Whatever your goal is, you are making progress.
If you truly want to reach that goal, you will. You really will. Or maybe your goals will change or shift or whatever, but you WILL meet goals that are really important to you.
God already knows the exact millisecond you'll accomplish it all.
Every millisecond that passes, you're making progress. You're getting closer. You're gettin it, gurl.
Have a day when you feel like you didn't move forward? Wrong! You gave yourself breathing space. You gave yourself time to reevaluate and remotivate. It's all part of the big picture. You're moving forward. The bumps give you momentum. The setbacks give you detours. The setbacks give you new ideas. Progress is progress, even if maybe it looks backwards.
Showing posts with label Pep Talk Tuesday. Show all posts
Just Step Forward
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
When you make mistakes, you aren't stupid.
When you take several tries to do something, you're not a loser.
If you haven't accomplished it yet, that doesn't mean your progress is worthless.
If you're heading towards a goal, but take a few steps back, you can make up for it by just stepping forward. Value every step forward. No matter how small, progress is progress.
When you take several tries to do something, you're not a loser.
If you haven't accomplished it yet, that doesn't mean your progress is worthless.
If you're heading towards a goal, but take a few steps back, you can make up for it by just stepping forward. Value every step forward. No matter how small, progress is progress.
Common Side Effects
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Everybody has days when they might feel tired. That's just a side effect of being productive.
Everybody has days when they feel nostalgic. That's just a side effect of having awesome past experiences.
Everybody has days when they don't feel like they don't measure up to others. That's just a side effect of being surrounded by amazing inspiring people.
Everybody has days when they make mistakes. That's just a side effect of learning and improving and trying new things.
Everybody has days when they feel anxious. That's just a side effect of being thoughtful and aware of possibilities ahead.
Everybody has days when you feel the weight of overwhelming sadness in this big world. That's just a side effect of loving your neighbor as yourself.
Everybody has days when they feel nostalgic. That's just a side effect of having awesome past experiences.
Everybody has days when they don't feel like they don't measure up to others. That's just a side effect of being surrounded by amazing inspiring people.
Everybody has days when they make mistakes. That's just a side effect of learning and improving and trying new things.
Everybody has days when they feel anxious. That's just a side effect of being thoughtful and aware of possibilities ahead.
Everybody has days when you feel the weight of overwhelming sadness in this big world. That's just a side effect of loving your neighbor as yourself.
Stay Stubborn
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
I'm pretty stubborn about refusing to do stuff that I don't want to do. Generally I'm not stubborn in arguments or opinions or whatever, but I am very stubborn against myself. If you can relate, this post may be some encouragement for you.
Stay stubborn. Stuck to your guns. Decide something and then NEVER go back on it. Let that thing be something productive.
Confession- I've been stubbornly avoiding a heck of a lot of stuff. I'm an expert procrastinator. And last week I had a little revelation about going ahead and doing the stuff instead of letting it give me anxiety. I know it seems elementary. But if you are anxious about making a certain phone call or something, the longer you wait, the longer you feel anxious.
So stop letting yourself be stubborn about avoidance. Make yourself be stubborn about running headstrong into the challenge. Take THAT, anxiety!
And
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Maybe you had an unproductive day. Maybe you've been feeling sad or stuck or anxious.
But you aren't only that. Every situation has an AND. There's good and bad everywhere. It's not just black and white.
I realized that today. I've been avoiding some stuff because I know it'll make me anxious. But thinking back, some of the most anxious things have also been the things I enjoy most. (Take Mission Week at church a couple weeks ago, as an easy example). There's an AND in there. There is good and bad. I can enjoy things that also terrify me.
Let's pretend it's your grandmother's birthday today, but she passed away a few years ago. You don't have to only feel sad. You're not bound to that one emotion. There's an AND. You can be happy about her memories and the life she led. The happiness and sadness don't negate each other.
Let's say you got in an argument with your dad, sure. Maybe you feel distraught or angry or guilty or whatever kind of bad things. But there's an AND. You can feel motivated and sure of yourself or open-minded.
Embrace the AND. Be all of it.
But you aren't only that. Every situation has an AND. There's good and bad everywhere. It's not just black and white.
I realized that today. I've been avoiding some stuff because I know it'll make me anxious. But thinking back, some of the most anxious things have also been the things I enjoy most. (Take Mission Week at church a couple weeks ago, as an easy example). There's an AND in there. There is good and bad. I can enjoy things that also terrify me.
