There’s a lot in this life that seems out of my control. I could easily spend my time in frustration, whining about and bemoaning those things (while making everyone around me miserable)… but instead, I’m trying to take responsibility and ownership of whatever I can control.
- I can’t control who becomes our next president, but I can vote and encourage others to do the same.
- I can’t control what time my kids wake up in the morning (oh, how I’ve tried!), but I can get to bed at a decent time so I’m ready to rock and roll when they are (or something like that).
- I can’t control grocery prices, but I can be more vigilant about my shopping practices and meal preparation to get the best deals and keep our bill as low as possible.
- I can’t control the weather, but I can rearrange my schedule so we can enjoy every possible minute outside before the nasty cold sets in. I can also make the most of our time inside with fun projects for the kids.
- I can’t control the economy (which is too bad for all of us, because let me tell ya… I have a plan!) but I can react to it appropriately and ride the roller coaster. “After all, the only way to get hurt on a roller coaster is to jump off.”
(Got that from Dave.) Check out Dave’s take on the economy. He is so right on! - I can’t control my husband’s teaching income, but I can carefully steward it and stretch it to meet our needs.
- I can’t control everything my daughter is learning (the good, the bad, and the ugly) at school, but I can be an advocate for her education. And… if it’s really an issue, I could homeschool. There are always options more positive than complaining (or doing nothing).
- I can’t control our health insurance costs (don’t get me started), but I can do my best to keep my family healthy by preparing nutrient rich foods, exercising with the kids, making sure we all get enough sleep, and keeping germs at bay.
- I can’t control how busy we are… oh, wait! Sure I can! Ever heard of saying NO?!? (I know, I know, that doesn’t work in every situation, but we are all gifted with the same 24 hours in a day…)
I can’t fix all, cure all, mend all, be all… so I’ll just control what I can control. It works for me.
Another thing that works for me? Small town church cookbooks! Enter my giveaway to win one!
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I LOVE this WFMW!! Great reminder that I need to hear EVERYDAY!!
Thanks for this!
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This is really, really good. It’s always positive to remember what we can and can’t do….blessings to you as you live loved!
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That is great to let go of negative things. Just find a list of positive to replace them with. To make your self happy.
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What a great list! I can definitely relate to all of these… .
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This is great! It is so easy to get caught up with everything and take a negative attitude toward it all.
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? Luke 12:22-24
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Well said. I can physically FEEL my blood pressure rise if I think too hard on this upcoming election or the “bail-out”, etc. At those times I need to close my eyes, focus on the people right around me, and take comfort in prayer. It is my best coping method… : )
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Great list!!
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What a great post! I’m going to put a link to it on my blog. I hope that’s okay with you.
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Well said Amy. I couldn’t agree more. Some things are out of our hands and those should be left to God, but yep, we should definitely control what we can.
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Great word! Oh, that we would all heed them! it would sure cut down on the worry… and lots of other things…
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What a practical reminder! Thanks. When I remember to think like this, it sure helps me relax.
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I appreciate this so much. Thank you!
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Great list! Thanks for the reminders of what really counts in this life.
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Love this!! Such a good reminder. I can always use a little perspective…I am a recovering control freak! Ha!
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