Blame is not helpful
In fact, it is the opposite of helpful.
Blame hinders our ability to see solutions.
It slows us down.
It stifles our growth, progress, and forward motion.
Blame keeps us in the past.
It blinds us to the possibilities of the future.
If we want to achieve our fullest potential, we must rid ourselves of the desire to blame others for whatever obstacles, challenges, and difficulties we face.
Blame will not get us past them.
That is up to us.
We cannot expect comfort if we want growth.
That is not how growth works.
Growth is painful.
It is not painful merely for pain’s sake, however.
Growth is painful for the sake of progress, improvement, and positive change.
It pushes us beyond our previous limits and limitations.
It forces us to do more and to do better.
There will be failure along the way.
We will stumble.
We will fall.
But, we must not waiver.
Growth is on the other side of pain.
We have to face it, embrace it, and move forward in spite of it.
The pain of regret, after all, is far more long-lasting than the pain of progress.
Routines give us the gift of time.
We cannot make our days longer, but having routines can make them more productive.
Routines free up our mental space so that we do not have to spend as much time figuring out how to use the hours we have.
Less time wasted on unnecessary decisions empowers us to make the necessary decisions with more energy, clarity, and focus.
This could easily mean the difference between success and failure when it comes to the things that matter most.
This is especially true when it comes to unexpected or unforeseen challenges.
By having routines that set us up for success, we are more well prepared for surprise difficulties when they inevitably arise.
Most importantly, however, routines give us the time to handle the unpredictable with a clear head and room to breathe.
Hope is necessary for success.
Without it, we shut down, closing ourselves off to many of life’s possibilities.
When we lack hope, we lack vision.
We become blinded by what is, losing the ability to see what can be.
Hope allows us to move forward.
It is not a strategy in and of itself, but any good strategy contains hope within it.
For this reason, hope must be sought out, nurtured, and encouraged.
Hope precedes positive change.
And, the more positive change we can create, the more hope we will find within ourselves and put into the world.
There will be times when our goal is simply going to be survival.
Sometimes that is the best we can do.
And, that is enough.
It may not feel like enough, but, given the alternative, it is a good place to start.
Meditations on God 