Let's pretend it's your grandmother's birthday today, but she passed away a few years ago. You don't have to only feel sad. You're not bound to that one emotion. There's an AND. You can be happy about her memories and the life she led. The happiness and sadness don't negate each other.
Let's say you got in an argument with your dad, sure. Maybe you feel distraught or angry or guilty or whatever kind of bad things. But there's an AND. You can feel motivated and sure of yourself or open-minded.
Embrace the AND. Be all of it.
Caught Between
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Do you ever feel like you've done something not-so-great and you need to make up for it by doing good? You're caught in the in-between, in some sort of weird motivating guilt trip. Here's a beautiful song that perfectly conveys that feeling:
You do good all the time. So many good things come from your existence. You don't have to feel guilty about the bad stuff and mistakes (because you are wholly forgiven by an all-powerful God) and you don't need a guilt trip. Your motivation is your good heart. And that's stinkin awesome of you.
Not Even Surprised
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Today I'm in the middle of one of those awesome days, when you get to work and think, "Holy cow I have way too much stuff to do," and then you start working, and four hours later you're amazed at what you've gotten done. So now I'm breaking for lunch and super proud of myself and genuinely surprised at how much is done already.
But the thing is... other people who know and love you are totally not surprised on those days. People who are in your corner, cheering you on, always by your side, they knew the whole time you can do SO much more than you think. So stop even being surprised. Just know it, own it, do it.
In a recent episode of New Girl, Nick keeps cutting himself down and making fun of himself, as the "stepping stone" boyfriend that helps women eventually realize they actually deserve better. And Nick's friend Jess was like, "Stop it! You actually are awesome! People date you because they like you and you're an important person!"
Realize how awesome you are. You should never be surprised when you manage to pull of something impressive.
Totally random stock photo I thought was amusing:
But the thing is... other people who know and love you are totally not surprised on those days. People who are in your corner, cheering you on, always by your side, they knew the whole time you can do SO much more than you think. So stop even being surprised. Just know it, own it, do it.
In a recent episode of New Girl, Nick keeps cutting himself down and making fun of himself, as the "stepping stone" boyfriend that helps women eventually realize they actually deserve better. And Nick's friend Jess was like, "Stop it! You actually are awesome! People date you because they like you and you're an important person!"
Realize how awesome you are. You should never be surprised when you manage to pull of something impressive.
Totally random stock photo I thought was amusing:
Beatitude Attitude
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
This summer I get to teach Sunday School since all our usual volunteers are busy with summery vacationy things. We're slowly going through the beatitudes, one sentence per week. I'm planning ahead and reading and re-reading and re-re-reeading this short passage over and over. And it has brought me some encouragement and maybe it will for you too!
Matthew 5:1-11
Matthew 5:1-11
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
So week one of summer, we spent an entire hour discussing verse 1, that a crowd followed Jesus and he sat uphill from them.
You can follow anything you want, up any mountain, and sit at its feet and hear what it's saying. Maybe that thing is self-doubt. Or gossip. Or maybe it can be Jesus. This is the abbreviated, kid-friendly quasi-translation that our students are memorizing:
Happy are the poor, happy are the sad, happy are the gentle, happy are the justice-seekers. Happy are the merciful, pure, and peaceful.
Own the Place
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Have you ever noticed some people walk around everywhere like they own the place?
People who block doorways and hallways because they just think it's a good place to be- nevermind others trying to get by. People who play their own music incredibly loud at the public pool- nevermind others who can't even hear their own music through their headphones. People who cut off others in traffic. People who expect waiters to bend over backwards to cater to their every need. People who bring up personal problems and opinions in large group meetings. People are ballsy.
I'm here to remind you that you own the place just as much as they do.
You can ask them to move out of your way in the hallway, even if they're deep in conversation, feel free to interrupt. After all, they interrupted your walking path. You can politely ask them to turn down their music or aim it in a different direction. You can honk at other cars. You can raise your hand and redirect the meeting in a more professional, efficient and meaningful direction.
You own the place too, but your kindness, observations, and thoughtfulness will make the place better not worse. You can walk up to people gossiping and change the conversation. Yeah, just walk up like you own the place. You can see someone upset and even if you don't know them very well, say, "Hey tell me what's wrong." Yeah, like you own the place. You can see trash on the ground and pick it up, like you own the place. Own it. Work it. Improve on it.
People who block doorways and hallways because they just think it's a good place to be- nevermind others trying to get by. People who play their own music incredibly loud at the public pool- nevermind others who can't even hear their own music through their headphones. People who cut off others in traffic. People who expect waiters to bend over backwards to cater to their every need. People who bring up personal problems and opinions in large group meetings. People are ballsy.
