Susan Call's Blog, page 7

5 Secrets To Making Progress From A Surprising Source

It wasn’t the weekend I had planned. Chilly weather, wind and heavy cloud cover rolled in just in time for my lone beach getaway of the summer. Determined I set out to make the most of the day despite the weather. I never expected to find wisdom from a rather unlikely source – sea gulls! For many beach goers they’re the scavenger birds who swoop in and try to steal lunches or they’re the birds that seem to watch you from a short distance away seeming to laugh when they squawk. But on that day they unexpectedly became the teacher.

5 Secrets to Making Progress:
It’s not just about your effort.

Watching the seagulls, I noticed one lone bird flapping its wings as hard as it possibly could. But, it wasn’t moving even the slightest bit forward. No amount of effort seemed to make the difference until it made one change – its direction. Instantly the wind propelled the bird forward with a fraction of the effort. In life we can get stuck being just like this seagull. We try harder, push more, work, work, work but seemingly to no avail. If you’re flapping as hard as you can and not making progress, check your direction. Pray about it. Do you need a minor or maybe even a major adjustment in your direction?

It’s not about everyone else.

While the one seagull flapped vigorously, other birds soared and swooped. But the lone bird couldn’t look at the others and wish for a change, it needed to make its own adjustments. The birds didn’t all need to fly at the same speed in the same direction to call their day a success. In life we too often get caught seeing what those around us are doing and wish we were where they are or had their success. Envying someone else will never advance our journey. Be inspired to do your best. Don’t judge you based on what other people are doing but rather measure your progress on how it moves you forward on your journey of life and how it helps you find and pursue your purpose.  Be inspired by others but don’t compare yourself to them. Then, go be the best you that you can be.

Sometimes resting is the next step.

Watching the seagulls I couldn’t help but notice that sometimes each bird would stretch out it wings and simply glide in the wind. Although they weren’t flapping, they were positioned in the wind so that they were carried forward even while they rested. In life sometimes we need to do just that. Rest is an important part of our journey. When we’re positioned in the right direction, rest doesn’t set us back but instead allows us to reenergize and be renewed, ultimately carrying us even further.

Effort impacts progress.

One bird in the flock stretched its out its wings facing the wind didn’t flap. But unlike the birds soaring at rest, this bird hung nearly suspended in one spot. It didn’t glide forward like the others but rather just stayed “stuck” right where it was. On the outside rest and lack of effort may appear to be the same. They aren’t. One revives and creates room for progress, the other causes us to stay stuck, motionless, remaining right where we are. Progress requires effort but good progress requires effort with the right direction. If you find yourself feeling stuck, like nothing is moving forward, check your effort along with your direction. Are there small steps you can take to reset and begin making progress again?

 A change in altitude can be just what you need.

The suspended bird lingered motionless suspended in the sky for some time. Then without warning he tilted his wings slightly and climbed to a higher altitude. When he did, he took off. Sometimes a change in attitude or focus can give us just the change in altitude our spirit needs. In life we need to remember that not everything is about us. When people or situations get us down, we may need a new perspective. A delay that kept us from being where we wanted to be could be just the necessary diversion to allow us to be right where we were meant to be for a greater purpose. When you feel stuck, ask God to change your perspective so that you can see opportunities where you once saw challenges.

When my family decided to go to the beach for the weekend, I never expected to sit on a bench and watch sea gulls. But even more of a surprise was the mind-shift I brought home. As I look at my daily activities against the dreams I have, I’m going to remember those birds. I hope they inspired you too! Which one of these do you need to do? Comment and share. Then commit to making one change to make it happen this week. What do you need to do? I’d love to hear from you.

If they did, why not click to share. Someone you know might just need this bit of encouragement.

 

 

The post 5 Secrets To Making Progress From A Surprising Source appeared first on Susan Call.

4 Important Things Surfing Taught Me About Life

Looking for an opportunity to exhale after a busy week, I took a walk along the beach. The unseasonably cool day coupled with the strong winds chased nearly all of the die-hard beach goers away – all except a few hardy surfers. Choppy waters and whipping winds wasn’t enough to deter them. Watching as they practiced their craft, I was surprised by the important life reminders tucked in the sport of surfing.

1. Improve your balance by strengthening your core.

Surfing requires a strong core. The unsteadiness of the board beneath the surfer’s feet requires agility but even more so steadiness that comes from a strong core. In life, the waves of our daily storms will threaten to knock us off our feet. In those times, we need to rely on our core. Know what’s at your center and continually work to make it stronger. One of the most effective ways I’ve increased my core is to remember answers to prayer. I write them down which makes it easier to stand the next time the waves of life smack.

