We have a final author post on simple acts of moving forward in 2013. Here’s good wisdom from Catherine Wiecher Brunell, author of Becoming Catholic, Again:
This is a difficult thing for me to keep simple. I reflect on it and quickly have a list in my head: workout, meditate, organize my house, plan more things to do with my family, do my laundry, buy healthy food, find something that I love and work on that, be grateful, get more sleep, volunteer…The list, however, actually moves me backward.
Moving forward this year looks much different because now, my moving forward is celebrating where I am. Practically speaking, I’ve penciled in a date with myself once a month for this celebration. A few hours in a coffee shop and a thoughtful look at my calendar provide me with a wide-angle view of what is important to me, what I can do, and where I need support. The rest of the “shoulds” go away. Instead of finding the things that I could add, I reinforce my energy around where I already am. In other times, this felt like settling. Now, it feels like the burrowing that every hearty animal does.
Moving forward this year means trusting that I will naturally go that way without thrusting toward it. I have much to celebrate—we all do. I am moving forward because I am trusting that I am already enough. Knowing that is what puts me into God’s abundant flow toward what is ahead.
The many comments from our DDF community have been so wise and encouraging. Please keep it up!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
The first thing I would do is pencil in a daily time for me, and then throw the pencil away. Why tell myself what to do — would I actually listen? Not.
And as for the rest of my life that didn’t get pencilled in because I threw the impliment out, the rest will find me.
A few hours in a coffee shop? They don’t come and make ahem noises after 15 minutes?
First of all, Catherine, I must thank you for your book “Becoming Catholic Again” as it really spoke to me. I am inspired by the faith journeys of others as I believe that is one way that God speaks to us along our own faith journey.
I agree with your statement about trusting that you will move forward. I know that we all need to have goals and to be intentional in what we are doing but I find in my own life that the closer I am in my relationship with God, the more smoothly life flows and new opportunities to serve emerge. It is as though the less control I try to have over my life, the more God is able to use me. If we have our priorities straight, all will follow. I think of the verse “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33).
Thanks for this thoughtful post.
You’re one of my heroes! Being able to admit that we just might be doing enough…That is putting your trust in God. Congratulations on being able to look at your life honestly and taking time for yourself.
Thank your for these kind words, and for reading my book Lynda. I’m grateful to be part of this community.
Blessings to you and your movement!
Thank you for your authenticity! Yes, I agree, I have to celebrate and be thankful. If I even manage to do something really really well especially if it involves others, I am thankful.