Saturday, December 29, 2012

Consciously Slowing Down for 2013

Do you ever feel overly stressed?  Are you shuffling from one event to another several days a week. There are many days where I have felt stressed out by the many things on our to do list. Let me tell you about an epiphany I had the other week.

I was in the locker room getting the boys showered and dressed after their swim lesson and was feeling rushed and anxious.  The anxiousness was probably stemming from the fact that I was trying to keep a toddler busy, while ensuring the older two kept their wiggles to a minimum and were on task.  It’s challenging keeping everyone in line. Anyways, in an instant I had an ah ha moment, epiphany or God smack as I call it. 

Why was I feeling so rushed?  I took a moment to think about my schedule.  Luckily, we didn’t  have anything else scheduled.  All I needed to do happily, loving assist my boys. Thankfully no one needed to be ready in .03 seconds.  So I consciously decided to slow down.  Be present, calm and just enjoy the moment, I even gave out a few hugs and kisses just because.  Most times when I am stressed its because I am over scheduled.  When mom is stressed its not a pretty picture. My ugly side comes out and unfortunately the people I love the most end up listening to rant.  The solution is not  yelling and harassing your kids in hopes that raised voice and rushing will get you there faster.  Instead a better choice would be, do less.  Less is more.  Instead of five events a day  one meaningful activity would be the better choice. 

Our society has become notorious for overscheduling.  We are busy running here and there following a busy schedule.  My family is guilty of this whether it’s church, sports, homeschool gatherings, family commitments we are extremely busy.  Too busy to be perfectly honest.  Lately, hubby and I have been reflecting on our busy life and have come to the conclusion that we have got to let a few things go. 

For 2013 I’m committed to the following:

  • Consider each activity and decide weather its beneficial or not. 
  • Be present and enjoy the moments with family not hurriedly rushing from one thing to another. 
  • Say no a lot more.  This may sound harsh, yes we may miss out on some neat opportunities but will experience less stress and save money.

Honestly,  these changes should make my 2013 a lot happier.  How about you, have you set any resolutions for the new year. 

1 comments:

Mary said...

AMEN! I don't like feeling anxious and rushed. We decided years ago that our kids weren't going to do a million and one activities. They could pick one or two things they loved - so at our house it is Scouts and Baseball.

Great post! Thanks for sharing!

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