2. If you get knocked down, get back up.

Even the most experienced surfer is knocked from their feet. It’s the same in life. At some point we’re all thrown for a loop. The key in surfing and in life is to get back up. Refuse to stay down. Refuse to be discouraged. Reorient yourself. Gain your sea legs and get back up. It is with this sense of persistence the journey continues.

3. Choose your opportunities carefully.

As surfers lurk out in the water where the waves form, they survey the swells that roll towards them. Thoughtfully they choose which waves to “go for” and which to let roll on by. When they pick a wave, they go all in. They give it their focus and attention, riding it as far as it can take them. In life, we need to take a chance on the opportunities that come our way. No, we can’t grab every opportunity that comes near but, we can carefully choose which ones we will give our all. It’s only when you take a chance that you “catch a big one” – in surfing and in life.

4. Stay connected.

As a surfer prepares to head out into the water, they wrap a small Velcro strip around their ankle connecting them to their board with a leash. When they wipe out, the leash keeps their board from getting away. While it’s helpful to have the board not drift out to sea, it also provides the surfer a respite if they need to catch their breath after a rough wave. In life, we need to be conscious as to what we’re connected to. What do you keep close to provide strength when you’re knocked off your feet?  When you keep your faith close, you’re connected to the source that can give you peace when life’s storms knock you over.

It’s your turn.

Although I’ve never actually had the opportunity to try surfing, I left the beach this time with a greater appreciation for those who do. I’m thankful for the imagery that will remind me to strengthen my core, get back up when life knocks me down, choose my opportunities carefully, and stay connected as I journey. Have you ever tried surfing? If not, I’d still bet one of these important reminders resonates close to home for you. Which one are you working on? Comment and let me know – I’d love to hear from you. As for me, I’ve been working on choosing my opportunities carefully and staying connected.

If this post has encouraged you, please click to share with your friends. Thanks!

You might also enjoy: 3 Secrets an Ironman Taught Me About Perspective.

The post 4 Important Things Surfing Taught Me About Life appeared first on Susan Call.

How to have an Adventure Mindset

All adventures don’t start out the same.  

Stepping into a small unassuming stone building near the beach on a cloudy day, I was on a mission. I intended to find an adventure. Not content with staying in on a less than ideal beach day, my mind was open to possibilities in an unfamiliar area. I’d passed that doorway with the “Visitor Information” banner dozens of times before. This time it was my intended destination.

I hoped to find something to do but walked away with 5 surprising reminders about adventure.

1. Finding adventure is a choice.

Excitement isn’t typically the first emotion that hits when you realize a planned beach day is going to be cloudy, cool and overcast. It would have been remarkably easy, maybe even a natural response to roll over and sleep much of the day away. But, we were on an abbreviated trip to a neighboring state. I recognized how precious our time was. It you are open to new adventures in life, you need to adopt an “if not this than what” attitude. If it rains on your parade figuratively or literally, choose to find an opportunity you would have missed otherwise. Try a new coffee shop, restaurant, go hiking, skydiving, or glass blowing. Think outside the box. Life is full of opportunities to really live, to really embrace the time we have. Experience it. Soak it in. Refuse to let “cloudy days” cause you to live a grey existence. Adventure won’t knock on your door but you can choose to seize the day and knock on its door instead.

2. Some adventures aren’t on your current map.

Having done a bit of homework on the area before we traveled there, I’d already booked a glass blowing class at a local glass studio. In addition for looking for other options, I asked the woman working where on the large map on display the studio was. She checked the address and began searching her map. Soon she realized that her oversized map cut off before the studio’s neighborhood. She pulled out another, much smaller map and quickly found my destination. Had we only looked for options on her original map, I wouldn’t have located one of the destinations for the day. Sometimes in life our next adventure is just beyond what we know, what we can see, and even just beyond where we’re comfortable. Be open to needing a map that goes beyond what you know at this moment.

3. Hidden gems are often nearby.

As we looked at the oversized map in the tourist center, the woman eagerly pointed out attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in our immediate vicinity. I was amazed how many “nuggets” of local history or activity were just steps away from the sidewalks we’d be down many times before. Sometimes adventure is noticing what is right where you are. It’s not a flight or long trip away but right on your current path. It can be the small and simple – like noticing the garden that’s bloomed in your path or sitting on a park bench next to a nearby lake.  Or, it could be something far more active or involved. Be open to life that is waiting just outside your door. Take time to embrace it. Step out of the routine and accept mini adventures tucked as hidden gems near you in your everyday life.

4. How you define “adventure” is individual.

How you define your adventures is up to you. You may be a daredevil and welcome giant roller coasters or sky diving. Or, for you adventure may be an art museum or a hike in the mountains. For you, it may be something in between those extremes or altogether different. The important thing is to keep finding your adventures based on who you are. Embrace life. Don’t be afraid to try something new but be OK passing on an adventure that isn’t for you. That will leave you the time and energy to focus on the opportunities that help you make the most out of life.

