Bittersweet….| Sass and Sense on Purpose week 1
Some days are just bittersweet. Like graduation day. A rainy afternoon. The last day of vacation.
The promise of a new beginning is exciting, yet closing a chapter filled with hard work, friendships, and familiar comfort can be difficult to release. A rainy day can invite rest and reflection, but it can also feel gloomy. And the end of a vacation? You want to savor every last moment and cherish the memories of well-deserved rest, yet there’s something comforting about returning home and sleeping in your own bed again.
Life itself is bittersweet.
Almost every moment carries two sides of the same coin. How we experience it often depends on what we choose to focus on. I can lean into the sweet, the possibilities, the growth, the hope ahead, or I can dwell on the bitter, what’s ending, changing, or uncomfortable. The glass can be half full or half empty.
That SWEET perspective doesn’t come naturally. It’s a habit. And like any habit, it requires fuel.
We must intentionally feed our minds with things that strengthen positive, life-giving thoughts. There are far too many voices competing for our attention that are negative, draining, and defeating.
So how do you stay motivated, hopeful, and optimistic?
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to learn and implement a few practices that help keep me grounded and encouraged. I’m always “prospecting” for new ways to feed my soul and pour goodness into others. I’d love to hear what fuels you, but here are a few of mine that I hope encourage you as much as they’ve encouraged me.
- Daily time in the Word
I read my Bible every day. And when I don’t have it with me, I use the Bible app on my phone, it’s free, easy, and searchable by topic, verse, or chapter. I also listen to uplifting Christian music that teaches me to carry God’s Word throughout my day. This is the most powerful reminder that we have hope. We have a Savior who loves us deeply, has already overcome the enemy, and never asks us to fight our battles alone. - Uplifting and motivating podcasts
I love Darren Daily, a free five-minute jumpstart to the workday. It delivers concise insight from successful business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who focus on growth, discipline, and mindset. The Darren Hardy community is filled with inspiring professionals, and the training resources available there have been incredibly valuable to me. This is easy so go ahead and check it out! DarrenDaily - Daily movement and stretching
There is nothing like moving your body to lift your spirit. Over the past few years, I’ve become well acquainted with back pain, and with the importance of daily movement. I wish this had been emphasized more when we were younger! Yoga, in particular, has been life changing for me. It connects mind, body, and spirit through breath, strength, and flexibility. It has helped me avoid surgery, taught me body awareness, and reminded me that pain in one area is often connected to something else entirely. Our bodies are wonderfully connected, something I truly didn’t appreciate until I needed to. Check out this one to help you get started! Return – 1 – Sense - Beginning and ending each day with gratitude
Gratitude sets your mind on what truly matters. I start my day by reflecting on thankfulness and end it the same way. A gratitude journal can be incredibly powerful, write at night, read it in the morning, and add something new each day. Over time, gratitude begins to outweigh stress, worry, and fear. One of my favorite reminders comes from Philippians 4:6–8, encouraging us to pray with thanksgiving, focus on what is good, and rest in God’s peace. Gratitude truly calms the spirit. “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. –Philippians: 4: 6-8
In the end, all things work together for good. Bitter and sweet exist together to give us perspective, growth, and joy. Without rain, we wouldn’t appreciate the sun. Without cold, we wouldn’t recognize warmth. And without challenge, we might never fully understand the depth of the Father’s love.
My prayer is that this year is beautifully bittersweet and abundantly joyful for you. Blessings are waiting. Be open to receive them. And remember, some of the greatest blessings are the ones we give away.