With all of life’s demands, it’s okay to just be still for a moment.
There are moments when my mind is racing faster than I can fully process.
At times I find it difficult to manage any rising emotions as mine are usually delayed to whatever current event. At my worst, I’d say I get to the point of holding back my tears after feeling the tension in my chest, and it usually indicates that I’ve out done myself again. Stress chokes the joy out of me. And at my best, I feel invincible, ready to take on the world like I can handle anything.
But how do you healthily find that balance of work, play and rest?
Celebrate with others.
If you’re wired like I am, it’s easy to move on too quick with what’s next when you reach a goal. It’s much harder to be present and just enjoy right now. Through the years, I’ve learned to be thankful in every circumstance. It helps me to see people. It reminds me to celebrate others wins too. I have to remind myself to guard time to celebrate my loved ones and appreciate what is in front of me. Whatever that may look like, I hope you find all the things you’re grateful for and be surrounded with the people who bring you most joy.
Work hard and put effort towards what matters the most.
Did I tell you I’m still without a job? It’s a big weight I’m still carrying but I’m reminded that jobs will come and go. Each day I am reminded to be intentional with time. I still put effort and work into things that are most important and impactful to me. For instance, my marriage and my home. If that doesn’t keep me busy, there’s still being a contributing member to my community by volunteering where my local church gathers.
we are the church. I still have a part that is vital to being the body of Christ. I am still serving others lovingly while I’m in the waiting.
Oh and if it’s not already hard enough just putting effort into keeping this body in shape. There’s so much information telling us how we should eat, or workout but I’ll save that for another conversation
Pause, reflect, sleep, repeat.
Oh I love this part. Someone once told me that God’s gift to us is sleep. After a long day your body physically starts to feel the wear and tear. Whether that might some tense shoulders, oncoming headache, or the dark circles forming around the eyes -you know it’s time to shut them and let your head hit the pillow. It’s interesting that if I don’t take time to reflect and process earlier in the day, I’ll run into the same mindset of feeling restless by night when I have time to lay still in bed. For me, it’s praying and talking with my spouse about my day and just allowing myself to take a deep breath and remember that God is much bigger than my situations. He is still on the move and thoughtfully at work while I’m asleep.
With all that said, I hope that all this gives encouragement to say that you’re not alone. I feel alone at times when I don’t give myself time to slow down but again, look around. You have so much to be thankful for and to enjoy the little things. Hope you get some peace and rest.
Journey with Jai 