As we grow up, we tend to put away childish things. As
adults, we take on too many responsibilities and we neglect our self.
Eventually we have a break down.
We may physically run away from our responsibilities or
our soul may make our body sick in order to escape the pressures of daily life.
There is a much more effective way to stop the feelings of being overwhelmed by
life.
We can simplify our life by removing any activity or
responsibility that is not necessary for the well-being of our self or our family.
Also, be sure to make time for play in the midst of the daily grind.
We often have our children in too many activities. Simplify
by enrolling them in just one extra activity other than school. They do not
need sports and dance and music classes all at one time. See what they are
really interested in and just do one class.
A birthday party does not need to be a momentous event
involving elaborate decorations, special themes and their whole class. It can
be a few of their closest friends and a simple cake, ice cream and juice.
Are we too involved at work, going the extra mile to
impress our boss, working late or extra shifts in order to get that promotion,
raise or coveted praise? Simplify by maintaining the required hours and then
going home.
Do we function in too many ministries at church? We all
have a place to serve, but none of us can do it all. Pick just one thing that
you are passionate about and serve in that ministry. You can always change to
another ministry later on if you have more than one passion.
Maybe we feel abused, misunderstood, unappreciated,
neglected, insecure or fearful. These are valid feelings and we can acknowledge
them as such and validate that we are a person too and that we matter.
Do not allow negative self-talk to belittle or to
criticize your feelings. Your feelings are real and deserve to be validated as
valuable and important. What is stressing out your soul right now? What is
causing the negative emotions currently plaguing your soul?
Spend some time getting to know your inner soul - your
thoughts, feelings and choices. Journal and write uncensored thoughts about how
you are feeling, what you are thinking and why you are making your current choices.
Follow the Serenity Prayer and correct anything in your
power to change, accept those things you cannot change by changing your focus
about them, and trust God to change or to empower you to face those impossible
challenges in your life.
Give yourself little breaks during the day to prop up
your feet, have a soda or cup of tea, take a walk in nature, rock or swing on
the porch or at the park, sit in the sun for a few moments and soak up those
healing rays, do some deep breathing exercises, listen to your favorite music,
watch a movie or read a novel just for fun.
Start a new hobby that gives you time for yourself, but
make sure that it does not add to your already stressful schedule. Just
something simple like a craft, an adult coloring book, needlework, walking,
swimming, gourmet cooking class or baking a special dessert and sharing it with
those you love.
Climb a tree, jump rope, learn to paint or play an
instrument, cuddle a stuffed toy, pet the cat, make a batch of cookies or jam,
frame photos of yourself as a child and hang them on the wall with your other
photos, wrap up in your favorite blanket or quilt and take a short nap.
Grieve your losses, no matter what they are - big or
small they are all important. Give yourself permission to cry; tears are
healing and they wash away our grief. They also help us to relieve pent up
stress and emotion.
Prayer:
Father God, help us to treat our self as a human being
rather than as a machine. Remind us that the good thing in life often become
the enemy of the best things. You have a special plan for each life, so help us
to walk in it. Give us wisdom in making our decisions, prevent us from
overly scheduling our day with too many activities. Help us to take breaks and to
give our self a little treat or to take time to breathe in Your Spirit and to
give You praise.
We want to honor You with our life and to stop allowing
the good things to rob us of walking by Your Spirit and fulfilling Your plan
for our life. Teach us to care for our own needs as well as everyone else's and
prevent us from being so busy we cannot enjoy our time with family, friends and
especially with You.
Thought for the Day:
Never fill your life so full of activities that you
actually feel overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities that you have accepted
as your own.
