I find it extremely difficult to be open-minded, accepting, positive (all the time), and willing to place all prejudices and cynicism aside, which requires...(actually) forces us to go beyond our comfort zone. This concept or truth...or weakness (?) has been my most monstrous struggle lately...or for a long time, and I'm almost certain that most individuals face this on a daily basis. We're all wired very specifically and differently and our reactions and that on which we base all our decisions, entirely depend on our upbringing, passed experiences, observations, and the thread that we've used to sew our lives together.
While we grow, we form certain habits...habits that may stick with us the rest of our lives. Cynicism is easy. However, the ability to believe, to trust, to be openly loving, to put ourselves out there and be a living example of God's unconditional love, forgiveness, patience, and deep-rooted strength...not so easy. Many of us utilize defense mechanisms frequently, in order to shield ourselves and justify just about anything. We've trained our brains to believe that it's best, (and safer) to steer clear of openly feeling vulnerable, trusting, open-minded, and venturing out into the unknown. Straying from our safe havens in order to be more than what we are involves huge risks. Then again, any amazing accomplishments or important goals always involve risk and sacrifice.
The biggest risks I've ever taken are : My 1st teaching job, then leaving that job a year later to take a different job, selling our house in a down market (and losing $) only to gain something much better, rescuing Cece when Jon specifically told me "Don't bring those kittens in" (one of the best decisions I've ever made...sorry for mentioning that Jon - I know you love Cece), and jumping into important roles at school such as drama director ( a couple years back), choir director, dance co-director etc, when at 1st I'm not sure what I'm doing.
Being thrown into a role or situation where you must quickly think on your feet and figure it out as you go along, even if the job or role seems impossible or extremely complex, usually proves to be a huge blessing in disguise, and in the end you're thankful and grateful for life lessons, knowledge, control, and experience you've gained as a result. I lecture on this a lot at school - (as well as)trying new things, pushing yourself to accomplish something new and exciting, meeting new people. I feel like I should take more risks, push myself even further, and I've decided to stay committed to this decision. I feel that my focus is definitely improving, and I've learned that if I make a decision, truly stick to it, concentrate with every inch of my being, even if it means making sacrifices, I accomplish the goals I set out to achieve...Usually it takes a while, and patience is the one thing I really struggle with. My question for today is : Is being patient, open-minded, trusting, and willing to try and think positively about new things difficult for most people?? (Is it hard for you??)
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