There’s an old saying that says we get what we expect.
More to the point, I think, is that we tend to see life through the lens of our experiences… either positive or negative… which, in turn, influences the outcomes. Whatever the predominant slant of our thoughts is where we place our focus and energy… and then we naturally move in that direction.
So it’s our choice… positive or negative.
Along those lines, this final week of the year is a great time to reflect on the past fifty-two weeks… and ahead to the next. And I want to encourage you to take those thoughts captive… to focus on what is good… and make a plan for the rest.
A few months ago, I was speaking with a friend who said he had received a challenge from the pastor at his church. A simple exercise, no doubt… but one which had, nonetheless, kept him up most of that night.
“Count your blessings. Go home and start writing a list… try to fill one page.”
That’s it?
Yes, count your blessings. And I must say that it is excellent advice… especially for those of us who spend time around people whose lives have been devastated by addiction.
There is no doubt that the holidays can be emotional and often stressful enough by themselves. But add addiction, and the potential exists for some fairly explosive interactions. During these times, it is easy to slide into viewing life from a negative perspective… what didn’t go right… what hasn’t worked out like we planned.
If this rings a bell with you, may I offer three words of encouragement… count your blessings.
Take out a pen and a sheet of paper, and begin… try to fill one sheet. Forget the things that didn’t go as you wanted, and focus on those that did. What relationships are stronger today? What have you learned in the past year… where have you traveled… whom have you loved?
What hopes do you have for the ensuing year… and what are your plans to improve your circumstances? Put completely out of your mind what you may have lost… just for a moment… and tell me instead about all the things that you have left.
Yes… count your blessings.
I wish you a peaceful holiday season, and a new year that brings the hope of recovery and restoration to you and all those whom you love.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
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