I'm here to remind you that you own the place just as much as they do.
You can ask them to move out of your way in the hallway, even if they're deep in conversation, feel free to interrupt. After all, they interrupted your walking path. You can politely ask them to turn down their music or aim it in a different direction. You can honk at other cars. You can raise your hand and redirect the meeting in a more professional, efficient and meaningful direction.
You own the place too, but your kindness, observations, and thoughtfulness will make the place better not worse. You can walk up to people gossiping and change the conversation. Yeah, just walk up like you own the place. You can see someone upset and even if you don't know them very well, say, "Hey tell me what's wrong." Yeah, like you own the place. You can see trash on the ground and pick it up, like you own the place. Own it. Work it. Improve on it.
Be Salty
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
When I was a student teacher in 2013 I accidentally developed too much of a friendship with some of my students. They felt like they could joke with me since they knew I'd never get mad about it. They purposefully never pronounced my name correctly and they would always make fun of me because I admitted to using Twitter, which apparently makes me ancient. Usually I loved it except when I was trying to get them to buckle down and learn something. Then, about half the kids thought I was just kidding that they really needed to listen and do work. Oh well. All those kids did fine on their standardized testing, so I know I didn't completely fail them as a math teacher.
Anyway... one day in the hallway a substitute teacher walked by and gave me a major evil glare and I had no idea why. Still don't know why. But the kids were like, "Ms. Rawjaz did you see her stankin' you? Want me to beat her up?" And I politely declined.
Another time I randomly commented, "It sorta smells like pizza in here," because it sorta smelled like pizza in there. And a kid was like, "You smell your hearts' deepest desire, sweetheart." And I should have given him detention but I laughed to hard.
And another time they were making fun of me for being old and not knowing slang, and they were like, "Hey Rawjaz, you salty?" And I was like "What does salty mean?" And they were like, "I'm not telling. But... are you salty?" And we went back and forth with them trying to get me to say yes or no, but I wouldn't say yes or no. Eventually a sweet girl explained it to me. Basically its just angry/upset/bitter, sometimes referring to an embarrassing situation. So I responded in some very teachery response, probably like, "No I'm not salty, but don't make me salty- do your work." Yes I'm very lame.
Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Stay salty. Jesus was talking about us preserving the world. Any maybe some of that can happen through our outrage. We should be outraged and salty and up-in-arms over the tragedies and injustices around us. We should teach kids about it and teach them how to help. We should stay bitter. Stay salty. Stay angry. Outraged and energized, we can do more, serve more, help more, teach more, be more.
Anyway... one day in the hallway a substitute teacher walked by and gave me a major evil glare and I had no idea why. Still don't know why. But the kids were like, "Ms. Rawjaz did you see her stankin' you? Want me to beat her up?" And I politely declined.
Another time I randomly commented, "It sorta smells like pizza in here," because it sorta smelled like pizza in there. And a kid was like, "You smell your hearts' deepest desire, sweetheart." And I should have given him detention but I laughed to hard.
And another time they were making fun of me for being old and not knowing slang, and they were like, "Hey Rawjaz, you salty?" And I was like "What does salty mean?" And they were like, "I'm not telling. But... are you salty?" And we went back and forth with them trying to get me to say yes or no, but I wouldn't say yes or no. Eventually a sweet girl explained it to me. Basically its just angry/upset/bitter, sometimes referring to an embarrassing situation. So I responded in some very teachery response, probably like, "No I'm not salty, but don't make me salty- do your work." Yes I'm very lame.
Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Stay salty. Jesus was talking about us preserving the world. Any maybe some of that can happen through our outrage. We should be outraged and salty and up-in-arms over the tragedies and injustices around us. We should teach kids about it and teach them how to help. We should stay bitter. Stay salty. Stay angry. Outraged and energized, we can do more, serve more, help more, teach more, be more.
Be One
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Today driving home from work I heard the radio deejay say a cheesy little line to introduce a song. He said, "The world is full of kind people. If you can't find one, be one." Then he somehow related it to the current hit, "Humble and Kind," which is a pretty good song if you ask me.
Cheesy, and normally the kind of thing I wouldn't think twice about, but for some reason it hit me in a way that I thought its cuteness outweighs its cheesiness. Maybe it's a quote or a lyric, I dunno, but I liked it so it's today's topic for Pep Talk Tuesday!
