Welcome to this week’s blog. Today I am thinking about these uncertain times we are living in today, and what it really means to take this time to reflect.
Today we live in a very different world then we did just four years ago. Our changing times have taught me many things about myself, and those around me. Many times, in life it is our struggles, challenges, and trials and tribulations that define who we are, our true character in the heat of the moment is revealed. I’ve always believed a person’s true colors are revealed in a time of crisis. It isn’t the easy, stress free moments in our life that we learn the most about ourselves.
Life is no longer the life we once knew. Each passing year there are changes, if we'd stop and take a look around us we would notice. Life today is even more uncertain, and the future seems to be leading us down a path we’ve never traveled before which makes most of us vulnerable and fearful. While I come from an older generation, the baby boomer era, or some refer to it as the olden days, I am learning to appreciate these uncertain times we live in more and more. Rather than fear (FEAR - false experiences appearing real) to consume my thoughts, I am choosing to appreciate reflection more and more.
First, by contemplating why this is happening to the world, and why we now find ourselves living in a new age, an uncertain age, a new generation? Lots of “whys” today in these uncertain times. But I still find myself nostalgic in wanting my old life back, where life was more comfortable, predictable and secure.
But rather than any of us wishing for our old life back, and all of this uncertainty to simply vanish, we must have a more positive outlook on what’s happening, and how-to best cope in these trying times. Contrary to popular belief, I believe today we are very blessed to have this time to reflect. But so many people around the world are missing the true opportunity we’ve all been given. It’s important that we take this opportunity of isolation or “peace and quiet” circumstances to think about who we are, what is really essential, and non-essential, and what do we really want in our lives.
Our “reflection” instructions have given us the opportunity to spend more time with those we love, to do the things we never had time to do before, and to create new memories with the one’s we love. How priceless this time should be to all of us?
So many of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives, that until we are forced to slow down, whether physically or emotionally, will we never understand the meaning of reflection. And then many will realize that what they’ve always taken for granted is no longer available to them, they end up resentful, angry and frustrated having to spend so much time with their loved ones. But it doesn’t and shouldn’t have to be this way.
There are two types of behavior during these uncertain times. First, the one who has a positive attitude. This person realizes it’s better to look at the situation as a blessing, and not a curse or punishment. The other behavior is the negative person, the poor me behavior, and why is this happening to me? The negative attitude is exactly the attitude that truly needs to take this time to reflect on their lives. Each one of us have the choice or opportunity to cope either way. Each one of us can learn to adjust in these uncertain times from a loving and compassionate angle, or we can learn to adjust with rebellion and resentment.
This past week, for the first time since two, almost three years ago since we moved to Wisconsin, I'm starting to feel an overwhelming feeling of "seclusion or isolation" as I hardly ever leave my home anymore. I hardly drive anymore. To my surprise and sadness, I realize we truly are living in a different world, and it only took two years for life to transform to get to where we are today. I no longer even enjoy running errands, or go grocery shopping or any type of shopping under this new, secluded lifestyle we live here in Wisconsin. I never felt this way before. I continue to ask my husband, “Did you ever think we would ever live this lifestyle in our lifetime?” For me it is very sad, and gives me a very lonely, isolated feeling. I feel cut off from all of the things I use to love to do. I feel like I am on another planet, and where everyone is distancing themselves from each other or we no longer make time for each other. There is no more smiling or nodding of heads. There is no more greetings or brief conversations. For me, it feels like our social life no longer exists, it has passed away. We use to socialize and entertain friends all of the time. But since we moved to Wisconsin, that part of our lifestyle has vanished, disappeared. Silence and human distancing has now taken us captive.
But with that being said, I do believe there are many reasons why we should take this time to reflect. First of all, none of us know the timeline or the purpose for isolation. So why not take advantage of the situation while we have it right in front of us? The common theme for the Nay Sayers who are complaining they are bored, they don’t have anything to do, or they're tired of laying around watching Netflix movies. For the first time in their life they are staying at home, vegging out on the couch, and doing nothing. If they only realized, they will never get this opportunity again to do absolutely nothing or better yet to reflect on their lives.
But more importantly, this situation is an opportunity for all of us to take this time to reflect on who we are, and discover new ways to become the creative, and passionate person we were intended to be.
It is only when we take a step back and reflect on our life, that we can we see the bigger picture more clearly. It’s this reflection that helps us gain a new perspective of ourselves, as well as observe, and reflect on others around us. Reflection helps us realize our past mistakes, as opposed to letting our mistakes bring us down or hinder us from reaching our true potential. Reflection helps us to figure out what we were doing wrong before, and find new ways to correct it. These uncertain times is a huge blessing, as it’s a huge learning tool if we choose to take the time to do it.
I know for myself, when I have time on my hands, and I’m in my quiet time, that’s my most creative moments. It is in the still of time when I discover my creativity or my desires to take on new projects that I never would have thought of before. It is in the quiet moments of our thoughts that we ponder our passions, the desires of our heart, and even our bucket list.
Reflection and quiet moments unleash these ideas that have been suppressed by life’s overwhelming demands. When we take time to reflect on our lives, we quickly realize what’s important, and what once was, is no longer important. It changes our perspective on life. When this occurs, this is the characterization of personal growth.
Have you thought that maybe these uncertain times not only teaches us how we can grow as individuals, but how we can help others also? When we reach out and help others, and look beyond ourselves, this is one of the most selfless acts a human being can do. Helping others has always been a wonderful, compassionate, and rewarding feeling.
When we learn to give, rather than receive, it changes us as human beings. Here is yet another reason for all of us to take this time to reflect. When we think of others before ourselves, even in the smallest of ways, you can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Just by a smile or a kind gesture, it changes who we are, and greatly helps the other person. Helping others becomes an act of kindness that is addictive. The more we do it, the better we feel. The better we feel, the more we will continue to do it. And the better others will feel. And soon the act of kindness spreads.
I only have one scripture in my blog today. I ask that all of us reflect on this one scripture in our quiet moments because it is only when we trust in the Lord with all of our heart, with all of our soul, and with all of our strength, that we will experience His plans for our well-being, and not evil, that will define our future, and the outcome of these uncertain times.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
Blessings until next week my brothers and sisters in Christ,
Debra Pauli
Unstoppable Believer
Scripture Quotes: Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV) / New King James (NKJ) / English Standard Version (ESV)
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