Susan Call's Blog, page 4

3 Unexpected Life Lessons From A Broken Keyboard

It’s funny how small things can catch us off guard and show us that small doesn’t mean insignificant. One lone key on my Bluetooth keyboard for my tablet gave me a powerful lesson in the impact little things can have.

I connected my tablet to a keyboard I’ve had for a while. Everything seemed to be working great until I made a mistake and I needed to backspace. That one little key in the upper right corner, only one of the 64 keys on my keyboard, didn’t work. I tried several things to fix it but, nothing worked. I tried to remain optimistic and convinced myself that I didn’t really need that key to type my first draft. But, it didn’t take long before I became keenly aware just how much I needed that little key and just how easy it is to make a mistake. My keyboard without a backspace reminded me of a 3 valuable lessons:

Life doesn’t come with an undo button.

While most mistakes in life are fixable, sometimes we stumble into a mess and realize that there’s no “backspace” key to save the day. Like a mistyped word glaring from a page, our mistakes might be immediately obvious or, they may take us a while to notice. Choose to learn from your mistakes. Apologize when necessary. Make changes to keep from making the same ones again. Choose your words carefully and choose to be present for the moments that matter most because we can’t take a word back once it’s spoken. And, we can’t get back time once a moment has passed. Learn from yesterday while you embrace today.

Empty space has value.

Recognized the importance of margin and space. If we allow our lives to be run-ons from one activity to the next, we miss out on the space needed to give the important things definition. When I was typing with my broken keyboard, a few words occasionally accidentally ran together. Looking back at the text, I realized it had become muddy and harder to read. In life, don’t allow a hectic pace to blur the space needed to give your moments significance. Allow yourself time to breathe and come up for air. The space will help you appreciate life a bit more.

Small things can be significant.

It was just one little key out of 64 on my keyboard but without it, the keyboard became hard to use. Suddenly it was not longer as effective as it had once been. As I think about that unassuming key at the upper right hand corner, I realize how unnoticed it may have been before. I think sometimes we all feel like that key. We’re off to the side doing our thing that feels insignificant. No one really notices do they? Yes, they do. We might not always realize the value we bring to those around us or understand how our actions weave together to make the fabric of our community. But even the smallest positive contribution is significant – a genuine smile, a few minute phone call to a friend whose hurting, or that thing that’s been on your heart to do. Your follow through might just provide the breath or the space someone needs right now to make it through today. The next time you doubt your effort matters, remember my backspace key. Any nudge, even the smallest one that God puts on your heart is indeed significant!

It’s your turn:

Recently my life has looked a bit like the text I tried to type on that keyboard. Some space or margin has been missing. Demands of my day job have caused things to run together. And, in my tired state I’ve no doubt made mistakes or forgotten a few things. It’s ok in life to have miss-steps. But let them teach you. After all, it’s in the moments when we can’t simply hit “undo” that we learn many of life’s lessons.

Has something as simple as a key on a keyboard ever given you a surprising life lesson? Or, has my broken backspace given you a good reminder today? I’d love to hear from you. Click to join the conversation.  Small things such as a broken key can have a big impact. But, it can be just the reminder we need to remember when we’re nudge to do small things of good that little can be synonymous with significant!

Until next time friend, be blessed!

The post 3 Unexpected Life Lessons From A Broken Keyboard appeared first on Susan Call.

How An Embarrassing Oops Taught Me Something About Faith

Something went bump in the night.

I’ve never heard my car make that sound before. Was it coming from the vent? I turned down the radio hoping to find the source. No such luck. All I knew is It was dark and I was tired. And, I wanted to get home. The whole way home, the noise taunted me – even if it didn’t seem ominous enough to stop.

But, as soon as I was home, the sound stopped.

Time to investigate.

.My son offered to take a look. He reversed my car down the drive way and drove back up. He heard it too. Perplex he began to investigate. But, it didn’t take him long.

I fixed it Mom.

What was it?

You don’t want to know.

Yes I do… so that if it happens again.

It won’t happen again.

What if it does?

He motioned for me to join him next to the door. Without saying word, he looked down. I followed the line of his vision and my eyes stopped where his did. There in the dark, barely visible was my phone charger cord, stretched along the floor and dangling out of the door. You guessed it, I drove home to the sound of my charger cord tapping against my door, letting me know it was there – on the outside.

What my embarrassing oops taught me about faith…

The next morning my analytical mind saw symbolism in the cord. It reminded me a bit like how we can treat our faith and our time with God when we’re stressed out, busy, and weary.When life is busy and stressful, we need to be careful we don’t push God to the outside. He’s the source of the power that will recharge our batteries, sustain us, and restore us. He equips us to reach our full potential. And, if we’re not plugged in, we will run out. If we want to go father and grow deeper, we need to find ways to be plugged in to our faith.

