Topic > Ortberg Analysis of the Life You've Always Wanted

As I read this chapter, I reflected on the many changes I have made over the past year realizing that God's grace in my life does not require the approval of others. It doesn't require me to be perfect or meet external standards. Orberg talks about the “impostor phenomenon,” which is when we know that the image we project is not congruent with who we really are. This causes “many people to live their lives with the hidden fear that one day the truth will come out” (Ortberg, 2002, pp. 167). I felt this way for quite some time until I realized a year ago that a lot of the anxiety I was feeling was due to not being true to myself. I have flaws and that's okay. I appreciate Ortberg's explanation of doing something good and trying to make sure no one finds out, as it's a practice I've started to implement. As I read this chapter, I realize that I need to get more involved in praying for God to show me ways every day that I can find ways to bless someone's life every day without them knowing. I also plan to implement “secret service day” where “I don't have my own schedule but just have to be home and available” (Ortberg, 2002, 170). Finding ways to celebrate joy, slow down, and practice secrecy