Learning Lately: July 2017

I'm joining Emily P. Freeman and Anne Bogel in sharing with you what I've learned this month. I think it's a beneficial practice to keep track of what I've been learning, as it makes me focus on what little lessons I'm picking up as I go through life. Without it, I'm prone to rush through things and not learn much at all. So, without further ado, here's the July list!

Sometimes I have to scale back the activity and go back to the basics.

I finally started physical therapy a couple weeks ago after ignoring some persistent hip pain for the last year. The therapist suggested dialing back the intensity of my runs and workouts for a little while as I recover and do all the stretches he gave me, so that my hips can heal from overuse and inflammation. It's been a little hard at times to intentionally take it a little bit easier, but it has also been SO good. I needed it and I didn't even know it.

I need to let myself be silly and take all the ridiculous pictures.

I went to a college roommate's wedding this past weekend, and one of my other roommates wanted to take ALL the pictures. I decided to humor her and go along, running all over, posing this way and that, making funny faces, and just generally acting a bit foolish. But do you know what happened? I had a blast! I danced with my friends like nobody was watching (even though the wedding photographer was hovering pretty much the whole time) and made funny faces and sang along at the top of my lungs, and it only added to the fun of the whole weekend. It wasn't the most glamorous, but I wouldn't trade the experience for the world. I'm so grateful to have friends I can act silly with!

I have a part to play, and so does God.

It's easy to think that it's one or the other-- that either we have to work to create the kind of life we want or that God's going to hand things to us if we just wait long enough. But I don't think it's that black and white anymore. I know God will provide, and I know His plans are greater than mine. But I also know that things generally won't happen if I'm not taking steps to make them happen. For instance, as I continue growing my business, I'm praying to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and direction, seeking to glorify God, trusting that He will provide; but I'm also booking a photoshoot to update my website, putting together my program, learning how to run a business, and working on collaborative projects. I'm not resting on my laurels, hoping everything will be delivered to me on a silver platter, but I'm also not carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.

1 complete task is worth more than 12 incomplete ones.

I've been learning that I have to focus on finishing tasks instead of just starting more and more. It's all too easy for me to be in the middle of one task or project, and get distracted by a new idea or some sort of interruption that needs my attention. But if I continue operating that way, I end up with a whole bunch of things that are only half-done, which doesn't really accomplish anything. Practically, this means jotting down new ideas and then getting back to the task at hand instead of constantly switching between activities and dividing my attention and focus. It's so much more productive and less overwhelming!

What did you learn in July? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!