I regularly write about understanding who you are from the root system up. It seems fitting in the early part of the Spring season to talk about roots. Let me put it into a nutshell. Think of yourself as a seed. Deep within you is a place that when germinated begins to grow. Depending on your surroundings you can become as big as a tree, as bright as a pansy, or as fragrant as a rose. Let’s define that root system as the spirit that lives deep within you. It is fed by emotions that are attached to behaviors. All of these things come from your environment. You get the picture?
Here’s the thing though you are not a plant. You are not a seed. Roots are however established within you.
Now let me talk about one other thing that I often discuss in my blogs, how to transform your behaviors by changing your thought patterns. Have you ever tried to plant anything near a tree? Maybe it’s years later after a tree has been cut down that you find it difficult to put in a new plant because the root system of the original tree is still intricately woven all throughout the ground. Well… are you getting the picture? Again, you are not a tree or even the root system of a long-forgotten tree. You are however filled with all of the patterns of behaviors taught to you over a lifetime no matter how old or young you are.
I have been in the education system for many years in a variety of roles. It has offered me a view like none other. If you spend time with people who are learning new skills, you soon understand that the hardships of life don’t leave when students walk into a classroom. Nor do the lessons learned come easy to most. It isn’t scientific knowledge that life is difficult. No matter the stage of life we are in, we will have challenges. We will also have those who believe in us and those who turn their backs at our pleas for help. But if life does not come easy it is incredibly vital that we find someone to do life with. Someone who will be able to endure unpredicted deaths, sudden and tragic losses, as well as someone who will in all sincerity celebrate when we lose weight, take on a new job, get a much needed compliment.
My critics would say that drawing images to plants or talking about self-transformation are counterproductive. So, let me offer you that which is at the heart of all that I do and say. Let me offer you Jesus. Why? Not because I need another follower to check off on the list of accomplishments. Nor for the sake of appeasing my doubters. But simply because when I talk about transforming thoughts, behaviors, and patterns I know without a shadow of a doubt that in that there are earthly limitations. Can you do it without Jesus, yes (sorry critics). Will the results be the same, no (it takes more than our logic, strength, or ability).
Some finals thoughts to today’s words for you are a list.
- Find someone to travel through life’s journey that offers you sincere strength and encouragement to overcome and press onward.
- Set goals for changing some behavior (one at a time), then allow yourself mistakes as well as set a plan for staying the course.
- Don’t be so quick to write off God as the one to complete a permanent change in you.
You’ve got this!
-blessings for your journey
Monica Swank 