Sunday Seven

This Sunday Seven is all about the advice I'd give myself. 

1. Finish what you start. If you are surrounded by unfinished projects, create the habit of finishing what you start. Don't read a book about it: simply pick it up from where you left off. Don't feel bad about the reasons why a project wasn't finished before. Feel hopeful that this time, you will complete this task. Good things happen, inside and out, when we finish what we start.
2. Get savvy in recognizing the people who do not listen to you. During the week, you have a lot of conversations. Not everyone listens to you. When you recognize who those people are, you can better manage the amount of energy you put into those relationships. Why invest in unyielding ground? Definitely be polite and kind. Recognize those who use you as a token, take you for granted, or simply speak to you because they have to as relationships that are not worth the emotional investment. No hurt feelings here, just wisdom from years of needless tears. 
3. People truly give what they have. It is not wise to be mad at those who have little room for friendship. You've learned this lesson before. You know what you want from a friend. You have a lot to offer too. It is okay to use your standards as a way to wisely determine what the other person can receive from you. If this is a toxic friendship, you know how to quickly exit. If a person is not able or willing to be the friend you desire, you know how to let them be themselves while you pursue what is important for you: deep and meaningful friendships that encourage the heart. Most of all, remember you already have plenty of folks who love you for who you are and who are willing to dive deep into the waters of authentic, God-designed friendship. 
4. It is wise to have self-discipline. Most people despise it because it is not sexy, cool, or, instagrammable. Self-discipline brings freedom. You find peace, joy, and contentment when you are free to be everything God called you to be. Self-discipline is not easy but it is a fruit of wisdom. If you practice it God's way, you will find favor, even in difficult moments of character development. 
5. The 'YOLO' (you only live once) message does not take into account the wisdom of preparation. Sure, we have one life given to us by God. I believe He expects us to be good stewards of the one life He gives. This past week I practiced preparation. I could have chosen YOLO and wasted time doing selfish things. I decided to take small moments to prepare for the week ahead. When a sudden change of plans happened, I was so glad I took the time to prepare. I didn't have to feel stressed or desperate. Preparation paved the way to a peaceful place where I could take care of my family's needs. The wisdom of preparation lies in reaping what you sow. She who sows selfish exorbitance should expect emptiness as bitter fruit. 
6. Reflection brings deeper lessons. I am learning to be an expert in navigating difficult weeks. Yes, I can complain about them but I know that gratitude is my banner. What do you do with difficult weeks? You learn what works. When I insert extra rest, I find peace. When I drink enough water, I find diligence. When I take a 5-minute walk, I find stamina. 
7. It is okay to stick with what works for me. When everyone has an agenda for me (from what I should buy to what I should believe) it is pivotal to stick with what works. Waking up early works because it fits the life I am choosing to live. Cultivating gratitude works because it is my joy and duty as a Christian. Standing on my confidence works because insecurity is not my inheritance. I'm going to stick with what works. I hope you do too.