As I look back on the year that has been, I couldn't help but feel grateful to be alive and well in the now, for the opportunities given. Even if heartaches we're met along the way, a new day always emerges, a fresh invitation to begin anew.
Seasons come and go. Time constantly moves. The setting changes, but man's essence remains the same. It defies boundaries, cultures, and time. We value love, deal with hurts and desire happiness. It is through these experiences we evolve and become the person we are today.
Here I'll be sharing the 3 Significant Lessons I've Learned in 2019. It's a long read, be sure to make yourself comfortable. Scroll down and have fun!
1. Forgiveness
People offend us, hurt us, take advantage of us whether intentional or not. Conflict is inevitable as long as others are involved. It's a fact of life! Every time, we are given a choice to forgive or not.
Sure, it's easier said than done especially when it concerns a friend, relative or colleague. Burning bridges produces a foul smell!
How can you be angry and not sin? Here's more! And not let the sun go down on your anger? If we can only be honest with ourselves, oh how we fancy to exact vengeance right there and then!
In the Predicament Yet Again
This year, I find myself in this predicament yet again. Seething with anger, it appears like I could run wild outside wearing a bikini in sub-zero temperature.
Salty liquid streamed down my cheeks. How stubborn, it almost flooded my office floor while writing code! How many times will I forgive? Lord increase my faith!
In a moment, while in prayer, a thought dropped,
"How about you change perspective?"
"Huh!"
"You're looking inwardly, unceasingly judging how this person did this or that or how he/she wronged you. How about putting yourself in their position?"
Epiphany came, "I didn't have it bad after all!" In an instant, my temperament shifted from anger to compassion? It all happened simply by changing perspectives!
It's not always about you! Take the high road and choose empathy, extend kindness. You'll realize you don't have it worst! Swallow this, forgiveness is not for the good of the other it's for you and your peace of mind.
It's amazing to wake up the next day feeling brand new, light like walking in the air and feeling so amazing you can conquer the world!
And so the lesson about forgiveness...
2. Cultivate Good Habits
"Did you know God gave you many gifts?" I told the hubby the other day. "Amongst the many gifts, He has given you the one that'll bear fruit the most is the one you choose to cultivate. If you don't use and continuously improve even just one, it will only lay dormant."
We are a masterpiece! I truly believe there's a gift (or many gifts) in each one of us that is a blessing to the world, get this, in the specific time period we are active here on earth.
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.
~ Proverbs 22:29 ESV
Here, let me share a little story with you.
Overly melodramatic, my mood swings from 0 to 180 degrees. I look delicate and content in the outside but boy, a storm was raging in the inside. These hyper-emotions find their target in the hubby. I could find his many wrongs, I even made a mountain out of a molehill.I held pity parties with me, myself and I. You bet, our attendance is perfect, my schoolteachers would be impressed! Sadly, it escalated to depression.
I incorporated physical exercises in my routine early this year to help me cope. Regrettably, it ended when we relocated to Ottawa. Suddenly, I rediscovered writing -- blogging, journaling, coding (hey, coding is a form of writing too!) These rollercoaster emotions of mine finally found a home. What's more, I realize I like writing!
It's amazing how you can channel something negative into art! Now, my day isn't complete when I don't write. You know, that uneasy feeling you get when you don't brush your teeth that day. lol.
This sounds like bragging but I did notice an improvement in my craft. Didn't motivational speakers mention about celebrating small victories? That's what I'm doing here. In fact, that's one good habit to cultivate too!
And so the lesson about cultivating good habits...
3. Invest In Yourself
Lastly, invest in yourself. Everything around us is changing, evolving, moving. Don't stop! The longer you stay the further the gap. Flow with the rhythm.Listening to an audiobook the other day, a question is raised. Do you ever wonder why a person remains in the same place/level of income for a number of years? It's because his/her mind remained the same!
Accepting I was naturally shy, timid or insecure, I bought myself a lie. I opened a pandora's box when I found books and the love of learning. It's not that I'm shy, timid or insecure, but it is due to the programming I've received as a child. The mind will consistently justify what it believed to be true, no matter how absurd it is!
Just because it has been that way since the beginning doesn't mean you couldn't do something about it. We're adults now and we possess the freedom to make our decisions either for the good or for the worst.
I say, break those limits on the mind! Get wisdom and continually invest in yourself. Become more because you are more!
The wise prevail through great power and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
~ Proverbs 24:5
And so the lesson about investing in oneself...
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There you go, friend. These are the 3 significant lessons I've learned (or relearned) in 2019. I pray you've gained insights from them too.
Ah, what an incredible year it has been. I look forward to the good things to come for the year ahead. I wonder what lessons await in 2020.
Well, I wish you and your loved ones have an awesome year! Talk to you soon. ;)