First, the world is full of kind people. I had never noticed the kindness of strangers until a couple years ago when I got in a terrible car wreck and about ten people pulled over to check on me. That car wreck changed me in two ways: I always dart my eyes to the left when entering an intersection even on a green light, and I have a little more faith in humanity. The other day, a woman at the pool asked me, "Excuse me, can you watch my daughter for 2 minutes while I use the restroom?" And I was happy to keep an eye on her adorable kid who was safely playing on the pool steps. But that woman had faith in humanity and it made me feel proud to live in the same world as her.
Second, if you can't find one, be one. If you can't find kind people around you, I am SO sorry. I hate that for you, and I can't believe how hard it must be for you to not have a strong close community to rely on. I urge you to reach out to an old friend, visit a church, or ask your coworker out for lunch. Your own positive attitude, kindness, understanding, and smile can be the start of a caring community. I share an office with two other women, and we usually are good about working in silence and not bothering each other. But we have to coordinate and work together so much that it really makes sense for us to share an office so I'm totally not complaining. Anyway, I always used to feel awkward when they walk in and out of the office throughout the day, like am I supposed to say hi and bye every time? I started goofily, overly-cheerfully yelling "welcome back!" whenever they walk in, and it makes them laugh and now they do it to me. One dumb little smile caused a beautiful little inside joke, which puts us in the category of friend, not just coworker. Be a friend and you'll make a friend.
Cheesy, and normally the kind of thing I wouldn't think twice about, but for some reason it hit me in a way that I thought its cuteness outweighs its cheesiness. Maybe it's a quote or a lyric, I dunno, but I liked it so it's today's topic for Pep Talk Tuesday!
First, the world is full of kind people. I had never noticed the kindness of strangers until a couple years ago when I got in a terrible car wreck and about ten people pulled over to check on me. That car wreck changed me in two ways: I always dart my eyes to the left when entering an intersection even on a green light, and I have a little more faith in humanity. The other day, a woman at the pool asked me, "Excuse me, can you watch my daughter for 2 minutes while I use the restroom?" And I was happy to keep an eye on her adorable kid who was safely playing on the pool steps. But that woman had faith in humanity and it made me feel proud to live in the same world as her.
Second, if you can't find one, be one. If you can't find kind people around you, I am SO sorry. I hate that for you, and I can't believe how hard it must be for you to not have a strong close community to rely on. I urge you to reach out to an old friend, visit a church, or ask your coworker out for lunch. Your own positive attitude, kindness, understanding, and smile can be the start of a caring community. I share an office with two other women, and we usually are good about working in silence and not bothering each other. But we have to coordinate and work together so much that it really makes sense for us to share an office so I'm totally not complaining. Anyway, I always used to feel awkward when they walk in and out of the office throughout the day, like am I supposed to say hi and bye every time? I started goofily, overly-cheerfully yelling "welcome back!" whenever they walk in, and it makes them laugh and now they do it to me. One dumb little smile caused a beautiful little inside joke, which puts us in the category of friend, not just coworker. Be a friend and you'll make a friend.
Good Decisions All Around
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
I recently read this cute little blog post by songwriter Matt Wertz on Storyline Blog. I'd recommend it, just a sweet little four minute read. This here Pep Talk Tuesday doesn't totally relate to the main point of that other post, but it is inspired by one of the side-points, so I thought I'd give credit where it's due.
You are a good decision maker. Incredible, actually. You have never once in your entire life made a bad decision.
You: Wait what? How can you say that? What about the time I decided to cheat on my 3rd grade spelling quiz? What about that time I entered a pizza eating competition and made myself sick for five days straight? What about that time I ran a red light and seriously injured another driver? What about when I decided to try cigarettes?
Me: Ok ok ok so there are lots of bad consequences that may have come from some of your decisions. But unless you ever decided to actually kill anyone, all your decisions were good. Here's the deal:
You make decisions based on what you predict the outcomes will be (good, bad, or neutral) and you hope for the best. But no matter what actually happens, it's all good. You learn, you grow, you excel, you overcome, you adapt, you achieve, you succeed. Ultimately, all your decisions have gotten you here and now, which is exactly right and perfect.
Whatever might immediately seem like a bad decision in quick retrospect will eventually clear up and there is goodness in it. There is. Somewhere. I promise.
You are a good decision maker. Incredible, actually. You have never once in your entire life made a bad decision.
You: Wait what? How can you say that? What about the time I decided to cheat on my 3rd grade spelling quiz? What about that time I entered a pizza eating competition and made myself sick for five days straight? What about that time I ran a red light and seriously injured another driver? What about when I decided to try cigarettes?
