January 1 Happy New Year! Live In Grace. Walk in Love.

Affirmation: I am kind to myself. I allow myself to slow down and enjoy life.

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown

 Culitivate Self-Compassion. Let Go of Perfectionism.

GET DELIBERATE

One tool that has helped me get deliberate about my self-compassion is the Self-Compassion Scale developed by Dr. Kristin Neff, a researcher and professor at the University of Texas at Austin. It's a short test that measures the elements of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness) and the things that get in the way (self-judgment, isolation and overidentification). The scale helped me to realize that I do really well in terms of common humanity and mindfulness but that self-kindness needs my constant attention. The Self-Compassion Scale and other wonderful information are available on Dr. Neff's website, http://self-compassion.org. Complete the scale. What did you learn about yourself?

GET INSPIRED

Is there a song, quote, reflection or prayer that inspires you to put down the perfectionism shield and practice self-love? I love Alicia Keys' song "Girl on Fire." Sometimes when I'm in those deep, dark shame self-talk moments, playing a song and dancing around the kitchen while singing into a spatula (yes, I really do that) is the perfect life raft.

GET GOING

Recently, when I was going through a particularly difficult time with my work, I made a habit of waking up and saying: "Okay, Brene. I've got your back." It was just a little reassurance for me, from me. Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, what's something you could say to yourself that puts that self-compassion in gear for the day?

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Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews 

The Persistent Decision 

7. I WILL PERSIST WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

I possess the greatest power ever bestowed upon mankind. I hold fast to my dreams. I stay the course. I do not quit.

I acknowledge that most people quit when exhaustion sets in, but I am not “most people.”

I am stronger than most people. Average people compare themselves with other people, and that is why they remain average.

I compare myself to my potential. I am not average. I see exhaustion as a precursor to victory. By persisting without exception, my outcome—my success—is assured.

It is my wish that you have gained something positive and productive from reading about these seven decisions.

I strongly believe that there is nothing you can’t do if you have the proper mindset and conviction.-Andy Andrews

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.

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Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love by Bob Goff

January 1Live In Grace. Walk In Love.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28 - 30.

I remember learning to ride my first bike, but my favorite bike memories are when I taught my kids. Without fail, at the beginning, the front tire would wobble back-and-forth more and more wildly just as one of them hit the dust. And they all bit the dust. Sometimes they would try again; sometimes they would call it quits. Learning to ride a bike at first is completely unnatural. Once it clicks - the balance, pedaling, steering – it is hard to imagine, not knowing how to do it. With enough practice, you don’t even think about riding a bike anymore. You just do it.

Jesus talks about taking up a challenge to live differently. It is sort of like riding a bike. He wants us to live in grace and walk in love, but at first it is a gangly, wobbly wreck. We might even get banged up a little. Then, after a while, you just know how to do it. The Bible describes it as a rhythm, like breathing itself, where we are taking in grace for ourselves, and holding out love for others. It is not natural, and it takes some practice. But Jesus showed us the way. Maybe one day we will look a little more graceful and pull off some cool tricks- hop a couple of curbs, do a wheelie or a Bunnyhop. Not unlike Peter and John, who healed a man and Acts 3, Jesus wants us to stick with him through the awkward learning parts, so we can learn to ride like He does. He wants to take your mind off of falling so we can pedal more fearlessly. Sure, there will be some scratches and scrapes. But we can pick each other up and help each other get back on for another go.

What habits and rhythms do you need to practice to help you naturally experience God’s grace and your life?