Today is one of those extraordinarily busy and emotional days. It's not one of those do-your-own-thing days, but instead it's a day fully focused on less pleasant, must-do activities. I always dread days like this, but once I power through the tasks, I am always satisfied on the other end because I'm proud of the good work done and the effect tht good work has on the people and places where the work is directed.
Much of today's work is related to events that I didn't choose or hope for, but events that occurred outside of my control or desires. These events happened--they are here, and what's important is that I react to these events in ways that add positivity and diminish the potential negativity.
How can I do this?
Positive Attitude
My dad would always say, No one likes a matyr? And I must say that when you are dealing with less pleasant jobs, the temptation to act and speak like a matyr is great. This isn't positive, and what's best is to approach these tasks with a positive, can-do attitude.
Power Through the Tasks
Get the tasks down. Rather than thinking or talking a lot about these tasks, simple complete the tasks one step after another.
Prayer
Typical before a day like this, I spend a good deal of time in prayerful contemplation as a way to strengthen my ability to complete the tasks with care and attention.
Change?
Consider if there are ways to make these tasks more manageable and attractive. For me, I've made thta consideration, and have done what I can to make the tasks more inviting. I am also making changes to my own life so that my loved ones will have less responsibility for tasks like these going forward.
Gratitude
Sometimes when you engage in unpleasant tasks that you've chosen for good reason, you learn a lot, and there is great gratitude for the new insights and learning those tasks bring to your life.
Let Others Lead You
In my case, I'm not the leader with regard to these tasks. In many ways I have been relegated to follower--that's the way it is, and there is some grace to allowing yourself to follow rather than fighting to lead.
Now it's time to begin the day's tasks. I'm curious about how I'll feel at the end of the day. Not too long ago I had a similar day, and as I embarked on the tasks, a number of unexpected events happened which greatly altered the tasks that day and the jobs in the following days too. One never knows exactly what's on a day's agenda. Onward.