“The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” William James One year I was too optimistic as I purchased materials to make Christmas gifts. As it got closer to Christmas and I had not made as many gifts as I had expected, stress took its toll. My aunt suggested I prioritize my to-do list and then start at the top of the list. But then she added, “…be willing to let the items at the bottom of the list fall off if you can’t get to all of them.” Letting things ‘fall off my list’ was not something I was used to doing. Part of my problem with perfectionism was to always live up to my expectations of myself. When my health suffered from stress and lack of sleep I was forced to face facts, buy a few gifts and finish the hand-made gifts later. I was not wonder woman. The next year a friend told his story of having to select what he was reasonably able to accomplish following his wife’s death. He had three children, a business and was near completing his PhD, to say nothing of taking time to grieve and helping his children grieve. He called the process: Selective Neglect. But his secret to implementing Selective Neglect was not in neglecting, it was in selecting. Selecting is an art, not a science. Once I was open to seeking God’s will to help me select, I was able to let go of some things on my to-do list. But even more, prayer helped me reach a place where my self-image was not based on whether or not I finished a list.
Are you open to experimenting with Selective Neglect? Do you trust that Jesus cares about your stress? When faced with selecting what to neglect, who will you seek for help? Lord, thank you for Your patience with me as I’m still learning how to practice Selective Neglect. Amen “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: William James (1842-1910), an American philosopher and psychologist who was also trained as a physician. He was the first educator to offer a psychology course in the United States. He is believed by many to be one of the most influential philosophers in the United States, while others have labeled him the "Father of American psychology".
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1/30/2017 11:59:08 am
Goodness,
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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