A Dynamic Shift

by Michele Boy | March 21, 2024

It's spring! Our lambs are in the barn, there is more daylight, and we are in the last nine weeks of the school year. 
I am my usual self - exhausted, excited, and overwhelmed with things that need done. 
At one of the community meetings I attend, someone mentioned how this community works together well. When one entity needs a hand, another one helps out. Obviously within reason but it is the attitude of 'how can I help.'
I think about that with team sports or politics, the workplace, school, or even friendships. When we stop and say how can I help instead of what can you do for me, the dynamic shifts. 
How do we handle life when it doesn't go the way we thought or planned? Frustration sets in, irritation, and then what? Usually we talk or gripe to a friend, pray, seek counsel, but then what? 
What if the circumstances are to build your character? Ugh. Honestly, I don't love those lessons. But I will admit they have opened my eyes to more compassion, more understanding of someone else's battles. 
When it comes to national politics, I throw up my hands. It seems to me we have such extreme candidates that it is hard to find anything these two sides can agree on. Yet when I speak with people they seem to agree that we got here because some issues were never dealt with. 
That rings true in my life as well. The things I haven't dealt with get bigger and bigger until they come to a head. 
When do you let things go? When do you stand up? Once upon a time I let nothing go. Later I learned to let a lot go but ended up getting comfortable there. 
A good relatable example is in my home. For my husband, shoes by the door where he can't walk through can raise his blood pressure. Mine is the refusal of anyone in the house willing to put a dish in the dishwasher.
And when we are tired, cranky, those small things come to a head. After a good night's sleep, we calm down and start it all over again. 
In truth, most of these issues will never change. One day when my daughter has graduated and moved out, I will probably cry that there are no dirty dishes in the sink. And my husband will feel sad that shoes aren't piled by the door, maybe not lol. 
So what in your life have you not dealt with? What spring cleaning needs done metaphorically? 
Sometimes in our willingness to go along with things, not make waves, we push down our needs and fall into a slumber. 
Maybe it's time to wake some of those senses up. 
It was beautiful out Tuesday. I stepped out of my office midday and took my dogs for a walk with a friend. My first thought wasn't how this would help my mood, my work productivity. No, honestly, it was what will other people think.
I realized someone is unhappy with what I do anyway. The benefits far outweighed the risks. 
“Let them judge you. Let them misunderstand you. Let them gossip about you. Their opinions aren’t your problem. You stay kind, committed to love, and free in your authentiity.
No matter what they do or say, don’t you dare doubt your worth or the beauty of your truth.
Just keep on shining like you do.” - Scott Stabile