5. Adventures open future opportunities.

Trying something new can lead to a new hobby, interest, or even passion. An adventure can open a world of possibilities that you never knew existed. Or, you may realize something that you thought you’d enjoy wasn’t for you at all. Learn and grow from your experiences. Meet new friends along the way with the path you take. And, be open to opportunities that may unfold when you step out for a new adventure.

It’s your turn

Where ever life has you today, I hope you find your sense of adventure. Take time to smell the roses. Refuse to let clouds figuratively or literally make your world grey. Look for opportunities to embrace life. Try something new. Smile and enjoy. Each day is a gift and life is truly a treasure. After all, life is what you make it. Make it well!

Encouraged? Inspired? Why not click to share with your friends and family.

The best part of our adventure that day was our glass blowing class. It was nothing like anything I’ve done before. What does adventure look like for you? Are you encouraged to go embrace life outside of your doorstep? I’d love to hear from you.

And, if you haven’t yet signed up for my email list, be sure to click and do that. Then, you won’t miss an encouraging post. Who doesn’t need more encouragement

The post How to have an Adventure Mindset appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Things You Need to Know About Tenacity I Learned from a Stranger

It was an unexpected encounter on an atypical morning. Determined to find the silver lining on a short beach getaway, I sat down on a bench along the water despite the grey skies and chilly temperature. I was just looking to make the most of the dreary morning and definitely wasn’t expecting a lesson in tenacity. I quietly listened to the waves lap against the rocks and the sea gulls seeming to laugh with their cry.

Not long after I sat down, a fisherman made his way out onto the rocks not far away. He settled into a spot and began fishing. It didn’t seem to bother him that the clouds covered the sky and a cool wind kept the nearby beach mostly empty. As I watched his efforts, I was amazed by the simple reminders in tenacity that he spoke without ever saying a word.

5 Things you need to know about tenacity:
1. You have to cast to catch.

If the fisherman had simply shown up at the edge of the water with his gear, he wouldn’t have caught anything. It wasn’t enough for him to get up early, to pull together all of the things he needed and not actually cast his line. How often do we stop our efforts short when one adjustment could completely change our results? It’s not enough to just show up in life, we have to actually cast our line, take the next step, and put in effort if we hope for change, growth or a harvest in any area of life.

2. You have to keep casting.

The fisherman was persistent. He continued to cast his line over and over again. He didn’t give up after the fifth or tenth try, nor did he throw his hands up and say “it’s no use, I’ll never catch anything.” He kept casting. How many times do we try something a few times and give up when we don’t see our effort yield as quickly as we’d like? Don’t give up. Keep casting. Tenacity is your friend.

3. Bigger fish are in deeper waters.

While the fisherman stood on the shoreline casting, in the distance other fishermen headed out to sea on their boats. While both may catch fish, the bigger fish are in the deeper waters. Sometimes in life we’re called to be shore fishermen. Other times, we’re called to take the risk, take a chance, and head to deeper waters. When God nudges you out to the deep, refuse to be satisfied standing at the shore. Follow his lead.

4. Some days you won’t catch anything.

There will be days that you don’t see the “harvest” for your efforts. It’s ok! Some days are more about the discipline, the routine, the habits and choices. A fisherman doesn’t stop fishing because one day doesn’t yield what he thought it might. Determined, he gets up and keeps going. The effort he spends teaches him more about his craft. Be willing to learn from the plentiful days as well as the unfruitful days. Reinforce your good habits and continue to develop the discipline you desire. Eventually the results will follow.

5. Persist despite the conditions.

Hardy fishermen brave ocean swells and rough weather with determination and tenacity. Wind and rain does not push them to retreat because their survival depends upon it. In life, we need that tenacity to remain focused when we’re pushed or distracted by storms. Pursue your purpose. Define and take steps towards your goals. Let challenges push you forward rather than allowing them to stop you in your tracks. Persist in spite of the storms!

I’m thankful for the simple reminders I brought back from my time sitting near the water. I never met the fisherman or exchanged any words yet the wisdom was profound. I hope his efforts encourage you right where you are today. Which of these reminders did you most need to hear? Comment and join the conversation, I’d love to hear from you.

If this post encouraged you, why not share it and encourage your friends too? And, if you haven’t yet signed up to join my email list, why not take a moment to do that so that you don’t miss a dose of encouragement.

 

The post 5 Things You Need to Know About Tenacity I Learned from a Stranger appeared first on Susan Call.

The Surprising Secrets To Personal Growth I Found Pulling Weeds

A Discouraging “Sea” of Weeds.

Have you ever unsuspectingly gone down a rabbit trail? You take one small step in one direction and next thing you know you’re engrossed in a project that you can’t stop until you finish? That’s exactly what happened to me when I got home from work last night. Walking to the front door, I glanced over to my small garden and there in a sea of green was one beautiful purple flower, the first to bloom from the seeds I planted earlier this summer.

