A deeper dive into "WHATEVER"

IT’S NOT WHATEVER - IT’S INTENTIONAL

How often we find ourselves realizing that this is NOT how we planned our day. It was suppose to be a good day - after all we had the best intentions and hoped for the best. We find our temper getting the best of us - perhaps we break into tears under the overwhelming weight of our day - the pressure - our choices and guilt - our reactions - the crippling fear that spawns indecision. We said, “Today is going to be a good day...we would do better…be better”, yet here we are are once again steeped in anger, alone in fear or self loathing - feeling broken, defeated and perhaps a bit crazy. At this point it seems impossible to recover - to make anything meaningful of this “worthless” day. BUT, tomorrow will be a better day. I will do better - I will be better…BUT HOW? I sure “hope” things will be better. But hope alone is not an effective strategy.

When our children were younger they would often let out a sarcastic “whatever” out of frustration - when offered an unwanted word of advice or at times when disciplined. The lesson we tried to impart to them was that “whatever” comes from a defeated mindset. That when you resort to “whatever” - then “whatever” is what you can expect. You have to be intentional to get desired results - otherwise you will get just what you settled for - “whatever” comes along…”whatever” life deals you. “Whatever” is the consequence of a life not having intentional expectations being actively worked towards. Sadly, even as adults - we respond from time to time with a defeated “whatever” when fearful, challenged or disappointed. “Whatever” comes from a defeated mindset and is a terrible game plan for change. So, how do we let go of the “whatever” and work towards new healthy patterns with healthy expectations?

First - we cannot continue to face our day without an intentional approach. The idea of hoping for change without any work or effort on our part has proven ineffective. We must find a way to participate in our daily lives at a fundamental level that promotes change. Recovery is not just for those with addictions. The godly principles that facilitate many addicts and alcoholics to a new life -“happy joyous and free” - also provides a strategy for many others to achieve a manageable life. When certain steps are followed earnestly and with complete honesty - life can be lived and viewed through new eyes. Because honestly, we are usually the reason why our day goes “off the rails”. It’s time for an intentional approach that includes willingness, acceptance, and honesty. So - no more “whatever”.

Wake with an understanding that expectations will disappoint - if not birthed from the Spirit of Life.

Wake and seek to surrender to the ONE who formed you with purpose - to live with purpose.

Wake with meditation and prayer, as they are essential for a day lived with intention - a day with purpose. Seeking the knowledge of HIS will for your life today. Asking for HIS power (his loving life force) to carry out HIS intentions for the day.

An intentional day is not one of plans and expectations, but one of intentionally seeking a purpose beyond your ego - outside your selfish needs.

Wake and ask God to help you to face the day differently. To see the challenges and upsets for what they truly are and the purpose they can serve for your betterment.

I recently realized a simple truth: Regardless of my expectations of anything or anyone - truth will prevail - and any resentment that may arise in my day proves how far I have strayed from that truth.

So, today I seek to live intentionally. Beyond my own expectations. Because honestly, “whatever” is not the problem. The problem is: I cannot face life on life’s terms when I am ill prepared. When I have predisposed myself to disappointment by my narrow minded expectations. Self deceives me into thinking it’s all about me - when in reality there is so much more life to live outside of me.

Let “whatever” deal it’s best hand - I will not fold - I will not bluff. I decided early in my day how I will respond to all the “what-evers” that come my way. I’m not accepting “whatever” - I’m accepting that life is going to life - and me - I’m going to live happy, joyous and free. With my intentions and expectations on He that has ordained my day to be just so…and HIS attention will creatively resolve all that is intended.