ROCK thru Resisting Happiness
by Lee Havenga | February 16, 2023
ROCK thru was born after recognizing four common principles in almost all successful approaches to personal, professional, and spiritual growth. In the book, Resisting Happiness, Matthew Kelly shares thirty-seven short, thought-provoking essays that shine a realistic light on our human resistance to happiness even though we struggle with nagging restlessness. This easy yet profound read drives us to take Ownership: recognize resistance, act for a more fulfilled life, and become the-best-version-of-ourselves. The unexpected thread between the stories is our lack of Connection, specifically, our distance from God.
RESPECT
“The world compares me to my neighbor, but God compares me to my former self. Every day God invites me to improve on my former self. It is a constant invitation to transformation.”
~ Resisting Happiness
Apply it
The ROCK thru principle of Respect, acknowledges you are valuable, just as you are, in this very moment. However, you are also a creature of curiosity, ingenuity, and expansion. You were valuable the day you were born and in each moment since. Accept who you are in each present moment and work to show your authenticity. When you see opportunities to come closer to the-best-version-of-yourself, embrace the insight, and overcome resistance, knowing God has created you perfectly and has a plan for you.
OWNERSHIP
“The most important things are almost never urgent. That’s why it’s essential that we schedule them.”
~ Resisting Happiness
Apply it
In ROCK thru, Ownership includes three purposeful steps: awareness, acceptance, and action. At the end of each lesson in Resisting Happiness, the author invites us to practice one of these three steps. First, he asks us to be intentional and become aware of how God appears in ordinary activities and interactions in our daily life. Then, he asks us to reflect on and accept what we’ve noticed. And finally, to overcome resistance through actions of stillness, discipline, and courage. These three steps guide us to the-best-version-of-ourselves, the selves God knows we are, but we are still uncovering.
CONNECTION
“When we are spiritually healthy we tend to be focused, invigorated, patient, and generous. When we aren’t healthy spiritually we tend to be irritable, restless, and discontented.”
~ Resisting Happiness
Apply it
A deep and intentional Connection to God guides us to the best-version-of-ourselves. Consider how you can begin or strengthen your relationship with the Creator. It may be prayer, reading scripture, or serving others. Whatever you decide, do so with the expectation that you will be guided to overcome the resistance that is sure to appear.
KINDNESS
“Once you get a taste of God working through you to bring joy to others, you are hooked. There is no better feeling in the world.”
~ Resisting Happiness
Apply it
We are made for a mission, each of us is designed for specific purposes. Discover and embrace your talents. Share them with others generously, and you will be living your purpose. If it seems simple, it is. But it may not be easy. You may need to overcome a fear of judgment from yourself or others. The real question is, will you honor what you love and what comes naturally to you and share it with the world?
If you are a great…
listener, visit the lonely
knitter, make hats for the cold
trumpet player, honor deceased veterans at local funerals
financial planner, teach new couples how to budget
Serving people through your passion demonstrates the ultimate Kindness to both yourself and others.
Check out other teachings and philosophies that have the four ROCKthru principles as cornerstones.
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