A Fresh Look at Life: Looking back and looking ahead.
Today is my day off. It’s my day to take life slow, to watch the butterflies and smell the roses! On one such Friday, not many weeks back I had a meeting with myself and wrote down 10 Principles I live by. These have slowly made me who I am today and for that I am grateful.
Here is what I came up with:
Starting the day right is the most important habit I have developed over the last 10 years. Writing a list of things I am grateful for has helped me look for the good, pleasant and beautiful in my everyday.
Now and then I ask myself why I do what I do. Is it for money or fame? Am I looking for praise or I do it to honor God? That has helped me say no to certain things. Recently I stepped down from a leadership position for this reason, I felt I had steered off course in my motive.
In my weekly calendar I mark out ‘ family time’ and ‘me’ times. I prioritize these blocks of time and relish them.
Giving of my time, talents and resources regularly has taught me that I can live with less and still have a full life. I saw my father evolve into a person who did this beautifully so I told myself I could do it too! Volunteering has taught me much more than anything I learnt at University.
Learning to look for the best in every person I meet and every situation I encounter has helped me to live with ‘delight’. This is something I learnt from my mother. This frees us of hate, regret and anger.
Adding variety brings in excitement to the day. Taking a different route when driving back from work, trying out a new dish each week (my poor husband:), changing around the paintings and artefacts at home, walking in a new route now and then, worshipping in different churches — these are some things I enjoy.
Learning one new skill each year has added to my list of interests. My husband and I attended a stained glass class 3 years back. I learnt to play the drums when it was offered to the staff at our school. Next on the list is pottery!
Studying God’s word intentionally and purposefully is rich and soulful. I listen to podcasts, read Bible study books ,write out my own psalm/prayer or sometimes sing hymns.
Each year I try to better myself in one ‘heart’ aspect. A couple of years back it was being absolutely truthful, last year I worked on being a good listener. There is a long list to work on!
I embrace this season of life fully. I am aware that the next phase will bring gifts of its own. For now I have to hold on to and relish the gifts I have in my hand now!
Finally, I remind myself daily that I am a work in progress and God loves me just as I am. He loves me because he is love and not because of anything I have done.
You can find more articles from Shoba here:
https://medium.com/illumination/a-fresh-look-at-life-8036ba53fc4c