Because you’re listening.

I love this mantra from Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf, “Anything that happens to me today is in my best interest and it’s an opportunity for me to grow.”

We are human. There will be days when we are weary. There will be days when we don’t “feel” the way we want to feel about situations or people. And while acting the way we want to feel is a way to survive, it doesn’t help us uncover what is going on below the surface.

There’s a daily writing strategy from Chop Wood Carry Water that intrigues me. I haven’t tried it yet, but I thought I would pass it along as I chew on it a bit.

Here are the steps:

  1. Write out between 15-63 (not sure where the 63 comes from) things you did well today.
  2. After, and only after, write out only two areas for growth.
  3. Write out two things you learned today.

I wonder how we might grow and evolve if we implemented this practice for 30 days. Honestly, I’m struggling to picture myself writing down 15 or more things I did well. And I even more so struggle to picture being able to do it every single day.

But what an interesting action-research study. If we could get ourselves to a place where we did this, what patterns would emerge? Would we realize we have strengths we hadn’t considered? Would there be connections between the learning and areas for growth? Would the areas for growth be fairly consistent?

So. Many. Questions. But I’m intrigued.

I love this worth statement from the book, “My value comes from who I am, NOT from what I do.”

Yes, no matter how many mistakes. No matter what we learn. No matter how much we crush it professionally or as a mom, husband, or friend, we do not gain or lose value. We are uniquely human. We have value. Always. Regardless.

So, on that note, may we take a big deep breath, let go of our worries and insecurities about the week ahead, and just do the best we can. And if the spirit so moves us, maybe write some things down too.