Suddenly I realized that the “sea” was made up mostly of weeds that had filled in all of the space around the flowers, vegetables and fruits I had planted. I simply set out to clear the weeds from a corner of the garden. But, the next think I knew, I had dirt up to my elbows and my garden was transforming before my eyes. In the end I didn’t stop until the whole garden was cleared. But as I pulled and tossed the unwanted weeds, I couldn’t help but think of the incredible symbolism to life itself…

1. Weeding is intentional.

You don’t accidentally get rid of weeks in a garden and, they don’t go away by ignoring them. In fact, ignored weeds grow deeper roots and multiply. Choose to intentionally weed your life. Pull out the energy stealing, resource robbing, time consuming, and passion depleting activities that keep you from pursing your purpose.

2. It’s easier to weed in well-watered soil.

If you’ve ever weeded soon after a rain, you know how much easier it is to pull weeds from well-watered soil. Pulling unwanted plants from dry parched dirt is challenging. Often you tug but the plant snaps leaving the roots intact. The same is true in life. If there are areas of your life that you are trying to “weed,” water your soil by feeding your faith and nourishing your soul. When you do, you will find it is far easier to eliminate pesky “weeds” (aka habits or unhealthy choices) from your life. If your soul is nourished, you may find it easier to pull out the roots that once were secure under the surface.

3. Up close it’s easier to distinguish the weeds from the desired plants.

From a distance it was hard to tell where my plants and flowers started and where the weeds ended. Everything blended together. It wasn’t until I got up closer and got my fingers dirty that I could easily distinguish between my flowers and vegetables and the weeds that threatened to consume them. In our lives, sometimes we need to get a bit messy to clear the path for us to move forward. We need to dig in and pull up the roots of the things that try fill the spaces where they don’t belong. As you sort out your weeds, don’t be afraid to get dirt under your fingernails as you uncover the roots and free yourself from what had once threatened to take hold.

4. When you weed, you find unexpected growth.

Today as I weeded I uncovered the surprising length of my watermelon vines. Much to my surprise I found 3 baby watermelons that I previously didn’t know were there. The same is true in our lives. Often when we pull out something that doesn’t belong we find something that was hidden just out of view. Consciously work to clear the noise of life from your day to day and watch out for the unexpected.

5. Weeding provides room for new growth.

If plants could exhale, the ones in my garden did just that today. The flowers, zucchini, and especially the watermelon plants almost seemed to stretch and reach into the spaces that I cleared. Each has a much greater space to grow and flourish now that the overgrowth of weeds is gone. I can’t wait to see how the plants thrive with their new space. The same is true for us. When we clear out the clutter in our minds, lives, and spirits, we give God space to grow us in areas we can’t even imagine. Take a chance and provide space in your life for new growth.

I’ve never been much of a gardener but, I’d have to say I’m learning. While I appreciate the fresh vegetables and love making zucchini bread from the bounty, this year I’m appreciating the life reminders that have been part of the harvest. Can you relate to needing to pull weeds in life? When you’re trying to make a change does one of these help most, or what do you do to pull out the roots of weeds while encouraging new personal growth? Click to comment, I’d love to hear from you!

If you found this post encouraging, why not click to join my email list so that you don’t miss future posts? And of course, why not share and encourage your friends? Thanks!

A few other post you might enjoy:

The Unexpected Thing I Found in My Garden
The Powerful Lesson I Found in a Smoking Electrical Outlet
5 Ways to Make the Most of Today

The post The Surprising Secrets To Personal Growth I Found Pulling Weeds appeared first on Susan Call.

The Surprising Wisdom I Found Pulling Weeds

A Discouraging “Sea” of Weeds.

Have you ever unsuspectingly gone down a rabbit trail? You take one small step in one direction and next thing you know you’re engrossed in a project that you can’t stop until you finish? That’s exactly what happened to me when I got home from work last night. Walking to the front door, I glanced over to my small garden and there in a sea of green was one beautiful purple flower, the first to bloom from the seeds I planted earlier this summer.

Suddenly I realized that the “sea” was made up mostly of weeds that had filled in all of the space around the flowers, vegetables and fruits I had planted. I simply set out to clear the weeds from a corner of the garden. But, the next think I knew, I had dirt up to my elbows and my garden was transforming before my eyes. In the end I didn’t stop until the whole garden was cleared. But as I pulled and tossed the unwanted weeds, I couldn’t help but think of the incredible symbolism to life itself…

1. Weeding is intentional.

You don’t accidentally get rid of weeks in a garden and, they don’t go away by ignoring them. In fact, ignored weeds grow deeper roots and multiply. Choose to intentionally weed your life. Pull out the energy stealing, resource robbing, time consuming, and passion depleting activities that keep you from pursing your purpose.

