Sunday, March 14, 2010

Simplify

Do you ever have that feeling that, something is not right? Like something here needs to be changed? That persistent feeling that somehow I need to fix whatever that thing is that is hovering like a negative cloud over my day?

I am fairly certain that I have written this before, perhaps it is because this "feeling" seems to come in waves for me. The thing that needs to be changed, is my outlook. I think I have allowed myself to go back into "Mom Survival Mode," instead of "Living to the Fullest Mode." I am not sure how that happened, but I am embarrassed to admit that it has. I think my youngest, has been going through "phases" recently that have been making daily activities more than a challenge. So, I think I began viewing this time as a time that I need to just get through, instead of relishing in. It is hard to joyfully live in teething, in acute separation anxiety, in sickness and general 1 year old crankiness. I have gotten caught up in still doing all of things that "have to get done," instead of maybe simplifying my life to better deal with the difficult phases that come along.

Therefore, my goal this week is to take deep breaths. I will simplify where I can. Laundry will wait until after I finish having a tea party. If Candy Land gets in the way of dinner preparations this week, then fish sticks may be on the menu instead of Chicken Marsala. And if a certain little 1 year old just wants me to lay on the floor so that he can drive his cars on me, well then, maybe that is what I need to be doing for now. At least for this week, until I regroup and get back to that joy in the little things. I need to find a way out of "Survival Mode," and back into "Loving my life Mode." This time, and these ages, with my kids are so precious and so fun. I can't believe I am letting other meaningless things make me forget that! Hopefully this will be a better week! :)

2 comments:

Mara said...

Oh, my dear Jessica - you are so sweet! I am definitely in survival mode, as well, and I can see how I tend to push my little ones away so that I can do what "needs" to be done. But be patient with yourself - your little ones know you love them! And they are so incredibly resilient, thank the Lord! It sounds like you have some wonderful quality time goals to get you through the week - I think we need that recharge just as much as our children do - just to step back and "be."

And as you take time for prayer every day, remember that the Lord will bless your faithfulness to Him and multiply your time - remember that passage in Scripture that says, "Anyone who leaves father or mother...etc....will receive a hundredfold IN THIS TIME." I was reflecting on that passage the other night and I think it can be applied to taking time for prayer even though it seems like you are taking time away from your family to do so.

Anyway, I love you! You're doing wonderfully in spite of the many challenges your family is facing right now, and your children are thriving and loved little ones.

M. T. said...

thinking of you today, girlie! Hang in there!