Life coaches agree that people zap their energy and increase their stress by putting up with a multitude of things that bug them, what life coaches call “tolerations.” So, why not start your New Year right by identifying—and then eliminating—those things that deplete your energy and dampen your spirit.
Here are four common tolerations, along with practical suggestions for addressing them or eliminating them from your life:
Health Tolerations
If you live with chronic illness, you probably realize there are some things you just can’t control. But what about the things you can? Why add to your distress by eating too much junk food, not taking your prescribed medication, or failing to do your exercises, designed to increase your range of motion or reduce your pain? Take a few minutes and write down your health goals. Just make sure they’re realistic.
Don’t set a goal of jogging three miles a day when you struggle to walk to the curb each day to pick up the day’s mail. When making your list, make sure your goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. A goal of eating healthier this year is too vague, but eating five serving of vegetables a day is SMART.
Environmental Tolerations
It’s hard to keep on top of housework and home repairs when you’re in constant pain and struggling to make it on one income. But, let’s be honest. If you feel well enough to sit at your desk and work, couldn’t you take a few extra minutes to clear that pile of papers from your desk so you could actually see your computer screen?
But what about bigger projects around the house that you can’t do yourself? If finances are tight and you can’t afford to hire someone to tackle larger projects, barter your services instead. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, offer to create a brochure for your neighbor’s new business in exchange for sweeping off your walk or deck. You get the idea.
People Tolerations
Face it. Some people are just toxic. They consistently say hurtful things like, “But you look so good!” or “You really should try harder to get to church on Sunday.” They chide you for canceling at the last minute and raise their eyebrows when you serve a store bought cake for your child’s birthday party instead of making one yourself.
If you’re chronically ill, limit your contact with people like this. It’s a little more difficult if you’re dealing with toxic family members. To maintain your sanity and preserve your health, learn to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Spiritual Tolerations
Are there areas in your spiritual life you need to address? Do you struggle with unforgiveness or harbor resentment or bitterness toward your spouse or children for failing to understand your pain, help with the housework, or give you the emotional support you need? Nothing will rob your joy or sap your strength more quickly than unforgiveness.
Don’t tolerate sin in your life for one more day. God’s Word tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).” Help is just a prayer away. The benefits you’ll gain from identifying and removing tolerations from your life are significant. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it will make. So, start the New Year right by making room in your life for what matters most.
I know times are difficult. Proverbs 15:16 says, "Better a little --with the fear of the Lord --than great wealth with turmoil." The "great wealth" can sound pretty good at times, but I hope your life this year has as little turmoil as possible!
No comments:
Post a Comment