Several years ago, while going through an emotionally crippling time and feeling like I was just barely making it through each day, I discovered two truths:
1) Having a focus for each day and pushing through just a few tasks (like getting dressed and tidying a room) make a world of difference in your mindset and what you can actually do versus what you tell yourself you can do.
2) Giving service to others - and intentionally calling it that - uplift and encourage more than almost anything.
When I am having a rough time, service is the last thing I want to think about. But a few years ago I felt I would never escape this dark place I found myself and I decided to give service a try. My rules for myself were simple, but they helped me look outside myself and truly begin to heal.
The first rule was that I had to do something intentional once a week.
The second rule was that I had to let the smallest things count. Some weeks I would be asked to take someone a meal in my neighborhood and I just couldn't find it in me to do that, but I could buy a pizza for them and that counted. Other times when it was all just too much, I told myself that if I would just smile and be kind to the check-out person or someone walking down the street that I would normally just avoid talking to, then that counted and smiling could be my service that week.
I think that at times we can get so caught up in being and doing that we forget to give ourselves credit for all that we have done and continue to do. I think it is okay to say that sometimes playing Hungry, Hungry Hippos 21 times in a row with our 3-year-old can be our form of service that day. Things do not have to be huge and seen to matter.
So, whether you are struggling with feeling of worth or just simply want a little boost in cheer this holiday season, look for the things you are already doing in your life that give service and help boost others. Intentionally count those things as service and discover just how much you are already doing just by being you.
Now, go pay attention to all the service you do and be mindful of the changes you feel in your life. Even if it takes years.
1) Having a focus for each day and pushing through just a few tasks (like getting dressed and tidying a room) make a world of difference in your mindset and what you can actually do versus what you tell yourself you can do.
2) Giving service to others - and intentionally calling it that - uplift and encourage more than almost anything.
When I am having a rough time, service is the last thing I want to think about. But a few years ago I felt I would never escape this dark place I found myself and I decided to give service a try. My rules for myself were simple, but they helped me look outside myself and truly begin to heal.
The first rule was that I had to do something intentional once a week.
The second rule was that I had to let the smallest things count. Some weeks I would be asked to take someone a meal in my neighborhood and I just couldn't find it in me to do that, but I could buy a pizza for them and that counted. Other times when it was all just too much, I told myself that if I would just smile and be kind to the check-out person or someone walking down the street that I would normally just avoid talking to, then that counted and smiling could be my service that week.
I think that at times we can get so caught up in being and doing that we forget to give ourselves credit for all that we have done and continue to do. I think it is okay to say that sometimes playing Hungry, Hungry Hippos 21 times in a row with our 3-year-old can be our form of service that day. Things do not have to be huge and seen to matter.
So, whether you are struggling with feeling of worth or just simply want a little boost in cheer this holiday season, look for the things you are already doing in your life that give service and help boost others. Intentionally count those things as service and discover just how much you are already doing just by being you.
Now, go pay attention to all the service you do and be mindful of the changes you feel in your life. Even if it takes years.
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