Reflect Back But Always Look Forward

A look back at what I have learned over the years

Hi friends,

I'm still at the beginning of puppyhood with Bentley, my 12-week-old Shichon. He's usually full of energy, but right now, he's fast asleep on my lap while I edit this post. It's one of those rare, peaceful moments in the middle of all the puppy chaos.

Bentley - 6 pounds, at 11 weeks.

Why reflection is important

Taking time to reflect on one’s life is so important. Each reflection becomes a stepping stone—a way to see where I’ve been and to discern what I need to do next.

People in the Bible often took time to remember. (Well, sometimes they didn’t—and that usually led to trouble!) But when they did remember, they passed down stories of their kings and prophets. They wrote the story of our Saviour, Jesus, coming to earth. They recorded what happened so future generations could know.

Today, I wanted to pause and reflect on what I’ve learned over my lifetime.
I originally wrote these thoughts seven years ago, but rereading them refreshed my heart. I’ve edited some entries to reflect what I’ve come to understand since then.
I hope they bring encouragement to you, too.

Ten thoughts about life that I have learned

1.) Start your day with God

The first thing upon waking I say, “Thank you, God, for this day. Help me to be joyful through it, no matter what the circumstances.” When I connect with God first thing in the morning, it helps me throughout the day. I try very hard NOT to turn on any screen before I can sit with my tea and talk with God. No matter how short the time is, I think it is essential to help me through the day.

Bible Art by Janis Cox

2.) Keep things simple

The less you have, the less you have to worry about. Keep things to the minimum — just what is useful and will be used. Store as little as possible (Christmas decorations, a few memorabilia).

Purge often. If you buy one item of clothing, give away an item.

The less that’s around you, the more you can focus on the task at hand.

Sandy Kreps from Modern Simplicity has excellent ideas.

If you write about simplicity please tell me in the comments.

Bible Art — Janis Cox

3.) Focus on one thing at a time

I’m not always great at focusing. My mind tends to flutter from one thing to another. But I’m learning—slowly—that getting one thing done at a time really does make a difference. It’s not easy, but I’ve found that if I commit to spending a set amount of time on just one task, it usually gets done faster (and with less stress).

As I’ve been writing this, my husband has already interrupted me three times while trying to fix the satellite TV. I eventually gave up trying to help—honestly, I was just getting in the way. So I told myself I’d keep working on this post until he called again.

Update: He fixed it!

And now seven years later … I have a brand new puppy asleep in my lap while I type. But hey—I’m still getting this one thing done! 🐾

4.) Learn to forgive

Forgiving isn’t easy. It’s not easy at all. But when we don’t forgive we leave a hard pit in our stomach and soul. Other people sense it and we become a prickly person. We don’t have to forget what someone has done against us, but we need to let it go. When we do we will realize a peace that we didn’t have before. Remember that anger towards other people doesn’t hurt them— it hurts us.

Why are you poisoning yourself? - Growing Through God's Word

5.) Try new things

Our minds will decay if we don’t try new things. Don’t keep doing the same old thing. As we age we want to build new dendrites (brain nerves) to keep our brains active and functioning.

In the following article, I have done some of their suggestions: try an instrument (ukulele), sleep (really try to get enough sleep), I do art and I love to read fiction but haven’t found a good one lately.

10 Proven Ways To Grow Your Brain: Neurogenesis And Neuroplasticity

According to recent neuroscience research:

Scientists once thought the brain stopped developing after the first few years of life. But new research has shown that the brain can form new neural pathways and create neurons even in adulthood.

6.) Journal each day

I didn’t learn this until 24 years ago. The art of journaling has been great to teach me new things, and to help me grow. When I journal I study my Bible. I ask God to open new ideas. I write down the thoughts I hear. I write questions and prayers.

A written Journal Page from 2001

7.) Eat good nutritious food

I always thought we ate well. When there was a push to whole grain wheat — we ate it. When they said to lower the fat — we did. Then we realized that they were wrong.

Yes, the powers that be — even the governments were swayed by lobbyists. That’s how the sugar industry flourished (read soda pop, sugared cereals, sugared snacks etc.) My advice is to read labels (and if you can’t pronounce it, don’t buy it).

Now I realize that good wholesome food — a variety — is good for you. Go heavy on the plant-based foods. The old pyramid of foods is upside down. Make vegetables, fruit and nuts and good oils the primary source of food nutrients. Then fish, chicken and some meats. Go easy on the grains.

8.) Get plenty of fresh air and exercise

Find a routine that works for you but make sure you have it in your schedule. For too many years I neglected exercise — too busy I said. Well, it’s really needed to keep your bones, and system working well. It’s something that is easy once you put it into your daily routine.

Some suggestions:

Walk when you can.
Park far away from the store to get in extra steps.
Take the stairs.
Play with the kids — soccer, baseball, biking etc.
Garden — I am waiting for spring to plant my vegetable garden.

9.) Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always easy—especially if you have young children—but do your best. Go to bed early, particularly if you have a sick child. You’ll likely be up during the night, so give your body and mind the chance to recover from the day.

Avoid screens like smartphones or tablets before bed. Instead, unwind with a good print book. Find a bedtime routine that works for you and stick with it. Repetition helps. Over time, it will train your body to sleep well.

10.) Drink water

Oh this just reminded me. Just a second. I need a drink.

I learned while vacationing in Arizona just how important it is to drink more water than I was used to. Dehydration can sneak up on you—you often don’t even realize it’s happening. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already behind.

Keep a glass of water beside you while you work, and be sure to drink even more when you exercise. Staying ahead of thirst is key.

jez-timms-60285-unsplash.jpg

I hope these ten ideas will help inspire you. What can you add?

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, keeping life from getting us frustrated, angry or depressed, we need to focus on the good things and how You can teach us to live happy, healthy and peaceful lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Puppy has been trying to type on the keyboard and I have to keep erasing. So I left editing until today. Now he is truly asleep.

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Don’t forget to check out my books. Children’s books, devotionals, journals, memoir, Bible studies, and even a colouring book. Find all my books on Amazon. A few of the books at the bottom are not mine.