Self-help books aren't really my thing. I mean, I like non-fiction that inspires you to change and take action, but the key word is "inspires". Books that just focus on helping you to become a better person are a little too inward focused. I want to be about going out and doing good for others...not me.
But yesterday I was headed to the library to pick up my sister from work, return some books, and get a coffee. On my walk over there, I flipped through this one book that I checked out but never got to. My sister laughed at the idea of me reading a book while walking, but that's what I did. Technically, this book (which, I'm still not entirely sold on...so I'm not really wanting to endorse it at this point) is sort of self-helpy. However, the main idea rang true:
Resistance is what keeps us from doing great things.
It's what holds us back from living the life we want to live, from trying new things, from creating, from helping others and changing lives. Wow. There are so many things that I want to do with my life, in my life, for the lives of others. I can't resist those. So my first step is to start figuring out what those things are and then to go for it.
I started last night with some creative lists. These are for the shop, for improvement of skills and for fun. Some are short term, some are big picture. But th point is that I need to Make. Do. Create. (this isn't a new idea, but constant reminders are good, yes?)
The next lists that I want to work on will be even bigger picture and more serious, I think. The "changes needed in my life" and "life goals" and "Kingdom of Heaven things" Don't get me wrong, I like who I am. I'm happy with my life. But there's always room for improvement, and I really feel that I cannot, will not, resist becoming who God has made me to be.
I wonder if there is a self-help book for Christian crafters who want to serve others...something about how to listen to God, how to obey and how to not get overwhelmed. :-D
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about the book "Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life" in terms of not being overwhelmed. But I think it can be a fine balancing act between not trying to do too much, and doing what God wants us to do, right?
ReplyDeleteMaybe more than a book, what we need is the support of others who feel the same way. I know that just reading your comment makes me want to press on!
Ok, I am so intrigued. I see you do not want to "endorse" it, but what is the book? :-)
ReplyDeleteRobin robinb@mail.com
OK, so there are definitely some things in the book that I disagree with, but it is called "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield.
ReplyDeletei'm one of those lurkers, i guess. i don't comment much, and i suppose i should because your blog is an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteat any rate, i have two things i wanted to mention here. first, thank you so very much for the desktop calendars that you provide each month. i LOVE them and find myself looking forward to the next month to see your new creation.
second, i want to recommend a fantastic ning group that i've come across that i think you might enjoy. it's called "create by faith". here's the link: http://createbyfaith.ning.com/
thank you so much for your blog!
xoxo
~lela