Dear Friends,
IMPOSSIBLE is only an opinion.
Muhammad Ali
"Impossible" may be an opinion, but it's a common opinion right now. As the economy continues to seek a way forward, unemployment and foreclosure dominate the vocabulary. It's difficult to see past immediate problems, and eventual relief indeed might appear impossible.
In his new book The Noticer, one of Andy Andrews' characters observes that most of our concerns involve wasted energy. He says that we tend to worry about:
- Future stuff that never happens
- Stuff that already happened
- Illogical health-related stuff (This headache might mean I have a brain tumor.)
- Silly stuff about what other people think of us
I'd add another category: blaming. While debating who's at fault may make for great political and ideological sport, most issues are far too complex to be traced to a single cause or source. Unless you're a media pundit with a vested interest in appearing to know the answers, blaming is a waste of energy.
Andrews' character calculates that these categories comprise 92% of our concerns. Attention directed toward them is wasted because they're either beyond our control or don't really matter.
As life becomes increasingly complex, we need to avoid the dangerous myth that we lack any measure of control. When we focus on stuff that already happened (and who's to blame), stuff that will never happen, and stuff that just doesn't matter, we enhance our sense of personal powerlessness.
Imagine the impact if we re-directed all of that wasted energy toward the remaining 8%, the issues within our sphere of influence. Consider the positive effects of addressing those areas in which we can actually make a difference.
We don't need to live in denial. The challenges are real, and we must confront them. But effectiveness demands that we focus our efforts and energy where they actually matter and away from wasted worry about issues we cannot comprehend or control.
The paradox is that when we address issues within our sphere of influence, our influence actually expands. By doing what we can, we increase what we can do.
I also think we shouldn't confuse this altered focus with "thinking small." We need more than ever to dream big and then direct our thoughts toward concrete actions that actualize those dreams. Muhammad Ali was correct: "Impossible is only an opinion."
What do you worry about that's beyond your control?
What can you do to redirect that wasted worry, exert and expand your influence, and make a positive difference?
I succombed recently to the hype and joined the ranks of "Twitterheads" at twitter.com. It's an interesting phenomenon, though I'll confess that I'm not certain I completely understand the attraction. So far I've discovered some useful tidbits among a lot of random chatter, so I need to learn how to manage the experience better.
I'm curious, though, about the impact Twitter is clearly making on the entire Internet. If you're a fellow Tweeter, follow me (@Rich_Dixon) and send me a tweet.
I continue to receive numerous inquiries about my new series of reflections based on the imagery of Psalm 23.
Postcards
From The
Valley
Messages From A Fellow Traveler
If you'd like to read these reflections or pass them along to someone else, please click on this link and complete the form. I'll reply via email with a link to a free e-version of the POSTCARDS.
If you prefer to read on your computer, Relentless Grace is now available as an ebook. Go to the order page to get your electronic version.
The book will also be available soon in a Kindle version and as an audio book.
I believe in self-deprecating humor. As long as I can avoid taking myself too seriously, I figure I'll be able to maintain something close to proper perspective.
However, I'm not above a bit of laughter at the expense of friends. So here, with name changed to protect the unfortunate, is a rather irreverant tale of self-imposed embarrassment:
Thank you all for the kind words and ongoing support through “word of mouth” recommendations to friends and family. While we tend to associate books with bookstores and libraries, the book world is increasingly an online community. I appreciate anything you can do to raise the Internet profile of Relentless Grace. For more simple ways to help with building the buzz, this page has some suggestions.
On-going shameless self-promotion: If you enjoyed the book, please visit AMAZON.COM and contribute a five-star review.
I'm honored by three additional speaking appearances in May. These opportunities are an unexpected and enjoyable side benefit of the book. Talking with audiences about overcoming adversity has been a true source of encouragement.
I'm still seeking speaking engagements with both general and faith-based audiences. I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your community and share a bit of my story. As summer and more predictable weather approach, I'm eager to travel a bit and expand the circle even further.
Talking to individuals and groups about hope, love, and the story of Relentless Grace continues to be an enriching and meaningful experience. If you've read the book, please visit the Relentless Grace blog and join the conversation or send me a note at rich@richdixon.net.
Calendar and News
Here are links to recent articles.
HEAVEN: Today's Pentecostal Evangel (Mar 8, 09)
NOT ABANDONED: The Lookout (Jan 18, 09)
GRANDMA'S CAR: Mature Living (Feb 09)
LE TOUR de POOCH: New Mobility (Feb 09)
May 1st: I'll speak to the residents at Good Samaritan nursing home in Fort Collins.
May 7th: I'll speak to the table, a wonderful ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Denver.
May 19th: Technical Assistance Partnership Symposium for nonprofit professionals, sponsored by United Way of Larimer County.
June 13th: I'll speak at Men & Boys BBQ, First Christian Church, Loveland, Co.
June 25th brings an opportunity to speak to the inmates at Larimer County Detention Center.
October 17-18: Disability awareness day at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Denver
November 5-7: TOUGH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.
If you know someone who is looking for a motivational speaker, please contact me or forward this information to an appropriate contact.
If you are engaged in raising funds for a group or individual, send me an email and let’s discuss using the book to support your efforts.
If you want to stand out, don't just be different. Be outstanding.
Blessings,
- Please visit my web site:
http://www.richdixon.net or www.relentlessgrace.com - I’d love to hear from you. Send me a note at: rich@richdixon.net
- If you haven't seen it yet, please click this link to view a short video trailer for Relentless Grace.
- Join the conversation about Relentless Grace at: Relentless Grace blog
- Read my blog post every Friday at: SetFreeToday.com
- To update your contact information: rich@richdixon.net
- I promise I won’t distribute your information to anyone for any reason.
- Take a moment for an Interview With God
