Steer & Stare
Growing up, I always had the ability to look on the brighter side of things. I didn't know why, I didn't know how, I was just wired to be that way. Some of my friends would always ask me why I'm so positive, or how I could overcome negative situations so easily. The truth was, I had no idea why. I tried to figure it out, but that's just how I'm made. However, I did realize this: Having the strength to look at things more positively shifts the course of my life. Life is full of ups and downs. That's just how it is. However, it's your perspective that will determine on whether you will go through life defeated by your trials or overcoming them. I've been rereading this book by Christian author Lysa Terkeurst called The Best Yes, which is about how to make wiser decisions with an overwhlemed schdule and underwhlemed soul. One quote I found significant from was this: "We steer where we stare." I found this so profound, especially since I do have an overwhelming schedule and sometimes, an underwhelmed soul.
When life's daily stresses get the best of me, the only thing I can stare at is the stress. I think of all the work I still have to do. I think about how I need to text this person back or call that person back. I need to email this person and post this update. I have to drive to meet this person and then drive there to meet that person. I think of the projects I still need to prep for, the writing I need to get done, the book I need to read, the chores that need to be accomplished, the workouts I've put-off, the bills I have to pay. It's like I'm running around with my head cut off, wondering how I'm going to get through it all. Sound familiar to you?
It's in these moments that I take a step back, really think about my situation, and come to terms with the fact that I've handled this much stress before, and that I CAN get through all of this. And once I shift my perspective into a positive one, the huge tasks I had to do all of a sudden become little daily stresses, ones that I can easily accomplish without a worry in the world.
Before, I was staring at my problem, the feeling of being overwhelmed. Once I shift my perspective and stare at the idea of making it through my crazy hectic life, I can steer in that direction, in a more positive direction.
Look, I don't know what you're going through, but I do know that everyone has battles of their own. It can feel pretty tiring to walk through life daily with a bad mindset. Take heart and realize that no matter what you go through, it'll all be over soon. We steer where we stare, so stare at the fact that no matter what situation life hands you, you'll be able to soar through it with flying colors. Think positively and you'll steer in the right direction.