Me: Ok ok ok so there are lots of bad consequences that may have come from some of your decisions. But unless you ever decided to actually kill anyone, all your decisions were good. Here's the deal:
You make decisions based on what you predict the outcomes will be (good, bad, or neutral) and you hope for the best. But no matter what actually happens, it's all good. You learn, you grow, you excel, you overcome, you adapt, you achieve, you succeed. Ultimately, all your decisions have gotten you here and now, which is exactly right and perfect.
Whatever might immediately seem like a bad decision in quick retrospect will eventually clear up and there is goodness in it. There is. Somewhere. I promise.
Sort the Pile; Turn Down the Burner
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
You know what's overwhelming? A giant towering pile of laundry staring you in the face.
You know what's not overwhelming? A pile of whites, a pile of colors, and a pile of jeans that you conquer one at a time.
Humans handling stress is like a giant pot of water on the stove burner. You can put a lot of water in the pot, and it takes a lot of time to boil. We can handle so much stress without thinking twice, it's amazing actually. There are so many tiny things that we learn to not let phase us, but they still get added to the pot, at least subconsciously. But once you finally get too much water too hot, it boils over.
That last drop that caused all the commotion could have been anything- traffic, spoiled milk, forgetting something at the grocery store, a tiny cut from shaving, etc. Those little things don't deserve to make us boil over. And we can feel silly when we give ourselves a hard time thinking, "Why do I feel so stressed and overwhelmed just about this little shaving cut?"
Sort out your stressors. Divide them into smaller pots of water and make them take turns sitting on the flame. Even write down a list of what's bothering you, and figure out which ones actually deserve your energy. You can handle SO much, simply because you're an awesome human. It's not your fault when you feel like you're boiling over, and remember that your loved ones always want to help you sort through it all.
You know what's not overwhelming? A pile of whites, a pile of colors, and a pile of jeans that you conquer one at a time.
Humans handling stress is like a giant pot of water on the stove burner. You can put a lot of water in the pot, and it takes a lot of time to boil. We can handle so much stress without thinking twice, it's amazing actually. There are so many tiny things that we learn to not let phase us, but they still get added to the pot, at least subconsciously. But once you finally get too much water too hot, it boils over.
That last drop that caused all the commotion could have been anything- traffic, spoiled milk, forgetting something at the grocery store, a tiny cut from shaving, etc. Those little things don't deserve to make us boil over. And we can feel silly when we give ourselves a hard time thinking, "Why do I feel so stressed and overwhelmed just about this little shaving cut?"
Sort out your stressors. Divide them into smaller pots of water and make them take turns sitting on the flame. Even write down a list of what's bothering you, and figure out which ones actually deserve your energy. You can handle SO much, simply because you're an awesome human. It's not your fault when you feel like you're boiling over, and remember that your loved ones always want to help you sort through it all.
A Love Note for You
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Hey YOU I want to send you a letter in the mail! I've really enjoyed writing Pep Talk Tuesdays, and I realized this can go hand-in-hand with another love of mine: hand-written snail mail!
Here is how you can get a personalized pep talk.
I've bought plenty of things on Etsy before but I'm a total newbie when it comes to selling. I'm hoping for some forgiving and patient few first customers! There are quite a few things I still need to experiment with. Like... I'm planning to send the letters using a plain old stamp so I'm only charging 47 cents for shipping. BUT once I finally get a sale I'll see if Etsy actually requires me to ship with tracking information. That would be a lot more expensive just for some tiny little note and it would probably make this letter writing experiment come to an end. Also, as soon as anyone buys a letter, I'm not sure if the listing will say Sold Out and I don't know how I'll get it back up so I can write more.
See? I just need help testing it out, okay?
Even though my handwriting isn't totally legit and fabulous like a professional calligrapher, I'm refusing to feel "less than." I just enjoy making letters look artsy, swirly, and cute, and I have no reason to compare myself to others in the arena. I also made a few listings available for addressing wedding envelopes. I highly doubt anyone will buy that option until I get several sales and reviews under my belt though. Like I said, I don't have the most gorgeous professional calligraphy style, but it's a cheaper option, you-get-what-you-pay-for kinda thing here.
So basically, this week's "Pep Talk Tuesday" is personalized for you... just let me know where to mail it!
Here is how you can get a personalized pep talk.
I've bought plenty of things on Etsy before but I'm a total newbie when it comes to selling. I'm hoping for some forgiving and patient few first customers! There are quite a few things I still need to experiment with. Like... I'm planning to send the letters using a plain old stamp so I'm only charging 47 cents for shipping. BUT once I finally get a sale I'll see if Etsy actually requires me to ship with tracking information. That would be a lot more expensive just for some tiny little note and it would probably make this letter writing experiment come to an end. Also, as soon as anyone buys a letter, I'm not sure if the listing will say Sold Out and I don't know how I'll get it back up so I can write more.
