Day 2,813

Growth:

Never waste a good crisis! Through difficult times we can often find solutions beyond the present situation. Case in point today, the issue today resulted in an opportunity to share the power of self reflection that comes from journaling, to show what a growth mindset looks like in action, and to encourage reading as a positive resource.

Within every situation is an upside, a positive, waiting and begging to be discovered. We must choose to find it.

Appreciation:

While this easily could be put into the Growth section I’m intentionally addressing here as it truly is what I am most thankful for today.

Throughout life I’ve made countless mistakes. So many that it is difficult to think of where to start. Many were acting against my values, doing the wrong things, and not thinking things through. Some were times when I didn’t do the right thing because it was too difficult or I was lazy or I let my ego get in the way. Other times I didn’t give my all and totally mailed it in, or, as Dad would put it, I “half-assed it” or “screwed the pooch.” A lifetime of mistakes.

Each mistake contains a gift. Each screw up, each failure, each mistake provides an opportunity to learn, to grow, to become stronger. What a gift!

But this gift must be sought out in order to be received! I have to look for the gift in order to learn, to grow, and to become stronger. It isn’t freely given, it is earned – but it is always there waiting I am ready to seek it.

To find and earn this gift I must first recognize the mistake itself, what was the true issue. I must accept that I made the mistake. I must consider what the right action would have been. I must pause and determine why I didn’t do the right thing. I must plan how to avoid making a similar mistake again. I must stay disciplined to that plan. Most importantly, I must forgive myself for making the mistake.

When those actions are taken I can step back and see and appreciate the gift I’ve earned through this mistake…. This mistake has made me a better person. This mistake has helped me close the gap between who I am and who I am called to be. What a gift!

Presence:

Sometimes we need a little levity and sometimes it helps to know we are not alone. A conversation with my brother accomplished both this evening and I greatly appreciated it!

Thanks!!!