Susan Call's Blog, page 6

3 Effective Ways to be Empowered by Change

The colorful views in every direction outside mean one thing…fall is here and change is upon us.  Seemingly overnight, the warm sun-soaked days sitting on the deck sipping an ice tea switch to apple picking and sipping warm cider and hot chocolate. All around lush green has been replaced by brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds providing simply breathtaking views.

The natural beauty outside provides a clear reminder of why the fall is such a popular time of year.  With all the splendor fall brings, I’m also reminded that it is ushering in a new season. Chillier nights are yielding to colder shorter darker days. And despite how much I want to cling on to the sunshine and warmth of summer, it will happen with or without my permission.

But isn’t that how it is in life? We find ourselves at an intersection and there it is, change. And, if you are like me, sometimes it’s exhilarating, fun, and truly exciting. But often we’re struck by the uneasiness of the unknown or the sadness of letting go of the comfortable. Indeed, change seems to be a two sided coin – it can be a welcomed shift that we hoped and prayed for yet still stop us in our tracks and challenge us with the uncertainty.

I don’t have to look far to recognize I’m knee deep in a season of change myself. At work we’re switching our primary software system calling for long days and intense work ahead of the launch. Inspired by the recent change of seasons and the change that currently surrounds me, I thought it would be a great time to reflect on three empowering benefits of change. Truly it doesn’t have to be scary. It can be a positive time causing us to grow because of it.

1. Change provides a natural time to reflect and celebrate past blessings

Take time to reflect and be thankful.

I recently had the opportunity to put this into practice first hand. Hugging a co-worker on her last day at my office, I was sad to say good bye. We’d worked together for nearly 7 years. But with her new opportunity and the change it brought in our work place, I could step back and be incredibly thankful for the over 6 years of collaboration. Rather than focus on the negative, I choose to celebrate a life-long friendship that has developed.

When faced with change, look for a blessing tucked in it that can be celebrated. Closing a tough chapter allows us to focus on positively writing the next one. Or, if your closing a good chapter, be thankful for what has been but look ahead with optimism. Take the time to acknowledge the blessings the change brings as you move on.

2. Change teaches you more about yourself

When we find ourselves standing in the midst of change, we quickly find what we like and what we don’t like. I’ve found that while I like the beauty of fall, I don’t particularly the cold weather that is creeping in. Realizing how much I appreciate being out in the warm sun has me reflecting upon my priorities for next summer. I plan to make adjustments to my schedule so that I can enjoy it more knowing that it is so fleeting.

Have you ever noticed that the situations brought about by change can bring unexpected discomfort that speaks to us? Listen to the discord and allow it to teach you more about yourself. What don’t you like? How does it challenge you? Can you grow from this? On the flip side, we can find ourselves in the middle of change and find that it feels right, it fits, it’s welcomed and the timing is right. Choose to listen to what that change is telling you. When you take time to ask yourself questions amidst the your adjustments, it can teach you more about yourself. The result is you’ll step forward with greater confidence, self awareness and strength, ultimately making you more resilient.

3. It allows you to write a new chapter

Regardless if change enters our lives as something we pursued or it is thrust upon us, change is like turning to a brand new page in a notebook. We may not have initiated the page turning, but, we hold the pen that will write what happens next. We decide what attitude we will have as we begin to fill in the new page.

When my co-worker left for her new opportunity, I knew I was losing a coworker – I couldn’t change that. But I didn’t want to lose a friend. I had a choice moving forward by owning my part in how we’d stay in touch. I didn’t have to let the friendship drift because of her change of employment.

When change turns a page in your life, ask yourself how you would like this next chapter unfold. Consider what you need to do to make this chapter the best it can be.

It’s your turn

Whether you are in the midst of change now, or it finds you in the near future,  remember these three empowering benefits  – it helps you to recognize and celebrate your blessings, it can teach you more about yourself, and it gives you the opportunity to begin writing a new chapter. When you focus on the positive, you can enjoy the benefits and the new scenery it brings.

How do you embrace change? What do you do to find its benefits? Click to join the conversation. And, if you were encouraged, why not click to share. And, be sure to sign up below so that you know when the next encouraging post is available.

Until next time, be blessed!

 

The post 3 Effective Ways to be Empowered by Change appeared first on Susan Call.

3 Reasons Resistance in Life is Good for You

Have you ever felt like time was standing still? I’m pretty sure time slowed to a crawl over the weekend when I begrudgingly went to the gym. There were a number of things I felt like doing but instead opted to do what I knew was good for me.  I’d made it to the last 20 minutes hoping to quickly knock out some time on the elliptical before heading home. I selected an interval workout (one that rotates between low and high resistance), and pressed go on the machine.

