I’ve always been one to push the limits. Not in a bad way, but more of a pioneering way. My sister and I were talking about this the other day and I shared how I always felt the need to push the norm, work harder, try new things, reach for what’s next.
Growing up I had a lot of limitations. I couldn’t walk well, I needed help to do a lot of things, overall I just felt slow. But at some point, perhaps twelve or so, I remember feeling things click. Like all of the sudden I had a clear purpose and ability to pursue the life God had for me. And I think that’s what makes me push the limit now – I can remember back when I couldn’t and I want to make sure that I’m living up to who God has designed me to be.
We serve a limitless God, so is there any limit too far to push? Of course this is said within the context of living a life that pleases God and honors our parents.
Work Harder
We do what we do everyday. But do you ponder how to take it next level to keep from growing dormant? Adding new challenges, incorporating new ideas, pushing the limits helps one to stay interested and engaged in life. Life will never be boring if we keep it interesting!
Working harder isn’t just focused on your nine to five job. What if you applied the concept to your garden, your workout, your journaling, etc? What new interest could you intentionally cultivate by leaning in a bit and aiming higher? Perhaps you are a fan of watercolor painting like me – have you ever given it a try? Or maybe you want to feel healthier or get in better shape – look for inspiration and then go for it!
Working harder might not even be simply about grueling more, but rather working smarter. Work hard to figure out how to do things better and more efficiently. We don’t get points for running ourselves into the ground here!
What are some ways you can level up your life right now? Share your inspiration below, no matter how simple – you never know when you may inspire another!
Try New Things
I’m always looking for something new to try – such as watercolor painting. Truth be told I am not fond of painting, but I love the look of watercolor. I recently came across an ad selling classes, so of course now I am considering it. Actually I am trying several new things due to ads I’ve seen. And I would’ve told you I’m not one easily swayed by marketing – ha!
Contrary to how I may sound above, not all new things need to cost money. Perhaps you want to try walking or swimming in the evening when you get home from work. Maybe you want to try cooking more and have found new recipes to try. Whatever your new thing is, enjoy the process. Read that again – enjoy the process!
Why do we insist on rushing through life and try to race past the journey? Spoiler alert: that’s the good part! The growth, the lessons – your life – is lived in the in between. A girl at the coffee shop brought my attention to this just yesterday. When I asked how she was doing, her response was that she was just trying to get to the end of the year when she’d be done with her masters degree. And I’m not saying I don’t get it and haven’t had my own similar timelines that I anticipated to get through the thick of something. It just hit me that that seems to be our lives – racing towards the next thing. But perhaps we need to remember to bask a bit more in the here and now.
Reach for What’s Next
Kind of ironic to follow the previous paragraph with this one, isn’t it – ha!
Life is one big juggling effort it seems. Enjoy where you are, work towards what’s next, don’t work too hard, try harder, push the limits, be content, etc, etc. I guess when all is said and done it comes down to following God’s lead, trusting Him through the process, and continuing to knock on doors.
God is infinite, and since we are made in His image our work for Him could also be considered infinite. That is why I try to push the limits because I want to be one of the servants who gives Him a good return on the talents He gave me. Determining what direction He would have me take those talents is a real mystery, but it draws me closer to Him as I work to follow His lead.
What dreams has He placed in your heart? What opportunities has He presented you with? Be bold and take the next step, confident that He will direct you every step of the way!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2025/03/26/use-what-you-have/