God’s whispers are often subtle, much like the gentle tapping of my cord against my car door. When we’re weary, do we turn down the distractions of the world to notice God’s presence? Or, do we push full steam ahead and leave His power on the outside of our situation? It’s often only when we put ourselves in park that we can truly reconnect.

It’s your turn

Where are you tonight? Do you need to slow down, put yourself in park and listen? Have you ever found just the reminder you needed tucked right in the middle of a mistake you made? Click to join the conversation. I’d love to hear from you. And, you can be sure I’ll never look at my charger cord quite the same way.

Until next time, be blessed!

The post How An Embarrassing Oops Taught Me Something About Faith appeared first on Susan Call.

What Tidying Up Taught Me About Perspective

I think I have something that might just be contagious! This past week I was bit by the KonMari bug. Have you heard of it? It’s not new, but it is new to me.  With the bitter cold temperatures outside, I recently watched a few episodes of Netflix’s series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.

What I didn’t expect was the impact it would have on both me and my home. And, even more surprising is the lessons it gave me also apply to our approach to our life’s problems as well as our faith.

Four Valuable Lessons from Tidying Up
1. Adopt the perspective of “possible.”

I’ll be honest, for quite a long time, I’ve felt defeated by all of the stuff we’ve acquired over the years. Sure I’ve made progress over the past year, but despite any attempts I’ve made to organize or clean out my drawers and closet were still over stuffed. Deep down I think I doubted I could permanently tame it all. Needless to say I was surprised by the host’s reaction when she entered a new client’s home and caught first glimpse of an over-plump drawer or out of control room. She seemed giddy with excitement. Seeing the transformation by the end of the episode brought understanding to her initial response. When she sees a mess, she sees “possible” and “potential.”

What if in life, we took the same approach to our troubles? What if when life feels like one big mess we’d allow ourselves to see our situation through God’s eyes and saw “possible” and “potential” instead? Our messes should be reminders of His promises, His faithfulness and as such we can face our challenges with confidence knowing He sees the future of our situation and it’s already in order. He speaks about our current battles in the past tense and our victories as already won. With that, we have a license to be giddy when life hands us a mess.

2. We’re not the only ones who struggle.

There’s comfort in knowing it’s not just us. We’re not the only ones with a junk drawer or the only ones who have done mad-dash-last minute tidying before a guest arrives. We’re also not the only ones with issues in our family, challenges with a friend, or a path that seems anything but straight. The things we think no one else has dealt with, just means we haven’t mentioned “it” to the right person yet. The families in the episodes I watched were dealing with a variety of challenges from struggling to balance work and life with busy toddlers at home, loss of a loved one, facing a new chapter of life, and wanting family to feel welcomed… all on a show about organizing.

The participants willingness to be vulnerable and transparent allowed there situations to be used to teach and inform. I’ve been able to take steps forward based on what I learned through them. We can do the same with our lives. When we allow ourselves to be transparent through our struggles, we can encourage others who are following on a similar path. And, we don’t always realize who is watching or who we’ve encouraged.

3. Letting go lightens our load.

I’ve already filled four bags to take to Good Will and wow, my closet is lighter. My room feels lighter. In fact, I think my house feels lighter. It’s amazing how letting go of things that I no longer needed made my world lighter.

The same is true in our lives. We hold on to things or stuff them. We bury things deep in our minds and spirits. Almost like a box tucked in our closet or garage, we hold on to wrongs or hurts. But just like the clothes at the back of my closet that no longer sparked joy for me, the things in our boxes in our minds no longer serve us either. Empty out those “boxes” and get rid of them once and for all. Letting go lightens our step and our load.

4. Sharing is caring.

Share what you learn. In the episodes that I watched, the participants shared what they learned with their children or other family members. Since I’ve started this new attempt at tidying, I love being able to see everything in my closet and drawers and welcome the new order. I’ve been so impacted by the benefits already that I’ve shared what I’ve learned with co-workers and now I’m sharing it with you. Hope is contagious.

But there’s an even greater hope to share. What benefit would it be if we only shared tips such as tidying tips and we didn’t share the hope we’ve found through our faith? We need to remember that sharing is caring. The world needs more hope and more encouragement. I couldn’t keep quiet about a show that’s changed my closet so you have to know I’m even more compelled to share the hope I have through my faith. Faith doesn’t mean life will be easy but it means I don’t face my challenges alone. Find ways to encourage the people around you. Let them see the hope you have. And just like you can’t wait to share about a new recipe, show, or skill, be willing to encourage others with your faith too.

It’s your turn

I can appreciate the grateful spirit Marie Kondo demonstrates in her show. She has a cheerful spirit and a grateful heart. I also choose to be thankful for the things I have been blessed with but choose to thank God for the blessings he’s given me instead of the item itself. Despite the difference in where we give thanks, I’ve been remarkably inspired by her years of experience with organizing.

Have you watched Tidying Up too? Or, have you ever felt inspired or renewed by organizing? What’s one tip you’ve had that’s made lightening your load easier? And, if it’s impacted other areas of your life unexpectedly, I’d love to hear about it. Click to join the conversation.