It didn’t take long for my internal chatter to kick in. How much longer? Really, it’s only been 5 minutes? Sigh. Each minute slowly ticked way. Then suddenly the resistance jumped back to the higher intensity. Ugh! I should just decrease the resistance, I thought. After all, it would make the rest of my workout easier and, the button that could do just that was right there on the panel – almost beckoning me to press it. I was tired and the relief would have been welcomed.

Despite really wanting to reduce the resistance, I didn’t. I realized that because of it, I was getting stronger and improving my endurance. The temporary discomfort was ultimately for my benefit. In life, resistance slows us down while making our progress harder. It can come in the form of unexpected challenges, difficult people, or tough situations. But, if we preserver, it leaves us stronger and more resilient. While I finished my time on the elliptical, my internal chatter provided insight into how resistance helps us in life.

Resistance shows you what you trust.

What do you grab a hold of or run to when life pushes back? Do you dig deep or press on, or do you retreat. When I was on the elliptical, I had a choice to avoid the resistance or to remember why I was there. In life, do we trust ourselves, our resources, and our faith to allow us to step out of our comfort zone and continue despite resistance? When we’re met with situations that challenge us we need to be careful to not run to food, bad habits, toxic people, or “the comfortable” as a way of avoiding what can help us grow stronger.  Evaluate what resistance causes you to reach for or run to.  I love the way Lewis Howes puts it – “We should make sure the things we do to feel better don’t make us feel worse.”

Resistance often reveals our fear.

Sometimes our resistance is internal. Challenged by a difficult situation or perhaps a memory of something unpleasantly familiar, our reaction to a situation can be to shut down, retreat and avoid. While there are some situations it is healthier to avoid, we need to challenge ourselves and ask if we’re retreating out of wisdom or out of fear. Check your internal messages. Refuse to be the reason you’re held back from potential opportunities or personal growth.

Resistance reveals our strengths and weaknesses.

Situations that call for resilience and grit have a way of showing us our strengths and our weaknesses. We can tap into our experiences and successes from the past and reassure ourselves of how we’ve faced similar situations and come out on the other side stronger. We can be reminded of answered prayer and support that we gained from family and friends who helped us through when we didn’t think it was possible. In challenging times, tap into those memories and be sure to remind yourself of your strengths. It will help you stand more confidently in the face of adversity. At the same time, resistance can also reveal our vulnerably and our weaknesses. When it does, choose to allow the situation to show you opportunities for personal growth.

It’s your turn.

I managed to make it to the end of my time on the elliptical without reducing the resistance – a mini personal victory. I’ll take that little win and the lens it’s given me for looking at the other sources of challenge that I’m currently facing. How do you face resistance in life? When the going gets tough, how do you press on? My time on the elliptical has reminded me to watch my internal dialog – it can give us strength or cause us to quit. Choose how you talk to yourself wisely!

If you’re currently facing resistance in life, evaluate what gives you strength, act out of wisdom rather than fear and choose to grow through it. Just like time on an elliptical, it will get easier in time.

Have you found one of these benefits of resistance to be true in your life? Or, do you have others you can share. Click to comment, I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time. Be blessed!

You might also enjoy:

The 3 Powerful Sentences You Need to Break Old Tapes
9 Things You Should Stop Doing
When You Feel Like Quitting: 3 Tips to Fuel Your Motivation

The post 3 Reasons Resistance in Life is Good for You appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Things to do When You Don’t Know What to Say

Speechless aka #nowords

Have you noticed that you don’t need look far to find someone dealing with some significant challenges lately? In recent months I’ve watched three friends battle breast cancer, another deal with end stages of life for a parent, and have other friends who have had to deal with natural disasters. I’ve also had conversations with other friends weighed down by incredible life challenges. When life hits hard, we can find ourselves speechless, feeling like there just aren’t words strong enough to say to be of any support.

5 things you can do when you don’t know what to say:
1. Do “daily” things.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a delivered dinner, you know the relief it brings. Freeing a struggling friend from daily “chores” is a great way to make a difference. Resist the urge to say “If you need anything, let me know.” Most people will never let you know, even if they really need help. Make a specific offer – hey, I’d like to bring dinner over for you and your family Monday, would that be ok? Or, I need to pick up Sarah at practice can I pick up Lizzy too? People are more receptive of help when you offer a suggestion of how you could assist them. And, if you don’t know what to cook for dinner, why not give them an encouraging card with a gift certificate to a restaurant in their town. Then, they can use it on a night when they need it most.