See? I just need help testing it out, okay?
Even though my handwriting isn't totally legit and fabulous like a professional calligrapher, I'm refusing to feel "less than." I just enjoy making letters look artsy, swirly, and cute, and I have no reason to compare myself to others in the arena. I also made a few listings available for addressing wedding envelopes. I highly doubt anyone will buy that option until I get several sales and reviews under my belt though. Like I said, I don't have the most gorgeous professional calligraphy style, but it's a cheaper option, you-get-what-you-pay-for kinda thing here.
So basically, this week's "Pep Talk Tuesday" is personalized for you... just let me know where to mail it!
Redefine Perfect
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Today at work, the internet was down. I couldn't reach email or any of my documents saved on our communal drive. So... I didn't get a lot of work done, but I did get to slowly write my Sunday School lesson plans and think about them more than usual, so that was nice.
I had a funny thought, and tweeted about it, and I've still been thinking about it all day. I even mentally wrote this entire blog post for Pep Talk Tuesday, relating to that tweet. So now it's 9:45 at night and I just realized I never physically wrote that blog post yet. Let me get it all out in writing now.
Ok so Jesus was just perfect. Sinless, kind, brilliant, and funny. But also, he was completely fully human, just like us. Just like us. So I think he made real little honest mistakes too. Probably when he was learning to memorize the Torah as a 8 year old, he didn't automatically get it on his first try. Probably when he was chopping firewood for his mama, he accidentally smashed his thumb. Probably he absentmindedly called one of his good friends the wrong name even though he knew their correct name. Probably he tripped on something once.
This statue of Facepalm Jesus is further evidence he could have made some minor honest mistakes in life:
When Jesus lived on earth, I think he was living in a totally average body. That's like a major point of God becoming human- he was just like us, and somehow even more can fully know us because of that. So I don't think he had a photographic memory and super-strength. I think he had a very average brain and body, and although he never sinned, he probably made little mistakes. Probably. I'm guessing. (I hope I'm not going to hell for this post.)
So yes, Jesus was perfect. And yes, I think Jesus likely made little mistakes. So give yourself a break for goodness's sake! If you forget your computer password at work and have to call IT for them to reset it, fine! You are still doing perfect. If you left your backpack on the ground, and then stub your toe on it, that's fine! You're still doing perfect. If you keep a good attitude and don't let your heart become bitter, you're still doing perfect.
Disclaimer: Obviously you and I are not completely perfect, because we can often accidentally be greedy or mean or rude or whatever. So we aren't perfect and we should try to be more like Christ. But the point of this pep talk is that when you make little mistakes and own up to them, or if you are late from traffic, or you burn your tongue on coffee, that's no reason to get yourself down. Jesus probably did it too.
I had a funny thought, and tweeted about it, and I've still been thinking about it all day. I even mentally wrote this entire blog post for Pep Talk Tuesday, relating to that tweet. So now it's 9:45 at night and I just realized I never physically wrote that blog post yet. Let me get it all out in writing now.
Jesus never sinned but do you think he ever made simple honest mistakes? Like math errors when doing carpentry with his earth-dad Joseph?— Kirby Darden (@kirby_darden) May 3, 2016
Ok so Jesus was just perfect. Sinless, kind, brilliant, and funny. But also, he was completely fully human, just like us. Just like us. So I think he made real little honest mistakes too. Probably when he was learning to memorize the Torah as a 8 year old, he didn't automatically get it on his first try. Probably when he was chopping firewood for his mama, he accidentally smashed his thumb. Probably he absentmindedly called one of his good friends the wrong name even though he knew their correct name. Probably he tripped on something once.
This statue of Facepalm Jesus is further evidence he could have made some minor honest mistakes in life:
When Jesus lived on earth, I think he was living in a totally average body. That's like a major point of God becoming human- he was just like us, and somehow even more can fully know us because of that. So I don't think he had a photographic memory and super-strength. I think he had a very average brain and body, and although he never sinned, he probably made little mistakes. Probably. I'm guessing. (I hope I'm not going to hell for this post.)
So yes, Jesus was perfect. And yes, I think Jesus likely made little mistakes. So give yourself a break for goodness's sake! If you forget your computer password at work and have to call IT for them to reset it, fine! You are still doing perfect. If you left your backpack on the ground, and then stub your toe on it, that's fine! You're still doing perfect. If you keep a good attitude and don't let your heart become bitter, you're still doing perfect.
