guide me through the year:
Prudence, Mercy, Humility
Yeah, I’m still working on those. If I didn’t need to, I don’t suppose they were good choices for the year.
In practice: I’m off my stride when it comes to regular exercise (just getting back on that wagon), writing blog posts (today’s a step down that path), reading leadership books (I’ve read 3 so far, starting the 4th one today), saving $5/week to give away in December (on track!), reading/reviewing one novel/month (sitting on the side of the road, reading but not writing).
It’s good to have goals and to set a course to reach those goals. It’s critical to check progress against those goals. It’s important to re-evaluate the goals (are they still relevant? am I on the right path?).
I’m easily distracted, losing sight of my goals, stopping by the side of the road to admire the wildflowers.
I’m not bothered so much by the rough spots until I begin to fret about lack of progress. I easily navigate potholes and bumps in the road, but too often find myself complaining and worrying about my circumstances.
So, I’m embracing the following scripture as my mantra and I’m devoting myself to 40 days of discipline. It’ll be a bit like enjoying Lent during Pentecost. And I promise to take this journey one day at a time.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
You write so well, Fran.
I relate to so much of the sentiment of this post if not the exact place in the road where you find yourself. And, oh, Dear – making a Lenten commitment mid-summer! I am not that brave.
I realize this blog is about your personal journey, but were I to phrase similar for myself, well, I just cannot separate myself from my spouse – his goals, er, our goals and lifestyle. I also realize your spouse may not want his part depicted here. I don’t think I use my spouse as an excuse, but definitely I spend as much time coordinating with him on how my time is used as I would, say, reading a book. That said, he and I have no issues. I need that baseline to do anything else. Even if ‘else’ is not very ambitious. Stopping now so as to not clutter your box too much!
Ironically, your comment was buried in an avalanche of bizarre spam that came in around the same time. I decided to create a post about the spam, while slogging through the spam. In the process, voila! Here we are. I’m having a flashback to a month ago.
Thank you for your kind words and, as always, your support. Mr. H. is very supportive of my writing endeavors and he understands I’m very (VERY) dissatisfied with my employment situation. He also encourages me to take it easy now and then (like tonight when we enjoyed some shared time in our pool). He’s definitely my partner, despite his apparent absence in my on-line journal.
Don’t know how I linked to this page but here is my two cent’s worth. Back in the 80’s (that be the 19 ought 80’s) a wise friend said “Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it is all small stuff!” Very wise words. Come on out to the lake, relax, enjoy friends and family and let this week go into the history books on a happy note. LOL.
Thanks, Bernie! We’ll be there soon (I’m looking forward to it!).