Having lunch with one of my girlfriends earlier this week, I was sharing some updates on areas of my life since the last time we saw each other. We both have an interest in spirituality; so it is with joy that we enjoy sharing our faith journeys when we get together.
Whatever the latest book or experiences we have typically dominates our conversation when we get together. Towards the end of our conversation she stated you know the difference between you and me is that I read all about spirituality; but you do it.
And she’s right, I am all about action.
When I was going through the final years of my marriage, I was so unhappy. I bought a lot of self-help books trying to figure out why I was so unhappy and what was wrong with my marriage. I kept reading the books, but I never did any of the suggestions.
Sharing my frustration with a friend, she asked me: “If your car was broken, would take your car to a mechanic who has read about fixing cars or one who has actually fixed cars.”
That for me was a pivotal point in REALLY understanding I need to DO and not just think. Expecting to be able just to read myself into happiness was unrealistic. I need to actually do the suggestions presented to me not just read them.
When I look at the women I have worked with over the years, Action is the top differentiators between a woman who navigates the recovery process and one who wallows in her misery. Those who seek out guidance and do the action items requested of them get through the process stronger and quicker. Those who elect to listen, read and do nothing else are typically the women who are unhappy, low self-confidence and they whine about how life is unfair.
The second differentiator is that women who have serenity in their lives realize that this is a continuous process; not just a one-time event. They learn through the recovery process that they have the desire to continuously improve themselves.
That improvement can be going deciding to go back to college to get a degree; running a marathon or continuing to deepen their spirituality. The options are limitless.
They learn that Action is the vehicle that will take you from where you are to where you want to go. Life isn’t handed to us on a silver platter. As the old saying goes, you will get out of life what you put into it.
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