How Can I Turn This Into An Opportunity? A Challenge for 2018
This summer I spent a week volunteering with a group of hard-working teens and adults. We worked on various projects such as building a home with Habitat for Humanity, and working on landscaping for transitional housing facilities and women's shelters.
Every morning, we were reminded to think about the opportunities that came our way throughout the day: an opportunity to learn a new skill, even if we were afraid (power tools!); an opportunity to battle our fears (climbing very tall ladders!); a chance to witness surprises (a baby possum hiding under some old wood!); an opportunity to experience moments of love, kindness, generosity and growth. An opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, someone we will never even meet.
Tasks I dreaded became challenges: I will get those pavers to set straight! Interacting with strangers became something not to feel shy about, but to embrace. By the end of the week, I felt changed. I was approaching life with a determination I'd never had before. I was empowered, and I was enthusiastic. I felt capable of so much! I came home wanting to say yes to things I'd become accustomed to saying no to. I've since said yes to things that have completely changed my life. I have made new, dear friends. I have had experiences I will cherish forever. I have felt loved and lifted up. I have spoken up when once I would have been too afraid. I have gone, when once I would have stayed home.
We often find ourselves thinking of themes for the year but for me this theme is forever. "How do I turn this dreaded task into an opportunity?" I ask myself. "How can I make this good work, not just for me, but for someone else?" And as soon as I start to ponder the answer, everything changes, including me. I hope you'll give it a try too.
Every morning, we were reminded to think about the opportunities that came our way throughout the day: an opportunity to learn a new skill, even if we were afraid (power tools!); an opportunity to battle our fears (climbing very tall ladders!); a chance to witness surprises (a baby possum hiding under some old wood!); an opportunity to experience moments of love, kindness, generosity and growth. An opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, someone we will never even meet.
Tasks I dreaded became challenges: I will get those pavers to set straight! Interacting with strangers became something not to feel shy about, but to embrace. By the end of the week, I felt changed. I was approaching life with a determination I'd never had before. I was empowered, and I was enthusiastic. I felt capable of so much! I came home wanting to say yes to things I'd become accustomed to saying no to. I've since said yes to things that have completely changed my life. I have made new, dear friends. I have had experiences I will cherish forever. I have felt loved and lifted up. I have spoken up when once I would have been too afraid. I have gone, when once I would have stayed home.
We often find ourselves thinking of themes for the year but for me this theme is forever. "How do I turn this dreaded task into an opportunity?" I ask myself. "How can I make this good work, not just for me, but for someone else?" And as soon as I start to ponder the answer, everything changes, including me. I hope you'll give it a try too.
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