Have you discovered that sometimes family relationships are a little more challenging than you thought they might be? {I think that’s the understatement of the world myself!}

Being in it for the long haul, rain or shine takes everything we’ve got and ultimately calls us, even compels us to continue to move forward through our own “stuff”!

Think of it; is there anything more daunting, and on occasion more painful, than our own growth? The path that requires us to face ourselves as we are and deal with the unseen, tucked away fears and inadequacies that lurk somewhere beneath our consciousness? The “stuff” that becomes the perfect material for the “buttons” our loved ones get so adept at pushing? If this weren’t so true, I wouldn’t be chuckling…oh boy!

So how do we get through the rough patches? How do we cope and persevere through the daily challenges that keep coming like waves to a shore?

I think it’s the love. And the actual act of committing that gives us the power to hang on and conquer our fears. The truth is, that along with that initial decision to make a commitment, or to recommit to our relationships, comes the power and help of Heaven.

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it! Begin it now.” -William Hutchison Murray

I love the word BOLDNESS.

Especially after sitting in the murky mire of indecision for too long, just the thought of boldness is a sweet breath of fresh air!

So why do we stay in indecision when it feels so stagnant and stifling? Why do we hesitate to take the next step to honestly see what needs to happen now?

I’d like to suggest that we go into a chronic state of indecision, or frustration with someone or with a sticky situation because we are waiting for
them to change. For someone else to stop running. For someone else to take initiative. For someone else to commit. For someone else to say “I’m sorry.” For someone else to prove that they are still committed. For someone else to be honest with themselves. For someone else to humbly start a quiet, repairing conversation.

And that is a powerless, depressing place!

If this sounds familiar or true for you, (I have certainly been there!) the prescription is to MOVE.

And movement can be as simple as offering a prayer asking for liberation from negative thinking and for clarity. It can be starting again to do the things that you know will lift your spirit and build your confidence. It can be treating yourself more kindly. It can be asking for forgiveness or pardon. It can be writing out thoughts and feelings that need to be expressed somewhere and somehow! Moving can be starting a needed conversation by saying:

I feel_______________________

about ______________________

because ___________________.

This formula is a great way to structure your thoughts and words because it offers information in a kind, gentle, respectful and yet firm way. No finger pointing and no large
assumptions to make about the other person’s intentions or motives. You know, “you are so ______!” or “I can’t believe you would think ______!”
Those assumptions are shovels and they dig the holes deeper and make chasms wider!

Moving can also mean NOT talking, but creating a safe place for someone else to TALK.  Think back.  How much are you talking and how much are you listening?  Rule of thumb to shoot for: 1/3 talking, 2/3rd’s listening.  If you’re heavy on the mouth, shift it around and get better with the ears!

Do you remember this song recorded by Amy Grant?  (If not, I hope you’ll find it and listen to the wisdom it offers.)

“That’s What Love Is For”

Sometimes we make it harder than it is
We’ll take a perfect night
And fill it up with words we don’t mean
Dark sides best unseen
And we wonder why we’re feeling this way

Sometimes I wonder if we really feel the same
Why we can be unkind
Questioning the strongest of hearts
That’s when we must start
Believing in the one thing that has gotten us this far

[Chorus:]
That’s what love is for
To help us through it
That’s what love is for
Nothing else can do it
Melt our defenses
Bring us back to our senses
Give us strength to try once more
Baby, that’s what love is for

Sometimes I see you
And you don’t know why I’m there
And I’m washed away by emotions
I hold deep down inside
Getting stronger with time
It’s living through the fire
And holding on we find

[Chorus]

Believing in the one thing
That has gotten us this far
That’s what love is for
To help us through it
That’s what love is for
Nothing else can do it
Round off the edges
Talk us down from the ledges
Give us strength to try once more
Baby, that’s what love is for
That’s what love is for

That’s what love is for
Melt our defenses
Bring us back to our senses
Give us strength to try once more
Baby, that’s what love is for
That’s what love is for
That’s what love is for
That’s what love is for

Writer(s): Mark Clifford Mueller, Michael Omartian
Copyright: Moo Maison, See This House Music

I second that!

I hope you’re well.

I hope you’re taking really good care of yourself.

Love,

Jacque

Download Your FREE Copy of This Valuable Tool!

This is a digital version of our signature Lioness Daily Planner. You can edit and view it on your computer with the option to print out any or all of the pages! A great option for those that prefer the digital format. Or take the file to a print shop for a hardcopy format! We love the versatility of this planner and we hope you do too!

We do not spam. Just send uplifting content!
We value your privacy. Your email will not be shared.