2. It’s easier to weed in well-watered soil.

If you’ve ever weeded soon after a rain, you know how much easier it is to pull weeds from well-watered soil. Pulling unwanted plants from dry parched dirt is challenging. Often you tug but the plant snaps leaving the roots intact. The same is true in life. If there are areas of your life that you are trying to “weed,” water your soil by feeding your faith and nourishing your soul. When you do, you will find it is far easier to eliminate pesky “weeds” (aka habits or unhealthy choices) from your life. If your soul is nourished, you may find it easier to pull out the roots that once were secure under the surface.

3. Up close it’s easier to distinguish the weeds from the desired plants.

From a distance it was hard to tell where my plants and flowers started and where the weeds ended. Everything blended together. It wasn’t until I got up closer and got my fingers dirty that I could easily distinguish between my flowers and vegetables and the weeds that threatened to consume them. In our lives, sometimes we need to get a bit messy to clear the path for us to move forward. We need to dig in and pull up the roots of the things that try fill the spaces where they don’t belong. As you sort out your weeds, don’t be afraid to get dirt under your fingernails as you uncover the roots and free yourself from what had once threatened to take hold.

4. When you weed, you find unexpected growth.

Today as I weeded I uncovered the surprising length of my watermelon vines. Much to my surprise I found 3 baby watermelons that I previously didn’t know were there. The same is true in our lives. Often when we pull out something that doesn’t belong we find something that was hidden just out of view. Consciously work to clear the noise of life from your day to day and watch out for the unexpected.

5. Weeding provides room for new growth.

If plants could exhale, the ones in my garden did just that today. The flowers, zucchini, and especially the watermelon plants almost seemed to stretch and reach into the spaces that I cleared. Each has a much greater space to grow and flourish now that the overgrowth of weeds is gone. I can’t wait to see how the plants thrive with their new space. The same is true for us. When we clear out the clutter in our minds, lives, and spirits, we give God space to grow us in areas we can’t even imagine. Take a chance and provide space in your life for new growth.

I’ve never been much of a gardener but, I’d have to say I’m learning. While I appreciate the fresh vegetables and love making zucchini bread from the bounty, this year I’m appreciating the life reminders that have been part of the harvest. Can you relate to needing to pull weeds in life? When you’re trying to make a change does one of these help most, or what do you do to pull out the roots of weeds while encouraging new personal growth? Click to comment, I’d love to hear from you!

If you found this post encouraging, why not click to join my email list so that you don’t miss future posts? And of course, why not share and encourage your friends? Thanks!

A few other post you might enjoy:

The Unexpected Thing I Found in My Garden
The Powerful Lesson I Found in a Smoking Electrical Outlet
5 Ways to Make the Most of Today

The post The Surprising Wisdom I Found Pulling Weeds appeared first on Susan Call.

The Surprising Wisdom I Found In A Reality TV Show

Reality TV can be a bit like watching a train wreck. I was recently reminded of a show that was almost literally just that. It was a show about 18-wheelers needing to be rescued. While I wasn’t the one with the remote that day and didn’t anticipate being pulled into the drama, I was surprised at the real life nuggets of wisdom tucked into a reality TV show about tow trucks.

The reality of their situation:

On the show several men intensely plotted to a rescue of an 18 wheeler that was precariously perched on the side of a deep ditch. Two tow truck operators worked with a small crew carefully placing hitches with cables to the wayward rig hoping to get the truck back up on the road without further damage or loss.

“Stay right there,” the leader said to one of the workers. “Listen and watch the back wall (of the truck).” He explained that as they worked, the load could shift and rupture the side of the truck, risking loss of the full load and the truck itself.

Fighting the fading daylight, the crew knew time was precious. Their rescue effort would only grow harder if night settled in. The truck moaned loudly as the cables drew tight. Steadily the cranks grew tighter inching the truck towards the road. The one worker continued to watch and listen while the other workers pulled it closer to safety. As the weight shifted, the truck let out a few ominous sounding creaks and thuds before it came to stop upright at the side of the road, success!

I have to admit, while it wasn’t a show I would have picked, I found some great wisdom in that rescue. In life, we make missteps that take us off course. We get distracted. We make mistakes. Maybe we’ve even started and stopped our progress so many times that we wonder if we’re doomed to live life off track. In the show, we’d never expect the trucker to give up and leave his truck in the ditch. His truck, his load, and his job are all too valuable. In life, we are too valuable. You and I both are too valuable to let ourselves wonder off course and not get make adjustments to get us back where we need to be.

A few nuggets of wisdom from my unlikely source:
1. Recognize you’re off track.

