Perspective in Busyness

Can you believe it’s already past mid-February? Here in the Ozarks, we’ve had a couple of good weeks to enjoy the warmer weather. Feels like spring is in the air. Typically, Arkansas gets that one last freeze that kills off the new buds of some plants. I did read, though, that we’re having an above-average month. Fingers crossed, it will stay mild.

The weather might be milder, but the winter colds run rampant during this season. I wrote a note on Substack this week about using mullein leaf to soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion. I give a basic recipe for relief from cold and flu symptoms. If you get a chance, head on over to Substack HERE to learn more.

I’m making acquaintances on Substack as I navigate and learn the platform. I’ve seen many of your faces on there. Woohoo! Thank you for supporting me in that space. I love that we can connect in a more diverse way. For example, there is a chat feature that’s basically like a group thread on other platforms. I haven’t tackled that yet. I think it will be a necessary tool when I roll out new features or offers. For now, I have been posting notes and two posts, with the next one coming out Saturday.

The post this week talks about perspective, and if you’ve been with me long enough, you know I’m big on keeping a healthy perspective. The post is directed to moms and grands on Substack. But there are so many good applications for everyone; I wanted to share them with you here today.

I struggled with perspective on and off throughout the years. Perhaps you have, too. Below, I’ve listed a few areas where perspective poses a challenge. These are troublesome for most of us. Let’s look at this perspective shift assessment to see how you’re doing.

Are you...

feeling the pressure to keep up with the Joneses, meaning you are always comparing yourself to others? Scripture tells us to keep our eyes focused on God, not on lack. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Find ways to be content when you run your own home with mercy, grace, and love.

a worrier?  “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”—Matthew 6:25. More than 30 instances in the bible speak of not worrying. Surely, there is something to this. We can’t change the past. We can’t determine the future. Today is the only day we have to make a difference. So, do your best to be present in it.

feeling like a failure? “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”—James 1:2-4. One of Thomas Edison’s most quoted quotes states, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Failure is only a growth measurement if you truly learn from it.

feeling like you’re not enough? 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Let me assure you, you ARE enough. You are the only you in the universe. Nobody can replace you or be better than you at being you. Know that you are loved with an infinite love that dwells within you. Focus on the things you have to offer rather than what you think you lack.

feeling stuck? This scripture reassures us that there are possibilities. “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”—Mark 11:24. But here’s the thing. You have to remember to let it go once you’ve prayed and trust God to handle the rest. Worrying whether God will answer a prayer is not beneficial. Trusting Him with the end result is.

Remember, you’re the only one who can fill your shoes. So, I want to encourage you to stay present in the events of the current day. Even when you feel overwhelmed and struggle with the juggle (that’s funny), you’ve got this. Just remember to breathe and take time for yourself. Even a few minutes every couple of hours is incredibly beneficial.

Some last thoughts to consider: Do you have realistic goals and intentions? Do they align with ease and purpose? Do you incorporate breath work into your day?  Take some time to ponder these questions. Let them soak in. See how you can apply them to your life. Then, send me a reply with your thoughts. There is goodwill in encouraging one another. I am here for you.

Sending love and light.

Lestie