Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
“We sow our thoughts, and we reap our actions; we sow our actions, and we reap our habits; we sow our habits, and we reap our character; we sow our character, and we reap our destiny.” -Desiderius Gerhard Erasmus
Maybe it is adding a minimal $20 to your savings account each month to save for a dream vacation to Paris, maybe it is choosing to do your best each day that you are on the job, as you slowly make your way up the ladder in your company, maybe it is taking the weight off, slowly, yet healthily, or maybe it is building relationships that will stand the test of time.
In our modern world, we have been spoiled with the ability to contact each other immediately, view the news as it is happening, observe as seemingly nobodies become famous for irrational acts and paid mind-blowing sums of money instantaneously, as well as track almost everything on-line. But the message that is being drowned out is that in order to maintain quality in our lives, we must put forth the effort every day to make it as we desire it to be.
And while this may at first seem daunting, the beautiful fact is that it is in our small habits, our small actions, that we partake in every day that will create the life we want.
Something I am thankful to have learned from my parents is that the truly grand things in life will require hard work, focus and patience. Unfortunately, for our youth today, this message isn’t portrayed in our media as frequently. In fact, quite the opposite is on display. But when I think about the aspects of our lives that matter most to us – our relationships, our financial security, our peace of mind, and a healthy grasp on the meaning of life and how to live it successfully, I can’t help but realize immediately, that each require time, a genuine investment and all of them require discipline to help them become successful components of our lives.
“Good habits result from resisting temptation.” -Ancient Proverb
Just as the compound interest on investments doesn’t reach its full and appreciated potential until decades after the initial venture was begun, the same is true for a healthy relationship. While it may begin wonderfully and bring true bliss, if it is handled correctly, if each of the parties involved are respectful and honest with one another, the grand gift is in the relationship’s maturity, the passionate beginning is just the frosting on the cake.
Most importantly, what I want to impress upon you today is to have patience. Give things a chance to grow, mature and show their full potential before you throw your hands up and assume it can’t work, or it isn’t working. Granted, there are times when ventures need to be aborted immediately upon realizing the wrong decision has been made, but if on the other hand you’ve done your research, you know what you want, and at the core, what you are working for is worth your sweat and tears, hang in there. With the little steps you take every day, they turn into habits, and those habits build upon one another, creating far beyond a mole hill that you can’t ignore. So be sure that you are establishing habits that are propelling you in the direction you want to go because you will get there, trust me.“Habits form character and character is destiny.” -Joseph Kaines Happy Monday everyone and here’s to being mindful in our daily lives so that the sweet successes can be achieved.
Shannon, this are such important things to remember – patience, and the small changes we can make in our everyday life to slowly make things better. I think we tend to forget these things a bit too easily. I also agree with you that young people today are not taught the importance of these things, so they expect to be handed everything. Well, enough said – have a delightful day!
Happy Monday sis! This is a truly inspirational post to start my week. I’m pinning it to my Google chrome tab so i can read it daily 🙂
Have a good week 🙂
xoxo Hermine
What a wonderful post , it’s so true, the long slow hard slog always pays off in the end.
Wonderful post. As I’ve said many times you have a beautifully, intoxicating way with words.
Your post is a great reminder of how long it takes a little acorn to become a grand and majestic oak 😉
I think it’s important to make that process as enjoyable and enlightening as possible; then the whole journey is a pleasure and worthwhile.
Shannon, You are such an daily encourager with your words and lovely photos. The work you put into your blog is staggering. I recently discovered you and thank you for helping me establish my own Simpy Luxurious Life. Your posts have become the creme in my coffee each morning 🙂
Totally agree with you Shannon! Unfortunately in this world filled with instant gratification, it is truly difficult to teach our children to have patience. Not to mention often times they obtain things instantly, are happy for two seconds, or worse yet, do not take care of it. I am quite possibly the “mean” mom because I do not give in to my child’s every whim the moment they ask for it. I make them wait and work for it…because it is only then that they truly appreciate it.
Anonymous – Thank you so much for your kind comment. It is a genuine enjoyment that I gain by sitting down and writing, but when I hear comments such as the ones today, the feeling is nearly indescribable. Thank you very much. 🙂
Vanessa – Thank you for your continued generous comments. I love your analogy of the acorn – a perfect example. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Nanne – Have a wonderful day as well. 🙂
CJ – In the long run CJ, you are doing your children a great service and that is why we have parents, not “friends” raising successful and grounded children. Keep up the tough and good work.
I had tried to post a comment earlier but it didn’t work.
My comment only echoed what others have said about instant gratification. This seems to be what people are interested in these days. We all like a bit of easy pleasure now and then, but the best things in life, those that sustain you must be worked for.
I have read your other posts and see that you are a wise person. I’m glad that I found your blog. x
What a wonderful post and very pertinent to my situation- trying to shed weight, trying to save for the future and starting my own business.
I would also like to add that your blog is absolutely amazing. I have searched for ages for something like this and am so glad Ifound it. The photos are so beautiful and never fail to inspire and make me happy. I do belive that I am becomg a more fulfilled person as I try to incorporate all the wisdoms from here into my daily life! Thank you…and please do not get tired of adding to your wonderful blog!
Jox
Great Post! I absolutely Agree that little by little you can achieve a lot!
How do you eat an Elephant?
One piece at the time.~ from “Eat That Frog” book
Yelena
http://www.glamthings.com/
What a great post , it’s so true.