I know, it sounds obvious, but as soon as the trucker realized something was wrong, he stopped. He didn’t pretend everything was fine and try to continue moving forward. As long as he was off course he needed to make a correction before moving forward. In life, sometimes the next thing we need to do is stop. We need to recognize when we’re off course and maybe even in a figurative ditch. We need to refuse to pretend everything is fine so that we can pursue a course correction.

2. Accept help.

Just like the truck driver couldn’t get back on track on his own, sometimes we need help too. And, that’s ok! Call for help. Accept help. Our help may come from a supportive friend, a spouse, or a maybe counselor or support group. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a

3. Change is a process – focus on the small steps.

Just like it took the tow crew time for each methodical step before the truck could carefully be pulled from the ditch without causing further damage, we need to recognize getting back on track is a process for us as well. Don’t focus on the entire process or become overwhelmed by the length of the journey or how many steps you need to take. Instead, remember progress can be made focusing on one step at a time.

4. Rescues are time sensitive.

The crew on the show was fighting daylight. They knew the implications and risks associated with not completing their efforts before nightfall. In life, getting back on the right track is time sensitive. The longer we’re off track, the greater the risk and the increased damage. The dangers to our health, finances, or relationships are very real. Don’t waste precious time once you’ve realized you’re off life’s path.

5. Be accountable.

One of the tow crew’s jobs was to watch the side wall of the truck and listen for the load shifting. His job wasn’t fancy or high tech, nor did he need a lot of tools. Instead, his job was to monitor and alert the team if something they did caused a problem. When we’re trying to get back on track, we need someone like that on our “crew” someone who will watch and listen, and even shout if our choices or steps will cause damage or a setback. By them holding us accountable, we’ll get back on track and avoid further damage.

Your Turn:

Before seeing a bit of the tow truck reality show, I’d never given much thought to how much effort it takes to get a tractor trailer back on track. Pulleys, a crew, and a really big tow truck all worked together with precision care.

In life, we can get off track. The ditches along our life journeys are real and many are deep. We’re not meant to navigate “recovery” alone when we slide off course. Accept help. Identify your crew. Take the small steps and find trustworthy people to hold you accountable.

What do you do when you find yourself off track? What helps you get back on track and stay motivated? I’d love to hear from you! Have a great week!

A few other posts you might enjoy:

3 Questions to Ask When You’re Off Track
Overwhelmed? 8 Practical Things You Can Do About It
Overwhelmed!? 5 Life Hacks That Can Help.

The post The Surprising Wisdom I Found In A Reality TV Show appeared first on Susan Call.

5 Things To Do When Your Doubt Is Bigger Than Your Dreams

My Friday morning departure came before I could really prepare for my trip. Exhausted from a chaotic week, I tossed my things in to a suitcase to head off to a much anticipated writer’s conference. This “reset” couldn’t have come at a better time.

Soon my mind wandered…Did I pack my toothbrush? Did I bring my phone charger?  My thoughts were interrupted by the jarring voice of my GPS. “Turn left in 500 feet.”

As quickly as woman with a British accent interrupted my thoughts, I had a sudden realization. I never so much as glanced at the trip route before heading out. Typically while I rely on my GPS, I glance at the route before leaving to avoid any surprises along the way. Suddenly I realized I had no idea where I was going beyond the address I had plugged in before heading out.

While I knew my destination, I had absolutely no idea about any part of the journey.  In that very moment I felt like God said ‘that’s what I want you do as you journey with me – know the direction but trust and anticipate that I will guide you with each next step.’

I certainly didn’t know my entire route. I had no idea where there might be surprises. I simply trusted that I could listen and know when I needed to turn. With that simple GPS instruction came a few valuable reminders:

Pay attention to your passion.

Is there something that stirs your soul – that thing that when you think of it you can almost feel your soul smile? It could be an idea you’ve entertained seriously or perhaps the idea scares you and you’ve spent your energy trying to keep it in a box. Maybe you want to change professions, write a book, or go on a mission trip. It could be something that seems completely impossible or maybe it feels almost do-able. Recognize the longings of your heart where it comes to your dreams because they give you a much needed sense of direction. Refuse to let doubt discourage you from pursuing a passion that God has placed in your heart. Stop focusing on the ways you might fail and ask Him where you might succeed.

Resist the urge to wait for the entire plan.

Don’t wait until you have “it all” figured out. None of us can see a year or several years into the future. If you’re listening to God’s promptings, you only need to look for the next step, not the entire journey. Too often we allow ourselves to stay frozen at the starting line because we can’t see enough of the steps. A GPS gives us each instruction when it’s time, not before. God does the same for us. We don’t need to know the entire journey, but whom we’re listening to for guidance. Truth be told, there’d be parts of our journeys that might scare us if we knew about them too far in advance. But, when we reach those tough spots, He’ll guide us through. Don’t wait to have all the answers, simply start.

Don’t give up when you hit the first snag.

