I guess I should have written this post before the end of last year but things have got in the way! It happens and I strongly believe that ‘things’ happen for a reason.
Around October time last year I decided to purchase some of Norman Vincent Peale books – he is the author of many Positive Thinking self help books. Why? Well, my father has always been a big fan and while visiting my parents one Sunday afternoon I spotted “The Power of Positive Thinking” in their book shelf along with two more Peale books.
One of the other books was about the Power of Imaging and the concept of visualising positive outcomes or changes that one desires has always intrigued me. Personally, I have never been too good although I seem to have little difficulty in imaging the worse case scenario!
At the time, a very close friend of mine was going through a tough situation that required some difficult decisions. Her father had cancer and her mum needed support but they lived a 3-4 hour drive away – should she sell up and move? It was very hard for me to remain objective as I really didn’t want her to move.
I tried to see the positives for each scenario and the lasting impact those decisions might have. Reading those books was, as it turned out very timely. They helped me to help my friend and myself. Time doesn’t wait for our decisions, it goes on regardless and after only a few weeks her father passed away but she had spent as much time as she could with him and was there with her mum when he finally went to be with his Lord and Saviour.
Not long after, another friend had reached the end of her tether after 18 months of heartache and there comes a point when your mind can’t take anymore. She was at that point and turned to me for help – it took immense courage for her to do so. Again I was able to draw on the ‘positive thinking strategies’ I had been reading.
By the end of November I made the decision that 2015 would be the year of being positive! It seemed that so many of my friends were facing such trying times.
Why is it so hard to be positive when its your own situation? I guess you lose the ability to be objective, to see the bigger picture.
As you know I have suffered with a disc prolapse for over 3 years now. I manage it with exercise and have learned how to move around and do things with less impact on the lower back. With regards to working, my husband had made a wooden platform for my laptop to that I could work while standing.
It might be limiting but I could still walk which is something I love and value. That was the positive comment I always said when other people offered sympathy. “Oh I don’t mind not being able to sit as long as I can walk I’m happy”.
Then I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. If you have never heard of it before look it up. My husband has had this in his left foot for 18 months now so I know all about it! Unfortunately mine has developed in both feet. It means I can’t stand or walk much at all – it’s like standing on broken glass.
So I can’t sit for long or stand or walk for long – what do I do? Not very positive is it?
Be positive I keep telling myself.
Have you ever seen the film Pollyanna and her ‘Be Glad’ game? Basically you find a reason to be glad about a situation which seems pretty bad!
My daughter came up with this one last night:
“You can be glad that daddy also has it so you’re not suffering alone”
Hmm! I’m not sure that is how it works! 🙂
Anyway, the outcome is that I am spending a lot of time reading and praying! I’ve not been working on my business much at all and I apologize that I am not writing as many blog posts as usual.
Perhaps this is my time for contemplation. Maybe God has something better for me and I need to stop and take stock in order to see where He is guiding. Therefore I can see something positive in my current situation and it’s what I have to remind myself each day.
What About You?
How has your 2015 started? Do you feel positive about what lies ahead or are you facing difficulties? Maybe it’s time to slow down and take a real good look around you.
Time to count your blessings and put things into perspective.
Time to reach out and help others.
Time to appreciate the things you do have.
Time to discover your real purpose.
Time to get to grips with what value you can bring to others.
And time starts NOW! In fact it’s already ticking!
Let’s not waste our time feeling sorry for ourselves and the circumstances we’re in. We might feel the pain, the frustration, the anger even but it’s our choice to take that step, to take action and use where we find ourselves today for something better.
6 Comments on “Are You Ready for 2015?”
Hi Kay
I had to smile when I read about your dog running away with your medicinal tennis ball.
Our puppy Fudge enjoys helping with whatever she can collect.
What fun.
I will send you the self help information via email. Best wishes and best foot forward for 2015
Look forward to it. Thank you again Dave. (I love the name Fudge for a dog!).
Thanks for sharing this. Life can be tough and it’s good to be reminded that we’re not alone.
Indeed. Feeling like we’re alone can really amplify our problems. Thank for for your comment Julie.
I’ve been a fan of Norman Vincent Peale for a number of years and over time have gained a lot of assistance from reading his books.
I’m really pleased that you found them useful too, and were able to help others who were facing difficulties.
As for 2015, I have cut back on quite a lot of the self imposed tasks I had adopted last year.
My main aim now is to have a more balanced life.
I aim to spend more time with my family.
My other interests and challenges will be followed less rigorously.
I wish you all the best for this year,Kay. If you would like me to send you some self help information for the plantar fasciitis you are suffering I would be pleased to do that.
I know first hand how painful it can be.
Best wishes for 2015
Thank you Dave for your offer. I would welcome any extra help and advice! A tennis ball is my constant companion at the moment, although my dog keeps running off with it! 🙂
‘Self imposed tasks’ – you are spot on! That’s a poignant message for me right now. I found this quote;
“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child or a parent”. ~ Barbara Bush
Have a precious 2015!
By the way we had a little bit of snow here at the weekend – just a touch… 🙂