At the beginning of this week I felt like I had ADD. I would start a project and dig in. Then I'd receive a text about something else and switch gears to work on that. Then the phone would ring and I'd drop what I was doing to turn to whatever the caller needed. Then my email would beep and I would change tasks yet again. Then I walked down to the laundry room and wanted to pull out my hair because the piles had not folded themselves or put themselves away! By the time I was done with one thing, I didn't know what to turn to next! I felt like I was running in circles, crossing things off of my list mere seconds before they were due.
This week I turned brisket mad (that's really, Really, REALLY mad...usually at my hubby) over something that really doesn't matter in the big picture. In my mind, I cursed a couple toddlers and wanted to scream when they didn't listen to me. I was offended by an email, that on any other day would have been taken as friendly banter between friends. I questioned why I blog. I tried to cry, but tears wouldn't come. I tossed and turned thinking of all of the things that needed to be completed.
Revelation 21:10-11
New International Version (NIV)
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
During reflection last night, I realized a few things about myself. None of them are new, but sometimes I forget (Yes, SOMETIMES (not very often) women forget things)! Sometimes the things that need fixed/tweaked don't have an easy fix. Sometimes it's hard to tell if anything is even broken. The thoughts of TOO MANY TITLES that were as clear as mud at the beginning of the week, are now crystal clear.
The laundry, dusting and sweeping isn't going anywhere. I spend a lot of time with my friends, Aaron deserves the same opportunity.
(Even if I don't think it's the best use of his time and even if it doesn't fit in my neatly printed, color coordinated calendar)
These same toddlers that I was mentally cursing early in the week, cuddled up to me so sweetly last night. I asked one of them if they were having fun this week and they responded with their eyes full of excitement "Of course, my favorite part isn't snack though, it's games, but don't tell! I want a special treat!"
THEY ARE LISTENING! Even if we don't think they are, they are! :) They deserve my patience and understanding...even when I am tired or overwhelmed.
Even IF my friend(s) meant what they typed, at the end of the day, they are still my friends. They will still love me if they think I blog as an attention device. They will still join me for pizza and drinks after the softball tournament is done.
I blog to help sort my feelings, to release emotion, to beg for prayers and support for my friends and family in need, to help others that might be feeling the same way in different stages of life, because I enjoy writing...but not for attention. I know why I blog and that's all that matters to me. I decided a long time ago not to allow advertisers on my blog because it's my space. I blogged for over a year before I shared one post. Since then, I have decided to share it, but it's your choice to click on the page and read it. Read it, don't read it. Read it because you can relate, read it because you're nosey, read it because you're bored. It doesn't make a difference at the end of my day.
I can't force myself to cry in order to receive that desired emotional release. Tears can't be squeezed out when it's convenient. Actually I normally try to suppress them, so to think I could just cry on demand is rather comical! I was trying to "get them all out" before the walk. In the back of my mind I knew that's why I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry alone, in the comfort of my bed. Not in front of all of the participants at the Relay for Life. But, even if I would have been able to cry, when I see the picture of my dad on the screen, when I walk by the bag with his name, when I reach out to grab Tam's hand as we walk by the bag for her mom, when I witness the overwhelming support to find the cure for cancer...they will come and I will not be able to hide them.
Tossing and turning is not productive. Worrying about all the things that need to be completed rather than sleeping does not solve any problems!
Some of the most important things I re-learned this week.
- I have to set more boundaries. In order for me to be able to fulfill the many titles that I hold, I can't say yes to every request.
- My friends and family love me even when I'm in overload mode. (Hiding is probably still the best survival tactic when I've over committed...because I'm sure I'll do it again)!
- Deep breaths and quiet time alone to pray does help.
- Exercise, even if it is simply a long walk, helps to dust the cobwebs around your brain.
- It's ok to ask for help!
- I still have to find time to get a Father's Day present!
- I am so much more than the things I do:)
- I'm blessed to have so many titles...even when I feel like I have too many!
Lists, commitments, responsibilities...they don't mean anything if I'm not present...It's crystal clear now!
Saying no is an act of faith, demonstrating your belief that you are not what you do. Shauna Niequist 6/13/12