Morning Insight

I woke up early to work out this morning, then opted for a 30-minute neighborhood walk instead of the Peloton strength classes I had stacked.  Literally waltzed outside in my t-shirt and capris having no clue it was below freezing, then quickly ran back in to grab a hoodie! lol #notetoself #Decemberhasarrived

Over the course of those 30 minutes, I had an epiphany of sorts, a healthy mindset shift... Robin Arzon always says, "Self-pity is poison, but movement is medicine!" and it's true.

For me, one of the greatest things about living in a new construction neighborhood is consistently watching the process of growth and building - seeing the Sold signs, the foundations being laid, the framing going up quickly, the walls and bricks and landscaping, and the contractors hard at work.  I'm a metaphorical thinker, and it does good things for my soul to dwell on that (and to eventually see the big red bow on the front door as people finally move into the new home they've designed).

The timelines we proclaim and set for ourselves may not be God's best or align with His plan for our lives. I have wrestled with self-doubt lately and been way too in my head about feeling "behind" in life.

There is beauty in the messy process of building something new. The mess and the waiting are undeniably hard.  For all of us, it's frustrating when things don't move as quickly or smoothly as we pictured and hoped.  But some days, you will be stunned by how much progress has been achieved.  Little by little, beautiful things are being built (and painted and decorated and furnished).  Seeing homes in various stages of construction is such a good visual reminder for me that IT'S OKAY that my life doesn't look like the lives of certain friends or family members.  It's okay to be in a different season or an earlier stage.  It's okay if what I'm building is smaller in scale or not the shape and colors others expected.  It's okay that things feel messy and hard and vulnerable when you make a fresh start or build something new.  It's really good to take your time choosing the best spot to lay the foundation, making sure you are building on Rock rather than sand.  Building and remodeling often cost more than expected and take tremendous effort and patience... but God works with us, using the raw materials from our background, work life, relationships, education, and daily small decisions to build something new and beautiful with our lives.

I'm grateful for the reminder that comparing my stem-wall foundation phase to someone else's fully-furnished home is silly and unfair.  That perspective helps me view people who are seemingly further along with sincere admiration, feeling hope and motivation rather than gnawing envy or self-doubt.  I WILL GET THERE when the time is right - and it's okay that it doesn't happen all at once.  The life I am building matters, and it's okay that it looks different than what others have built!  God loves variety, and honestly, so do I.  So whatever stage of life you find yourself in today, remember that God is working with you in it.  And His plan for you is unique, and we are all works in progress!!

Also remember that movement is medicine whenever you're feeling down! =)  This = my four-park Disney day step count and my Half-Marathon day step count... I'm planning on several more days like this moving forward!

Today has been good - a really healthy perspective shift.  I learned about and applied for another job opening - so maybe third time will be a charm - or maybe I will branch into starting my own business sooner than I'd planned.  Either way, I will be okay.  God's grace is enough day by day, and He has me covered!

Me after this morning's invigorating & crazy-cold walk. lol  Acknowledge the contrast!

Okay, thanks for being here.  Byeeee, friends!
❤ ❤ ❤