We can be entirely too quick to throw in the towel. One little snag comes are way and we throw up our hands in defeat. Yet, if we had a flat tire on the highway, we’d pull over and replace the one tire and get back on our journey. Resist the urge to take out the rest of your tires when one loses air. You wouldn’t do it on the highway, don’t do it on your life’s journey either. A GPS recalculates when we take a wrong turn. If we’re listening to God, there’s no place we’ll lose a satellite connection to his instruction. Keep going and he will redirect you if a snag comes your way.

Focus on what you can do and do that.

Don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Take the one next step that you likely already know what it is. In the writing community I’ve heard it said that “the worst thing you write is better than the best thing you don’t write.” If you’re a writer, you need to write. What action do people who do what you dream do? You need to do that… but you need to start with the first step. Focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t.

Don’t expect the next instruction until you do the last.

Don’t try to skip steps in your journey. Sometimes we encounter a next step that we underestimate or don’t like. We figuratively crane our necks to see what’s beyond the step we’re at. Not long ago I was praying for what was next. The answer I got was convicting to say the least. Do the last thing that God nudged me to do and keep doing that. Sure enough when I committed to doing that fully, I discovered what was next.

In case you’re wondering, I did pack both my toothbrush and my phone charger. And, despite not mapping out my entire journey, I made it the the conference for just the reset I needed.

It’s your turn.The next time you find yourself getting stuck by doubt:

Recognize your dreams and passion.
Don’t wait for the entire plan.
Refuse to give up when you encounter a snag.
Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.
And don’t expect the next instruction until you’ve done the last.

Did this hit home for you too? I’d love to hear from you, click to join the conversation. And, if this encouraged you, why not consider sharing? Thank you!

The post 5 Things To Do When Your Doubt Is Bigger Than Your Dreams appeared first on Susan Call.

The Unexpected Life Tips I Found in a Painting Class

Intimidation waits for us just at the edge of our comfort zone. I was reminded how true that is when I stepped into the room filled with blank canvases. Each rested against an easel and was accompanied by a small tin can filled with paint brushes along with a paper plate dotted with puddles of paint. The night’s project was prominently displayed at the front of the room – a finished painting of a beautiful beach scene.

It was a much appreciated mother-daughter evening that delivered more than just a great memory and a painting to take home. Through our efforts, the fun and even a little bit of stress, I was struck by several unexpected life tips tucked amidst the bright colors and brush strokes.

5 Life Tips I found in my Painting Class:
1. Simple beginnings can be the start of something special.

I was skeptical with the first instruction – paint the top 1/3 of the canvas blue. I’m no artist but I knew even I could handle that. Still I remained hesitant because that first step seemed far too simple to create something I knew would become much more complex. It’s no different in life. When a blank page or a new chapter stares us in the face, we hesitate. Our desired result may feel lofty or impossible. We doubt what is do-able because we look at the situation based on our limits of our resources and experiences. But, when we lean on our faith, our human limitations are removed. We simply need to be faithful to take one simple next step after another by God’s nudging. Then, only then can the brush strokes of our lives create something beautiful. Take a chance! Take that next step.

2. If you don’t like your clouds, paint over them.

A short while later we were guided through the process of making clouds with white paint and a crumpled paper towel. The moment I dabbed the white paint on my beautiful blue sky, I cringed. I didn’t like how it looked and to be honest felt like my new clouds ruined my painting. The instructor saw my distraught expression. Without missing a beat, she said in her chipper voice said “if you don’t like them, paint over them. They’re your clouds.” In life, if we don’t like the outcome of one of our actions, paint another brush stroke. Life is made up of the steps and actions you take. Keep “painting” especially when you don’t like what you did last.  When you don’t like where you are is the best time to keep going!

3. Sometimes you feel like you’ve missed some instructions.

As our painting session progressed, our instructor often demonstrated the next few steps as we intently watched. Despite listening and watching her strokes, a few times when I attempted to replicate her steps, I felt like I was missing something.  In life, we can feel the same way. If we want to continue to make progress, we often need to choose to continue without having all of the answers before taking the next step. In those times, take a step back if necessary but don’t stop all together. Seek clarification and press on. Often we have the pieces we need already. The other pieces aren’t necessary or will become known in time.

4. Comparison takes from you but doesn’t give back.

A few people sharing the studio with us that day had painted before. Their images came to life quicker than for the rest of us. One woman painted a completely different image than the one the group was working on. But, stopping to see others’ work didn’t advance my painting one bit. Admiring their brush strokes wouldn’t finish my picture either. We’ve heard it before but it needs to be said again. Don’t compare. It doesn’t add an ounce of value to creating your own life’s masterpiece and only clouds your vision so that you don’t appreciate what you do have.

