Baby Steps

* Sleep more * Drink more water * Write more * Think less * Spend less * Do less *

​January 2, 2024

Beloved: 

          Years ago a therapist told me that the most powerful force in our lives is inertia.  At least once a session she reminded me that nothing is more difficult for humans than changing.  What seem like the smallest changes are often the most challenging, because they really aren’t small at all; they are habits long practiced and deeply ingrained.  Even the word habit may be wishful thinking, when addiction might better serve.
          The one thing I know for sure is that self-kindness is key, laced with as much patience and grace with myself as I would offer anyone else.  Another key is connection; support and encouragement figure hugely in our capacity for change.  Even without the same goals, sharing the struggle to change is powerful.  Otherwise I am easily deceived into believing I am weak while others are strong, instead of the reality that change is hard for everyone.  Baby steps, the next key.  Each of the goals above consists of more than noted here - “drink more water”  is really “try to drink a little more water this week than you did last week”  . . .  rather than “drink 64 ounces of water and absolutely no soda every single day!”
          The last thing anyone needs is a mental mean boss yelling orders while we try to speak kindly to ourselves.  The world is hard enough these days and the new year is shaping up to be another full of violence and division, so whatever we can do to be a loving presence to ourselves and others will surely go a long way towards creating a kinder, more loving world.
          Whatever you seek more or less of in the new year, friends, I am glad we are seeking it all in each other’s company.  Happy New Year!  

~peace & prayers, 
pastor annette