Finding Our Way: Boundaries in Relationships

   

“Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership.”

-“Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

Two years ago I went on a humanitarian aid trip to Kashmir, India. We did a variety of things but one of the most interesting parts was spending a week in the Himalayan Mountains learning the culture of the nomadic shepherds. The valleys were flat and dry with few homes but everywhere we looked we found protective structures built out of stone that stood about three feet tall. These structures were meant to protect the sheep and goats from the wolves and snow leopards that roam through the mountains at night.  The littlest lambs and goats were put into a hole in the ground and covered with a rock for extra protection. These protective structures built for the lambs and goats can be a picture to us of boundaries and how they ought to function in our lives.



Dr.'s Cloud and Townsend explain that boundaries are like a property line. Everything inside the property line represents our lives and what we are individually responsible for; everything outside the property line represents the lives of others and their responsibilities. However, because we were created for connection and relationship it is important that our “protective structures” or boundaries have gates that can open and close. Gates are meant to keep the good in and the bad out. Similarly, the pens built by the nomadic shepherds are sometimes left open to allow the sheep to graze and drink water; or to allow the shepherds in to care for the sheep. At night; however, the pens are shut to keep the wild animals out.

It may seem odd that I would follow up a blog on vulnerability with a blog about boundaries; however, the order is quite purposeful as there is a significant connection between the two. Someone whose boundaries are extremely rigid (their gate is always closed) is often unwilling to be vulnerable. These people tend to hide from genuine connection like we discovered in the previous blog.  In order to become more vulnerable we need to become more flexible in our boundaries. Some individuals, however, have such loose boundaries  (their gate is always open) that they tend to become overly enmeshed in their relationships with others and become susceptible to abuse. Many of us, without realizing it, tend to live in the extremes with overly rigid or overly flexible boundaries. A healthy person, however, often learns to live somewhere in the middle with a gate that opens and shuts at the appropriate times.

Take a few minutes to review the following questions. Write down either “Yes” or “No” answers for each question on a separate piece of paper. Your answers may help you determine whether or not your boundaries tend to be overly rigid or overly flexible:

1)    Do you find yourself unable to accomplish the items on your to-do list because you are
       continuously helping others to complete theirs? 
2)    Do you find that you continue to be hurt in relationships the same way again and again? 
3)    When you are bearing a heavy burden do you tend to keep it to yourself instead of asking for
       help?
4)    Do you expect others to know how to meet your needs without having verbalizing how you
       would like your needs met?
5)    Do you tend to push off little tasks of your day onto other people even when you know you are
       able to get it done yourself? 
6)    Do you challenge another person’s “no” by making them feel guilty or pushing them to say “yes”
       to something you want? 
7)    Your friends express that they would really like to go to a restaurant you really dislike. If they
       asked for your opinion would you tell them and suggest a different place?
8)    Do you become very upset by someone who refuses your advice or opinion? 
9)    Do you tend to make excuses or blame other for your mistakes?
10)  Do you refuse to accept forgiveness from others when you have made a mistake that has caused
       much pain?

If you have answered mostly Yes to questions 1, 2, 5, 7,& 9 your boundaries are likely too flexible.
If you have answered mostly Yes to questions 3, 4, 6, 8, & 10 your boundaries are likely too rigid.



When you’ve been “lost” doing something in an unhealthy way it is hard to imagine that there could be another option, but there is! For this reason it is helpful to have a wise friend or counselor to walk with you through the changes. In addition, your friend or counselor will be able to offer you the support you will need when others in your life challenge the new boundaries you choose to set.

Though it may seem as though boundaries would bring more restrictions, when applied correctly, they actually bring freedom.  The work of developing healthy boundaries may be difficult, but it’s worth it!

What are you waiting for???

For a greater understanding of Boundaries I would recommend the book “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. Boundaries can sometimes be difficult to understand and at times even harder to implement. Sometimes the help of a friend or a professional can help bring about the needed changes. Don’t hesitate to seek the help of others if you are beginning a journey towards creating healthier boundaries.

Submitted By: Sarah E. White

Finding Our Way: Vulnerability in Relationships

"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”

-Brene Brown

Brene Brown is a leading researcher on the topic of vulnerability. She paints a beautiful picture of why vulnerability is necessary in healthy relationship but before we jump to our end goal of vulnerability in relationships, let’s get “lost” for a minute and consider what life is like without vulnerability.