Until next time friend, be blessed!

A few things you might enjoy before you go:

Marie Kondo’s method to folding – It’s surprising the difference this makes!
3 Surprising Things That Happen When You Let Go of Excuses
10 Tips for Taming Your Clutter

 

The post What Tidying Up Taught Me About Perspective appeared first on Susan Call.

What Happens When You Have Bad Fuel

There are some lights that grab your attention and seemingly demand to be noticed. The check engine light on a dashboard is one of those.  I distinctly remembering my dad saying that’s not a light to ignore. Having had a few months of my share of mechanic bills, you could say I was less than thrilled when mine came on the other day. Imagine my surprise when the mechanic said before a costly repair, there was another option to try first. He said that I possibly bought “bad gas” or have a buildup of sludge around my engine. I could buy a bottle of a special solution to attempt to clean up my car without the expensive repair. He couldn’t guarantee it would work, but there was a good chance it would.

The process required that I drive my car to less than ¼ of a tank so that it was nearly empty. Then and only then could I pour in the solution. Next I needed to drive for a bit before filling my car up with premium gas. When my gas gauge was low enough, I was ready to attempt the fix. Hopeful, I poured the bottle before driving home from work. On my commute, I realized the familiarity of the process. The experience with my car had inadvertently given me valuable reminders about life and faith.

1. The quality of our fuel matters.

One of the first things the mechanic suggested was that I had filled up with a poor quality of fuel. He said while he could change the part, there’d be no guarantee that it plus the over $400 of cost it would take would truly fix the issue. He explained that bad gas can leave sludge in engine making it harder for it to run. The alternative he gave me was to clean out the sludge and change the quality of fuel. Somehow I don’t think we’re so different from our cars. What we allow ourselves to consume can leave us filled with sludge. The residue left behind from “bad fuel” can drag us down. We need to be mindful of what we consume and realize it really does matter.

2. Ignoring the need to change causes damage.

My dad taught me not to ignore the warning lights on a dashboard. The check engine line is particularly ominous as the potential for serious damage is great. Ignoring a warning light can lead to expensive repairs. In our lives, we’re much the same. Little signs that something is off or wrong shouldn’t be ignored. When we know something isn’t right, if we address it right away, we can avoid a more costly mistake or detour on our journey.

3. Sometimes we need to be emptied.

The mechanic carefully instructed that I needed to drive my car until it was below ¼ of a tank. It needed to be close to empty before I could do what was needed to clean out the sludge. This one hit particularly close to home. I recognize what it feels like to be emptied. There are times in life when our storms drain us. We may feel like we have little to nothing less to face our daily challenge. But, when we feel that way, we can be encouraged… just like the solution I put in my car, sometimes God allows us to be emptied so that he can clear away the sludge that weighs us down. Being emptied the part of the process just before being restored.

4. Restoration is a process.

The fix for my car wasn’t a one-step process. I needed to empty my tank, fill it with a special solution, drive it for a bit, and then fill it with premium fuel. The process took several days to unfold. It would have been nice to wave a magic wand on the day I discovered the issue and be done with it. But, that’s not how it worked. Additionally there were alternative methods to attempt to fix the problem. Because the root of the issue ended up being bad fuel, the other methods would have provided false temporary hope. Life isn’t so different. When we find ourselves in need of restoration, we quickly recognize, it’s a process. It takes time and trying to speed up the process likely will give us false hope while avoiding the necessary work. When restoration is needed, welcome the process.

5. What you fill up with moving forward matters.

The mechanic was clear. After I followed the process to clean out the bad fuel, what I put in next mattered. He recommended the first tank be premium from a name-brand station. After that, he recommended cycling between regular and premium. Doing so would help protect my engine from sludge building up again and causing an expensive repair. In life, when we’ve been through trials and survived our emptiness in our valleys, what we fill up on matters. What we listen to, what we chew on, what we marinate in matters. And, it’s not just what we hear or watch, it’s also what we repeat to ourselves. Are we filling up on good stuff or are we consuming words and messages that tear us down or hold us back. When life is heavy, One of my current favorites to “reset” is You Say by Lauren Daigle.

It’s your turn

So what happens when you have bad fuel… you realize it’s time for a change! I’ve been going through change in a number of areas in life. Some days I feel a bit like my car with the check engine light on. How about you? What have you been consuming lately? Are you carrying around sludge in the form of negativity, doubt, or fear that needs to go? Have you been ignoring warning signs that something needs to change? Allow yourself to be emptied and carefully choose what you allow to refill you. Choose to build yourself back up again, free from the things that were weighing you down. Let God refresh you and move forward lighter.

Before you go, click to join the conversation. Let me know if this post resonated with you. If your “check engine light” on? And, if this encouraged you, why not share this post. You might just encourage someone around you who is struggling.

Until next time friend, be blessed!

The post What Happens When You Have Bad Fuel appeared first on Susan Call.

