It’s time to get real about something that I (and some of you) am dealing with! It’s something that most of us don’t speak about – we just “deal with it” because that’s just “what women do”. We take care of our homes, our spouses, our jobs/businesses, and our children (or other people’s children). Let me stop there. Just because a woman isn’t a mother doesn’t mean that she is any less important than a woman with children! Maybe she didn’t want to have children! Maybe she can’t have children! Either way, I bet that woman has impacted someone somewhere, just by being her awesome self, so can we stop judging each other please?
OK, where was I? Right! There are women like me who are just too busy! Now, I know that many of the readers of this blog are much better at juggling life’s responsibilities than I am. You don’t overbook your schedule or find yourself constantly going all day long (from the time you get up to the time you go to bed) without stopping. But I am not as savvy as you. Do you know how much stress is involved in keeping all those balls in the air and still maintaining my fantastic outward appearance? (What? If you don’t think you are fantastic, who will? Wait, that’s another post…) Not only was I too busy but my soul was also suffering! I decided to make a change. Before I could make changes, I had to understand the root cause of my busyness. I came up with about 5 causes but here are the first 2. (You knew I was going to share them right?) Maybe I will share the rest in future post.
I have not aligned my activities with my priorities. If my priorities are God 1st, Family 2nd and Career 3rd, then why would I miss my prayer time to finish up a work project? That is out of order! You know what? I looked around at my co-workers (with similar jobs) and realized that there were only a few people who worked extra hours. Those people who did not work extra hours, were not treated any differently. So why was I doing it? Time to start aligning my actions with my personal priorities. Time to go back and start saying “no” (need tips? check out my post Time for No).
I have not taken enough time to replenish my soul or take care of myself. I have rediscovered that taking care of myself is not selfish. Let me say that again for me! Taking care of myself is not selfish! It is OK for me to block out time to pray and meditate. It is OK for me to take time to get a massage or do something about the uni-brow I am growing! Heck, it is even OK for me to sit in my recliner and do absolutely nothing! Whatever it is that I need to do to bring back my inner smile or feed my soul, I need to do it. I have to put self-care in my schedule!
Bottom Line: I no longer want the stress of a busy life. I want the joy of a replenished soul. Life is way too short! 🙂
Love how you can whip out such a great piece so quickly :). We as women need to hear this. We all think we’re super women and don’t give ourselves enough attention.
Thanks!
Thanks Christine! I had a really good friend stop me from being so busy and remind me to keep writing :-). Thanks for your support!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND AGREE WITH THIS! I am THAT busy woman but last year taught me to make time for me intentionally. There is only one me, one life, one chance so I must make the most of it and that includes taking care of me!! Thanks for this awesome post!!
So glad you enjoyed the post LaTrice! It is so hard to get off of the busy train to take care of ourselves! I would love to hear some of your tips as well! I appreciate you reading.
This was such a blessing Belinda.. I always say I am not SUPERWOMAN, there isn’t enough time in the day LORD.. I ask him to help me.. You & I both know how busy our schedules can get, not to mention soccer has started, all the girls in school, family obligations, ministry & work… But, my top priority is I ALWAYS put GOD first.. My family is VERY important to me, but, GOD is above all.. I find GREAT Joy, Peace & Comfort serving in ministry & attending ministry functions with our Pastor.. That is how my soul is replenished.. It is personal time for ME with the Lord as I serve & a quiet place to rest in the Lord & get away from ALL the noise of the busyness.. I so desire to take weekend trips alone with girlfriends once a quarter, but, for now, I am content with my soul being fed & replenished as I humbly & faithful serve Unto The Lord..