I meet with people at some of their most vulnerable moments; I also get a first hand glimpse into the pain that exists when vulnerability is not present. I consistently see individuals who struggle to allow their internal experience to be expressed to their outer world. I see people struggling to share their disappointments and pain with others around them but just as often I see people struggle to express their desires, dreams, and longings. So what might this look like? It looks like an individual who lies or hides; a person who retreats to isolation, lives a double life, avoids any risk of failure, a person who keeps their dreams, fears, longings and tears to themselves for fear that exposing these things will just increase their pain. It looks like someone who orchestrates their life, relationships and conversations to avoid the risk of being exposed.

As a counselor I’m not immune to this fear of vulnerability, in fact I would argue that there is not a single person who is. When we choose to share the tender places of our hearts there is great risk that we might be hurt. In fact many of us go through life hiding because we have been significantly hurt in our past. Some of us have been so hurt that we avoid vulnerability at all costs. The problem is, however, that when we shut ourselves off to vulnerability we also shut ourselves off to genuine connection, acceptance, and love, which are the very things that bring healing to pain we have once endured.

Brene Brown finds in her research that while everyone may struggle to be vulnerable there are individuals who choose to face this fear head on and choose vulnerability despite the risk. Brown refers to these individuals as the “whole-hearted” and states that they take the risk to be vulnerable simply because they believe that they are worth the risk. It is my personal belief that we can begin to find the courage to be vulnerable in relationships when we begin to experience and accept grace. Grace gives us the freedom to make mistakes, fail, and it gives us the strength to endure and share our unmet desires and longings. Grace, especially when rooted in a relationship with God, has the power to shatter the chains that keep us hiding. Grace, however, is not always a guarantee; therefore, when we are not offered grace by those around us it is imperative to offer grace to ourselves and to seek out the grace and love of our Heavenly Father.

What would it be like to live life boldly, and with honesty, believing that your feelings, dreams, and ideas are worth sharing? How might it change you, your friends and your relationships? Though the courage to be vulnerable sometimes  leads to rejection it overwhelming leads them to much greater and sweeter rewards than those "rewards" that come from hiding.

Are you hiding? Isolated? Perhaps you need to start heading down the path towards vulnerability. Maybe this is something you can work on yourself or perhaps you need a counselor to help light the path. Regardless of how you get there… 

start today!

“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.”
-Mother Theresa

For a greater understanding of Brene Brown’s research take 20 minutes to listen to her video. Her life has not been the same since uncovering the power of vulnerability; perhaps yours will never be the same either. Brene Brown also has several books available on the topic, including “Gifts of Imperfection” and “Daring Greatly.” Some books I would recommend on the topic of grace include, "The Ragamuffin Gospel' by Brennan Manning and "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey.

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Finding Our Way: Towards Healthy Living

A few years ago some friends and I planned an overnight hiking/camping trip in Lancaster County. One friend and I had to arrive late and planned to meet up with our friends who had already completed the hike and had set up camp. We arrived with a few hours of remaining daylight. 

We were given basic instructions to follow the “orange” markings and were told that if we followed the path we would eventually find our group. With our heavy packs full of supplies, we started off towards our friends. Or so we thought…

We walked half a mile down a hill when suddenly the orange markings began to disappear; we corrected our steps back up the steep hill, relieved to find the orange markings. After another 20 minutes or so in another direction, the orange markings began to disappear again. Finally, we began to find our way and we were excited to see an opening directly ahead of us. As we approached the opening our sense of peace turned to dread as we realized we were approaching the parking lot where we had arrived 2 hours earlier. We were exhausted, our backs were hurting from the extra 50-pound packs, the sun was setting, and we were no closer to finding our friends than we were 2 hours earlier.

We were lost. In a sense we knew where we were, in fact we were exactly where we had started, but we had no idea how to get where we were going.  We knew we didn’t want to be where we were, we knew there was a destination for us somewhere in the woods, but even if we could ask someone for help, we couldn’t have told them where we were going!