What You Need to Know About Rabbit Trails

The other morning I unexpectedly “fell” down a rabbit trail. No, the path didn’t come with a warning that I was about to lose time that I couldn’t get back. It certainly didn’t come with a map or a sign telling me just how far off my intended path the little adventure would take me. Nope, I simply clicked to check the weather on my computer before starting a planned writing session.

Checking the weather led to checking the news, which had an intriguing title of an article that begged to be clicked. The article was kind enough to put a link about the subject right in the middle of the text which pulled me into its vortex. Next thing I knew I was reading the comments below the related article and being reminded how callous too many have become behind the anonymity of a computer screen. sigh.

Have you ever been there – catch yourself down a dreaded rabbit trail? You log on to watch that motivational video your friend sent you only to digress only to be watching cat videos (or cute puppies)  a few minutes later. Or you head out to run on simple errand only to be gone for hours.

“I logged on to just check the weather,” I reminded myself. That’s when I closed my browser and returned to my regularly scheduled plans. In closing the door on my rabbit trail, I was reminded of a few reasons these distractions can be to entertain. Understanding them can  helps us gain power over the infamous rabbit trails on our paths.

1. We’re not honest about the cost.

When we head down the path of a rabbit trail, we don’t stop read the fine print of what it will cost. True, that could be because there isn’t an actual label spelling it out. Think about it, what if distractions had warnings the way medicine ads do… continuing down this path could cause sleepless nights, missed opportunities, increased depression or strained relationships. Except if the warning was to the extent of the medicine ads, the list would continue through the end of this post.

Even without a warning label, we know that rabbit trails come with a cost. First and foremost they rob us of our time – one of the few limited resources we’re given that cannot be replenished. Once it is spent, it is gone. The next time click-bait in social media tempts you, assess if that catchy title is worth making all of your other priorities wait. Do a quick mental assessment when a rabbit trail tempts you. Is this the time? Is this a priority for right now? If not, keep scrolling and say no to the distraction.

2. We’re choosing to procrastinate.

Rabbit trails can provide a welcome respite from that thing we’re dreading. That task we’d rather avoid because it’s challenging or just unpleasant can be kept at arm’s length while we entertain distractions. But, doing so causes us to carry the burden longer than necessary. It’s often far easier to face what we need to do head on. Get it done and be free from it. Recognize when you’re willfully procrastinating and choose to “just do it.”  On the other side of the task you’ll feel lighter and be free to enjoy other things.

3. We’re not really committed to our focus.

Some time ago I saw a video of several people tossing a basketball to one another. The instruction at the beginning of the video was to count how many times the people with white shirts passed a basketball. Mixed in the group of people were others also passing a ball, all moving around quite a bit. At the end of the video a question was posed – How many passes? Then with a twist, they asked “did you see the gorilla?” More than half of the people (myself included) who watched the video the first time didn’t notice that midway through a gorilla sauntered through their game of catch.

In our daily lives we can so easily entertain that distractions that we notice the gorillas, all of the gorillas that attempt to disrupt our routines so much so that we forget our task at hand or the things that we consider our greatest priorities. If that’s the case, we may need to put guard rails up around the things we need to accomplish to prevent us from losing focus on what matters to us most. The gorillas in life can wait.

4. We justify the rabbit trail as a detour.

In life, sometimes detours are necessary. A situation causes a shift for a number of different reasons. The detour may teach us something we need to continue our journey. Or, it may make us either stronger or wiser which will help us down the road. There’s a difference between a detour and a rabbit trail. Detours serve a purpose – to get us around an obstacle preventing us from going where we’d like to go. Rabbit trails instead have the purpose of uncovering our current focus. When we entertain them, we follow our focus down the path we didn’t originally intend. The next time your path is diverted, ask yourself if it’s a detour or a rabbit trail so that you can wisely choose what to do next.

5. Our motivation is shaky.

When we allow ourselves to easily entertain distractions, it’s a good time to check if our motivation is intact. Step back and ask why we were going this direction to begin with. Is our why weak? Or, is it compelling? If we value that why, we may want to step away from the rabbit trail and get back on track. Our progress depends upon it!

6. We can turn back whenever we’d like.

The most powerful lesson I learned about rabbit trails the other day is that we’re in control of their duration. We have the power to close YouTube, to exit social media, to turn off the TV, or to turn away from whatever distraction is keeping us from our priorities. We hold the power for how we spend our time. If we were just checking the weather, get the weather and go. Don’t choose to linger when progress is calling you forward.

It’s your turn

Do you get pulled down the path of rabbit trails sometimes too? What does your trail look like? I think often they start with an innocent click to social media or a quick stop into Target and end up sometime later with a puddle of time that has melted away behind us. As you look ahead to your 2019 goals, be mindful of when you get sucked into the vortex of distractions that pull you down a path with little to show for it. It’s not to say we need to be super focused 100% of every day. Instead, we need to recognizes when we’re the ones who sabotage our progress.

