I’m prone to take on too much. To pack my days too full. And to end up in a state of busyness. Which then leads to rush.
I wake up feeling behind and then go throughout the entire day feeling like I need to work as quickly as possible, to get as much done as possible, because I have too much to do.
When I feel like this, I don’t feel like I have time to stop and savor anything.
- I don’t have time to look into my child’s eyes and really listen to the story they are trying to tell me.
- I don’t have time to stop and call my good friend when she texts me to say she’s feeling completely overwhelmed.
- I don’t have time to sit and just be with my husband, even though his quality time love tank is running dry.
- And on and on it goes.
Instead, I’ve got “Very Important Things” to accomplish. But in the process of trying to accomplish all my “Very Important Things”, I shortchange the Very Most Important People in my life.
Over the past few years, I’ve been simplifying my life. Paring down and cutting out the non-essentials. Saying “no” to the mediocre or even the good in an effort to say “yes” to the best.
And most of all, I’ve been working on learning the art of being fully present in the moment. Not thinking ahead of where I need to be in 30 minutes or what I still need to accomplish. Not stressing over what hasn’t been done yet. Not mentally reviewing how far behind I am. Just giving myself wholeheartedly to what is in front of me.
As I said, I’m still working on this… and it may be a lifelong journey for me. Which is why I’m especially excited that my friend, Lysa TerKeurst, has another amazing book coming out called The Best Yes. I heard Lysa share a powerful message on this topic at the SheSpeaks Conference and it made me ever so eager to get a copy of this book and read it STAT.
There’s no such thing as hearing this message too often. Plus, knowing Lysa, this book is going to shake up my thinking, cause me to really analyze my decisions and priorities, and overall mess with me in a really good way. Because that’s just what Lysa’s writing and messages do for me.
I’m already preparing to have my toes stepped on. 😉
In the mean time, I’m following along with Lysa’s 7-Day Unrush Your Schedule Instagram Challenge. I’m looking for everyday opportunities to stop and take time to be fully present, to be quiet and just soak up my surroundings, and to really savor the life right in front of me.
For those who don’t follow me on Instagram, I thought it’d be fun to share some of my photos from the past few days here…
Day 1: Saturday
Enjoyed a few of my favorite things today: a quiet day at home, a mason jar full of The Shrinker, metal straws, comfy pj pants–at 4 pm in the afternoon(!), and purple nail polish (I’ve been experimenting with different DIY mani colors while working on growing my nails out and have discovered that purple makes me feel alive and energetic!)
Day 2: Sunday
We’re back on the road again today… This time on our way to Arkansas and Missouri for time with both of our extended families. Enjoying getting a lot of reading done on our drive, including this pre-release copy of Living Well Spending Less by Ruth Soukup.
Day 3: Monday
My view right now… So thankful for a quiet week to unplug at Bull Shoals Lake and for lots of laughter and memory-making with our extended family.
Day 4: Tuesday
A peek into my day today: Grandpa teaching Silas how to water ski, watching Kathrynne in her element on skis on the water, and Silas loving cheering for his sister’s success!
Day 5: Wednesday
Today: this man of mine (@jessepaine) took me to rent jet skis and we jetted away the afternoon together, soaking up the sunshine, the beautiful lake views, and the fresh air. It was good for my soul. And also? So thankful for this man and the life of adventure we share together. After 11 1/2 years and lots of ups and downs, I’d still marry him all over again in a heartbeat!
What about you? What have you done to “unrush your schedule” this week? Have you taken time to just stop and savor the everyday?
Want to join me in this challenge? If so, you can post your pictures on Instagram using the hashtag #unrushme. I’d love for you to tag me (@themoneysavingmom) so I can be inspired by how you’re slowing down and really soaking up life!
Oh, fun. I am taking a little break – sitting here reading your post, sipping on my shrinker with my metal straw! Learning to balance and grow is a life-long journey! Enjoy it!
LOVE it!