2. Be speechless and just listen.

It can be harder than it sounds, but just listen – listen without attempting to solve or offer advice. Often when people are struggling, well intending friends and family “advice” them to death. When attempting to console or even encourage someone, they share of the time Aunt Matilda dealt with the same thing. People don’t always share with you because they want a solution. They may simply share to vent. Sometimes the best thing we can do for a friend is to be a friend by just listening.

3. Be an escape.

Dealing with a difficult chapter can be a marathon rather than a sprint. Sometimes we can make a difference for a friend by allowing them to temporarily escape from the daily living in the midst of the struggle. Take in a movie, go outlet shopping, for a hike or take in something that you are is known for. Often when people are dealing with a big issue, everyone wants an update and wants to talk about “it.” Sometimes our friends and family want a break from whatever “it” is and would love to talk about any other topic. Be an available escape buddy if that’s what your friend needs most.

4. Don’t disappear.

Struggles that come in the form of a challenging season often come with a wave of support when they begin but eventually the support wanes. Drop your friend a card after their 6th chemo or help celebrate the progress in some other way. Long battles can usher a wave of support when they begin only to have friends become far more silent as they step back to let you “deal” with the situation at hand. Find a balance

5. Get creative.

The sky is the limit for creativity in supporting your friends or family through tough times. When I had my open heart surgery, my coworkers wrapped several small fun gifts and put them in a basket. The encouraged me to open a gift on any day that I wanted or needed a pick me up. You could make a collage of word or photos, make a card or knit a shawl to keep them warm. If your friend is going through a challenge that is financially burdensome, your creativity could lead you down the path of creating a Go-Fund-Me page to assist with the costs associated with their difficulties. Pray about it, think about it, and then find a way to make a difference and be the good!

It’s your turn:

Who in your world needs encouragement? Is there a situation in the life of someone near you that has left you speechless, wishing you had the “right words?” Maybe it’s not words you need to search for but instead consider how you can be the sunshine on their cloudy day. Be the friend that they desperately need as they walk their difficult journey. And the next time you find yourself speechless looking for words, remember actions speak louder than words. Let your support be something your friends see and feel.

How do you encourage others when you fee speechless? Click to comment and share your ideas too!

Find this encouraging? Why not click to share.

Until next time friends, be the good!

The post 5 Things to do When You Don’t Know What to Say appeared first on Susan Call.

How to take charge and conquer the shorter-day blues

It’s that time of year when the days seem to noticeably get shorter every few days. If you’re like me, you’re already missing the long daylight hours of summer.  In just a few short weeks the time change will make the change even harder to ignore. This year why not try something different? Resist the urge to crawl into bed right after dinner and try these shorter-days blues busters.

5 Ways you can conquer the shorter-day blues:
1. Make your mornings brighter with a light timer

Have you noticed how much more challenging it is to crawl out of bed when it’s still dark out? Beat the morning darkness by setting a timer on a light in your room. Many people use timers when they’re away from home on vacation. Why not put one to use to brighten your mornings? I’ve set mine to turn on when my alarm goes off each morning. If you’re a mom, why not make waking your kids easier by using a light timer in their rooms on school days? Of course, be considerate of your spouse with what time and how bright you make your room.

2. Embrace a new hobby

Is there something you’d love to learn and would look forward to working on? Or, maybe you have a hobby that you didn’t have time for in the busy summer. Plan to invest time enjoying or mastering a hobby on fall and winter evenings. Maybe you want to spend time with a craft or learn a new language. I just found a fun book to learn lettering and calligraphy that I hope to master this winter.

3. Try using a “happy” lamp

Just 20-30 minutes in front of a “therapy” or “happy” light can help offset the impact of shorter days. Light boxes are often used to help individuals cope with seasonal affective disorder and can be effective in mimicking daylight. Last winter was the first I tried one after a family member decided to give it a try. If you find yourself more sluggish with the shorter days, it might offer just the boost you’re looking for.

4. Reschedule your time

If dark evenings are a challenge, try purposefully scheduling activities during the time you find the most difficult. Last winter I picked to go to the gym at 7pm because I knew it was my sluggish time of day. Adapt your schedule and consider rescheduling activities purposefully to the challenging evening hours. Why not consider shifting your grocery shopping to 7pm instead of Saturday morning? Or, meet a friend for dessert, call and chat with a friend or find other ways to schedule evenings empowering you to resist the urge to shift into power saver mode.

