![]() I often wonder how many of them become lasting changes, and how many fizzle after a short burst of enthusiasm. Since most of my day job is to offer exactly these sorts of epiphany-inducing perspectives, I receive a lot of emails from people in the middle of epiphanies. So when they do stick, what makes them stick? The missing ingredient Occasionally, after an “Aha” moment, we really do turn over a new leaf, but much more often we return to old patterns without ever deciding to. But over time it starts to seem irretrievable. You might even reread the material that gave you the insight in the first place, and maybe a hint of the feeling returns. Soon you feel like you’ve forgotten how to look at the world that way. We get really excited about our new perspective, see its potential everywhere, and maybe do some light proselytizing. The lens might be Stoicism, emotional literacy, frugality, non-procrastination, living in the present moment, reframing criticism, or some other perspective. The “Aha” moment is it’s own unique emotion: a feeling of “ Ah! That makes so much sense!” It feels like you’ve gained possession of a new lens, through which everything in your life looks tidier and more manageable: your work, your relationships, your health, your finances, and yourself. Then, when you’re not looking, this “New You” disappears into your old patterns. Armed with this insight, you enjoy a few weeks of newfound enthusiasm and ease. ![]() You read about a new perspective that immediately clicks with your intuitions, triggering a so-called “Aha!” moment. This is a pretty common human pattern, especially for self-improvement hobbyists. I’m not worried about this, however, for reasons I’ll explain. Not only do I forget to respond Stoically to emerging dilemmas in life, it’s hard to locate even a whiff of that fate-loving sense of empowerment I seemed to embody so easily for those few weeks. I am still constantly becoming fixated on what I can’t control and overlooking what I can, and I don’t believe I could “march to the gallows in good cheer.” Six months later, I can report that I did not get good at it. The title was “The Only Thing You Need to Get Good At”, referring to the Stoic skill of continually returning your attention to the small number of things you can control, and leaving the rest of your worries to fate. The post made the front page of Reddit, and whenever someone in real life tells me they read this blog, that’s the article they mention. Read “ Are You Spiritually Sleeping?” and ask yourself if you’re avoiding the next step because it’s uncomfortable.In March I published a post explaining-and diagramming with stick figures-how I’d become enamored with Stoicism. Take the next step and sign up for the Lent email devotional series here. The next step you take could be a defining moment. Don’t harden your heart to the possibilities. What is God calling you away from or toward? If you sense God’s voice asking you to do what is uncomfortable, or even impossible, don’t shut that voice out. Like Jesus, we are often asked to do what feels impossible. It’s not always easy to choose to follow God. ![]() Yet not what I will, but what You will’” (Mark 14:35-36, New International Version). ‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. “Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. This choice was not an easy one to make, but He submitted to follow God’s plan even to the Cross.īefore Jesus was betrayed and crucified, He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had a defining moment that affected everyone who ever lived. They come from decisions made in faith - both big and small. As Christians, our lives are made up of many defining moments that affect how we live. By His grace, you are now able to live your life in a new way. It happens at an intentional point in time when you place your faith in Jesus instead of in yourself for the forgiveness of your sins. Your decision to follow Jesus is a defining moment of who you are and who you will become. Some are intentionally thought out, some are the results of past decisions and some just happen to us. These moments shape who we are and who we will become. Our lives are filled by defining moments. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |