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Sharon R Hoover

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January 16, 2012

How To Move Forward … Just Stop


A year ago, I planned to write. Two years ago, I planned to draw. Three years ago I planned to do obedience training with my dog. I did … for a bit of time. I was not able, however, to sustain the additions to my life. I had reached the carrying capacity of my day.

The problem: Being fond of everything in my life. I even really like my job! But I cannot add a new interest, hobby or habit without letting something else go. I learned that …

if you want to read more novels … stop watching tv

if you want to improve your friendships … stop logging into social media

if you want to spend more time with your family … stop working at your job

if you want more financial resources … stop spending money

if you want to paint the house … stop sitting on the couch

if you want to lose weight … stop eating

Nobody gets more than 24 hours. Resources remain limited. After much reflection last Fall, I recommitted myself to pursuing my writing. Words poured into my journal. Every situation brought new insights. Opportunities to write increased at work and home.  I felt that I had words to share. I created a new blog.

To move forward, though, I needed to stop something.

I made several changes … fewer movies, novels at bedtime only, and work during work hours (mostly, but I’m still working on this actually). I continue to love a good story — on the screen or on the page — and I still love my job at the church. But less is actually more.

I found that if I wanted to move forward, I needed to stop.

I got busy living … making intentional choices with my time.

Your turn…
What do you want to move forward? To do so, what do you need to stop?

“It comes down to a simple choice: get busy living or get busy dying.”
(Andy Dufresne
in Shawshank Redemption)

Posted by Sharon R. Hoover

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Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: growth

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon R Hoover says

    January 16, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    Indeed! I love connecting with fellow followers of Christ! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Your decision to not feel victimized is a profound one to consider. I appreciate your addition here!

    • Diana De Vries says

      January 17, 2012 at 8:30 am

      I lover your comment ” by stopping we do more”. One of my favourite verses for my life is “Be still and know that I am God……” Ps.46:10,11.
      I found for myself that I was running after what I enjoyed, what I love to do, what I wanted to do. Then on day I was made to stop in my tracks, and the world continued around me. It was in this time of silence I saw God working in my life, in stopping being silent I had made room for God…..In the silence, stillness we will be able to exhalt God to the world around us…

      • Sharon R Hoover says

        January 17, 2012 at 8:44 pm

        Thanks for your addition to the conversation, Diana! I appreciate you sharing about your unscheduled “stop”… that would surely get one’s attention. How wonderful that God shared His presence in such a unique and comforting way! I hope you are well and that God continues to draw you close.

  2. The Rev. Deirdre Whitfield says

    January 16, 2012 at 8:30 pm

    My sentiments exactly, except I found myself with time on my hands and beginning to feel “victimized”, but I refused to sing that song and got busy doing something I have always wanted to do and I love it.The best part is that it has been great to get to know that there are many like myself who love Christ.

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