We all spent the afternoon at the beach. We had lots to do at home but the sun was shining, it was warm and let’s face it, August is well on its way to being over, which means beach days, at least ones where we swim and kayak and play in the water are almost through for the year. (We’re in Maine, the temperature cools quickly come Labor Day weekend).
Which metal straws are you using? I’ve been wanting to buy some!
I got mine off of Amazon. Love them!
Crystal, now you are in my “neck of the woods”. I live in the southern Missouri Ozarks. Enjoy your time unrushing your schedule. The Ozarks have a way of doing that. 🙂
Thanks so much! We LOVE the Ozarks!
Any advice for someone that seems to be on the go all the time? With physical therapy twice a week, preschool & the baby’s well checks it seems like we’re always rushing somewhere.
My encouragement: find 5-10 minutes sometime throughout your day to just stop and soak in your surroundings… maybe even while you’re driving somewhere. To be quiet, count your blessings, and to just stop and be thankful for the everyday blessings.
Maybe other very on-the-go folks here have some suggestions, too.
Your hair always looks so cute, and I love your nails! Yay for soaking up the moments!
Aw, thanks so much! You’re so kind!
Looking for advice on how to do this as a working mom. My evenings are typically to rush home, make dinner, do dishes, and get kids to bed. We do get a moment to read before bed, but I always feel like I’m rushing to the next task and the next day.
I do get more time on the weekends to connect with them, but there are also the house cleaning and laundry tasks. I’m trying to involve my kids more in these activities with me as they are 8 and 10 but at times this is a struggle.
Also just had a week of vacation with the family and that was a great time to unplug and connect but now am back to work and the rushes routine.
Thanks for any input!
Are there any opportunities to stop and breathe while you’re on a break at work? Or maybe just setting timer for 10 minutes in the evening to stop and be together as a family in the evening?
Just a thought, but have you tried slow cooker dinners. That would at least make the getting dinner on the table part easier.
You could make it even easier by prepping a week’s worth of slow cooker dinners in one hour on the weekend. I just found these recipes (http://newleafwellness.biz/2014/08/04/seven-slow-cooker-freezermeals-hour/) so I haven’t tried them yet, but you can find a lot of slow cooker freezer recipes on Pinterest. That way you just dump them in the slow cooker before going to work.
You would just need to find recipes that can cook for longer or look for a programmable slow cooker.
Great suggestion, Allyson!
Amen, What a great post. I’ve been also slowing down this summer with my 2 kids, daughter age 11 and son who is 10. Yesterday we had a bird/cat incident at our house and the bird was not quite dead. Well, later in the afternoon my kids came across this bird before we went out to run an errand- my son was in tears. I gave him a hug and we were on way. Then when we got home, my son explained to me why he does not like to see animals suffer. He said, “mom I can hunt with daddy, but not see the animals suffer.” They named the bird. Later, I shared the story with my husband. Then, after bedtime, my husband said my son shared the story with him. If I would have been too busy, I would have missed it. I always remember the phrase my mom shared with me, Mom, just take time…
Such a good word! Thank you for taking time to share!
Last night, the kids and I played in a dark bedroom with dollar store glow sticks for a while before bedtime. It was so much fun and I can still hear the giggles resonating in my mind.
What a fun idea!!
This week I’m learning how to rest and relax. At 14 weeks pregnant, I have a small tear in my placenta. The doctor has placed me on moderate bedrest. This has been difficult as I have a very active 2 year old. I’m learning that I can’t do everything and it’s ok to let things go. I am also learning to accept help from others.
{hugs!} Bed rest can be so very hard! I’ve only been on it for a few weeks with all of my pregnancies combined and I know that was a challenge! Here’s to hoping you’re able to be back to normal soon!
Also please tell me does the Shrinker Drink actually taste good because the recipe doesn’t look attractive….sorry….
