Dream big but keep expectations realistic
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
- Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
One-by-one, I emptied my box of tissues listening to my grandchildren's painful stories of heartbreaks. One discussed the ups and downs of finding the right job. For another, not having enough money to supply their dreams was frustrating. A recent relational break up was also at the heart of the matter.
The stories went on and on when each poured out their heart over the hardships and responsibilities of entering adult life.
Listening to their heart aches, I had to tend to my own emotions regarding their struggles. I desired to impart something that would put things in a better perspective so they could thrive in their transition. So I simply spoke from my heart and my own life experiences.
I explained to them that freedom feels great. When we cross that threshold to be able to make our own choices and live on our own, it can be exhilarating. Like them, those of us who have been there also held dreams of the carefree lifestyle.
But we learned quite quickly the carefree life is more about faith, mixed with determination, hard work, and perseverance and some smatterings of special times and achievements along the way.
I've never forgotten my own experience as a young wife and mother when my mate shared with me that he didn't like the responsibility of a family. At the time, I was devastated by this confession. But if I would have had the wisdom then that I do now, I would simply have shared that nobody likes it. It's something you learn to accept, work together on, and discover the joy of accomplishment.
Each season of our lives brings with it new challenges, hardships and responsibilities. Most of us are still finding our way with life challenges and new responsibilities. Mounting medical bills, job losses, and widowhood are among some of the transitions the older generation face that create new responsibilities.
If you're struggling, recognize if you feel negative toward your current responsibilities. Keep in perspective any new task or experience can seem stressful at first, but with routine and time we can adapt.
Getting enough sleep and exercise can be simple stress reducers and help provide the physical energy needed for taking on new tasks.
Dream big, but start small. Keep your expectations realistic, yet filled with faith. Add things a little at a time. Don't buy a huge house you can't afford or plan a bunch of activities you can't attend. This can place extra stress on you.
Remember the saying, "Team work makes the dream work" and enlist help whenever possible. You don't have to do everything yourself. This lightens the load.
Growing pains can feel difficult because we are being stretched out of our comfort zone. But God's plan is for us to develop a healthy attitude about life and work. Working at being joyful in the midst of growth and having gratitude while tending to daily tasks helps make the sense of responsibility feel lighter.
Even if we don't feel it, praying our way through each day, can give us the strength and courage we need to carry on.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She will speak at the Church of The Holy Spirit in Schaumburg Wednesday, May, 15. For details, call Nancy at (847) 894-7931. Annettee can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.