The other day…I admit…I was right smack in the middle of one of those really frustrating days…you know, when it seems like everything takes longer, costs more, is harder than you expected, or simply just doesn’t work in your favor. Yeah. That afternoon, I was driving on a very rural road and as far as I could see, there wasn’t another soul other than me on this particular road, at this particular spot, at this particular time. But then! Despite the mounds of struggles and angst I had built up through my rotten day, Suddenly, I had an overwhelming wave of satisfaction, pride and inner joy…all those other things that were messing with my day just seemed to disappear. What happened you ask? I was simply following through with something that I promised myself over 20 years ago. To come to a complete stop at every stop sign and red signal light. That’s it! I don’t mean a “California Stop” or a slow, barely-rolling stop…I mean a STOP-STOP! I had resolved to myself that I was going to follow through with this without fail or despite any excuse (and believe me – there will be PLENTY of excuses). As I passed through the intersection, my subconscious told me “Way to stick with it!” – “Great job!” Most of the time there probably won’t be anyone else to witness your actions or “congratulate” you for being true to yourself or let alone – for obeying the law. (gulp)
And even if there is an aggressive rushed person behind me, honking their “I HATE YOU” horn or showing me certain digits on their hands, we can’t let the negative actions of other people influence the decision of what we have committed to.
There are many things in life we have zero control over, but there are also many more that we can control. SO, when I make a complete stop, am I now in some sort of unspoken “gold star drivers club”? Does this make me a better driver than anyone else? Of course not! If you are looking for validation or motivation from anyone else, you’re missing the point. This is something you have promised yourself – and stayed true to your word! You don’t always need other people to let you know you’re doing the “right thing” – Sometimes we need to hear it from ourselves! Besides, who knows us better than us?
One other resolve I made that I also believe might be beneficial to you: 12 years ago, I decided I was going to vote in EVERY single election open to me. State, Local, Federal, Heck I even voted for the tastiest taco the other day! I just figured, if anyone is interested in my opinion and it has anything to do with my future…rather than not voting and it possibly turning out differently than I wished it would have (and probably eventually complaining of the ignorance of all those who did vote) I wanted to have that inner joy saying “Hey, you did your part – way to go!”
These were just a couple things that I knew I could improve upon. I’d like to challenge you to also make a resolve in your life and stick to it. Here are some quick tips when trying to come up with your resolve:
- Find something you can do repetitively – the more frequent, the better.
- You must never judge another person in ANY circumstance for not similarly following your resolve.
- Commit to no “grey areas” or “wiggle room” EVER…of any kind.
- Anytime you follow your resolve acknowledge it! You had the option to not do it – but you held to your decision.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make us smile – and those smiles add up!
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
– Psalm 139:14