Years ago, I did an exercise called “laying down Ideal”, where I was asked to lay down the ideal version of myself. It was so powerful I have never forgotten the takeaway lesson that I received from God. I am human and because of it I will mess up, I will fail. That became my mantra for a while until I forgot all about it and came home to a kitchen that seems to have a million dishes in the sink, the counter full of clutter, and bedrooms with clothes slung all over the floor instead of in the hamper that is also in their room…Yes, teens!
What I wanted to see when I got home was an alternate reality. The ideal version of who I think I should be, two responsible young men who put the dishes in the dishwasher, tended to the cat’s needs, and have dinner well on its way.
The Struggle
I still struggle with laying down ideal, the ideal vs. reality, the ideal version of myself and my family vs. the reality. In a perfect world, my kids would be put together all the time, and my house would always be tidy. The reality is that we still struggle every morning—after eight years of practice—to get out the door for work and school. The reality is that, if you came over right now, you’d wonder why the floor looks like it has stains on it that have been sitting there for a few weeks.
Maybe you’re in the same boat, sometimes wishing you had an ideal version of your life—or your kids, marriage, or even yourself. But what if you stopped hoping for the ideal version of your life and simply worked on your reality?
Finding the True you
Are you still with me? Okay, here’s what I want you to do. Close your eyes and imagine all the things you wish you had. Imagine your perfect life. Then, I want you to let it go. Yep, say goodbye to it.
Now I want you to visit your reality—messy dishes and all. I know it’s not as fun as the other version but stay with me.
Look around. What do you see?
A mess? Could the answer be a better routine where everyone does their part, and where you actually ask for help?
Constantly late? Could the answer be better time management and new bedtime routines?
You can make your reality better by doing small things to improve your situation. Are you willing to take steps forward to make your reality one that you are happy with?
How to Start Laying Down Ideal
Setting aside your concept of an ideal life helps you move toward the version of you God created you to be.
What is one small or big step you can take right now to move toward the reality God wants for you? Leave a comment below.
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