5. Be determined and get creative

Change won’t happen without intent. Be determined to not let shorter days get the best of you. Be conscious of your energy levels and you find yourself beginning to hibernate.  The options are endless for how you can re-frame your time and use it to your benefit. And, if you find yourself struggling with the winter blues, reach out to a friend or counselor to come up with a strategy that works for you.

It’s your turn:

Last fall and winter I was amazed how these little things added up to a significant impact to my mood and attitude all winter long. Why not make a few adjustments and resist the blues that try to creep in with the shorter days.

What do you do to keep your spirits up during this time of year? Will you try any of these ideas? I’d love to hear from you, click to comment. And, why not  click to share with your friends so that they enjoy the season a bit more this year too?

Until next time… be blessed!

The post How to take charge and conquer the shorter-day blues appeared first on Susan Call.

What to do When You Think You’ve Been “Here” Before

It felt almost like a sense of Dejavu. I’d been here before. As I stepped off the jet way and into the terminal, I remembered this place with incredible clarity. I’d only been in this terminal once before – 3 long years ago.

As I continued down the hallway I caught a glimpse of gate f 12 out of my peripheral vision. I recognized the corner spot where I’d wiped away my tears before. My travels hadn’t brought me by this way since that difficult journey home after my dad passed away. I’ve been here before reverberated through every ounce of me.

Maintaining my composure, I continued through the terminal. Suddenly I was struck by how in life we have moments that feel like this – bittersweet moments similar but different. They aren’t physical places that we’ve returned to but emotional places that find us feeling “I’ve been here before.” Maybe someone lets us down or we’re in a situation and suddenly we see familiar writing on the wall. Whether it’s a physical place such as my airport experience or an emotional place, when we encounter these moment, we have a choice in how we respond.

How to Change Your Perspective:
See the good.

Walking through the airport, I had a choice to focus on my loss and the sadness of my prior visit there or to focus on the good that I experienced that trip. I chose to remember the kind flight attendant and pilot who went out of their ways to help me. It’s the same in life’s situations. Often tough situations are wrapped as bittersweet memories. There’s good sprinkled in with the challenging. Choose to remind yourself of the good that came your way instead of focusing on the difficult or sad things.

Acknowledge the past.

Don’t ignore or pretend something didn’t happen because it was tough. Acknowledge what you’ve been through so that you can remind yourself how far you’ve come. When you find yourself revisiting an experience you’ve been through, acknowledge it and keep going. You’re in a different place this time. Continue on. It’ isn’t your gate this time.

Learn from it.

Some situations in life allow us to grow becoming stronger. When you find yourself feeling like you’ve been here before because of how someone has treated you or a situation unfolded, learn from it. Some lessons in life are meant to be one time lessons. You don’t need to relive the problems or the pain by lingering in a place that you’re not meant to revisit. Don’t discount wisdom you’ve gained when you encounter similar situations again.

Pay it forward – Be the good.

Stepping into the airport I instantly recalled the kindness of the flight attendant who went out of her way to help me. She gave me a pile of snacks and did her best to help me catch an earlier flight. Her compassion hasn’t been forgotten three years later. No matter what life has for you this week, choose to be the good. Be kind to those you meet. You have no idea the burdens that they are carrying. And, who knows, maybe someday they’ll be saying “I’ve been here before and I remember that person who was kind.” Be that person.

Curious what happened the last time I passed through that airport terminal? You might enjoy my post that shares about it and reminds us the value of compassion and kindness even when we can’t change someone else’s troubles:

Finding Joy in Bumped Flights, Travel Challenges and Standby

Encouraged? I’d love to hear from you. Click to comment and join the conversation.

And, if you haven’t yet clicked to join my email list, why not sign up today. You’ll get email notifications when I post new encouraging stories. Lastly, if this lifted your spirits, why not click to share and spread the sunshine?

Be blessed! Until next time friend.

 

The post What to do When You Think You’ve Been “Here” Before appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Things to Remember about God when life is tough

Surprise! But, not a surprise I wanted.

Blue bubbles and the distinct smell of soap merged rather unpleasantly with the aroma of hamburger startled me when I lifted the lid covering my lunch. Just moments earlier I’d pulled the pan back out of the sink rinsed it, and tossed my burger back in after realizing it wasn’t done yet. In my haste and irritation, I’d only made matters worse. So much for my easy lunch plans.

Have you ever noticed that life has a way of catching us off guard whether it’s a “ruined” lunch or moment when life doesn’t turn out the way we’d expected or life smacks us with challenges far bigger that really rock our world? Lately I haven’t had to look far to find someone weary and worn out by current challenges or exhausted by the constant struggles of everyday life. Some days we don’t have to look farther than the mirror. No doubt there are days where we’d all wish our difficulties were just dish soap in our lunch.

