Here we are and it is another NEW YEAR. Many of us start the new year with incredibly lofty goals that include what we plan to change in our lives. Maybe it's that scale, add exercise routine, create reading list or, better yet, read through the Bible. It could also include a 'word' that you choose to be challenged with for the year. That one word that somehow defines the perfect you! Maybe it involves a career change you are considering but can't find the courage to face another career change.
There are so many challenges that you will experience the minute you start entertaining the concept of change in your life.
As I start writing this series, I can't help but see all the challenges. How do I want to treat this topic of change, especially when I begin to frame it up as an opportunity instead of a challenge or an obstacle.
I wanted. to capture the strength it takes to allow change to occur in our lives, which brings me to an under-utilized word ...intrepid. Check out these adjectives:
intrepid (adjective) fearless, unafraid, undaunted, dauntless, undismayed, unalarmed, unflinching, unshrinking, unblenching, unabashed, bold, daring, audacious, adventurous, dashing, heroic, dynamic, spirited, mettlesome, confident, indomitable; brave, courageous, valiant, valorous, stouthearted, lionhearted, stalwart, plucky; informal gutsy, spunky, game, ballsy, go-ahead, have-a-go;
CHANGE (an absolute)
As I embark on my retirement years, I have learned to be content regardless of the journey. But that doesn't mean that I liked change. In fact, many things that happened to me on this journey are not unique to me. Many of you who are reading this will relate to things you will read in each of the following lessons being presented. It takes incredible courage to stay the course while in the hardest times of your journey. Being fearless may appear to be heroic, but sometimes it was my fearlessness (or, stupidity) that got me into a bad situation. Even as I write this I can hear my parents say "that was just plain stupid, Rhonda". Or, "what were you thinking?" I am saying that with the most respect to all, yet deep down, I know some of you can relate to feeling that way.
As I started preparing for this new series, I spent time, this past year, talking with many women about their journeys.
It didn't matter how old or young they were, the stories were very similar. They each shared the sense of inadequacy, frustrations, and fear of change.
Here are a few thoughts when women were asked the question "What have you learned as you look at your life journey":
1 After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my grandchildren and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2 I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3 I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is working much harder for a living than I am.
4 I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.
5 I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
6 I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
7 I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
8 I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas, with relationships, I will never be alone.
9 I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.
10. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!
Question:
Why do we have to wait to be to be 3 quarters of a century old, why can't we practice this list at any stage and any age?