Let me know if you can relate. Or share how you recognize you’ve been caught substituting what you want to do for a distraction. Click to join the conversation? I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time friend, be blessed!

A few other posts you might also enjoy:

9 Things You Should Stop Doing
Why We Procrastinate and What to do About It
When You Feel Like Quitting: 3 Tips to Fuel Your Motivation

The post What You Need to Know About Rabbit Trails appeared first on Susan Call.

Overwhelmed? 10 Things You Can Do to Help.

Have you noticed how the hectic pace of the holidays seems to have just maintained a bit of a crazy pace this year? Between work, family, and other commitments, there aren’t enough hours in the day. And, as I write this, dishes in the sink beacon.

In talking with a few friends, I’ve realized that I’m not alone; others are equally as overwhelmed with deep to-do lists, hopeful resolutions, and demands of day to day life.

So what do you do when life is coming at you from every direction – when “overwhelmed” is the best one word to describe your day?

10 things that can help when you’re overwhelmed:
1. “Dump” it.

Jot down the list you’ve been carrying around in your mind. Put it on paper or in an app – whatever works for you. Doing so will free up energy and your mental real estate so that you can think more clearly about the things demanding your attention.

2. Prioritize

Once you have the list, ask two questions for each item. Is it important? Is it urgent? In the event several are both important and urgent, ask which is more pressing and give that item the higher priority. Allow somethings to fall to the bottom of the list, or off it all together.

3. Say “no”

If new opportunities attempt to steal your focus and the new item is not a higher priority, respectfully say “no.” Saying no to opportunities that aren’t right saves your time and energy when the best ones come along.

4. Ask for help

Sometimes when you’re overwhelmed, you need assistance. I know it can be easier said than done but if someone close to you needed help, wouldn’t you want them to ask you? Step out of your comfort zone and ask a family member, friend, or colleague to share the load.

5. Get up ½ hour earlier

You’d be amazed how much productivity can occur in that quiet ½ hour before the rest of your family gets up. If you have a long list, consider giving yourself a ½ hour head start to your day.

6. Keep your attitude in check

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to get irritated and negative over the smallest things. If you’re feeling weary, be mindful of your choice of tone and words. When we’re tired, we can come across more harsh and unintentionally wound people and add to our load.

7. Be a “poser”

In her TED talk Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are, Amy Cuddy share of the power of our posture. In her research, individuals who took two minutes to stand in a victorious or powerful stance we positively impacted by the internal strength it generated. Why not try it? Take two minute in the morning (yes, in the privacy of your home) and stand tall with your hands on your hips or raised victoriously. You might just be amazed by the encouragement it gives you.

8. Nurture a grateful spirit

A thankful heart is like a buoy to the spirit. When life is hectic, be sure to feed your hope by remembering the people, moments, and things that you are grateful for. Take time each day, even on the busiest of days to find at least three things that you are thankful for.

9. Establish a schedule

When you define specific times to get tasks accomplished, it can be easier to get them finished. Open ended efforts can easily consume more time than needed. When you find your schedule overwhelmed, try setting up a schedule allowing you to manage your time more effectively.

10. Pray

Last but certainly not least, pray. God can give you His peace that passes all understanding. He’ll give you strength to withstand the storm or He’ll calm the waves that threaten you. Make sure you build margin into your day so that you can have quiet time when you can let the world be still.

It’s your turn:

What about you, what do you do when you’re overwhelmed? Are there any new ideas here that you might try? Click to comment and let me know. I’d love to hear from you. And, if you like me know of several others who are struggling with weary too, why not share this post to encourage them. You may even offer to be the one they can call for help if they need a hand.

Have a great week!

Until next time, be blessed!

 

The post Overwhelmed? 10 Things You Can Do to Help. appeared first on Susan Call.

4 Powerful Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions

There’s something about turning the calendar to January that spurs optimism. The goal – “that thing” we wanted all last year that felt so out of reach suddenly feels possible. With resolutions or newly reaffirmed goals intact, we dive into a new year ready to slay our goals. Some opt for the traditional “resolution” and look ahead to a full year of big changes. Others may identify a goal and hope this year will be different but can’t quite shake the reminders of failed attempts in the past. We hope this year will be different but deep down fear it won’t be or worse don’t believe it can be. No matter if you nailed your goals last year or you abandoned them within weeks, this year can be different! Get creative in your approach but don’t lose sight of your goals and why they’re important to you. If you slip up, shake it off but keep going. And, maybe this year is a good time to try something different to help you be successful.

4 alternatives to year-long resolutions: 
Focus on one week at a time.

Establish goals one week a time rather than for the entire year or even month. By doing this, you get a fresh start every Monday. This is particularly helpful if you’re inclined to throw in the towel on a goal when you’ve slipped up. View each Monday as your reset day and commit to the direction and priorities for the week. Make your goals specific and tangible. A few examples might be going to the gym 3 times this week so you schedule time on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Or, if your goal is de-cluttering, you may choose to have a goal of a focused hour of progress 4 times this week.  You’ll be amazed how the one-week approach adds up to big progress over time!

