Tuesday, December 1, 2009

TAKE THINGS STEP BY STEP


"The key is to take things step by step. Otherwise, recovery will be a long, slow process." It was in reference to brain injury and was on Colette Amelia's blog tonight.

It set up a firestorm of thought. People I know are suffering, perhaps even me. They want things--recovery, situations changed, excess weight gone, relationships changed, a baby, to have grief over a loved gone, to feel successful. They might want their children to be happy when they are not, children to do better at life, at school, and to have better friends, to quit rebelling, etc.,

They/we want recovery from whatever it is they are dealing with, and they/we want it now. It's like that old saying, "God, please give me patience. Now!"

What's wrong with slow progress? Why do we have to have it now? Why can't we be happy that we might have the chance of having what we want? Or the thought that today is one day closer to maybe getting what we want? We might not get it, but we might. Maybe we shouldn't be distressed and anxious. And what happens if we don't get what we want? Maybe we will get something else, instead. Maybe something better.

Okay, you say, what about the people who are dying? And then they die? What then, Miss Smarty Pants? Did they get what they wanted?

I don't know. Maybe when they got "there" they found out that they really wanted to be "there." I've heard stories of people dying and having to come back to their bodies and they didn't want to, no matter who or what they had left on earth. They had to be persuaded and sometimes even forced. This happened to my niece. She died and met her Grandma--my mom. She didn't want to come back. Mom had to get a little bit testy with her and told her, in no uncertain terms, that she would go back, and go back she did!

Well, this blog post got away from me. I had no idea it was going in this direction. I just wanted to think that maybe we shouldn't be unhappy with the progress we or others are making--or not making--as maybe we/they are making progress even though it looks like we/they are not. So, there you have it.

Be happy tonight. Everything is under control, even if it doesn't seem like it.

Slow progress is still progress. Give yourself a break. You're doing all right.

And you know darn well that I'm giving this advice to myself first and foremost. And I'm trying to take it. And it's hard to swallow but I'm working at it. Slow and steady. Baby steps, maybe but steps, never the less. Listen to yourself, Lynne. Just listen.

Thanks, Colette for the good advice.

11 comments:

Lorraine said...

How appropriate and wonderfully put, the mark of a good author is one who writes something that will seem individually directed but is really for everyone. Baby Steps...I have to remember that

Laura ~Peach~ said...

hugsssssssss

Julie Harward said...

Good points...we are here to learn patience I think. The "I want it now" is my struggle...I'll keep trying! Come say hi :D

Shan said...

I loved this post. Mostly because I'm a "give me patience now" kind of person. I really struggle with seeing my own progress because sometimes it happen so slowly that I don't notice it until I look way back to where I used to be. I think we all need to be more patient and kind with ourselves. Unless we are total jerks, maybe.

The Burgers said...

It's been a while since I've taken the time to read your blog and this post tonight reminded me of how much I miss talking to you, you have a way with words! When my 3 girls were babies some days I had to take it one minute at a time. Our Heavenly Father will not give us more then we can handle but we have to remember to break it down into incriments we can handle and sometimes that's one minute at a time! Thank you for this post Lynne :)

Betsy Brock said...

Sometimes when we let our thoughts flow out of our fingers as we type, the best things come out! Thanks for posting this. Baby steps..yes..or as The Mister always says...One day at a time...

:)

Damama T said...

Well, now we know why you've been on my mind all day long. I was supposed to read this. Thank you. I'm struggling. I want what I want and I want it yesterday. There is progress. Things ARE getting better. But DANG IT, NOT QUICKLY ENOUGH!

I counsel people all the time to give themselves a break. Thanks for the reminder to do as I say.

And for whatever your struggles are, I pray your words strike you as they have me. Hugs, Darlin'!

Shawn said...

Such a great post----I have missed your amazing posts----sorry I have been out of commission for a while. I've been swamped---but will try to get back on track!

Love you, my dear....

Colette Amelia said...

You are more than welcome...and now my friend I have a bouquet for you...I know I know but it will be good for a blog and in these days when blogging is difficult an award is a good way to keep the mind sharp.

I love love love the new photo on the header!!!3 exclaimation points!

Muum said...

challenges always look better in the rear view mirror. I try not to whine, but that IS a challenge, too!

Karen Deborah said...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving make your requests known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

I thank God every day that so many of the things I wanted I never received. What we need we are given. Unrest and striving are foes of our peace. And yet we all want, it is constant this wanting.
I think the cure is gratitude but each day its a battle.

I like it when you dig around in the deep my friend.