Category: Change

Pruning Is Necessary

Sometimes you have to simplify in order to expand….

There is a churning in my spirit that kind of seems to defy words.  A yearning to launch out, to expand, to delve deeper.  So I have found myself doing a lot of introspective looking.  What I found is that I have engaged in quite a few activities, projects,  groups and things that draw my time.  With each activity I found myself thinking the same series of questions…Does this matter to me? Does this help me reach a goal? Is this geared to my purpose? My Passion?

I found I was doing somethings on a whim, to join in or out of fun.  Nothing wrong with that but I also found that those things that are my passions where being put on the back burner for these other things.  This is when I realized that sometimes you have to simplify in order to expand.  Simplify what I am engaged in so that I can expand and grow that which is really purposeful and meaningful for me. Pruning time.

My mind went to the Bible, John 15:2 “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t pruningproduce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”  Notice what He does.  First, the cutting.  He identifies those things that aren’t productive.  Projects that are started on a whim and not leading anywhere.  Groups  I joined that talk about nothing.  He eliminates those things that don’t point towards the purpose, plans or growth of the tree.

Next, the pruning.  Growing up I had a plant, and I learned that periodically I had to nip the top of it.  Clipping it this way encouraged it to be bushy and produce more blossoms.  You’ll notice in that scripture that pruning is exactly what God does next.   I am identifying and reevaluation those things I am passionate about, things that cause my purpose to blossom, plans, goals and hearts desires.  I am being purposeful in how I proceed in these areas.

Pruning is strategic and done with a purpose and plan.  How you prune has a bearing on the shape a plant take as it grows.  Pruning something beautifulrequires vision.  I am seeking God, about those precious thoughts he has towards me and the wonderful plans he has for my life, and formulating a plan for how to grow forward.  To help me with this I am creating a Vision Board as a visual reminder of where I want to focus and how I plan to proceed.

At first it seemed like I was going backwards, but then I realized that pruning is about fine tuning. Honing in on what matters and planning how to carry it forward.

Pruning is necessary. Simplifying brightens the perspective and gives clarity in how to move forward.

something brighter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just let it go

When you find you’ve taken on too much, added things you really aren’t interested in, obligated yourself where you really shouldn’t have; make a change. Let things go.  We are so guilty of feeling like we “have to” do/be/go so many things; we don’t. Let stuff go, re-capture your balance. Live a life you enjoy.

Don’t do things for the sake of being busy. Don’t find yourself so busy doing stuff not related to your goals, purpose and growth; that you don’t have time to pursue passion, dreams, and goals that fulfill your purpose.  Let go of those unnecessary things that bog down your life, things that weigh heavy on your spirit and suck time out of your day.  Release those things that clog up your mind and sap your joy.  Let it go…

 

Self-discipline

This week I am going to focus on …discipline.  Self-discipline to be specific.

Holidays, weekends, and celebrations have quickly given me a reason to veer from my nutrition plans.  Not feeling well, schedule changes and “life” have caused me to fall off on my exercise goals and other projects.

So this week, I have re-engaged myself and I am going to make a concerted effort to hold myself accountable.  Self-restraint, self-discipline will be in charged and “feelings” will take a back seat.

It is fine to splurge sometimes; but now is not that time for me.  Truthfully, I have over splurged!  In order to reach goals and accomplish milestones; I must stay focused.

I realize there can always be an excuse or a reason for me to let myself off the hook; but if I am really serious about end result, I must use self-discipline!

self-discipline

Image does not belong to me. Above image found through google search engine from: Affirm Your Life: SELF-DISCIPLINE Affirmations.

 

 

Staying free

Do not let how others treat you effect who you are towards them. Remain your authentic self.

What do I mean?  If you are a greeter and you see them out and about – – still say “Hi” even if they don’t say anything back.   If you feel led to check on them do it, even it you know they won’t respond back.

In the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter how they treat you – you just need to remain free in your heart.  Letting how they treat you dictate who you are regarding them, gives them a negative power over you. For example – you feel led to pray for someone, but won’t because of how they have treated you.  They don’t loose; you do.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying chase after people. Use wisdom.  Take your lead from how they treat you and spend time with them accordingly.   If someone can’t ever seem to make time to hang out its okay; just stop asking them to do things.

Never let how someone treats you cause you to harden your heart towards them; stay free.

 

 

Just Flow

I am going to try to “flow” more without planning down to the last detail. To start, I am going to post a blog when I have something to say. It may be a word, sentence, song or photo. This past year I would think to share a line or quick thought, but didn’t because I didn’t think I had “enough” to say.  No promises of frequency or theme being made or implied here.  I am just going to flow with what happens.  A pattern of frequency may develop; or not 🙂

At the same time I am going to plan to do somethings that expand me and expose me to more of life.  I am exciting about exploring the field of photography more and mingling more and meeting new people. There are a wealth of museums, galleries and sites to see near me that I have yet to explore…its time to explore them, photography them.

In life, I am not going to let unknown variables prohibit me from taking a step. I am freeing myself from “having to know” every detail before I try something new.   Sometime in life you need to just “step” without necessarily knowing “what, how or when” about the next step.

Stepping out of the box and trying something new for me.   Lets see how it goes…Just flow

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Scriptures that strengthen me:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

For we walk by faith, not by sight….. 2Corinthians 5:7

God has not given me a spirit of fear… 2 Timothy 1:7

Living On Purpose

To me this said or your serious about your goals/dreams or just playing around.
To me this said are you serious about your goals/dreams or just playing around.

 

It’s not the start of the year, beginning of the month or even week for that matter; but I feel the need for change.  This image was part of a post my cousin posted and it got me thinking.

Living on Purpose is about actively doing things that propel me forward in achieving my goals or dreams.  Choosing actions or creating opportunities regularly to expand my knowledge, increase my portfolio and not just waiting for them to “happen”.

So, I’m going to pray and create a plan of “Purpose” regarding photography and fitness/nutrition.  I don’t expect it to be easy and I may stumble, but I believe that once God puts something in your heart; and you set your mind to it— He will help bring it to pass.

 

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