Honor Your ‘Why’

Someone asked me years ago why I routinely declare life’s proverbial glass as half-full – especially at times when the tug to focus on half-empty is just as strong.

I didn’t have an elaborate, philosophical response then nor now. I’ve simply learned through living that our journey is what we make it, and that the hours we’re given each day can be eaten up with negativity or treated as the treasures they are.

The truth is we all have bad days, sad days and the like. This is what makes us imperfectly human, and I’m right there with you. 

I’ve witnessed the life of one of my sisters extended by a double lung transplant; good friends survive a devastating house fire, and several others friends push through cancer. I’ve lost both parents and three of my four siblings. Once-close friendships, tangible treasures and valuable opportunities have eluded my grasp.

Through it all, I’ve sought to keep the “main things, the main things”: remembering who I am and Whose I am; continuing to move through life as someone I can respect; honoring my gifts and calling to serve those I’m meant to impact; executing with excellence; granting grace (to myself as well as others); and living with joy and fulfillment, to honor my loved ones who’ve graduated to Heaven.

My experiences have ingrained in me to take no one and nothing for granted. I’ve kept my eyes on what’s most important – powerful lessons learned, deeper relationships with those who remain, a stronger sense of self, beautiful surprises and unexpected blessings. As I’ve clung to choices and spaces that make my heart smile, I’ve held onto the truth that God loves me most. 

Those things are my “whys” and they drive me to keep living with expectancy, appreciating the simple aspects of each day, and using my words (written and spoken) to enlighten, uplift and inspire.

What fuels your joy?

Give this question some serious thought. When the answer comes, embrace it and write it down, to revisit when you need a reminder.

Honor your “whys” and summon the courage to walk in the power of who you are uniquely created to be. May your purpose, passions and loved ones serve as your “north star” on the days you need reminders or nudges, as mine have for me.