 I share this personal story because I believe that this is often a person’s experience when they come in for counseling. People come for help when they’re feeling “lost” or when they’re certain that their current circumstances need to change, but so often they are unsure of where they want to go or what needs to change. People will state, “I just don’t want to be anxious anymore,” or “I don’t want to be depressed.” While these are fair statements and certainly understandable, the first step in developing a goal is to think less about what you don’t want and to think more about what you do want.

With a little help and some insight from their counselors, individuals are usually able to figure out where it is they want to go. They’re able to imagine the healthy alternative to their current situation and then, with eyes fixed on that goal, they can begin to move towards that goal one step at a time.

Perhaps you’re at a point where you’re lost but you don’t even know it. Perhaps you know you’re “lost” but you’re unsure of what direction to start moving. While the end goal is going to be different for everyone, we always want to be moving in a direction that will help us to reach a healthy alternative to our current situation. But what does it mean to be healthy? What does a healthy individual look like?

Over the next few months I will be exploring various aspects of a “healthy” person. I will be offering pieces of research and resources that can aid you in developing healthy goals and a clear direction. It is my desire that as we explore these topics you will find this blog to be a compass that continually points you in the direction that you need to go. As Socrates states, 

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new”

We all get lost from time to time; let's figure out where we're going, fix our eyes on our destination, and start moving forward. 

Up-coming Blog: "Vulnerability In Relationships" 

We have some video and book resources available that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to sign up to receive e-mail notifications when our blog is updated by listing your e-mail address in the "Follow By E-mail" option at the top of the blog screen. 

***If there is a specific topic you would like to hear about feel free to e-mail us and let us know!

What to Do When You're Feeling Blue

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE FEELING BLUE.

Winter is a difficult season for many individuals. The harsh temperatures, darker mornings and overall decrease in sunlight can make it tough for us to keep up with our regular routines. Many of us become lethargic and take comfort in the warmth of our homes wishing we could hibernate until Spring. We slack off on our exercise routines; spend more time in front of the television and less time with friends.

This winter has been especially difficult.  We’ve had snowfall after snowfall, icy roads, and frigid temperatures. It is possible that lack of sun exposure in and of itself can cause the winter blues in some individuals. It is likely however, that many others begin to experience symptoms of depression because of their inactivity, social isolation, and personal scripts, or thoughts, about the dreadfulness of winter.    

How are you responding this winter season? Are you keeping up with your exercise routine? Are you continuing to find time to spend with friends and family? Have you made some adjustments to work from home rather than heading into the office? Is it harder to get up on Sunday and head to your place of worship? Are you repeatedly focusing on the awfulness of winter? Do you find yourself sleeping more than usual?

It’s time to make some changes. According to Punxsutawney Phil we’ve got about 5 more weeks of winter ahead of us. We can bury our heads under our blankets or make the most of this winter season.

The following are some tips that might be helpful:

1.   Exercise.
Whether you’ve slacked off on your exercise routine or you never had one to begin with, now is the time to get moving. Try getting 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three times per week. You might also try yoga to help you focus your mind and exercise at the same time. Having a hard time being committed? Ask a friend to exercise with you.

2.    Maintain a Healthy Diet.

Eat regular meals and focus on cutting out sugary sweets and comfort foods, which can cause a crash in your level of energy. Instead, try eating complex carbohydrates such as baked potatoes, whole-wheat pasta, and oatmeal; be sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

3.    Schedule Fun Activities.
Mark down days on the calendar so you have something to look forward to and a plan to be active. Take advantage of fun winter activities and plan to go sledding, tubing, skiing, or ice-skating. Grab hot chocolate by a warm fire, go bowling, or enjoy a nice dinner out. Yes, it’s cold outside but that’s no reason to keep from spending quality time with your friends and family.

4.    Get to Bed and Wake up at Regular Times.

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule not only ensures that we have energy to stay active but it also plays an important role in regulating our mood. Go to bed and wake up at regularly scheduled times. Plan something for your morning that will encourage you to hop out of bed (yummy breakfast, cup of coffee, time to read, or get right into the shower). Before you do anything though, open up your curtains and let the sun come shining through.

5.    Focus on the Positive
It’s time to adjust that script you’ve got playing through your mind, you know, the one that focuses on how awful the cold is and how unbearably long winter is beginning to feel. On your drive to and from work take time to think about all the things for which you are thankful. Perhaps you’ll even find that you’re thankful for winter!

Some of these recommendations and other helpful tips can be found here.

When is it time to seek help? Making some simple adjustments in your daily routine is sometimes enough to stave off symptoms of depression; however, it is not always that easy. There is a difference between experiencing some mild winter blues and severe depression. Here are some questions to consider when contemplating the seriousness of your “winter blues”:

-       Are you having significant difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night? Are you suddenly sleeping much more than usual?

-       Have you noticed a significant increase or decrease in weight?

-       Are you losing interest in things that once made you excited?

-       Do you find yourself experiencing thoughts of worthlessness?

-       Are you beginning to avoid social interactions?

-       Are you experiencing difficulty concentrating?

-       Do you find yourself lacking the energy to make it through your day?

-       Are you missing work, assignments, or social commitments because of your depressed mood?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions and are experiencing a depressed mood it is possible that you may need to seek professional help in addition to making some of the above lifestyle changes. Be sure to follow up with a medical or mental health professional and explain to them the symptoms that you are experiencing. The counselors at Ganey Counseling & Consultation would be happy to hear about your experience, answer any questions you might have, and assist you in makings changes that can bring relief from your depressive symptoms. Feel free to check out our website at ganeycounseling.com and call us to set up an appointment.

Just like winter, depression often beckons us to hibernation and seclusion; however, the most helpful response is a proactive one that points us toward getting the help that we need.  Instead of slowing down, let’s get moving!

What action can you implement today?

Being Present

Being Present

“Wherever you are, be all there.” Many of us have probably heard this quote from Jim Elliot; fewer, I would guess, actually put it into practice. The practice of being present can be a difficult task if we’re not consciously making an effort to do so. Our fast-pace culture, constant access to technology, holiday planning, ever-lengthening to-do lists, and our numerous attempts at multitasking, keep us from being present. We’re here, now, but in our minds we’re a million miles away.

Perhaps you can relate. Have you ever taken out your medicine or vitamins in the morning only to stare at the bottle a few minutes later wondering whether or not you took one?

Ever get a shower at the end of a long day only to stop to stare at the shampoo bottle wondering if you just did wash your hair or if were about to?

If so, then you, much like myself, need to begin the practice of being present.

To get started, I looked up some different definitions of the word present:

pres·ent [prez-uh nt] adjective
1. being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current: the present ruler.
2. at this time; at hand; immediate.
(Dictionary.com)

pres·ent adjective \ˈpre-z^ənt\

: not past or future : existing or happening now

—used to say what someone or something is now

: at the particular place or event that is being referred to

(Merriam-Webster)

Another way of thinking about being present is that whatever your body is doing, your mind is doing it also. We go through our lives on autopilot getting things done but in a way that is disconnected from our world and what our body is doing. Our hands are doing one thing while our minds are focused on another thing entirely. So often we’re worrying about the future or ruminating on pain or regrets of the past. The problem with this is that we’re not currently living in the past or the future. There is nothing that our ruminating will do to change the past and there is nothing that our worrying will do to effectively change the future. The only thing we have the ability to access is the moment at hand; sadly it’s slipping through our fingers and we’re not even fully aware that it is happening.

Living in the present moment means that when you wake up in the morning and you open up your vitamins and pop one into your mouth your brain is fully connected to what your body is doing. You don’t have to wonder if you took your vitamins or were about to take them because you were there, you were present, throughout the whole process. It means that as you sit with friends and family you’re looking at them, really listening, taking in the experience and connecting with them instead of allowing your mind to drift away to a million other thoughts that are vying for your attention.

So what are the benefits of being present?

Learning to be present can positively impact your life in several ways.

1.     PEACE – As you focus your thoughts on the present moment instead of letting them drift to the future your level of anxiety is likely to profoundly decrease. Think about it, are you more likely to feel anxious focusing on a nice meal you’re enjoying with your family or focusing on that big presentation you have at work on Friday?

2.     JOY – Keeping your thoughts in the present moment instead of letting them drift to the past is likely to decrease feelings of depression. Instead of dwelling on pain or regrets, instead of feeling empty and disconnected, focusing your thoughts and attention on the present moment can help to bring joy in noticing the little delights of your day that you would otherwise miss out on.

3.     LOVE – Living in the present is sure to increase your level of connection with those around you. The less time you are drifting away in your mind, the less you are distracted by technology and your to-do list, the more you will be able to share stories, laughter, smiles, and tears with those around you.

4.     PRODUCTIVITY – Perhaps you’re imaging that if you’re always present then you will never get anything done. Don’t be fooled. While we think we are masters at multitasking, studies have shown that we are actually more efficient when we focus our minds to accomplish one thing at a time. Being present isn’t only something to apply to our social lives but to our working lives as well.

So how do you actually go about the practice of being present?

Let's cover some of the basics:

1)   Put down the cell phone.
Technology is great but not when we’re sitting with friends and family and everyone is texting or searching the Internet instead of talking to one another. Make it a point to keep your cell phone in your pocket if you don’t need it. If possible, turn it on silent! Humanity survived for quite some time without constant access to technology, we can too.

2)   Breathe.

Take a deep breath in and then exhale slowly through your nose. Did you do it? Try again...breathe.....

Take a minute to really focus on your breathing; connect your mind to this most simple task that your body does everyday. Feeling better already? Try clearing your mind and focusing only on your breathing. As you do this, you will notice that your thoughts will start to wander – to the present – to the past – anywhere but the here and now. When that happens, accept it, it happens to everyone, but when you notice it, bring your thoughts back to your breath.

3)   Connect to the world through your senses.

Wiggle your toes. Seriously, do it... What do you feel?

The softness of your sock? A tight shoe? The warmth of a fire on your bare skin? Close your eyes. What do you hear? Music? Talking? The soft hum of a fan? Open your eyes. What do you see? Look closely, pay attention. Snow sparkling on the trees? People you love? Take a minute to drink it all in. These are the little delights of each day that we miss when our thoughts are wondering away from our bodies. Taking inventory of our senses can help to connect our minds to our bodies and focus us on the present moment.

4)   Take your thoughts captive.

Life is busy; your mind may be busier. The more you practice being present the more you will begin to notice how often your mind wanders to the past or the future. It’s normal for your thoughts to wander, but if you’re going to practice being present it’s important to learn to recognize when your thoughts have wandered, accept the fact, and then graciously bring your thoughts back to the present. If certain thoughts seem to keep creeping in then get out a pen and paper. Write out your thoughts, leave them on the paper, and come back to it another time if necessary. The good news is that the more you practice, the easier it becomes to refocus your thoughts.

 Hopefully these practical suggestions will get you started in living more fully in the present moment. As was previously stated, however, the practice of being present requires conscious effort. 

Are you ready to start living in the present moment? 

Take five minutes now and practice connecting your mind to the present moment by focusing more on one of your senses... the results can be immediate and the benefits of continued practice, long-lasting. 

You’ve already lived through the past, worrying can’t do anything to change the future, why not join me and start living in the PRESENT?

Take Time to Give Thanks

Take Time to Give Thanks

Thankfulness is something we tend to reflect on during the holidays, obviously giving it the most attention on Thanksgiving. While the holidays are a great time to be purposeful in giving thanks, we would all benefit from making thankfulness a part of each and every day. A recent article I read only seems to bolster this perspective. Belle Cooper, at the Huffington Post, recently wrote an article titled, "Ten Simple Things You Can Do Today That Will Make You Happier, Backed By Science”. Number ten on her list was practicing gratitude. Citing two research studies she noted that practicing gratitude was likely to increase one’s positive affect, life satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships. In addition, Ann Voskamp, author of “One Thousand Gifts,” wrote a book about the importance of giving thanks and her journey of learning to count her blessings. She goes so far as to say that the simple act of counting your blessings “is guaranteed to change your life.”

Inspired by resources such as these, as well as by the thankful spirit of a close friend, one year ago I decided to create a thankfulness jar. It was nothing spectacular, just an old glass jar I had lying around that I decided to fill with notes of thankfulness. Each night before going to bed I would write down the various things, big or small, that I had to be thankful for throughout the day. I would then fold up the paper, slip it into the jar, and go to sleep with thoughts of thankfulness on my mind.