Use the “one word” approach.

Perhaps you’ve seen one or several posts on social media with people sharing their word for the year. Having a word for the year has grown in popularity over the past few years because it can provide a great framework for  change. This approach helps you have a single focus that you use to create vision and action. I will likely do this in conjunction with my other strategies this year. A few great resources to help you find a word for the year are myoneword.org and the My One Word book available on Amazon.

Focus on your habits.

Peter Drucker once said “What gets measured gets managed.” Too often we set large goals focusing on what we want when we arrive at our desired destination or state rather than what habits or choices will help us get there. What if instead of saying you wanted to lose weight, you set to build habits that yield a healthier lifestyle? Your habits might include drinking the desired amount of water, packing your lunch, and going to the gym 3 days a week. Or if you want to write a book, write 500 words 3 times a week. Focusing on developing and tracking the habits so they become a fabric of your weekly schedule will make reaching your goal far easier. Habitbull is just one of many habit tracking apps available in the app store. Why not add a habit tracking app to your phone or tablet to help you reach your goals this year?

Conquer the quarter.

Have you ever set a goal for the year only to have it thrown out the window before February 1st? With big goals it’s easy to hit a bump in the road and completely throw in the towel with a lot of year still left on the calendar. If this is something you’ve experienced in past years, why not ditch the year-long resolutions and instead focus on conquering the quarter. Define specific goals that you can achieve in the next three months. Focus from now through the end of March on making it happen. Then, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st will be your fresh starts. You don’t have to wait until next January 1st when you’re focusing on your goals a quarter of the year at a time.

It’s your turn.

Be creative when you look at the year ahead. Harness the optimism that comes with changing the calendar to a new year. The year ahead is full of opportunities. Embrace the potential. If you truly want change or personal growth this year, you’ll need to take steps to make it happen. What framework are you putting in place to help you reach your goals to make this a great year? Will you try one of these suggestions, are you a resolution person, or do you have another approach? I’d love to hear from you. Click to comment and let me know what your goals are in the new year and what you’re doing to set them in motion. This year I’m re-establishing my healthy eating and exercise habits and I’m focused on working on my next book. Both will take discipline but I’m up for the challenge.

If this post encouraged you, why not click to share and encourage your friends. With each new day of the year, the pull of day-to-day is warring to defeat our goals and the resolutions of those around us. Why not share this so that your friends have a greater chance of success this year.

Until next time friends, be blessed.

A few other posts you might enjoy:

The One Word Fix for Fizzled Resolutions.
5 Reasons New Year’s Goals Fail and 5 Things You Can Do About It. 
5 Effective Tips to Help You Reach Your Goals
You’re Going to do What?!? When Friends Doubt Your Goals.
5 Important Steps You Need Realize Your Dreams

 

 

 

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4 Things You Can to do to Conquer Weary

It’s been a long few months at my house. A stressful work project has crept beyond the bounds of my workday and has been challenging any semblances of the work-life balance that my job typically allows. But isn’t that how life can be sometimes? It’s mindful juggling of all of our different priorities and responsibilities. Sometimes one area temporarily is out of proportions with the others causing us to feel overwhelmed, stressed or weary.

One thing that I’ve noticed this year is that weary doesn’t care what time of year it. There is no convenient time to feel overwhelmed or exhausted. But, we can choose when we turn the dial and move in a different direction. Last weekend I took a day trip to Rhode Island to pick up some glass for the jewelry that I make. I was amazed how refreshed I felt when I arrived home by late afternoon. My takeaways from that trip might just help you the next time you feel weary.

Four things you can do to conquer weary:
Turn it off.

Turn off the tv, the podcast, or the audible book. Put the chatter that’s filling your mind on mute. There is power in allowing your world to quiet and to just be still. You don’t have to pursue silence, but find a way to quiet the “rush” of the world around you. On my recent road trip, I let music drown out the noisy world around me. I was amazed by how refreshed I was by the time I arrived.

Connect.

Take time to connect one on one to a family member or friend. Be fully present. Ask what they’re looking forward to in the New Year and what they’re most thankful for from this past year. Share your answers to the same questions, genuinely. Let it be a conversation that goes beyond the equivalent of a social media post. Have a #nofilter moment where you take off the rose-colored glasses or the need to only share your best moments. Instead allow yourself to “be” and connect. On my adventure last weekend, I was able to visit with my cousin. We found a great café and enjoyed letting the world slow down to our pace. If you haven’t had good connect time recently, be sure to put it on your schedule!

Smell the roses.

Take a one step detour off of your busy path to enjoy where you are. You don’t have to go far out of your way to change the scenery or shift your focus. When we choose to “see” what’s around us we slow the hectic pace that’s pushed us to the drum beat of a world moving faster each day. On my trip last weekend I was only a town away from the coast. I decided to take a short drive so that I could walk along the ocean and listen to the waves before heading home. What’s near your path that you could slow down to enjoy? You’ll be amazed by the impact in can have.