Disclaimer: Obviously you and I are not completely perfect, because we can often accidentally be greedy or mean or rude or whatever. So we aren't perfect and we should try to be more like Christ. But the point of this pep talk is that when you make little mistakes and own up to them, or if you are late from traffic, or you burn your tongue on coffee, that's no reason to get yourself down. Jesus probably did it too.
Hope Enough For the Both of Us
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Maybe you're having a great week. Congrats. I'm genuinely happy for you. This Pep Talk Tuesday might not directly apply to you, but I invite you to keep reading anyway.
Maybe you're having a week in which you feel exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. That is really tough and I'm so sorry you're having a rough patch. This Beanie Baby is named Hope and she is in constant prayer for you:
Okay, so that's a little stupid, of course Beanie Babies can't pray. But the sentiment is there!I am confident that at every point in time there is someone praying for you. Someone is praying for all the college students in the world. Someone is praying for all the people stuck in traffic. Someone is praying for all the residents of Ohio. I'm pretty sure you and I are included in somebody's prayer right now.
Gentle, friendly reminder:
Even when you feel exhausted, you have friends and family who want to be there for you to recharge. Even when you feel helpless, there are tons of people who want to help you. Even when you feel hopeless, I have hope for you!
Think of a time when your friend felt miserable and hopeless, but since you were slightly removed from the situation you could see that everything would be okay in the end. Now reverse that for the current situation that's getting you down. Somebody out there understands you (and if nobody does, find someone to listen) and that somebody has got hope enough for the both of you.
Maybe you're having a week in which you feel exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. That is really tough and I'm so sorry you're having a rough patch. This Beanie Baby is named Hope and she is in constant prayer for you:
Okay, so that's a little stupid, of course Beanie Babies can't pray. But the sentiment is there!I am confident that at every point in time there is someone praying for you. Someone is praying for all the college students in the world. Someone is praying for all the people stuck in traffic. Someone is praying for all the residents of Ohio. I'm pretty sure you and I are included in somebody's prayer right now.
Gentle, friendly reminder:
Even when you feel exhausted, you have friends and family who want to be there for you to recharge. Even when you feel helpless, there are tons of people who want to help you. Even when you feel hopeless, I have hope for you!
Think of a time when your friend felt miserable and hopeless, but since you were slightly removed from the situation you could see that everything would be okay in the end. Now reverse that for the current situation that's getting you down. Somebody out there understands you (and if nobody does, find someone to listen) and that somebody has got hope enough for the both of you.
Mind Your Own Mind
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
- make up new ideas
- like and dislike things that are totally subjective
- notice beauty
Your brain is incredible! It's totally yours. It's completely unique, original, and valuable. How the heck is it even possible that we each have different skills, interests, talents, preferences, and taste? HOW?
You are created (fearfully and wonderfully made) for purpose and reason and ALSO just to enjoy life and take in the beauty of the rest of creation.
You Have What You Feed
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Happy Tuesday! Maybe you could use a pep talk...
There's a lot in you. Confidence, anxiety, compassion, laziness, curiosity... Every single one of those is appropriate in moderation at certain points in time. Each one of those can make you bonkers if you let it take the driver's seat in your life. The good news is, whether you believe it or not, you actually have complete control over how much time and attention you give to each of your emotions, and character traits.
You can be mindful of where your energy is spent. You can choose how to balance each awesome part of your personality. If you feed your anxiety with extra thoughts, time, energy, it'll grow big and strong. Let it starve for a little while. If you feed your curiosity with extra thoughts, time, and energy, it'll grow big and strong, which is totally awesome.
Sometimes you might feel like you really can't control your emotions or how you feel. Sometimes the simplest act like looking in the mirror can help you calm down and redirect your thoughts, dispensing your time and energy to whatever you decide is worthy of it.
Whatever you feed grows. Whatever you starve diminishes. Be mindful to keep a balance. You CAN find a balance.
There's a lot in you. Confidence, anxiety, compassion, laziness, curiosity... Every single one of those is appropriate in moderation at certain points in time. Each one of those can make you bonkers if you let it take the driver's seat in your life. The good news is, whether you believe it or not, you actually have complete control over how much time and attention you give to each of your emotions, and character traits.
You can be mindful of where your energy is spent. You can choose how to balance each awesome part of your personality. If you feed your anxiety with extra thoughts, time, energy, it'll grow big and strong. Let it starve for a little while. If you feed your curiosity with extra thoughts, time, and energy, it'll grow big and strong, which is totally awesome.