I think its yummy, but I also might be weird! 😉
Where did you get that type of tea? And, we’re all weird to someone 🙂
I got mine off of Amazon. 🙂
I find not slowing down and taking the time to just unwind and take in the experience or moment, I can get so caught up in routine that a week has passed, then a month has passed and now it’s August and summer is halfway done! Thank you for the reminder!
Yes! That is so very true!
Let me tell you! I turned off the ac, opened up the windows, mopped the floor the old fashion way and then soaked in the clean smell with my devotion. Later that day, I hung out laundry for the fun of it. There’s something sweet about simplicity. To top it all off, I went outside to play with my kids-AND LEFT THE PHONE INSIDE!
I love simplicity 🙂
Glad y’all had a blast! Your pics are amazing.
Way to go, Mama!!! I loved this comment!
I actually lost my cell phone almost 2 months ago and just got another this past week. If I wasn’t 37 weeks pregnant I think I might have waited even longer to get a replacement. Even though I only used it for actual phone calls (not internet, no texting) it was nice not having it all the time.
I need this, I feel like my last few weeks have been all about doctor appointments, tests, and “what? really” discoveries (like needing hearing aids at 40, and finding out I am once again border line anemic). I too need to be more intentional about enjoying the little moments. I know I have lots of them and yet somehow I let the rest take over. Instagram is great for reminding me of my blessings.
So sorry you had a rough few weeks! 🙁 {hugs!}
Our lives have really slowed down since our five kiddos flew the nest but we are being much more intentional about doing things that are restful and staying off the computer and keeping the TV off in the evenings. We have instituted a night most weeks for a picnic and have tried several parks around town. This week I found picnic tables at a historic church and graveyard so that is the next spot. We have also been getting over to the lake house that we own in partnership as often as possible and just resting. We have no internet there and very little TV reception so it is easy to unplug. We are trying to get outside and spend time on the porch swing a few nights each week, too. Swinging and talking and watching the fireflies is a really restful way to spend the time. On Saturday mornings we either meet friends or family for breakfast and that is a great way to keep up with people without anyone having to cook and clean house. We have been seeking out small family run places and have found some great little restaurants. These small things have really improved our stress levels and helped us to unwind and connect.
Such great advice and ideas! Reading your comment just made me feel all rested and relaxed! 🙂
Taught kids a new card game last night, but today I am really soaking it up…literally. We are heading to the waterpark!! LOL!!! Mommy loves her some giant water slides!!! Hope to come home with no scabs this time….
Woot! How fun! Have a blast!!
So glad you are getting so R&R. Looks like great memory making moments. I wish i could take this challenge this week but it just won’t happen. The kids are involved in 2 different VBS’s. So my goal is to have a much slower, more present week next week!
Really enjoying your posts. Glad the nail polish is working. I just wish I knew how to file my nails to make them look good to.
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement! I hope you’re able to slow down and savor life next week after a busy week this week!
What is “the shrinker”? thx
You can find the recipe here: http://www.trimhealthymama.com/main-home/free-recipes/shrinker-recipe2/
Thanks! I’ll think I will give it a try!
Wow! Interesting that you brought this up today. I actually was having a hard time facing my day, frustrated,and crying. My husband being the voice of reason and worry, tells me that it,s not perfect and it’s OK. The kids are going to turn out fine. I need to slow down and enjoy now. The house doesn’t matter, as long as were together, healthy, and being in the moment. Later that day, just me and my daughter went shopping. She said to me, that this was the best day ever!
What a beautiful reminder! And here’s to hoping you have a better day today!
What is The Shrinker? Is it coffee?
You can find the recipe here: http://www.trimhealthymama.com/main-home/free-recipes/shrinker-recipe2/
Tonight I sat on the floor and played with my kids building a castle out of wooden blocks. It might not seem like much, but as a mom of 5 with Baby #6 joining us later this month it was hard to just sit and play without thinking about all the things I want to get done before the baby is here.
However, I’m so glad I took time to soak up their childhood and make memories. Plus, all the kids had better attitudes for the rest of the evening after we spent some time really being together 🙂
I love this!! Thanks for sharing!