Isn't it amazing how God works? A few weeks ago my sister and I had a conversation surrounding self-help. She shared with me that she thought counseling and constantly focusing on your self and your problems was "selfish" and a "waste of time." The conversation bothered me, but I couldn't put my finger on why. (Yup, there's that - still learning to identify feelings - thing going on.) After two weeks of mulling it over and a sermon preached last week by my pastor, it finally hit me...My sister was right.
See, there was some truth to what she was saying. Now, let me tell you about the sermon and then I'll tell you how it ties all together. The sermon was about getting out of yourself and your own agenda, to notice the people around you and the needs they have. He gave an example of being at a store. A woman of a different nationality was at the register and didn't speak very good English. She didn't have enough money on her card, so the clerk would run her card and she'd remove some items from her cart and then the process would begin again. By this time, there was a line of people behind her who were getting quite impatient. My pastor admitted that if he had been in his own head and his own agenda, he probably would've been one of those people. Instead, he made his way to the woman and handed his card to the clerk, trying to tell the woman he was putting her stuff on his card. The woman was concerned, saying she couldn't pay him back. He merely blessed her and went on his way. What an inspiring story, huh? Well, at least it was to me.
See, I DO believe in self-help, but there IS a balance. I realized that I'd been focusing so intently on self-help for so long, that everything in my relationships (for the most part) had become about me and my problems. I stopped noticing others and their needs. Yes, I DO need to continue to get help and put myself first where I haven't been. But, the difference is focusing on the GOOD things about me and working towards those. Not always focusing on what I need to change about myself. So, for the past 2 weeks, I've been attempting to get out of myself and REALLY listen to everyone else. Amazing things have happened! I'm happier and I've done a lot less talking! :) I've really gotten to know the very people in my life that have always been there, but I didn't really SEE. I've had less anxiety and been more comfortable in my own skin - which in turn has resulted in FAR LESS eating binges! It's incredible!
I challenge you to try it and let me know how it goes!!! What are you waiting for? Get out of yourself TODAY!!!
