I re-visited a blog I read some time ago by LYSA TERKEURST. It changed my perspective on things a few years ago, and right about now, I could use a change in perspective when it comes to my weight and view of myself. The blog was entitled “Learn to Love Your Story“. I am hoping it will chase Negative Nellie away when it comes to how I view my body and my weight. A change in perspective will help me get motivated and back on track to lose the few pounds I have gained…
Lysa talks about loving your story – your life – being content in the moment and enjoying it! WOW! Most days I do love my life but then there are those curve ball weeks. An emotional roller coaster and I am not sure why. No major fiascos, no crisis – just little hiccups which quickly send me on a road less traveled (okay so maybe it is traveled a little bit more than I want it to be). You know the journey with Negative Nelly where you struggle to see the light at the end of the rainbow?
Since starting my recover journey again, I can almost tell when I wake up, if I am going to love my story for the day. Crazy, right? Of course, I should carry a warning notice around my neck which was “STOP! NOT A GOOD DAY!”. Send out a text alert to friends and family so they know to stay away. LOL. The reality is, on those days I need to STOP, take a breathe and regroup. The Serenity Prayer and the Third Step Prayer have become my go to for getting some peace in my life. I need to then praise and thank God for my life… my story. See I forget that sometimes. My life may not be a story book or full of lots of happy endings but it is MY story. It is the life God gave me or at least he tries to keep me on the right road when I take my will back.
Memories are hard for me. But there are days when hubby and I talk about the past – reminiscing about days gone by. I have no regrets nor does he because it is because of those things we are blessed to be in each other’s lives today. We had our struggles. We had our heartache. We had our joys. Life wasn’t perfect but we got through it to get us where we are today. The struggles still come but now we try to look at the differently – together. I am grateful for the times he helps me to remember by playing a song or sharing a picture.
Lysa talked about “pre-deciding” she would LOVE her story. NOTE to self: change my point of reference BEFORE the day begins. Stop thinking about the “what if” and “predicting” what may happen in any given situation. I am learning to live in the moment thankful for being able on some days (working towards all days) to live without expectations.
I decided I would look at it all through the lens of noticing the rich evidence of life through each mess and mishap.
Did I do it all perfectly? Nope, not at all.
But even if we choose to be noticers with thankful hearts just once today, we’ll start to look at our stories in a different way.
A more beautiful way.
I remembered our key verse, Philippians 1:3, where Paul says “I thank my God every time I remember you.” I have plenty of reminders each day to thank God for the people in my life. To rejoice over every piece of my story. Starting with those shoes.
So I whispered, “Notice. Be a noticer. See all the fun represented here and thank God for these moments.”
Noticers see the lovely in front of them and learn to love their story.
What might happen if you pre-determined to look through the lens of lovely today?
Thank you Lysa for reminding me to look through the “lens of lovely” today. What are you thankful for today? Share it with us so we can all celebrate together.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 