In case you weren’t aware, it’s 2020. The year no one will ever forget. I remember heading into the year all the reflections of the decade: where we were at the start and at the end of it then the excitement of a fresh new decade upon us. The last decade has been such a learning curve and so much personal development has happened for me – it’s been incredibly challenging and eye opening but very much necessary. Things I’ve learned to do which facilitated this…
- Push myself out of my comfort zone
- Challenge and check myself (as they say: check yoself before you wreck yoself)
- Consider a different perspective to my own
In many ways I’m not the same person I was at the start of the decade, and in other ways I still am ha! The journey of growth and development is a life long one of course but if the last few years are anything to go by, it’s definitely promising and shows there’s hope for me yet!
More recently, particularly as I reached a milestone in my life, I grappled with all the things I thought I’d have accomplished particularly in this year and the fact that on the most part I’d not broken as much ground as I would have liked on most of these and it certainly wasn’t for a lack of trying – it’s been woefully disappointing. However, it’s really important for me that I have a grounded perspective so I had (and continue) to challenge these thoughts and feelings. Why was I tethered to these goals? Why did I feel I had to meet them to feel accomplished? Who even said these were meant to happen for me? …and Now?
I’m a planner so I can’t really help myself when it comes to making plans, setting goals etc. but what I’ve had to challenge myself on is what I’m actually planning. As I’ve been reflecting on one of my favourite proverbs, I recognise now more than ever the need to really centre my plans on God’s will and purpose for me.
We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word.
(Pro. 16:1 CEV)
I also like this quote although not sure where it originates from. I’ve linked it from Pinterest.
Planning something is not a guarantee it will happen nor in the way I imagine. There is a world far greater than my list of demands. I may not have everything I wanted by now but I have what I’m supposed to; I have what I need. It’s important to focus on what I have accomplished rather than what I haven’t. It’s especially worth being thankful, particularly in light of everything going on currently, that I’m alive and well – that is the biggest blessing. The rest, God will sort so no need to sweat it.
With all that said, it was important for me to recognise that life goes on and rather than mope about things, I needed to celebrate and reward myself in the moment for even the little wins. As the Nigerian saying goes: “I can’t come and die”. To this end, particularly with the window of opportunity the relaxed lockdown presented, I acknowledged I had done my best and took the time to enjoy life in the moment. I…
- Took advantage of the sunshine
- Connected with old friends
- Connected with new friends
- Indulged in some retail therapy
- Re-connected with my camera
…and boy has it felt great ?
As I reset my expectations, it was like a huge weight had been lifted off me and I could breathe again. Wheeew ?
The moral of the story is live your life, take the opportunities available to you, create them even, appreciate your journey and accomplishments and have no regrets because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Be sensible obviously so you won’t go and do something wild and say Cindy told you to do it please I’m not involved ?
What are your personal reflections so far?
All my best,
Message from the author
If you’re wondering “Hey Cindy, where you been at (and I’m sure you’re not ?)? I’m a reflective person so while I may have things in draft I only share when I feel it’s ready to publish. Hopefully you enjoy the read regardless. Thanks for stopping by 😀