Take a break...

"To overextend yourself is to invite defeat."

G. William Domhoff

I determined long ago that the things that tire me most are those things that I've needed to do but just couldn't seem to find the time for because of my busy schedule!  You see, "doing" those things is not what tires me.  It's the idea of "NOT doing" them that really wears me down! 

When something seems important enough to be on the"to do" list, leaving it undone can cause anxiety and stress. Especially, if it's something that seems to be lingering on the list for a long time. It's a  really good feeling to know that something that's been left undone has finally been done!

A few years ago, I began to look at the overabundance of activity in my life and I was surprised to see that there were some things I spent valuable time on that were things that didn't improve quality of life for anyone, but still took up an incredible amount of time. It was during that time I decided to learn how to say, "No."

I made myself believe that I did not have to say "Yes" to every invitation to serve on a committee or work on a project that came along.  It was liberating to spend a few more evenings at home and I found I had more time to invest in things that were more important.

There are still times when I catch myself raising my own stress level by overextending myself and spending too much time on things I'm not convinced are vital. Therefore, my goal for the rest of this year is to take a good look at the "things" in my life, weigh their importance compared to the people in my life, and make adjustments where necessary!

You should do the same!

Blessings!

Sharon

Light the way....

"Sometimes our light goes out 

but is blown into flame by an encounter 

with another human being. 

Each of us owes the deepest thanks 

to those who have rekindled  this inner light." 

--Albert Schweitzer

You never know how dark the path taken by those around you.   You have no way of knowing what thoughts might be saturating their mind and you may never know the pain they feel.  That person may be living with fears that seem difficult for anyone  understand.  They may be living in a seemingly impossible situation where giving up appears to be the best plan or they may simply be in need of an encouraging word or a friendly smile.

I have been through some trying times in my life and I've experienced all those things to a certain degree. However, one difference between my coping abilities through those times as compared to someone who seems to be floundering in the same place for weeks, months or even years,  is I've been  blessed to have the  opportunity to share those times with friends who have been there to listen, offer support, and help me assess and reassess certain situations. My faith in God, my family and these very special friends make a difference in my life! 

If you're going through tough times, it is my prayer you have someone special to help you rekindle your inner light....to fan the flames of self-confidence and remind you of the blessings in your life.  

If you're reading this and feel your inner light is burning brightly, that's awesome! I am happy for you!  I challenge you to find someone to encourage.  Someone who needs to hear something positive and encouraging...someone who needs to know they're not forgotten. You are probably already thinking of someone!  

Give that friend a call, send them a message or take time to pay them a visit!  You can be the friend who fans the flame of that inner light for another human being!

Blessings!

Sharon