As I started to “beat myself up” emotionally for my mistakes and “bad” decisions, I heard that gentle voice from within that comes from God that says – It’s O.K.! Because instead of beating myself down even further for messing up – I can be o.k. where it is and just not chose to stay there. I can start over again and again and again without end. There is a huge difference in our choices when we can learn to be kind to ourselves and accept that as a “human” we are going to get sidetracked from time to time.
As I listened to a wonderful message from Chris Valloton, he was talking about how in the 23rd Psalm, we lay down in the green pastures and sit down in the presence of our enemies but we keep walking through the shadow of the valley of death. That “keep walking” is the key. When we are feeling like we are in a place of “death” whether it be physically or emotionally, we are protected because it states he walks with us – and in Psalms 91 we can be living in the shadow of his wings where His shadow is a sign that He is there with us as we keep walking.
The old adage that you can’t keep a bird from landing on your head but you can keep him from building a nest. The point is to not “stay” in the place of “being down” but to get back up and keep walking.
I spent a lot of time talking to myself, reiterating that “it’s o.k.”! And some days it was more than others and there are days and times I still have to revert back to that self acceptance as I talk myself “back down off the “high-wire”.
So remember to keep walking, take time to rest and then get back up and begin again – being gentle with yourself that “It is o.k. and now I chose to head back in the direction I want to go”. If I need to “look” at the issue that made me fall into my “pit” then I will assess this and “recalibrate” a new strategy until I get a few that will work for me.
Examples I have used and others have found to work will be presented on a regular basis and you can choose ones that will help you and / or adjust them to fit you and your situations. It can be something as simple as each day begin to replace one drink of choice (i.e., soda, energy drink, alcohol, etc.) with a large glass or bottle of water. Then after a time replace two drinks with water. Soon it will become a habit and you can be 80 / 20 with water as the 80 instead of the 20. This can apply to any food choice substituted for a healthier choice as well. It works much better if you only change one item and habit at a time and gain success with it then build on that with another change – instead of trying to revamp your entire way of eating or living.
This week try to incorporate an attitude that says “I’m o.k.” and begin to make one simple substitution in your “normal” routine.
Blessings as you begin to be “gentle” with yourself and enjoy your new journey
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I Can Do This Lifestyle 