Did it change my life? 

I’m not sure I can say that it did, but it certainly changed my perspective and helped to cultivate a spirit of contentment and thankfulness within me. It helped to draw my focus away from life’s disappointments and towards the things I might have otherwise taken for granted.  

Dietrich Bonhoeffer has been quoted saying, "In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."

In order to embrace the perspective that our lives are truly “rich,” we need to incorporate gratitude into the most ordinary of days. There is no right or wrong way to practice thankfulness but sometimes having a specific way that it becomes part of your routine is helpful. 

Here are some practical ideas…

• Thankfulness Journal/Letters
• Jar of Thanks (Make it your own!)
• Thankfulness Board (Post-it Notes or 3x5 Cards on a bulletin board)
• Take pictures throughout your day of things you're thankful for. Save it on your computer for a later project or print and display them as daily reminders.

Taking time to be thankful for the things you’ve been given only seems to multiply the blessings. Why not give it a try?

What are you thankful for?

"Unwrapping" the Seasons.

“Unwrapping” the Seasons.

Summer is gone.

I’m not sure I’m ready to say goodbye to the flowers, green leaves, sunny days at the beach or the freedom to enjoy so many outdoor activities. The seasons come and go without any concern of whether or not I’m ready. I’ve got to adjust my wardrobe, my plans, and my expectations.

As I contemplated the changing of the seasons I called to mind C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters”

“He [God] has balanced the love of change in them by a love of permanence. He has contrived to gratify both tastes together in the very world He has made, by that union of change and permanence which we call Rhythm. He gives them seasons, each season different yet every year the same, so that spring is always felt as a novelty yet always as the recurrence of an immemorial theme.”

We were made for both change and permanence and we experience both in our careers, relationships, homes, and day-to-day experiences. However, regardless of the fact that change is a natural part of life, we sometimes fight against it. Whether we choose change or whether it comes unexpectedly, it can be hard to leave behind that which is comfortable and step into something new. We don’t like being pulled out of our comfort zone – we want that which is familiar, we want to feel settled, we want to reclaim our losses. We get stuck in our ways and fail to take hold of new opportunities. By doing this we miss out on experiencing life the way God designed it.

When change comes how do you respond? Are you focusing longingly on the past, dwelling on that which you no longer have, or are you thankful for the previous experiences and able to embrace the future with open arms? Often times the problem with moving forward lies in our thinking. We focus so much on the comfort of permanence that we lose sight of the blessing of change.

What is necessary is a change in perspective.

     

 What would happen if we not only learned to accept change but if we actually viewed it as a gift 

that has yet to be unwrapped?

Consider the current change in season.

“Unwrapping” the gift of fall means choosing to focus on the changing colors of the autumn leaves, the crisp chill in the air that makes you feel alive, the crunching of the leaves as you walk through the park, and opportunities to enjoy pumpkin spiced lattes and football.

Here are a few things to consider when experiencing a new season of life:

1.     Gift #1: An Opportunity to Grow
Change stretches us. It pushes us past our limits and into places where we sometimes feel uncomfortable. Although we might be quick to think this is a bad thing, if we adjust our perspective we can begin to see how this presses us on to maturity.

2.     Gift #2: An Opportunity to Depend on God
We enjoy life when it’s simple and convenient because it’s easy to get through on our own. We don’t usually prefer the help or assistance of others; we like to be independent. Change is beautiful in that it calls us into deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father and allows us to reflect on the permanence and consistency of His nature and character – the very things that give us hope when everything around us seems unstable.  

3.     GIFT #3: An Opportunity for Adventure!

Change is potent at keeping away the boredom and monotony that we sometimes experience throughout the day-to-day occurrences of life. New experiences have the ability to make us come alive. Learn to be present in each new experience. Let your senses be activated, take it all in and enjoy the freshness that comes with a new season.

Viewing change as a gift frees us to move through life with an excitement about the unexpected adventures, challenges, and changes we experience along the way.

What are some ways that you can learn to view change as a gift?
What are the blessings that might come as you walk into a new season of life?
What gift do you have that is waiting to be unwrapped?

Start “unwrapping” it and explore the adventure that awaits.