2015 Resolutions: Making Room for the UNEXPECTED

The art of noticing feelings transforms life experiences; it helps us to be mindful as we focus on what is most important. No one will remember how clean your house is, how big your bank accounts are, or how often you made it to the gym. They will remember, however, if you were present with them, and they will remember how available you were for them.

A seasoned woman once told me about an experience she had running into someone at Starbucks. The unexpected meeting turned into a two hour conversation that blessed them both. I was in awe that she had the time and willingness to shift her plans and just be present in this serendipitous opportunity. It made me ponder how I set my agenda for the day and motivated me to leave extra buffer time for surprises and unexpected blessings.

Consider being more available and open to interruptions. Here are a few practical steps:
1. Breathe deeper throughout the day.
2. Use all five senses to soak in the moments – sights, sounds, smells, tastes and tactile touch.
3. Schedule regular rhythms of rest in a day (10-15 minutes) and in a week (a couple hours to a full day).
4. Play more (especially with children. They remind us how to be in the present moment).
5. Cook slower; then, eat slower. Enjoy.
6. Write plans for the day with a mental “pencil,” not a permanent pen.
7. Take a lunch break away from your work space.
8. Be a little more flexible with unfinished lists.
9. Journal regularly; allow feelings to be acknowledged.
10. Accept brokenness and recognize God’s greatness each day.