Acting on your Opportunities
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by Angela Daubon, MDiv, LCSW
The Choices You Have
How often have you looked at the limitations in life rather than the numerous opportunities? There are multiple contributions that form our beliefs on what is possible, such as life experiences, upbringing, current measure of faith, past traumas, view of one’s self, a fear of failure, inability to handle rejection, unresolved previous disappointments or a current mental, spiritual or emotional condition. The list can go on and on. We can either let these factors be a tsunami that drowns us or a mountain that can be moved. Dare to consider that you can speak to the mountain and tell it to step aside!
Camaflouges and Overcompensations
Think about it—what things have you been talking about doing for the last ten years but have not made any significant strides in accomplishing? On the flip side, how many things have you impulsively done that left you feeling empty and more frustrated than when you started? Procrastination is often a camouflage for fear and conversely, acting in haste can be a smokescreen for lack of control and overcompensation for your insecurities. Reacquaint yourself with balance in your life; there is a middle ground between the two approaches called discernment.
Finding New Lenses
Yes, there is such a thing as being realistic, but whose reality are you basing it on, yours or God’s? Dare to imagine and believe beyond your current state of affairs. Be willing to reimagine your path with a new set of lenses, giving you ‘new vision’. Yes, I said a new set. Sometimes the lenses you’re wearing can’t be repaired, because they are too broken, scratched or mangled. Maybe your prescription has changed and you keep straining to envision God through expired lenses. A new set may be needed in order for God to work anew in you this season.
Four “Don’ts”
Respect boundaries; however, be free to embrace new parameters. Don’t be a ‘string’ when God is trying to stretch you like a ‘rubber band’. Don’t mistake the muddy waters you may have to travel through as cement. Don’t be afraid to get out of the revolving door and step into your destiny. Don’t let the gratitude and appreciation for where you are lure you into a state of stagnation. Stop making false claims of contentment while secretly harboring regret.
Making Good Use of Your Energy
Be honest and true with yourself. What dream have you deferred? What purpose have you allowed to be compromised? What God-given assignment have you abandoned? This reflection is for acknowledgement purposes only. There is no time for self-criticism; don’t waste your energy there. Turn your focus and attention to the matter at hand and get going. It’s never too late! Today is the best day to start. You don’t need to race in an effort to catch up. This is not a sprint, just a conscious decision to move forward with prayer, precision and purpose.
One Step at a Time
Simply put one foot in front of the other and press forward. Forward I said, not behind! Your head must be faced in the direction that you are going or you may stumble and fall. Even when going forward you may trip sometimes or experience setbacks. However, if you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep pressing on towards your goal, God will give you all that you need for the journey as you need it. Finally, if no one has told you yet, I would like to be the first to say, “I know you can make it”. Dare to believe all the possibilities!
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Angela Daubon, MDiv, LCSW
Ms. Daubon has been a school social worker with Hempstead Public Schools since 1999. After obtaining her Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University, she earned a Post Master’s Certificate in School District Administration from Stony Brook University and a Master’s in Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary in New York. Rev. Daubon is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the AME Church and has had experience facilitating workshops and leading group therapy sessions for youth. She counsels children, teens and families at LCC’s Mineola site.
For more encouraging messages from Angela please visit agapeinspirations.com or on Twitter @InspiredByLv …… For a counseling appointment, phone LCC at 800-317-1173. All sessions are virtual.
