Yep, I've set goals, great goals. Goals for diet, exercise, regular writing, and sales at work. And guess what? I've only ever kept up with the sales/work goals.
Why is this? The answer lies in the goal setting process itself.
Work goals - I write them down. I track them. I put all the steps down with dates for completion. I celebrate my mini successes along the way. I get cards in the mail, trophies and awards to line up on my shelf.
Personal goals are a little different for me. I wish and dream. I talk and blog. I have plans to do certain things. I never set the steps in motion. These goals get pushed to the side when work goals need to be achieved. When I get busy, my personal goals go down the commode.
It is time for change.
Its time for a big change. It's time to do more than just blog and talk about my writing goals with friends. IT IS TIME TO GET OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE! Yes, I am yelling - yelling at myself.
No more just talking about it, I am going to blog about my successes on my writing blog:
tammyarlene.blogspot.com
I will use this current blog - gettingbettergodsway.blogspot.com for my rants and observations. Would love to stay and chat, but I've got to go - it's time to set personal goals. Really set them. Really reach them, and reward myself along the way. I'm thinking massages and pedicures are pretty good rewards.
Lately it seems, I am frustrated at the most minute of things around me, including people, work, weather and loud noises. I am even frustrated about my writing - or lack thereof. Today I reached a point where I needed to stop and reflect on my attitude - before my attitude permeates those around me. Even worse, what do I do if it already has? What if my poor attitude has hurt those I love?
Questions I felt I needed to ask myself:
Why do I feel overwhelmed and tired.
Why am I discouraged?
What is at the root of this negativity?
Where is God at times like this?
I spent a few hours in solitude, indulging in a pity party, including two donuts and several cups of coffee, and this is what I came up with:
I feel as if my life has somehow spun out of my control. I feel alone, even with my family around me most of the time. My energy is drained. I have gained a little weight and humorous, unintentional comments have been made about it.
These things are all coming from the enemy! The deceptive one has made his voice louder than that of my Jesus, who I love. How do I drown out the negativity so the true Light can shine through? I began to realize that a part of me is comfortable with the feelings I have been having. Feeling frustrated keeps me from having to face certain things in my life that I know I need to take care of.
At the end of my pity party - I began to pray. I gave my troubles over to God. I began to feel better right away. Yes, I admit, I tried to hold on to a few of my negative thoughts (they were like a pair of comfy fuzzy socks) but I knew I needed to hand it ALL over to truly feel blessing over my emotional well being.
I feel better now, praise God! The cloud of depression has lifted, and with it my eyes are lifted to Him. And I AM WRITING! I feel focused and prepared for the days and weeks ahead.
I am reminded of a simple verse in the New Testament where Jesus said:
Luke 11:9 NIV - "So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
All I had to do was ask! Simple as that sounds, I took the long uphill path to get there. Does anyone else ever feel overwhelmed with negativity and frustration? I pray that we all find the peace we need to continue to be the women we are called to be. Join with me in asking for His gracious help.
Feel free to email or post a comment as to how you work through these feelings.