Be kind.

Surprise, encourage, or support someone else. In the midst of your weary, do something kind for others. Being kind is good for the heart and the spirit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and worn out, you’ll be amazed at how doing the unexpected for someone else can be just the buoy you need yourself. Last weekend when I was in Rhode Island I went a short distance out of my way to stop by a restaurant that has a dessert my son loves. Because it’s about two hours away from where we live, we don’t get there often. The joy it brought my son was worth the detour! It’s fun to find ways like that to show people they’re important to you.

It’s your turn.

What do you do to unwind, de-stress, or conquer weary? How do you hit reset? Click to comment, I’d love to hear what you do or which of these resonated with you. During the holidays it can be easy to get swept up by a pace of “doing.’ Don’t forget to exercise good self-care and make sure you’re re-filling and coming up for air.

Why not click to share this post and help your friends and family conquer weary too?

Until next time, be blessed!

The post 4 Things You Can to do to Conquer Weary appeared first on Susan Call.

6 Things You Need to do to Reduce Christmas Stress

A sweet memory and a realization

You asked Santa for what?!?

I didn’t say that out loud but it’s no doubt what I thought. My children were only in their early elementary years that year. It was one of my first years being a single mom and I desperately wanted them to have a magical Christmas after a challenging year.

On a hectic Saturday we stood in line for what seemed like forever before it was their turn to snap a picture with Santa. This year they seemed to approach Santa on a mission. They posed for a quick picture and whispered in his ear before bounding back to where I was waiting.

What did you ask Santa for? I asked. They grinned a proud grin. “We asked Santa for a PlayStation because he has more money than you do.”

With their sweet honest reply my heart smiled and sank all at the same time. My children knew the gift they wanted was expensive. They guessed it was probably too expensive for my limited budget. Their minds were clever. Santa should after all have more resources than I did.

Christmas morning brought squeals of joy. Santa came through making their wish come true. My children were non-the-wiser until many years later.

Despite the bit of magic that was made possible, it still was a tough holiday season. I did my best to be cheerful despite the challenges. At the time I had no idea how common depression and stress are during the holidays. It’s a time of year when the joy of others can sharply contrast our internal struggles. We might be tempted to think that we’re the only ones struggling. The truth is, if we’re challenged at this time of year, we’re not alone. It’s a time of year we miss those who aren’t with us, we grieve losses, and long for our own holiday magic. If you’re feeling blue or stressed this Christmas, there are several things you can do to help.

Tips to reduce Christmas stress:
1. Trade online connection for genuine connection

Several studies have found that increased social media use can lead to increased depression. The cheerful highlights from our friends’ lives can cause us to feel like we’re missing out, especially if we’re struggling during the holidays. Trade online connections for the real thing. Call a friend. Schedule a lunch or coffee date with a friend. Connect with those you care about with genuine conversation and quality time.

2. Get moving

Exercise is good for the mind and body. Go to the gym or commit to working out at home. Make an appointment with yourself or a friend and get moving. If it feels intimidating, start small and plan to go for twenty minutes or a half an hour. You’ll be surprised how it gets easier once you start. And, you’ll be glad you did

3. Help someone else

Do something kind for someone else. Donate a toy, a meal, or your time. Find a way to give to someone who is in need. You don’t have to look far to find someone who would really appreciate a little compassion.

4. Make your own holiday magic 

Cut snowflakes out of paper, listen to Christmas carols, bake your favorite cookies, or light a wonderfully scented candle. Look for little ways you can bring joy in to your celebration. Ask your family or friends what their favorite tradition is and in corporate those ideas into your celebration.

5. Let go of unrealistic expectations.

Enjoy where you are and who you’re with. Be present. Lean in. Laugh. Enjoy. Don’t set out to have the best Christmas of all time but instead set out to enjoy the moments as they come. You’ll be amazed how this simple perspective shift can really reduce your stress.

6. Talk to a counselor

The holiday blues can be overwhelming. If life seems heavier during the holidays, consider the assistance of a professional counselor to work through your challenges. A great counselor can help tremendously when the holidays feel more blue than joyous.

It’s your turn:

As you prepare for Christmas and the New Year, I wish you joy and happiness. And, if you find you heart feeling heavy, I hope one of these tips will help lift your spirits and bring a smile to your heart.

How have you helped a friend during the holiday season? What tips do you have for helping someone who’s feeling blue? Or do you have a tip that you’ve used in the past? Click to join the conversation. I’d love to hear from you.

Why not consider sharing this post? You never know who around you might be struggling. Let this post open a dialog. Invite your friends to connect if they’re struggling. Your shoulder might be their very answer to prayer.

Until next time friend, be blessed!

