Posted on Mar 29, 2016 in
LIVING THE SWEET LIFE
By Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Nationally recognized portrait artist and award-winning columnist.
It’s that time of the year when we all are ready for the cold to dissipate and for the flowers to bloom. It’s “greatness” time too. If you are like me, you found yourself last year reflecting and wondering, “Where did the year go?”
Sometimes when life starts to happen, we let ourselves just go with the flow instead of purposefully positioning ourselves for great things. Now is the time to access those resolutions and tweak if necessary, so you don’t look up and find another year has flown by, and you lived mindlessly instead of mindfully.
Let’s think about that for a minute. One of the most important things we have is time. People who are older and wiser often look back over their lives and wish for what? Time. It’s human nature to want to rush and get ahead, but truthfully, as I get older, I realize that God intends greatness for all of us, and much of that is given through living mindfully and not blindly.
So, I vowed to not be so rushed. I vowed to spend time wasting time. For me, that really means spending time doing nothing, because I am such a planned and scheduled person that to think of not doing something feels like I am wasting time. I am of course doing the exact opposite, but it feels that way nonetheless.
The sun kissed the beautiful ocean of Puerta Vallarta as God ended another perfect day in paradise.
What can we all do to make 2016 remarkable and savor the little moments? Stop. Yep, it is pretty simple to say but as they say, “Oh so difficult to actually do!” Go through your calendar and block off a day each week or a day each month for just you. Make it an afternoon trip to the park or a day trip to somewhere close by like the sea. Take a picnic instead of going to a restaurant – it’s part of the experience. Mainly plan to just “be.”
An interesting thing will happen as you do these things. You will become enlightened as to what the most important things are in your life. You will recognize people in your life who are rare jewels and want nothing more than your very best happiness, and you will also find those who are pretending. You will feel pulled closer to the Holy Spirit – insert divine power for those of my non-Christian friends – and you will be told your greatness. Listen. Obey.
Spring is here, and flowers are beginning to wake up and shine. Through the years, we are given opportunities to grow and opportunities to reflect. Last year, I was in a reflection year. With each life event that occurred, I became ever more reminded of how precious time is. I was dormant and waiting. This year, with renewed purpose, I am mindfully savoring my moments and blossoming as an artist, mother, wife and friend. It takes conscious effort to wait for it, to then recognize it and at last to succumb to God’s greatness for our lives.
I want to hear from you! What are the most important moments in your life? How did you in those quiet moments discover your calling and greatness?
Take Care of YOU!
alisa@absolutelyfocusmedia.com
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