5 things to remember about God when life is tough:
1. You’re never alone.

No matter what you’re going through, you’re never alone! God’s with us in whatever season we’re going through. He’s as close as the whispers of your heart. When worry tries to convince you that you’re facing your troubles alone, remember the words of Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2. We might be surprised, but He isn’t.

A diagnosis, a lost job, financial struggles or relationship troubles may catch us off guard, but none of our problems surprise God. He already knew about this bend in the road and he knows how we’ll come out on the other side. Bring him your worries and he will refresh you. “This,” whatever you’re facing didn’t surprise him so why not ask for his help?He loves you and ready and able to give you strength and peace amidst your storm.

3. When we’re weak, He’s strong.

If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough to face everything that wars to weigh you down, rest assured you don’t need to carry it on your own. God is bigger than your troubles and more than strong enough to lift your burden. On the days you feel like a puddle, lean on him. He will give you the strength to stand. And, when it is time to move forward, he will give your direction and the courage to take your next step.

4. He’s a God of new beginnings.

Life’s journey is a series of chapters. Turning the page closing some chapters can be bittersweet. Don’t look at endings as a final word but instead as a launching point. When we allow one chapter to close, another one can begin because God is the God of new beginnings. Our journey doesn’t end when we reach a crossroads. Choose to welcome the new beginnings that life brings your way.

5. He never gives up, even when we want to.  

When we’re at the end of our rope, we can be thankful that God doesn’t have an end to his. He knows our faults and flaws and loves us anyways. He knows we try but sometimes fall short. Even so, he never gives up on us or on our purpose. If you have breath in your lungs, he still has a purpose for you. Don’t give up! Reset your focus and take your next step. Don’t be discouraged by the size of the mountain. Trust him for your next step and go from there.

It’s Your Turn:

When you feel weary, take time to rest. Give yourself the gift of a few minutes of quite time to allow God to restore and refresh you. Maybe you can step outside and watch the sunset, or sit quietly or listen to music that will lift your spirits, or perhaps  connect with friends and family who care about you. Most importantly, be encouraged by these 5 things. and remember to lean on God. I can’t promise your troubles will instantly melt away, but I can promise you won’t walk alone.

This weekend I was encouraged by a song ( Lord Our God by Kristian Stanfill). It reminded me that God doesn’t leave us in the middle. Maybe it’s just the encouragement you need to day too.  

When life is tough, how do you life your spirits? What do you need to remind yourself about God to keep your troubles in perspective? I’d love to hear from you!  And, if this post encouraged you, why not signup for my email list so that you don’t miss future dose of encouragement?

A few other posts to enjoy:

5 Symptoms You’re Overwhelmed and What to do About It 
Overwhelmed? 5 Life Hacks that can Help
3 Lessons I Learned About Faith from my Dog 

The post 5 Things to Remember about God when life is tough appeared first on Susan Call.

How to be Successful at Change

Looking out over the lake it felt every bit like summer afternoon despite the date on the calendar. It felt more like June than mid-September. Kayakers and picnickers all seemed to be soaking in the last bit of the warm weather before the big change. A few trees have already started to hint that fall is about to settle in. Living in New England I enjoy the brilliant colors of fall. But even though change is sometime welcome, we can navigate it better in life if we have the right mindset.

5 Things to do to improve success navigating change:
1. Don’t wait.

Don’t wait until January, the 1st of next month, or even until next Monday. If there are things you need to change in your life, stop waiting. Begin with your very next decision or choose to carve out ½ hour tonight to consider your next step. Do something today that your future self with thank you for. Change and transformation is a journey. You get to choose when you’ll step over the starting line and begin becoming a better version of you. Why wait?

2. Get up with intention.

Fall means shorter days and darker mornings. Lately it’s been much darker when my alarm clock stirs me. When the world is dark and quiet and the sun hasn’t even decided to wake up yet, it becomes even easier to hit the snooze button. But, the pace you set in the morning will likely affect your pace throughout the day. Get up with a sense of purpose and act as though you have some place to be. Have you ever noticed how naturally we push ourselves when we have an appointment? Get up with that same intention. Every day you do have someplace to be – pursuing your purpose. It’s waiting. Whatever your season and purpose, wake up, get up, and choose to intentionally be in motion of pursuing it.

