This is what July taught me:

[I read Ecclesiastes this month and took new perspective. I think that melancholy book is actually a guide to joy & a recipe for remaining present, so there might be a bit of a theme to this one.]

Make the most of today; God deals out joy in the present.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. 

Celebrate where you are right now. Enjoy who you are right now.

Love what you have while you have it without assuming something better might turn up. I’m not saying to withhold hope for something more, but to simply acknowledge that you have beautiful aspects of your life right now. 

“Ordinary ground is holy. There is more than enough mystery, secret, marvel, and miracle ablaze in ordinary reality.” |Ron Rolheiser|

“Be cautious about your analysis of other people. Have compassion.”

"My life is luxurious, but not in the way most people see luxury.  It is luxurious because I have freedom, and for me, freedom is wealth." |Jesse Kamm|

There’s a new season of growth ahead for me, and it looks like being quick to listen and slow to react. It looks like setting boundaries and letting go of resentment. It looks like avoiding judgment by removing the lofty expectations I place upon myself and others.

Most importantly, I’m learning to recognize when I need help, and ask for it. I’m learning that my needs are significant. Learning to honor my limits, not as a sign of incapability, but out of respect for myself.

This is what July taught me.