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"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Jeremiah 29:11 

On Monday of this week, I explored Q3: Do the living and working environments you expose yourself to daily fill you with joy and fulfillment or pain and regret? Today, let's explore our fourth and final question of this Q Series.

Q4: At the end of a busy day, do you feel incarcerated or set free? 

I just wanted to remind you that the above question is not simply asking if you've had a good or bad day. Again, I'm dealing with the above question from a chronic nature. Chronic refers to a long-term condition that requires ongoing attention, treatment, and is often not curable. Although the condition may not be curable, that doesn't mean it cannot be managed or controlled appropriately. The same applies to the Q Series, which we've been engaged in for the fourth day. Again, consider the persistent thoughts and feelings of disappointment, missed opportunities, and unaligned connections that have been lingering for months and even years. When all is said and done, do you spiritually believe you are making a difference? If you do or don't, I've got more advice to share.  

What can you do to feel less incarcerated and freer? 

Establish and Maintain Healthy Boundaries:  

I will never forget my first mentor, who helped me establish myself as a mental health professional. The first thing he told me to do was to take off my Superman cape:

1st, Understand that I wouldn't be able to save the world, because not everybody wants to be saved.

2nd, Self-care is vitally important. If you don't take good care of yourself, it's more challenging to care for others.

3rd, Respect Boundaries - Yours and others. There must be limitations to what you can and cannot do. 

There are times when we can be our own worst enemies. Yes, there are times when we create our own incarceration when trying to force-feed people who don't want to be fed.   

Establish and Maintain Realistic Expectations:

Know Your Limits | Understand Your Needs | Adjust Your Role

You can work realistically within your limits and clearly communicate what you can and cannot control. Additionally, you can respect and understand your own needs as well as the needs of others. As a result of establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries and realistic expectations, you may have to adjust your role to be freer and less incarcerated.  

Before you throw in the towel and/or wave the white flag of surrender. Before you determine that no matter what you do, you constantly hit a brick wall, take the time you need to evaluate your boundaries and clearly understand your expectations. 

As you prepare for what life has in store for you today, carry this Discipleship Devotional in your spirit, heart, and mind. Tomorrow we will wrap up our Q Series by sharing with you how each answered question relates to three core questions many seek and need an answer to:

1. Do you sometimes feel like you are just existing/going through the moments?

2. Are there times when you don't feel like you have a purpose?      

3. Are there unresolved conflicts in your life that make you feel like you are just existing instead of enjoying life? 

2025 Copyright (c) Elton L. Young
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