5. Leave your mark.

My mom always said an artist always signs their painting. When we finished our fun beach scenes, both my daughter and I signed the corner of the canvas. In life, give it your all. Put your stamp on it. And while you can’t literally sign your name on the world around you, leave your mark by leaving it a better place where ever you go. Choose to be the good today and every day.

It’s your turn.

Has starting a new chapter felt intimidating? Or, do you find yourself trying to make progress while feeling like you’re missing a few of the instructions. Stuck not liking the clouds that are hanging over your sky at the moment? Press on, paint on, and leave your mark. I’d love to hear from you and hear which part resonated most with you. Click to join the conversation!

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If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:

5 Life Lessons from a Game of Connect Four
What Baseball Taught Me About Life

The post The Unexpected Life Tips I Found in a Painting Class appeared first on Susan Call.

Its Time For A Change When You Do One Of These

‘How are you doing?’ an acquaintance asked when I bumped into her unexpectedly in the grocery store.

The appropriate response to what happened next could have easily been “clean up on aisle 5” and it would have been completely fitting.

She caught me on a weary stressed-out day. Her question plain and simple exploded the top off of Pandora’s box because sometimes life can be messy.

A simple response of “good but challenged” would have sufficed but on this day, my response to her simple spilled out all over isle 5. She didn’t need to know that our finished basement had flooded twice in just over a week adding to my already over full plate. I was smack dab in the middle of a week of incredible work challenges, all while I was waiting for a much anticipated call back from the doctor. And, that’s the very short version of my reply.

When it was over I was the one left wondering what just happened. Life doesn’t exactly come with dashboard warning lights, but sometimes the signs are nearly equally obvious that something needs to change.

3 warning signs that you’re a little stressed:
Oversharing.

Call it what you like – I’ve heard it called verbal vomit – not a pretty name, but an accurate description. When you suffer from loose lips, it’s time to ask yourself a clarifying question. What is going on inside that I just said all that…the need to share beyond what I’d share to this person or in this situation on any other day?

Short Fuse.

When you go from zero to 60 in a moment’s notice or you experience the proverbial straw the broke the camel’s back, it’s time for a change. It isn’t about that one last lone straw. It’s about the full load. When one small “one more thing” tips our scales, we know that our fuse has been shortened by what we’re already carrying and it’s time to do something about it.

Over reacting.

Have you ever responded completely over the top to a situation – something along the lines of pulling out a Ginsu knife for situation nail clippers could resolve? Over reacting disproportionately is a warning sign that change is needed.

Reading the warning signs:

Any one of these symptoms could simply be the exclamation point on a really bad day or a bad week. Or, they might also be the equivalent of a low fuel warning light on your dashboard. If you’re honest with yourself, you likely already know which of the two it is. If your load is feeling a bit too heavy and your stress levels are through the roof here are 10 things you can do.

10 Things you can do to reduce your stress:

Dump your load – No, not in aisle 5, but on a piece of paper or in a note on your phone or computer. Being able to “see” the weight you’re carrying is a first step in being able to deal with it.
Scale back – When you have too much on your plate, choose to let go of or defer handling the items that aren’t critically necessary. Say no, or not right now to lighten your load.
Make a to-do list – It takes energy to remember everything that’s on your plate. Consider a paper to-do list or an app such as todoist so that you don’t mentally need to track everything. This will also reduce the stress of worry that you’ll drop one of the many balls you’re trying to keep in the air.
Focus on what you can control – Refuse to let anxiety run unchecked for things that are not within your control. Instead focus on what you can influence and what you can change.
Share the load – Ask a family member or friend for help with some of the items on your plate.
Build down time into your schedule – Over full schedules amplify stress. Find time in your day to exhale. Go for a walk, do a crossword puzzle, read a book. Find time for you to recharge.
Find a babysitter – Hire a sitter or share the load with another mom. You could each watch your kids for a bit to give each other a break.
Get enough sleep – Burning the candle at both ends is a habit we all fall into occasionally. When life is overly stressful, it’s important to get enough sleep so that you have the necessary energy for the challenges of the day.
Exercise – Exercise releases endorphins. If you don’t exercise regularly, find a class to join or go for a walk or run. Treat your body right so that you have the stamina to carry your load.
Talk it out – Talk to a friend, see a counselor, or find a support group. When you share with a trusted confidant in an appropriate setting, you far less likely to burst when you bump into an acquaintance.

I’ve already implemented several of the items from this list. While all of my stress didn’t instantly melt away, I’ve reduced it considerably since my “moment” in aisle 5. I’m thrilled to say that my basement is dry and I received the all clear from my doctor. And, I have to say that I’m thankful for bumping into my acquaintance because it was just the warning sign I needed to implement some changes to shift my load.

What about you? What warning signs do you see when change is needed? Or, are you planning to try a few of these. Comment and join the conversation. And, why not share so that you’re friends who could use these tips find them. It could be something good that

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