Note: I wrote this post before the election and all that has happened this week. My desire to be intentional is stronger than ever. More to come on that topic - if I get the nerve and/or feel a call to write about my feelings. Until then, let's just be kind.
Somehow we stumbled upon November - a time of reflection and thanksgiving. And for me, this time of year is hitting close to home. I took that brief little blogging break to let
my anxiety rest a bit. A couple of weeks ago, the stomach bug hit me HARD. No really, it hit so hard that I hit the bath tub - head first after fainting from dehydration. An ER visit. Stitches. IVs. Cat scans. Anxeity. Fear.
But what also followed was a sense of needing to slow the heck down. To stop being so hard on myself. To rest and stop getting so anxious over things beyond my control. What got my head literally and figuratively all messed up? I had spent the day before getting sick doing a juice cleanse because I was feeling gross in the mom bod department. The doctors and friends/family are in 100% agreement that these juices are the reason behind my quick illness/fall.
This juice cleanse and stitches not only took me out for a good day or two, but they also made me take inventory. I needed to take away some of the anxiety - I can't control the worried thoughts that spin in my stitched up head, but I could release some of the unnecessary pressures I put upon myself. If you follow me on Instagram, I mentioned this week that I want to be more intentional. Most days can be hard for me - what's my daily worry? Will
grief make an appearance? What if something bad happens again? What if I never get back to that weight I once was a couple of years ago? I. JUST. CAN'T. ANYMORE.
Maybe you already live this way. Maybe you are able to see the good in every moment. But for some of us anxious ones, these tasks are HARD. We have to be intentional. We have to CHOOSE with every inch of our being to see the GOOD. Wherever you are in your thankful November or your goals of being more intentional, these questions may help you find that solace and positivity you desire.
What is working for you?
Take brief stock of what you do each day. Pinpoint the thing(s) that give you a sense of peace. Find the one thing that fills your heart and mind - then keep doing it. Of course, my kids are my heart so that's an easy one. I am going to always be there for them. But, what about YOU? As a person behind the mom gig, what makes YOU happy? I love my workouts - even if they are early, short, or too hard/too easy - they fuel me into my day. Take some time to find what gives you peace, a breather from the rush. Then, do it daily.
What is NOT working for you?
See above and flip it. What is one thing you do each day that makes you cringe? Worry? Stress? GET RID OF IT. I do love food, and when I would indulge, I would let this little voice gripe about poor decisions. See juice detox example. I don't plan to jump in a bowl of queso (though how nice does that sound??), but I do plan to allow myself treats and eats instead of letting in all the negative talk. Look around you and get rid of that unnecessary worry that carries too much weight. It doesn't work; cut it out!
What is one thing you can do in your daily routine that can give you purpose?
I want to write more. Though I haven't blogged lately, the writing always goes on for me. It's a release. What is one thing you can do for a release? Read a good book. Get crafty. Cook. Start a blog! Have a corner just for you - the place you can go to for a breath and a reminder that you do have so much purpose.
What are you headed?
This answer does not have to be a specific destination; it can simply be that change you want to implement in your life. Think of your heart, body, mind, and soul. Nourish each of those - maybe it's going back to school and/or work. Maybe it's to read a devotional or join a boot camp. Or maybe it's like me - to filter out what does not give my life purpose and be intentional in making that change happen. My destination is lofty and broad, I know that. And, I know that it will be hard for me to not dwell on worry. But, something has to give.
Many close friends and family have asked why I just can't turn off the worry and see my daily blessings. If I had that answer, I would be shouting it from the rooftops, and I sure wouldn't have a new scar on my forehead. So, I am going to do the next best thing - choose to do things I can embrace and fully commit.
And with this crazy world we live in, we have to look at ourselves. Wake up each day with purpose. Wake up knowing you are doing the best you can. Give yourself grace then take a minute to ask yourselves these questions. I won't be perfect, but I am committed to trying.
Guess I am thankful for a stomach bug and six stitches for this reminder.
PIN THIS and join me to live a more intentional life. There is no way I can do this alone - care to join me?