How's That Working For You?

A good measuring device to see where we have come from and where we still need to go is to ask ourselves how far we have managed to move forward over the last 30 days or even the last 90 days. For some of us just beginning this new single-again journey, we may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or confused about where to go next. That is expected and normal, so believe us when we say, you are okay, dear friend. If we are just concluding the first year, or a few years of this adventure, it's okay to breathe now! 

Regardless of where we are right now, it's good to remind ourselves that we had the strength--no matter how shaky--to step out of our hurtful past and into a much better place. And so we can keep the momentum going and use that same strength to create a good life over the next 180 days or whatever time frame you are working with to thrive. 

Is it time to re-evaluate where we want to go? It just may be that when we first started out, we were not so sure of our direction. We just wanted to get out of a bad situation. Amazingly, we are still breathing and that's a good thing! Life has so many questions, distractions, and interruptions weighing us down to the point we want to give up. But, listen, that is never a good idea.

Getting Closer
The truth is, we have many opportunities to re-invent or re-start our life, especially if what we have isn't working. It will require, though, looking forward, not backward. Some new, self-imposed directional "points" will get us into motion. 

How we ask? Understand first, the way in which we move ahead is up to us. Because we are each responsible for our own lives, no one else can determine exactly how this reinvention can be done. But with all that said, maybe we can tackle some of the what together. 

Living arrangements. It may be the right time to find our own "forever" home. After staying by ourselves in that big house we "inherited," or with relatives, or a friend, or in a tiny apartment immediately after divorce, we can now look forward to finding the perfect solution that will work for us. Sit down and plan it out. Research. Ask a friend to help if that sounds better. Just have fun with it!

1920. No, we are not talking about the 20th century. This number is the average amount of hours per year we spend at our jobs (pre-retirement). Many of us can even state much more than this. So, it improves our health if we can really enjoy what we are doing 8-5pm. Is it time to find the perfect job that inspires us for the next 20-40 years? 

Balance. Life can get totally overwhelming if we don't build some rest and relaxation into our days and weeks. Becoming a workaholic gets us absolutely nowhere, except, perhaps in a hospital. 

"Nobody on their deathbed has ever said, 'I wish I had spent more time at the office.'" (Heard from Rabbi Harold Kushner). 

Get rejuvenated and take a vacation once in awhile. Don't let being single stop you--invite and share expenses with a friend. Find an enjoyable lifetime hobby or craft. Connect with people. Create fun in your life!

Keep it up. Go ahead and find other areas of your life that need improvement. Dwell on the positives, forget the negatives. Remember, positive momentum only goes forward, so pedal as fast as you want!  

Your Guide for Life
Many people start their day out on a positive note by spending just a few minutes visiting with God. He created the day's agenda just for you. He knows where you will grow, strive, and be encouraged by others he puts in your path. He knows your beginning and your end. He loves you beyond measure! 

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you" (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).