Pressing forward towards the high goal

Yup....I've stopped obsessing about my situation, and I've stopped focusing on myself. My high goal is to reach out and love others as Jesus does. Only when I stop focusing on myself and my problems can I begin to see everything in a new light. Yes, I do have issues that seem insurmountable now. They are not going to go away on their own, yet by obsessing about them and hoping against hope that a light will break in this current darkness isn't going to help me or the people around me. In fact by obsessing over the facts that are staring me in the face about my current monetary and support issues will deter the very ones who are still willing to help.

I am unique. I do have some unique qualities, but if I'm misusing those qualities then I am doing a disservice to myself and to the people around me. I press forward daily by:

1) Avoiding negative stories and not listening to those people who only want to tear you and others down.

2)Looking for the positive in everyone. You can find one positive thing about everyone if you think about it long enough.

3)Listening and learning. By focusing on what others are saying, you can better help them. This also is good because it takes the focus off of you.

4)Praying and asking God for direction. Sometimes, as it has in my situation, it brings you in an entirely different direction from what you've known in the past.

5) Starting each day by thanking God for what you have. I am amazed when I stop to think about God's provision for my every need. He knows what you need and when you need it.

6) Learning a new skill and using it frequently. Right now I'm slowly but surely learning more about Social Media, am focusing on a Marketing Campaign and working on Public Relations pieces...None of these skills are skills I possessed before.

7) Remaining open to opportunities to help. People tell me all the time that you never know what may happen. I'm praying for steady employment right now, but also hope to start a club for young people in the area.

8) Being creative. In other words changing up what you do each day in some small way. I have to work on this myself as I am a very structured person with certain times to do each task. Yet I'm finding that it's more freeing to let myself go and explore different options. I tell everyone that you really shouldn't depend on the Internet for everything...and this is a good lesson for young people to learn now.

9) Setting up projects with specific and measurable goals. When you have something to look forward to and accomplish, you tend to be more enthusiastic about life. I know that I have set some goals for myself to accomplish within the next six months or so. Some of these goals I'll have to reevaluate soon.

10) Accepting and knowing that you can't do it in your own strength and that you will fail sooner or later. I'm learning this lesson the hard way. I am stubborn, and I can admit that...but not so stubborn that I won't accept help. Some things are still hard for me to accept. I failed a couple of times.

Some days it is hard to press on. You feel very pressured by forces beyond your control. This is when you need God's love and support the most. He is there. Remember his love for you and press on!