Today I thought I'd share a little of what I have been learning about myself over the last few weeks since the start of my new job.
I'm calling it
LJ's Strive to Thrive and Not Just Survive Guide
When in the tunnel moments of life, here are a few handy tips to help me stay focused on the light in the distance.
- Enlighten myself about others who are in worse situations than I. Seriously! The I'm so glad I'm not THAT person mentality can be therapeutic. This may sound callous but, truly, I do not mean it to be. A sure way to be thankful and count my blessings is by getting tangibly or spiritually involved in the lives of others who are in troubled times. [www.persecution.com is a great place to get started.]
- Remind myself that my situation is only for a season. Granted, some seasons (like winter, for instance) seem longer than others, but there will be an end -- or at least a change.
- Smile! Plaster it on! Try not to burden others (other than very close friends) with sudden outbursts or rants of self-pity. Really. It may feel good to unload one's burden at the time, but it is not pretty to those unsuspecting acquaintances caught off guard after routinely asking, "How are you?"
- Call mom. She is the only person God made who is obligated to listen to her offspring's pity parties without repercussions or bias and with complete sympathy. But understand: Once dumped on, she is also just as obligated to offer her advice. As a mom myself, I understand this balance. When mom is not home, dad can serve as stand-in.
- Keep a couple of prayer warrior friends up to date. Again, try not to wallow too much. We want to keep our friends. Debbie Downer is not invited to every party.
- Here's the last important tip: Find the nearest Trader Joe's. Purchase a couple of boxes of Dark Chocolate Almonds. Label byline: Roasted almonds drenched in dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt and turbinado sugar. I don't know what turbinado sugar is, and, frankly, I don't care. If you are a sweet-and-salt nut like I am, this is the comfort snack to beat all. [It also makes a great gift, hostess or otherwise, hence the need to buy more than one box. Coincidentally, my birthday is next month.]
Striving to Thrive,
LJ
Winter does seem like it might never end, doesn't it? I can't say that I smiled this morning when I popped out of bed at 6 am to go running and saw...snow. (I went back to bed.) And that chocolate...I had no idea it existed, but thanks for that tip. Maybe the girl and I will make a little detour tomorrow to Trader Joe's. :) In all seriousness, though, thanks for being one of those friends who will listen to my rants and still be my friend after them...you are a blessing! Have a great week! :)
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