I CAN DO IT! I CAN DO IT!
This is typically me—the little engine inside of me that can lie to me too often.
I have a daily list, a weekly list, and a monthly list. I have too many journals I have started and not finished, too many books where I neglect the last number of chapters as if they have offended me! I have had to learn that I have a HUGE capacity however, doing it all requires having healthy parameters.
A couple of years ago, I was sitting in my pastors office, struggling to put a sentence together in between the tears. I was exhausted, feeling stressed, depleted, and slightly helpless after a gruelling several months of almost daily time-consuming commitments. I barely gave myself a moment to slow-down, catch my breath, and look after myself. I experienced physical illness because my body did not have the needed recharging and renewal period that a healthy, schedule would provide. I had to ask myself: how did I get there? How did I fail to care for myself in a healthy way?
The short answer was: I had said ‘Yes’ too much. When we say Yes to one thing we are automatically saying no to something else.
I had to change
I had to learn
I had to change the rhythms of my life.
Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” —this includes saying no.
Saying No often means upsetting someone
Saying No often means having some sort of conflict in communication
Saying No often means missing out
But saying No can also open up opportunities for you to pace your life far more successfully.
Following my embarrassing melt down in my pastor's office I started to look at my life and change the rhythm to a healthier pace.
We often talk about having a “Work Life Balance”, unfortunately I don't think balance is a good way to describe how we should be living. Balance suggests equal measure. Well there are times where my family do need far more attention and there are other times when work does have to take priority for a season.
So instead of balance I like to talk about RHYTHMS
Lets take a look here at what aspects of your life need to be considered in order to have a healthier RHYTHM.
RESTORE - Where do you go to Restore your energies? A coffee shop? A walk in the park, in the woods, by the ocean. Where do you find rest for your soul?
HEALTH - Do you need to consider your levels of fitness and nutrition
YAWN - How much sleep are you having? A good night’s sleep empowers the body to recover and lets you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
TOGETHER - who you do life with will impact whether you live a healthy rhythmic life or not. Ensure you spend regular time with those that lift you up not pull you down
HIM We all need to create time with HIM! Our heavenly Father. Jesus spent time with the crowds, with his disciples, BUT he always went up the hill with His father to be on his own. Good enough for Jesus it's good enough for you
MUTE - How often do you put life on Mute. Have time in silence? Mute notifications, ignore emails?
SABBATH - what does Sabbath look like for you? Every person is different. Consider your sabbath.
WHAT RHYTHMS do you need to work on in order to create a healthier life style.
Remember Jesus said “Love your neighbour AS YOURSELF” If you cant love yourself you will be poorer at loving those around you