3. Check your filter.

Entering a season of change can be disconcerting. We readily remember the last time we tried and fell short. Learn from your miss-steps but refuse to hold yourself back because of them. It’s critical in a season of change to watch your self talk. We often hear “speak life,” meaning we should choose worlds that build up and are constructive rather than words that tear down and hurt. That also means speak life to ourselves. Don’t allow negative thoughts to play on repeat. Instead, replace negativity with possibilities. Catch yourself when you doubt yourself. Talk to yourself as though you’re your own coach.

4. Keep fear in check.

Change can be disconcerting. The unknown can be intimidating to say the least. With that, fear will rear its ugly head. When it does, remember your past success when doubt has tried to hold you back. If fear is attempting to divert you as you pursue change, don’t underestimate the power of prayer and the strength faith can give you in moments of doubt. No matter what change you face, remember that God is bigger!

5. Plan ahead.

The best way to impact a new day or week is to look ahead. Each night before you go to bed, read over your goals for the next day or the week ahead. Your goals are like a road map. When you read over them, it gives you a sense of direction. It will also remind you why you set your alarm clock when it goes off in the morning. Taking time to plan ahead makes it a bit easier to hit the ground running the next day. It also fuels your mind as you sleep so that your thoughts are ready for the new day when it arrives.

Your Turn:

I’m looking ahead to the change of seasons as a time to adjust my routine and embrace some personal change as well. I’ll be reminding myself of my goals at night so that I can get up each morning with intention. What about you? Are you in a season of change? If so, what will you do to be successful navigating change? Click to comment, I’d love to hear from you.

Why not share this post with your friends? Click on your favorite social media to share there.

If you enjoyed this post, here are a few others you might enjoy:

9 Things You Should Stop Doing
When You Feel Like Quitting: 3 Tips to Fuel Your Motivation
The 3 Powerful Sentences You Need to Break Old Tapes
Why We Procrastinate and What to do About It

The post How to be Successful at Change appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Secrets of Successful Transformation You Need to Know

Caution, transformation ahead.

Have you ever been surprised by a disappointment that unexpectedly provided you with encouragement? That happened to me just this week. I took my mom on a short adventure  to the coast looking to make the most of her short visit to New England. We looked forward to breathing in the salty sea air and taking in the beautiful scenery. But when we rounded the last bend, the lighthouse we’d traveled to see was shrouded in scaffolding, distorting the scene we anticipated. Rather than a picture perfect post card image, we found a powerful lesson in transformation.

5 Secrets of Successful Transformation:
1. Structure is needed for transformation.

The professional lighthouse restorers began their work by first encasing the entire structure with scaffolding and netting providing necessary support and protection. It’s a powerful visual for life when we seek a transformation. In the areas we need to grow or change, how much more effective might we be if we took the same approach. Rather than grappling where to start, we can choose to make our first step setting up a supportive environment. It would give us the needed  structure to help us grow, change, and transform our lives.

2. Appearances can be deceiving.

From those viewing the lighthouse from a distance, it looked a bit of a mess. The true beauty of the old building was obscured from view. Additionally, the netting blocked visibility to the transformation that was in progress. In our lives we can actively be working to change and grow but there may be a season where the changes aren’t yet visible to those around us. We need to continue our internal work, adapting and addressing issues even when others can’t yet see the changes.

3. It’s possible to be used as a work in progress.

As we sat near the light house I couldn’t help but notice the steady rhythm of the dull fog horn and the slow pulse of the light visible above the scaffolding. Even though the old building was in the midst of transformative change, it was still being used effectively right where it was. In life, it is no different. When we go through a season of change or personal growth, we often wish we were further along in our journey than we are. During seasons like that, it’s easy to question the impact that we have today. But, just as the lighthouse was still making a difference, we have the ability to make an impact everyday right where we are despite being “in process” of becoming better versions of ourselves.

4. Change is a process.

Restoring the nearly 140 year old lighthouse began in spring and will continue well into the fall. Additionally, it will require two phases to complete all of the necessary changes. While we can more easily accept the process and steps necessary to restore a building, we need to accept and allow the process of change that’s necessary to transform us. It can be frustrating when the pace of our growth isn’t as fast as we’d like. Still, we need to give ourselves some grace and realize change is a process. It takes time. Be persistent and don’t give up. Some transformations may take a few phases. That’s ok. Continue to take the next step and move forward. Your continued effort will pay off!

5. There’s always something to appreciate.

When we first caught a glimpse of the lighthouse, we could have thrown up our hands and said our trip was a waste. But we didn’t. Instead we meandered over to a nearby bench and sat down to soak in the beauty of the coast  It wasn’t exactly like we expected, but we thoroughly enjoyed the day anyway. In life, we need to do the same. There may be an area that is under repair, refuse to let it rob the joy from the other aspects of your life. Enjoy each day anyway. We don’t need to wait for things in our lives to be pristine to find the good.

