Make the Days Count
- Chelee-Mark Finch
- Nov 1, 2021
- 5 min read
” Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' Isaiah 58:9
We all want utter control of our own lives. Sometimes, it feels that this task is nearly impossible. Many of us tend to let our emotions control us, instead of us controlling our emotions. I, personally, have struggled with this, especially over the past 6 1/2 months. I have learned so much from reading and from Mark. I have learned that I am in control of my own emotions. I am the one who chooses whether I want to be positive or negative, happy or unhappy, or optimistic or pessimistic. You too, are in control of your own emotions. Choose to be the light in the darkness. Choose to be rainbow at the end of the storm. Choose to be your best self. "Your relationship you have with yourself is the foundation of every relationship you have in life" (Mel Robbins).
Sometimes my mind wanders back to past negative things, and if I let my mind continue in that place, I have a bad day. I know that I am in complete control, but I still sometimes struggle. I recently made a pact with Mark. When I even start to think back on these past negative things, I text him (if we aren't together) or I outright tell him. He is usually able to help bring me back to the present and he reminds me that I am in control.
I haven't talked about how Mark and I are doing lately. I have been busy sharing stories of trials and tribulations we have endured over the years. As I am typing this, Mark is 200 days sober (by the time I publish this, it will be 206 days). I keep track because for every month of sobriety, I choose to give Mark a coin in honor of his achievements. Mark no longer personally keeps track. A wise man, and fellow recovering alcoholic, told Mark this summer that he will know when he is truly getting better. He told Mark that he will stop counting the sober days and genuinely make every day count because alcohol will no longer control him. He said, "Mark you are in control. You can choose to continue to live your best sober life. I suggest you stop counting the days and start making the days count. This is when you will know that you are truly living and truly recovering." The conversation that this wise man had with Mark and me this past summer, is one that I think of often. He had a lot of wise words to share and the advice he gave Mark is so true.
Mark and I continue to do our daily check-ins where we text each other our attitude/feelings and goals for the day. We also continue to read out of our AA and Al-Anon books and devotional book every night. We also tell each other what we are grateful for every day. This is a routine that has become a habit and it has truly helped us heal individually and in our marriage. God has worked miracles on the both of us individually and in our marriage. I thank him every day for all that he has done for me and our family. We would not be where we are today without Jesus in our lives.
I am sure most of you have heard that phrase, "Stop counting the days and make the days count." If only we could all live like this. What if I told you that you CAN live like this? It's up to you to make the change. A few months ago, I started the Miracle Morning. It's a routine I have faithfully been doing every morning. I truly believe it helps to me to focus and it benefits my entire day. I will leave a link at the end in case anyone wants to check it out. Every day when I do my routine, I read aloud affirmations. I want to share a few affirmations that have touched me.
"I choose to focus on the positive every day."
"I will never let my circumstances define my emotional well-being. I will not let my outer world dictate my internal world. I will choose to be the happiest, the most grateful, the most optimistic, and at peace I could ever be-especially during the most difficult times of my life."
"There is nothing to fear because I cannot fail; only learn grow and become better than I ever have before."
"I trust I am being led to where I need to be, everything is coming to me at the right time and place. I trust my intuition."
I told you several blogs ago that I have struggled physically and emotionally. I doctored in July and August due to significant and unexpected weight loss. Many of you may have noticed the change. I had nearly a 25% weight loss. I have completed my medication for my ulcers, and I feel better. I also have had the entire month of October off from work, so I have had a lot of reflection time and time to heal physically. I have also gotten to spend a lot of time alone with Mark and with our new granddaughter Paislee. Time is precious and lately, I have cherished it even more. Time is something we cannot get back, so I choose to make the most of it. I will return to work again on November 1, working from home. The job should be so much less stress and will allow for a lot of flexibility, which is something that I have always wanted in a job.
I want you all to know, we want you to know, that change can be scary, but it can also turn out to be the best thing that you have ever done. Do not be afraid to change, especially when you are benefiting yourself and your family. The positive changes that we have made individually, and in our marriage, have been nothing short of amazing. Changes don't happen overnight; they occur over time. Be patient, pray about it, and try and you WILL see amazing results. Remember, you are in control of your own life. You have the power to make changes and do good. Get out there and be the change you wish to see in the world. No excuses. Start today.
"Negativity is contagious. Unhappiness is contagious. Fear is contagious. But so is happiness. So is optimism. So is love. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. And strive to be a reflection of what you want to receive."
Here is the link to the Miracle Morning
Comments