Sometimes you might feel like you really can't control your emotions or how you feel. Sometimes the simplest act like looking in the mirror can help you calm down and redirect your thoughts, dispensing your time and energy to whatever you decide is worthy of it.
Whatever you feed grows. Whatever you starve diminishes. Be mindful to keep a balance. You CAN find a balance.
Watch Me WIP
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Happy Birthday Kyla! (My sister Kyla is awesome and she is one of like four people who consistently read this blog.) Now for the actual scheduled themed blog post:
Hello, I am a WIP.
I hope that WIP does't secretly stand for something dirty. When I say it, I mean I'm a Work In Progress. Today's Pep Talk Tuesday is about cutting yourself some slack, and concentrating on your progress more than your product.
Lately I've been annoyed at myself that I'm not perfect at everything I attempt. Can you relate? It's so dumb! The thing is, you're not ever going to get to be perfect, or even very close. And everyone's definition of perfect is different anyway, so that makes it even more impossible to achieve.
I try hand lettering, and it always turns out bumpy or imbalanced. I try talking on the phone and emailing strangers for work, and I always end the conversation relieved for the awkwardness to finally stop. I try to clean the kitchen, only for Brian to find crumbs and spills I forgot. I have to cut off another driver to get out of a busy intersection. I overcooked the asparagus.
These aren't really failures, they're just part of my progress. I really am getting better at lettering, conversing with strangers, cleaning, driving, and cooking.
Whatever you see as your weakness is really just the area of your life in which you can and will most rapidly improves, if you let yourself. It only feels like a failure when you compare yourself to someone else who is doing better. But they're struggling, learning, improving, and growing too. They're just good at hiding the screwed up parts.
Like I used my awesome beautiful hand lettering as the title image. But here's some behind the scenes for you:
Yes. I write like a young child learning cursive. And then repeat the same short phrase fifteen times. And then I have something sort-of presentable.
Same goes for everything else. I've made a few disgusting meals but thankfully I only serve my friends stuff I know tastes good. I'm improving. You're improving. The process is growth not failure.
Do Not Fear
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Stuff scares me all the time. I startle incredibly easily, I cover my eyes during the intense parts of movies, and I refuse to squash bugs and spiders because I'm certain they'll somehow retaliate. Talking on the phone, talking to strangers, trying new foods, turning left at an intersection without a green arrow... All things that terrify me.
But that's stupid. And if you're scared of stuff too, that's pretty stupid.
The only think that logically makes sense for us to fear is death. The end. But we don't even have to fear that, because death isn't death anymore. On Easter, I actually got to go to worship and listen to the sermon (very rare for me-- children's ministry problems) and our pastor made a sort of joke about death but I forget how he set it us and I forget the punchline. So I'll tell you the premise and the point but it won't be a funny joke anymore- sorry!
Here's what his joke said (except it was somehow funny)...
All the time we look forward to sleep. It's calming, not difficult, painless, and we were created for it. We go about our day, knowing we will eventually get to sleep at night, and we definitely don't worry about it in any way. And that's how we should feel about death.
SO the only thing that's "worthy" of our fear is actual death.
BUT we can reclaim death as a victory.
SO really there's nothing to fear ever ever ever ever ever ever ever.
The Bible tells us the reason we shouldn't be afraid is because we've been redeemed and we belong to God. We belong to God. We belong to God. Why the heck should we be afraid of anything, least of all death?
But that's stupid. And if you're scared of stuff too, that's pretty stupid.
The only think that logically makes sense for us to fear is death. The end. But we don't even have to fear that, because death isn't death anymore. On Easter, I actually got to go to worship and listen to the sermon (very rare for me-- children's ministry problems) and our pastor made a sort of joke about death but I forget how he set it us and I forget the punchline. So I'll tell you the premise and the point but it won't be a funny joke anymore- sorry!
Here's what his joke said (except it was somehow funny)...
All the time we look forward to sleep. It's calming, not difficult, painless, and we were created for it. We go about our day, knowing we will eventually get to sleep at night, and we definitely don't worry about it in any way. And that's how we should feel about death.
SO the only thing that's "worthy" of our fear is actual death.
BUT we can reclaim death as a victory.
SO really there's nothing to fear ever ever ever ever ever ever ever.
The Bible tells us the reason we shouldn't be afraid is because we've been redeemed and we belong to God. We belong to God. We belong to God. Why the heck should we be afraid of anything, least of all death?
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