A "Lovejoy Philosophy"
As I read through some of my past end of the year/beginning of the year blogs, I realize that there were concepts, ideas and emotions I was aware of but, am still trying to fully put to practice to this day. And I share with you some of these realizations because maybe they'll shine some light on you too :).
I was aware of the fact that no matter how perfect things may be in the beginning, they will always get messy but, I'm not sure I allowed myself that full discomfort found in the "messiness". I was aware that fear keeps people from living and feeling but, I think I've chosen the comfort of feeling safe over the discomfort of living fully in certain areas of my life more often than not. And I've been discovering, reading and realizing that it is in that discomfort, confrontation and fall where the "magic" truly happens. I am learning that with courage and faith, we are able to confront ourselves and do so creatively in order to move forward.
I've been connecting the dots these past couple of months...in order to create a better future for myself; learning from experiences and the way I've handled myself through those experiences. Something I thought I had been doing but, never quite completed. I've had to decipher what's the truth, and what's self-protection. Owning these and deciding what needs to change. I asked myself a question that I had not realized was happening or maybe I was simply not ready to recognize. Why is it so easy to leave? Leaving and running is easier because it's the most comfortable solution to the discomfort and fear that comes from big possibilities that require big responsibilities. Sometimes it seems wiser to do what we know or what we've been told because others have lived through it already BUT, is it wise to deny yourself from living because you're afraid of similar outcomes? NOTHING IS A GUARANTEE when it comes to this world and humans. And comfortable solutions lead to a stunted life.
How one handles uncertainty, which is often accompanied by adversity, says a lot about one's character. The falls make us wholehearted, no matter how much we want to avoid or accept those stories of falling. Truth is, the things we want in life require us to accept uncertainty, confront risk and be comfortable with the prospect of falling. I heard last night that even an accident has direction and purpose...it's in the rising. In the rising is where we find healing and growth. Leaning into discomfort--the unknown, is courageous and brave.
This past year 2015, I have to say a lot of unexpected things happened in all facets of my life, including my traveling. I traveled to places only in my dreams I imagined, like Cuba and the Philippines. Cuba and the Philippines, two countries living opposing realities, brought people into my life that taught me so much about humanity, passion and sacrificial love. I met individuals who left their comfort as petit-bourgeoisie and committed themselves to the movement and the revolution in the name of social justice and equality for their people, Poverty is violence. Poverty is palpable. But, the violence of love, is even more so palpable. Monsenor Romero speaks of the violence of love as the giving of oneself to others, serving the commitment to change the unjust structures of society that causes suffering, which are criminal. We are to create a history free of abuses and injustices and nurture within ourselves a social and political sensitivity that fits the ideals of God. What a challenge indeed...
A "Lovejoy philosophy": As long as you're still dreaming, you're still building your future. While others are cemented in their reality. I am learning to reconcile both peace and war in myself and in this world. I'm praying for guidance, wisdom and creativity. Creativity is key and it begins with curiosity, questioning and ceaseless dreaming. Dream big! Whether it's about love, society, life, etc.
And I remind myself that God's strength is perfect, when we are weak. He is the only one that can heal me, accept me truly and will never hurt me. So, even if I've planned a life of comfort, it's not the life that is awaiting me. Therefore, I will no longer allow my faith to be diminished by my fears. Nor will I allow myself to settle in any facet of my life. And I give myself permission to allow myself to feel emotions for it is not a weakness, it is what enhances my life and brings me closer to God.
I was aware of the fact that no matter how perfect things may be in the beginning, they will always get messy but, I'm not sure I allowed myself that full discomfort found in the "messiness". I was aware that fear keeps people from living and feeling but, I think I've chosen the comfort of feeling safe over the discomfort of living fully in certain areas of my life more often than not. And I've been discovering, reading and realizing that it is in that discomfort, confrontation and fall where the "magic" truly happens. I am learning that with courage and faith, we are able to confront ourselves and do so creatively in order to move forward.
I've been connecting the dots these past couple of months...in order to create a better future for myself; learning from experiences and the way I've handled myself through those experiences. Something I thought I had been doing but, never quite completed. I've had to decipher what's the truth, and what's self-protection. Owning these and deciding what needs to change. I asked myself a question that I had not realized was happening or maybe I was simply not ready to recognize. Why is it so easy to leave? Leaving and running is easier because it's the most comfortable solution to the discomfort and fear that comes from big possibilities that require big responsibilities. Sometimes it seems wiser to do what we know or what we've been told because others have lived through it already BUT, is it wise to deny yourself from living because you're afraid of similar outcomes? NOTHING IS A GUARANTEE when it comes to this world and humans. And comfortable solutions lead to a stunted life.
How one handles uncertainty, which is often accompanied by adversity, says a lot about one's character. The falls make us wholehearted, no matter how much we want to avoid or accept those stories of falling. Truth is, the things we want in life require us to accept uncertainty, confront risk and be comfortable with the prospect of falling. I heard last night that even an accident has direction and purpose...it's in the rising. In the rising is where we find healing and growth. Leaning into discomfort--the unknown, is courageous and brave.
This past year 2015, I have to say a lot of unexpected things happened in all facets of my life, including my traveling. I traveled to places only in my dreams I imagined, like Cuba and the Philippines. Cuba and the Philippines, two countries living opposing realities, brought people into my life that taught me so much about humanity, passion and sacrificial love. I met individuals who left their comfort as petit-bourgeoisie and committed themselves to the movement and the revolution in the name of social justice and equality for their people, Poverty is violence. Poverty is palpable. But, the violence of love, is even more so palpable. Monsenor Romero speaks of the violence of love as the giving of oneself to others, serving the commitment to change the unjust structures of society that causes suffering, which are criminal. We are to create a history free of abuses and injustices and nurture within ourselves a social and political sensitivity that fits the ideals of God. What a challenge indeed...
A "Lovejoy philosophy": As long as you're still dreaming, you're still building your future. While others are cemented in their reality. I am learning to reconcile both peace and war in myself and in this world. I'm praying for guidance, wisdom and creativity. Creativity is key and it begins with curiosity, questioning and ceaseless dreaming. Dream big! Whether it's about love, society, life, etc.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
And I remind myself that God's strength is perfect, when we are weak. He is the only one that can heal me, accept me truly and will never hurt me. So, even if I've planned a life of comfort, it's not the life that is awaiting me. Therefore, I will no longer allow my faith to be diminished by my fears. Nor will I allow myself to settle in any facet of my life. And I give myself permission to allow myself to feel emotions for it is not a weakness, it is what enhances my life and brings me closer to God.
I pray that you live intentionally with courage and honesty; that you do not disengage to self-protect. That you choose to be brave enough to feel. That you find peace in discomfort and have the faith to believe it will all be okay.
H A P P Y 2016...it's gonna be an amazing year indeed.
B E L I E V E I T.
Love,
Jenny 
P.S. Thank you to everyone who also helped me be a little more courageous ;).
Isaiah 8:13-15
Luke 4:17-19
Comments
Post a Comment