Serenity – Page 3 – SereneLiving

Career Reflections

Life takes many twists and turns. Careers morph during the course of a lifetime. But certain skills and traits will serve you well in any career. Of course, serenity helps you to navigate change and flourish. As I was reflecting on some of the things I am learning about leadership and about some of the things that have served me well in the varied course of my career, I came up with a list.

I am a firm believer in creating a strategy map to design your career and your career goals and aspirations. Lately, I’ve been working on focus and intention. My new planner is helping me to more effectively use time-blocking and goal setting to have the discipline to work on what matters most.

There are certain life skills that I believe have served me well. I think these can be taught but are also ‘caught’ through the influence of significant people in your life.

What are the skills and traits you consider most important in a successful career?

Best Year Ever? Worst Year Ever?

2017 started out like many years – with me desiring to make the most of my time and energy. So I signed up for Michael Hyatt‘s course Best Year Ever. I began the year with great goals and high productivity. I was excited about using time blocking to manage my time and increase my results. My personal and professional lives were going along swimmingly.

On April 3rd everything came to a screeching halt. Our daughter and my parents were in a horrific car accident. Thus began a four month ordeal that I will share more about in a future post. I spent weeks at a time in Florida with my family.

In my shower there hangs an Aqua Notes waterproof pad for jotting down great ideas that often come to me first thing in the morning. At the beginning of the year, I wrote on the top sheet “2017 BEST YEAR EVER.” Every time I came home from Florida, that paper would be staring me in the face each morning. I began to wonder if this was the Worst Year Ever.

Although I was tempted to cross out the word “Best” several times with a big X, I did not. I came to see that even in the midst of the worst ordeal of my life, there were still things to be thankful for. I tried to add to my 1000Gifts thankfulness journal. I held on to my faith and searched for moments of serenity amid the stress and exhaustion. I prayed like never before. I sought God and tried to continue to praise Him despite my circumstances.

Serenity in the Midst of Turmoil

There is a lot of unrest in America following the recent election. So many are worried about the future of our country. Social media is full of opinions on both sides of the fence. It is easy to get caught up in the turmoil. And yet, we must remember that our God is in control. He holds us in the palm of His hand. He watches over us and our country. He offers peace and rest free for the asking.

One of my favorite activities is to go out for a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature. In this way, I reconnect with God and refresh my spirit. I see the incredible world that God has made and I am at peace. I enjoy fresh air, beautiful vistas, a bit of exercise, and photo ops. Hope you will enjoy these pics from a later afternoon hike in the woods near our home.

This old stone wall (maybe a damn) is in the middle of the woods

As you contemplate natural beauty, allow your soul to be at rest and allow peace to invade your spirit. Take time to enjoy the world around you.

Meteor Showers

Our family loves meteor showers and star gazing. Enough that we get up in the middle of the night and predawn hours to enjoy the sights. When the kids were small, we got up about 4 am to lie on the golf course in Florida one time to watch the meteors. A few years ago, Katryn and I got up about 2 am, spread a blanket on our lawn, and lay looking at the meteors and talking about life for an hour. More recently Deryck and I set alarms and went out on the second floor balcony in the midnight hours to watch for meteors. There is something about the majesty of the skies that makes it worth getting up to see these sights. I am continually amazed and awed by creation and its beauty. When I spend time in nature, it grounds and centers me; it reminds me of how big God is and how He loves to bring us joy and delight. I find serenity when I can spend time outdoors enjoying all the sights of weather, sky, nature, creatures, and trees. Most days I stop to take pictures of clouds or sunsets. Taking time for the enjoyment of life’s little pleasures keeps me serene.

Favorite Quotes

It was Thomas Moore who said, “The vessel in which soul-making takes place is an inner container scooped out by reflection and wonder.”

Rejuvenation

I try to make time on weekends for creative and stimulating pursuits.

Some of the activities that I enjoy are painting, with watercolors or acrylics, reading mysteries, keeping a journal, and drinking hot tea or hot cocoa.

What does rejuvenation look like for you?

Island Adventures

Had a fantastic day trip to Block Island this past weekend.

We rented mopeds and rode, then walked out to the North Lighthouse,

swam, walked around the point, and then rode round to the Southeast Light and Mohegan Bluffs. Went back into town for lunch and then another swim and some frisbee in the ocean. A sun-filled, salty, sandy day was just what we all needed. Refreshing to walk along the shore and see the ocean, which was very clear and a beautiful turquoise blue.

Serenity restored.

The Art of Relaxation

Margin is an important concept, especially in the life of an introvert. Margin, like the white space around the edges of the pages in a book, simply means making space in your life just to be. I am intentional about down time in my life. Serenity to me involves some time to just sit and relax on my back porch most days.

Points of View

Love these gardens and the view of the meadow … and Friday night picnics. An oasis in my week.

Seasons of Life

In the last three months, I’ve had surgery, been on an international trip (the trip of a lifetime with my parents who are in their eighties), traveled 1000 miles to attend the funeral of an 18 year old, celebrated a birthday, learned that my 85 year old dad was told by his doctor that he should give up driving, said goodbye to our beloved dog of 14 years after a traumatic accident, traveled for a long weekend, attended a backyard concert, volunteered at my church fair, and had numerous physical therapy appointments – all while working full time and being a student in a doctoral program. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster. I realized that the sleepless nights lately have been mostly because my subconscious is worrying the problem about my parents as they are still very active but starting to need more help. When I awoke the other night at 2 a.m. – not the first time – and thought I would not get back to sleep, I prayed and let go of my worry and fell immediately back to sleep. The power of prayer is amazing. We need only ask God for His grace and mercy; He loves us so incredibly much and wants to grant us peace. I’m thankful that when I remember to turn to Him, He is always at the ready. He longs to give me serenity.