Navigating Life - My Plan
The purpose of this document is to develop a life plan and as a guide to reflect on the past and present, sunset the unhealthy habits and shortcomings, and move towards a healthier way to live and love ourselves, our family and God. The focus is on writing a new narrative for your life, free of the obsessions and addictions and clarity about who you are today as the ‘new man’. Most who have come to a point of desiring change found themselves off course because of a life defined by unhealthy self-centered behaviors, hiding their true self and presenting a façade of having to look good, be seen as good under a performance clouded in shame, fear, and survival. This is a place to re-write the story of your life: how you got here, what happened and committing to following God’s will for your life. It is an opportunity to step back and cast a new vision for the next chapter, to grieve the wounds and losses that formed much of your beliefs, behaviors and shortcomings and chart the path to finish the race well. “22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
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My Life Plan (Example)
Who – I strive to love and serve God, my spouse, and my family each day with the gifts He has given me, and to be eternally grateful for His saving grace. I work daily to grow in my faith walk and physical and emotional health and to see each day’s challenges as a blessing and each relationship as an opportunity to share God’s love. I cherish each moment of joy, and seek to accept life’s challenges and support others in their tragedies. Present – I wake each day to spend time in prayer, meditation and scripture to guide me each day to remain present, loving and focused on God’s will. I am in recovery from a set of damaging behaviors and blind spots and committed to employing the necessary tools, resources and fellowship(s) to maintain my emotional, physical and spiritual well-being so that I may be the best father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend I can be. Past – I grew up in a dysfunctional home experiencing a great deal of neglect and significant negative and traumatic events that led me to develop very unhealthy coping strategies and addictions. Acceptance – through these past years of grieving I have been able to forgive myself, my parents and others including God (which sounds strange, but I blamed Him at times for allowing all this to happen). I have repented to those I have harmed so very deeply and continue to do my best at a living amends and show that I am a new man in my faith and life. Renewed mindset – I am a healthy, loving, honest, caring, supportive and compassionate, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. I will turn away from the lies of the enemy, from the condemnation of others, and turn towards the truth: that God loves me, He sent His son to save me and that the Holy Spirit is with me. Goals / Commitment(s) – I am committed to maintaining my sobriety and truth, to being present, open, loving and vulnerable, to following God’s commandments and seeking wisdom in scripture. I commit to supporting my wife in all aspects of life and her healing. I will leave a legacy of showing my children and grandchildren that God’s redemption is real and that turning a life around – regardless of the depth we fall – is possible through His love, grace and mercy. My Team – I am incredibly blessed with a wife who has stayed with me through the absolute worst of times, with many men and sponsors in fellowship who I can share anything with, great therapists, and accountability partners who help keep me on track and help me figure out ‘the next right thing’ when life throws me a curve ball. My tools – I read scripture, pray, meditate, journal, attend 12 step meetings, do counseling sessions, sponsor others, keep in touch with others in recovery several times a week, read and listen to helpful books and podcasts that provide additional insights and tools for my journey. |