For your consideration…
Over the years I have often used quotes by Steven Maraboli. I love this one for today’s message.
By surrounding yourself with people who are positive, caring, intelligent, caring, and open-minded, you create a personal environment that is conducive to your emotional and personal growth.
By surrounding yourself with the opposite, you create a personal environment that is conducive to the opposite.
I like his message because it gives a key difference that is important to today’s message. In the message in the image, it talks about us using our energy for our highest good. In the Maraboli message it talks about the “people” we surround ourselves with. Notice that it does not say that you shouldn’t waste your time with people who are not in lock step with your beliefs and goals. It says that we need to surround ourselves with people who support us. They may have a completely different viewpoint, be chasing completely different dreams yet they still love and respect us enough to support and believe in us.
Let me give a very simple example…nothing deep. I am getting ready for a trip. I am going alone with my dog, Louie. Would I like to have company? Sure. But it is what it is. I have done this before. My husband was opposed at first but eventually got on board. For the most part, my friends can not imagine doing it themselves but are supportive that I am going to do it.
Our message today wants us to notice what/who is a positive force in our life. If they are negative, non-supportive, even sabotaging, then we need to limit or eliminate the time they spend in our lives. This is very different than what/who don’t agree with us or are traveling a different path. We learn and grow when we surround ourselves with various opinions, thoughts, experiences, etc. It keeps us learning and growing. It keeps us challenging our own perspective and helping it evolve.
Today we are asked to notice and act accordingly.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…
-Affirm…“I am loved.”
-Remember…You are the keeper of the light. Wherever you go, there can be no darkness.
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?” Don’t judge it. Let it guide you.
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Surround yourself with what/who supports yourself.
What made me smile yesterday…
-A little bit of sunshine is better than none at all.
-Lots of writing done.
-Dinner with Bob following his OT appointment.
-Catching up with Jody and Mary.
Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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