Mondays are always a bit daunting, aren’t they?
It’s the start of the week — lots to do in my corner of the world, and I am for sure and certain there’s plenty to do in your corner of the world too.
Maybe you woke up with the sound of a lot of “mustn’ts” and “don’ts” and “shouldn’ts” ringing in your ears. Maybe there’s even an “impossible” staring you down.
Here’s what I suggest: Ignore ’em.
Let’s go with Shel Silverstein’s go-for-your-dream optimism and believe anything can happen … anything can be.
Walking into today … and tomorrow … and the day after that … it’s so much easier without the weight of “won’ts” and “never haves.”
Am I confronting today — pursuing my dreams — in my own strength? No, no and no. Been there, failed at that. My confidence is in knowing I don’t have to do life in my own strength. (Deut. 31:6)
In Yours Words: What’s your Monday look like? How do you push back the can’ts and the mustn’ts and live today with the courage to pursue your dreams?
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I got up at 4:30am to take the Little Dude to hockey.
‘Can’t’ IS in my vocabulary today…as in “Oh, Beth, I CAN’T stay awake!”
When I wake up from my nap, that’s when I’ll take Monday by the horns, wrestle it down, rope it and walk away with the trophy.
Oh yeah, that’s right, it’s Rodeo Week here in JenniferLand!!
Tuesday? Barrel racing. In my minivan. 😉
Author
You know, Jennifer, I think it’s okay to step back, take a nap, and say, “I CAN take on Monday — after a nap!”
😉
Love the quote. So true. Trusting Him doesn’t mean we’ll always get what we want or never have pain. It means He’s there with us, giving peace.
Author
Good morning, Pat,
I was writing out my thoughts on this blog post and feeling all, “I think I can, I think I can” a la the Little Train Who Thought He Could …
And then I had to stop and remember: It’s not about self-effort. Yes, I want to dream BIG.
But living life isn’t about me pushing through and making it happen!
My confidence (there’s my 2013 word!) has to be fueled by more than my want-to.
One of the biggest “can’ts” in my life is always the day job vs. dream job struggle. And it never feels more daunting than on Monday when a full workweek is staring at me. But more and more lately, I feel God reminding me that I need to be faithful in each responsibility he’s given me…and when I honor him even in my day job, he’s pleased. So I’ll push back the “can’t” today by being faithful during those eight hours in the office.
Author
I hope you have a successful, pleasure-filled Monday, Melissa!
I hadn’t heard that stanza before but love it, and the pic . . . I lean back and tap into what I knew was true and possible before the upset or hardship hit, take a deep breath, steady my feet, and go forward as far as I can go–though I may have to take lots of other breaths.
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Rob took that photo, Dee.
Interesting perspective, isn’t it?
There’s a can’t and a can hidden in there.
My Monday could be interesting. I know what I want it to hold. But, with kiddos home for the holiday, it may not hold all I hope for. I am going to have to choose a kind attitude with a testing, pushing-me child today. I can do this, I can be the mom God has called me to be, with His help. That’s my Monday. 🙂
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You can, Jeanne.
I am juggling the same challenges today.
I’m actually off work today, which is super nice! I plan to revise and then tonight am FINALLY seeing Les Mis with a friend. It’s actually a “CAN” type of day. But I’ve got a new day job to face tomorrow, and I feel a little overwhelmed by it all. So I’ll be thinking of that verse you gave for sure.
Author
Oh, enjoy the day off — and enjoy Les Mis. One of a kind movie — although there were certain scenes I closed my eyes.
Yes, there’s a long to-do list, but I’m also looking forward to baking a GF lemon yogurt crumb cake this week. Little things like that just put a little zest in my step. 🙂 Happy Monday Beth.
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You are going to share that recipe, right, Coleen?
😉
Hi Beth,
Today is my birthday so I’m going to toot my own horn, or be a tooter, as Junie B. Jones would say. ANYTHING can happen. That’s right. So today is going to be a GREAT MONDAY. I’m home doing some writing, hubby is taking me out to dinner and Barnes & Noble on gift cards that we got for Christmas so it’s pretty much an all-expense paid night out!!!! Woot!
Thank you for that wonderful quote – love it.
Blessings,
Becky
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Happy, Happy Birthday, Becky!
A great quote. I think you raised your children on it. 🙂
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As you did yours, Rocky. As you did yours.
I’ve got two things vying for my attention: edits that go to print on the 23rd and a trio of kids at home. 🙂 It’s so hard to find the balance and as I continually think of what God has called me to do, motherhood is always #1 and while it’s hard to put those edits on the back burner, each and every time, God steps in, shows off and gives me the words right on time. I’m so thankful for His goodness.
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“God shows off” … love that, Joanne!
🙂