Grace and Goodness in a Chaotic World

Today I was reading (yesterday's paper :) and a few things struck me about the calamity of errors that are wreaking havoc in our lives. Story #1 was about "speedup" . . you know . . .must get more done in less time! It started in our workplaces as employers are requiring us to do more for less . . and so we began multitasking to keep pace (and to keep our jobs!). And yet, the more they required and we did, the more they have asked of us . . leaving precious little time for our families or our own personal time (god forbid) in which we rest, recharge, and create. We feel zapped . . because we are zapped! Research has shown that employers are actually asking us to do the impossible . . have you kept a time log lately of the hours you have put in on endless tasks? And this doesn't even take into account the loss of sleep or the persistent worry (did I remember to do everything I was asked, did I turn it in on time, is it my turn to pick up donuts for the early morning meeting?).

So what can we do? (Which brings me to Story #2.) This was an article about a woman who lost her job and she was divorced with children .. to feed, and clothe, and shelter. So in her attempt to control some of the chaos (which in her case now edges into personal speedup), she began to cook and bake everything from scratch . . even eventually buying chicks to raise so that she could have eggs and protein for chicken . . promoting the possibility for feeding the family on $100.00 week. . .although as I pointed out earlier (about the speedup), she now says that it does take up so much of her time that she no longer is a freelance writer or has time for personal creativity.

So, where are you in this picture? In my life, I have found that I am multi-tasking way more than I'd like . . writing notes fast and furious as "don't forget" memos free-float in-between the spaces of "got-to-do's". I have little time to create as I pound out work (and thank god, I love what I do:) . . and ponder our next meal.

I try to be mindful and meditate . . and I love hearing the voices of my children and grandchildren . . and touching base with my mom still reminds me that I have so many things to be thankful for . . .

What more could I ask for? What more do I pray for? What else is more important? But, we've got to work . . .and we've got to have food . . so I guess I'll pray for grace . . and God's goodness to shine on us all . . .

How about you? . . I'd love to hear . . as always, I'm still here and listening . .

Moving Forward

How do we move forward when we keep looking to the past? There is an old saying that if we keep doing it the same way, we are going to get the same results. But learning to do anything a new way is not easy since we've grown so comfortable doing it "like we used to do it". And so with every new endeavor there is uncertainty . . .and possibly fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear that we might risk what we're holding onto so tightly in this very moment (which has already passed). So for some of us, we must screw up our courage and choose to move past this place that is keeping us stuck.

Here's the basic question that each of us must ask ourselves.

What do I want most out of life?

Although each of us may have different ways of defining our desires, we've got to put something down before we can move anywhere . . so I'll begin with a few of mine.

I want to be productive, I want to give back, I want to be secure, I want to laugh, I want to be loved and I want to feel like I belong.

Now comes the difficult work . . because we can't just list what we want and be done with it (although I am always hoping the genie will pop out of the magic lamp and grant my wishes :)

Take each statement and break it down . . .

1) I want to be productive.

As you can see, it begins with me. I cannot just want it, I have to do it . . but it requires a bit more depth since I need to know which area of my life I need more productivity. Is it in clearing my work space or in getting past the dishes in the sink? How do I follow-through with one aspiration? By breaking it down into a manageable segment for each day.

2) I want to give back.

Now, this one is a tough one for me because I have so many areas where I feel like I might contribute . . and yet, before I can give back . . I must first give to myself. Sounds a bit selfish, doesn't it? And yet, when we think about it . . if we keep giving and giving and giving without renewal our attitudes and our behaviors will be lackluster . . and who needs any more of that? And so, I will begin to give back today by managing my body (good nutrition and some exercise), my mind (intellectual and/or motivational and/or creative input), and my spirit (connection to universal goodness and wonder).

So how are you beginning to move forward? What steps motivate you? Have you made your list . . or better yet, what have you achieved? Are you still stuck? (Don't worry, we've all been there . . and some of us go there frequently :) I'd love to hear . . since as always, I'm listening . . .