 

The post 6 Things You Need to do to Reduce Christmas Stress appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Important Steps You Need Realize Your Dreams

Life doesn’t always allow us to choose our inflection points. In math, it’s the point at which a curve changes direction. In life, these moments can grab us by surprise with a phone call, a loss, or a diagnosis. Or, they may be the moments we’ve hoped and waited for such as a graduation, a birth, or a marriage. But if you’re like me, you’ve had unexpected inflection points wrapped in everyday situations too. And you’ve probably notice too – they don’t always come at a convenient time nor come with an announcement that what you’re about to do next really matters.

One such surprise caught me by surprise more than a year and a half ago. It started with one innocent selfie in an app known for filters that give people bunny ears and whiskers. On that day it gave me a look complete with sunglasses and it rocked my world. Oh, If I had showed you the picture when I took it, the moment wouldn’t have stood out as anything special. Sure you might have thought it was a good picture, or maybe not, but either way it didn’t have a neon sign on it saying this moment was a game changer. Because looking back now, I can see with clear hindsight that moment was just that!

When I think of that unlikely game-changer cell phone picture, I realize wisdom that is extra poignant just before the start of a new year.Whether you’re setting out to realize your dreams or reach your goals, these 5 important steps can help.

1. See the possibilities

It’s easy to allow ourselves to get entrenched in recurring patterns in our lives. The familiar, the comfortable, or the path of least resistance beacon us. Too easily we become repeat offenders of past choices. We settle into our habits not considering where they’re leading us. When we continue to live like that we’re choosing to live on autopilot and we’re allowing the past to make today’s decisions.  Snap out of it!  Look for the possibilities of where you can go, who you can become, and how you can grow. Pray for direction and that you can envision it. If you could take a picture of “it” what would it be? If you could take a selfie of your success, sort of like what I did, what would it show you?

2. Choose to pursue “it”

Once you’ve visualized your goal or identified your dream, commit to pursing it. Refuse to let it remain a wish. Take a few minutes and write down what it would mean if you achieved it. How would your life change? How would you be different? What beliefs or thoughts about yourself would need to change? How would the change support you being who you were created to be? For me, physical health has given me the energy to pursue the things I feel called to do. Does your dream equip you and will give you what you need? Set your resolve to pursue it.

3. Choose your next step.

Once you’ve identified a direction you’d like to go, identify your very next step in that direction. What is one thing you need to do to take one step no matter how big or small in that direction? You don’t have to map out the entire journey but you do need to choose your first step. For me, I decided to focus on what I ate. I planned my meals for the week and packed my lunch. It’s that simple! What’s your next step? Take it.

4. Establish the right habits

If we want to succeed, we can make it easier on ourselves and allow momentum to build as we change, learn, and progress. Or, we can make it harder but pushing against years of habits and how we’ve always done things.  When we choose to use our energy to build habits that will take us in the direction we want to go, we’re providing a structure that will help us be successful. If for example we have a goal to learn a new language, we may plan do practice 15 minutes every day. Or, we may decide we’ll listen to an audible book on our commute. For me my new habits included drinking more water and planning my meals. What habits do you need to build to help you be successful? If you work to build habits, your choices will become easier.

5. Rinse, Wash, and Repeat

Moving forward in life requires us to rinse, wash, and repeat daily. Life isn’t a destination but rather a journey. When you’ve reached a goal or dream, or perhaps when your smack dab in the middle of its pursuit and feeling discouraged, repeat from step one. Remind yourself of the possibilities, choose to see your potential, recommit to what’s important and choose your next step carefully. Sure you’ll make mistakes along the way. But each decision, each choice gives you an opportunity to be on track no matter what happened with your last step.

It’s your turn

Some inflection points in life come as the result of an alarm of sorts going off – a medical test result, a number on the scale, or some other external factor. But the thing about some alarms is in order for them to go off, we need to set them first. If we want to wake up early tomorrow, we’ll set our alarm clock tonight. Could it be that there’s an internal alarm clock that you need to set to trigger you to action this week?

Which step of the journey are you on? With the start of the New Year, I’ll be reflecting back to step one and looking for the possibilities that lay ahead. My goal is to refuse limits next year that I see from my human perspective. I’ve found that when I honestly seek God’s goals for my life, they’re much bigger and feel more impossible than the ones I come up with on my own. But, I’ve found they cause me to trust him and require that listen carefully. When I do the results are always far greater than I could have ever dreamed!

I’d love to hear from you. Where are you in these steps today? What’s your goal for the New Year? Click to comment and join the conversation. And, if this has encouraged you, please click to share on social media. Together we can spread encouragement!

Before I go, I wanted to share the selfie that started my transformation and my before and after pics.

When everything changed.

Before and After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next time friend, be blessed!

You might also enjoy:

5 Reasons New Year’s Goals Fail and 5 Things You Can Do About It.
5 Effective Tips to Help You Reach Your Goals
5 Ways to Make the Most of Today

The post 5 Important Steps You Need Realize Your Dreams appeared first on Susan Call.