It’s your turn.

While it would have been nice to have the beautifully restored lighthouse in our pictures, I’m thankful for the imagery it gave me instead. As I navigate a few areas of personal growth in my life, I’ll hold on to the surprising encouragement from our trip.

Are you in the middle of a restoration too? Is there an area of your life where you’re trying to change or grow that isn’t neat and tidy? If so, I hope my lighthouse encounter has given you fresh hope. Each week l enjoy finding encouragement in everyday situations. If you could use a reminder to smile and find the good, why not click to join my email list. I I’ll let you know when new encouraging posts are ready.

Know anyone else going through change who could be encouraged, why not click and share this post. Thanks!

The post 5 Secrets of Successful Transformation You Need to Know appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Things You Need to do This Week

This week I took a break to visit a nearby lake with my mom, just to sit on a bench and enjoy the view. She’s visiting New England from central Pennsylvania so our local sites are very different than what she sees day to day. Spending the quality time with her got me thinking about a few key things that really make a difference when we choose to do them each week. If you want to increase your happiness and have a greater positive impact on those around you, consider doing these 5 things each week.

5 Things You Need to Do This Week
1. Speak life. 

Every day our words speak life or death to those around us. Although we may not consider the weight of our words when we blurt out what’s on our mind or quickly respond to a post online, our words have an impact. How are your words impacting those around you? And, how are your opinions affecting others? The way we say what we think matters. Do our words and social media posts speak life, or do they divide and tear down? Intentionally use your words to encourage others. Nudge them in the right direction and help them see the good in every day. Your words matter!

2. Make connections.

Make connections between your actions and your goals and your time and people who matter. Connections matter. If we don’t choose to take the next step in the direction of our goals, they remain just dreams. And, if we don’t take steps to connect to the people in our lives, we remain isolated or relationships wither. Choose to make connections this week.

3. Let go.

Stop holding onto things you should have already let go of. It’s like walking around with a 10 pound cinder block in your backpack, it wears you out and provides no value. Whether it’s a bad habit you continue to entertain, allowing it to consume your time and resources or a bad relationship that’s robbing your joy, let it go. Sometimes “known” is disguised as “comfortable.” We stick to the habits we know because it feels easier that taking a risk on the unknown. But is it really comfortable or is it just complacent? Give yourself permission to step away from the bad habits and pursue a healthier, happier you this week. And, if it’s a step that it too difficult to make on your own, find a resource to help you – a friend, a counselor, or support group to provide you with encouragement you need to finally make the change.

4. Do what you already know.

We often know what we should be doing in areas of our lives. For example if we struggle with our weight or our health, we likely already know we should eat right, exercise, and drink enough water. Choose to do it. Start with a small step like packing your lunch this week, or deciding you’ll work on your step goals this week. Or if you know you need to declutter, open your closet door and spend a half hour doing what you know you need to do. Just because we know what we should do doesn’t mean it’s easy to start. But, as soon as we do, we can build momentum that will make continuing easier. Pick a small step you can take in an area you know you need to make progress, make an appointment with yourself and start. You’ll be glad you did.

5. Be grateful. 

From the time we were all two, we’ve been told to say please and thank you. How has that translated into your everyday life? Consciously being grateful everyday improves your outlook, feeds your faith and gives you a reason to smile. Each day, even the toughest days, scan the day and find three things to be grateful for before your head hits the pillow at night. Begin each day knowing that at night you’ll need your list of at least three things. By getting in this habit, you’ll find it easier to find the silver lining even on the cloudiest of days.

It’s your turn.

What do you need to consciously do this week? I’m currently working on #4. There are a few things I know I need to do, that I need to get busy doing. Which one of these hits home for you? I’d love to hear from you. And, if you were encouraged, why not click to share and encourage your friends too?

As for me, my mom will be staying with us for two more weeks. I’m looking forward to enjoying the time we have together. It’s priceless!

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7 Steps You Need To Pursue Your Purpose

Looking to salvage a cloudy day at the beach, we set out for options and stumbled upon an adventure – glass blowing. Who knew we’d encounter an experience that would so beautifully illustrate the steps needed to foster faith and pursue purpose in life.

