Connecting The Dots

When I was a young child I received a lot of coloring books. Some of those coloring books had partial or incomplete drawings that could be completed by following specific steps. Some of the pages had an outline of a picture that was comprised of dots. In order to complete the drawing you had to "connect the dots".

Unknowingly, coloring pages can teach children different lessons. Children can learn how to complete assignments, homework and or projects; how to follow directions and how to stay on a given path. Children can even learn about the sequence of numbers. These are a few of the lessons learned in a fun environment free from stress.

Another lesson taught was that as long as you stayed on course, you couldn't fail. There was always a sense of happiness when our drawing was completed. We couldn't wait to see what our next drawing would produce.

As we become older, we encounter different life lessons. These lessons begin to shape and develop the canvas of our lives. Our experiences paint a picture that provides the layout of what's ahead. Our map can be littered with different possibilities, shortcuts or even dead-ends. It is up to each of us to determine the course we want to take in life.

Each dot on your map represents a destination, next step or a milestone. Take time to acknowledge the trials and tribulations of the journey. Appreciate where you are, the growth and progress you've made. Prepare yourself for what lies ahead.

Positive and negative experiences will impact your destination. These life lessons could keep you headed in the right direction or take you off course. When dealing with a negative experience determine how you can turn it into a positive experience. Once you identify your path, do you know what steps will be required to get you from the starting point to the end point or your destiny, career or job? How will you connect the dots? How will you erase any roadblocks preventing you from connecting and staying on course? One way is through living a positive life. Focus on the good. As you make mistakes, figure out what you did wrong, acknowledge what you did wrong, correct the mistake and move on. Don't wallow in any negativity.

Always have a plan in mind and a goal to work towards. Use wisdom and discernment to develop a workaround that keeps you focused. Learn how to "connect the dots" and see how your life unfolds. Once you complete your finished product/journey, you will find peace knowing that you are "connected"; that you are living the life that was meant to be.

 

Changing Old Perceptions

My sister and I were discussing personality changes that we've each experienced throughout our lives. During the discussion, my sister commented that as she continues to age, she has gotten very quiet. I laughed at this and responded with how easy she can become irritated and develop an "attitude". Her comment back to me was that her friends think she is very quiet.

That comment provided me with an "aha moment". A few things came to mind related to perceptions. Do we act one way with family and a different way with friends? Are family members "stuck" in how they perceive us? Will they ever forget the old and recognize the new and improved version of you?

I had to question my mindset. Was I judging my sister based on my childhood memories? After all, don't I know her better than her friends?

I began thinking about the changes in my life. I didn't like it when people expected me to act or be a certain way. I wanted to be me. At times I resisted the feedback that was being provided. As I grew older, there were changes I wanted to make in my life. As I grew in wisdom and discernment, how I handled situations, how I reacted to different life lessons that I encountered, transformed me into having a change in my attitude.

As a young rebellious teen, I didn't care what others thought of me, however, I sure had an opinion of how I thought you should be. My perceptions of others were always accurate (at least in my mind). Is that what I was doing with my sister? Do I still have blind spots?

I was comfortable with how I viewed my sister. I hadn't considered that just as I made changes so had she. I had to acknowledge that it is possible that others recognized things about my sister that I hadn't noticed.

Changing my old perceptions will benefit both my sister and I. I don't want to be stuck, nor do I want to be judgmental. I want to celebrate the progress she has made in bettering her life. I thank her for revealing a character flaw that can be corrected.

How about you? Are you stuck in old perceptions? If so, let go of your expectations of how others should be. You'll be glad you did.