Less is More

The past couple weeks I have been concentrating on slowing down. I feel like life has been a whirlwind of activity, responsibility and excitement. I am not attempting to throw a pity party in any way. I take ownership for the choices I made and I wouldn't change a thing. Although those choices have caused stress and conflict within my relationships and within myself, I feel fulfilled and content. So why slow down? Good question. 

We are not built to go for a long period of time at that sort of daily grind. Eventually, enduring too much anxiety and stress drives us to exhaustion. Before the exhaustion, performance and efficiency decline. That's a dilemma for me. I found that in all that responsibility and activity, something had to give. I am not a machine, not perfect and not superwoman. I am a woman filled with many gifts, passion, ability, and most of all love. I love hard! This comes at a personal cost. In order to prevent that cost from damaging my relationships or myself, it's time to take a hard look at what I have left to give. 

Truth is, I have a lot to give. I am a planner and I spent a lot of last summer looking forward to this fall and preparing for it. I knew I was going to have to work, study for school, nourish my marriage and family, and fulfill my volunteer commitments. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to prioritize those components. Notwithstanding all the planning and contemplation, living out those circumstances was arduous. There were obstacles to overcome, unexpected detours and the road was bumpy. I kept telling myself over the summer that I was refilling my bucket and now I feel drained. 

It's the holiday season and that usually quickens life's pace a bit. My choice to choose this season to slow down might cause a few complications. Nevertheless, I am confident in my decision. Therefore, going forward, get ready to hear the word "no" come out of my mouth. I plan on making a conscious effort to limit myself to just a few commitments and not allow my proclivity to be a people pleaser to mess with my head. My hope is that rather than spreading myself around thinly, I will lay it on thick in the areas of involvement I retain. 

Included in this slow down will be to quiet down. I talk so much and so often that I am starting to get sick of the sound of my own voice. I am going to take some time to rest, refocus, refuel and listen for awhile. I have begun this process before writing this and so far it feels excellent, looks marvelous and sounds delightful.