I have heard myself speak. I have listened when you speak. I hear so many everyday talk of what they are powerless over. I hear my own internal voices regularly define why I can't do something. There is always a very real and valid reason behind these statements. It is easy to believe that our choices are limited by our circumstances. Our beliefs are generally created by our experiences.
It has taken me many years sitting with this one question.... What if our beliefs are now creating our experiences? I struggle with this idea, as beliefs I have held to be true are continuing to be reinforced by the things I see occurring in my life. I know that life can be different, but have often fallen back on words I was conditioned to believe. That while this is true for most people, it doesn't apply to me. I should accept this and my life would be happier. I need to be grateful that I have anything.
My life story does reinforce an innate thankfulness for simple things. Times of lacking basic human needs, have allowed me to know that food clothing and shelter ought not be taken for granted. Financial crisis and not having a place to call home, developed within me a joy in paying bills every month. Facing death has gifted me with gratitude for the very breath I breathe. Betrayal and abuse in relationships, has blessed me with faithful loyalty in trusted relationships.
Just because I am thankful for these things in my life, does not mean I don't wonder if life can still be more than it is. What will I do with the blessings in my life? Will a quiet mediocre existence be accepted as all there is for my life? Is 'better than it was', my new limit? I have spent years believing that.
Yet, each step forward has also held a restless almost discontented continuation of questioning my new self imposed limitations. I've been told I analyze things too much, but it's only by these hard questions that I'm able to see where and why I'm not thriving. I find what I believe is preventing forward motion, identify it, and pray about it while asking if my belief about it is actually true or not. Over and over, I find the gift of freedom increases when I see that I have a choice.
Today, I ask you, what is stopping you from living out the dreams God has placed within you? What area of life are you longing to improve, but can't until....
Is it health, busyness, finances, stress, time, other people's problems, hating your job, lack of education, addictions, housing, your past, unhealthy relationships, struggling to survive, lack of fun, mental problems..... What do you believe would have to change before you feel like you can live your life?
What are you believing about this thing that is causing it to hold you back from the life you want?
Lets keep the conversation going, share your thoughts.
It has taken me many years sitting with this one question.... What if our beliefs are now creating our experiences? I struggle with this idea, as beliefs I have held to be true are continuing to be reinforced by the things I see occurring in my life. I know that life can be different, but have often fallen back on words I was conditioned to believe. That while this is true for most people, it doesn't apply to me. I should accept this and my life would be happier. I need to be grateful that I have anything.
My life story does reinforce an innate thankfulness for simple things. Times of lacking basic human needs, have allowed me to know that food clothing and shelter ought not be taken for granted. Financial crisis and not having a place to call home, developed within me a joy in paying bills every month. Facing death has gifted me with gratitude for the very breath I breathe. Betrayal and abuse in relationships, has blessed me with faithful loyalty in trusted relationships.
Just because I am thankful for these things in my life, does not mean I don't wonder if life can still be more than it is. What will I do with the blessings in my life? Will a quiet mediocre existence be accepted as all there is for my life? Is 'better than it was', my new limit? I have spent years believing that.
Yet, each step forward has also held a restless almost discontented continuation of questioning my new self imposed limitations. I've been told I analyze things too much, but it's only by these hard questions that I'm able to see where and why I'm not thriving. I find what I believe is preventing forward motion, identify it, and pray about it while asking if my belief about it is actually true or not. Over and over, I find the gift of freedom increases when I see that I have a choice.
Today, I ask you, what is stopping you from living out the dreams God has placed within you? What area of life are you longing to improve, but can't until....
Is it health, busyness, finances, stress, time, other people's problems, hating your job, lack of education, addictions, housing, your past, unhealthy relationships, struggling to survive, lack of fun, mental problems..... What do you believe would have to change before you feel like you can live your life?
What are you believing about this thing that is causing it to hold you back from the life you want?
Lets keep the conversation going, share your thoughts.