7 Steps You Need To Pursuing Your Purpose:
1. Desire comes first.

Adventure and purpose don’t typically show up as a special delivery order when we haven’t first sought it out. I’ve been asked by a number of friends how I knew there was a studio where we could take a class, or how did I find it. The simple answer is I looked. I wanted to find a fun activity for us to share and simply googled “things to do near me.” Sometimes finding our purpose starts the same way… no, not with google, but with a desire to seek it out. It’s knowing that there is something to find, wanting it and seeking it out. Your next step may be setting out time to seek and ponder. Be willing to keep looking if the answer takes longer than you hoped. Fuel your desire and keep searching until you have clarity.

2. Listen before you do.

Our glass blowing adventure started with listening. The master craftsman walked through a number of safety precautions before showing us the multi-step process. Working with molten glass pulled from a 2000 degree oven comes with very serious risks. If we wanted our finished products to look like we’d hoped, we needed to follow his guidance from start to finish. In life, we need to listen before we do. Not just before we take a leap of faith, but even in the little steps that seem more mundane. While we may not see the risk in not listening, it’s often in the gentle nudges life gets its greatest course corrections. Pray, listen, and heed nudges. You never know where doing so might take you.

3. Take one step at a time.

While the class we took was glass blowing, only one of the many steps of the process involved us actually blowing. Turning the molten glass, tapping it into colored pieces, returning it to the oven were all necessary steps before we got to the one step that gave the whole process its name. But, all of the steps were necessary for the finished product. Sometimes the next step isn’t one that sound glamorous or feels important. But, just like our ornaments wouldn’t have turned out without one of the small steps, our journeys require many steps with different activities some of which feel unimportant when we do them. Take one step at a time in your journey. Resist the urge to do a step that isn’t yet.

4. Keep doing while you wait.

As we stepped through the entire process, we needed to keep the rod turning the entire time. No matter what else we were doing, we needed to be aware that if we stopped turning, the glass would become lopsided and could risk falling off the rod all together. In life, there are often little things we need to keep doing while we are waiting for the next step. I’ve heard it said keep doing the last thing God nudged you to do until he tells you what’s next. As you wait for what’s next, don’t stop moving all together. Keep doing what you knew to do last. “Next” will come along when it’s time.

5. Let your breath be second.

After listening and following each of the many steps, it was time for our glass ornaments to take shape. The master craftsman lifted the long rod and blew a puff of air into the opening. We all stared waiting for something to happen… but nothing did. The solid blob of glowing glass remained at the other end. He stood still for a moment, still turning the rod when all of the sudden the mass expanded. A small air bubble emerged, giving the ornament its first sense of shape. He inserted a tube to the end of the rod and instructed me to blow into it. As I did, he continued to turn the rod and shaped the top of the ornament. The breath necessary for it to begin to take shape was his. In life it is no different. If we want the fruits of our labors to yield something beyond our imagination, beyond our potential, we need to be willing to let the first breath be that of “The Mastercraftsman.” When our efforts follow what He has first set in to motion, the results will be beyond us.

6. Fire is part of the process.

Throughout the making of our ornaments, the glass needed to go back into the intense heat. Between a number of the steps, exposure to the heat was necessary to keep the glass malleable and to keep it from breaking. Sometimes in our journey, challenges from situations or people expose us to sometimes unpleasant incredible heat. Allow those situations to cause listen extra closely to God’s instruction. Allow those situations to make you stronger because He knows you’ll need that strength in the future to keep you from breaking.

7. Timing is key.

When our ornaments were finished, they weren’t done. Despite all outward appearances there was one crucial step left – waiting. The beautiful pieces that appeared to be done needed to go into a special 900 degree oven. Touching the pieces at this point would have caused 3rd degree burns and ruined the pieces. Instead they spent the night in a thermostat-controlled oven designed to slowly cool the pieces stabilizing them as it did. If the pieces were placed at room temperature any sooner, they would break. In life, sometimes appearances fool us. We need to remember a critical element of any journey is time. Be willing to wait so that you don’t risk breaking something that could be beautiful by rushing the timing.

Your turn.

I’m so thankful we took a chance and tried something new on that cloudy afternoon. But even more so, I’m grateful for the imagery the experience left me with. When you look ahead to your path in the future, I hope you will listen first, not rush steps that aren’t time yet, keep moving in the wait, and let His breath be first. When you do that, the results will be His and that’s the best treasure you can hope for.

Have you ever had the chance to go glass-blowing? Or has my adventure inspired you to try a craft or maybe to more vigorously pursue your purpose? I’m currently in the “doing while I wait” step. Which step are you in? I’d love to hear from you!

And, if you enjoy finding encouragement for life’s journey, why not click to sign up below and not miss a post. Be sure to share on your favorite social media to encourage your friends too.

Until next time, thanks friend!

 

 

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