Reflect

|Reflect|
Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
Charles Dickens

Don’t get stuck thinking, “…this is the best it will be.” Don’t get stuck on that setback, that breakup, that opportunity you missed, that hardship.  Instead, make the choice to shift your focus to the blessings and beauty that are in front of you right now. You have more than you think.

Plan ahead – when negative thoughts or the focus on “the misfortunes” presents itself, what do you want to replace that thought with? A good memory? A scripture or prayer? A relationship?

Wrap all of this in gratitude. Gratitude sustains us and can be the fuel that encourages us to keep going. My intent is not to make light of or dismiss hardships. We’ve all experienced them. Some are tragic. Others are heartbreaking. Some… seem to go on without end. I also know that we’ve experienced great blessings that we (I) can often overlook or take for granted. Gratitude sets our gaze beyond this moment.

Slow down today. Take a moment. Enjoy and appreciate the many ways you’ve been blessed. Don’t overlook the simple things: the place you get to call home, hearing someone special laughing in the other room, or a quiet night. Where do you find love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness? Set your mind on these things.

Broaden your perspective. When we limit our perspectives to a myopic focus, we miss the beauty of the masterpiece that is our life.

Be Encouraged.