Let’s face it, being a mom is exhausting. Moms (and women in general) wear so many different hats, and to make matters worse, we seem to be wired to try to be perfect in each of the roles we perform. No wonder we’re worn out!
allmomdoes is focusing on refreshment this week. Doesn’t that sound peaceful and wonderful? I thought so too.
First, I made a list of the things that refresh me. Then, I decided that a picture of each item would make the blog so much better. I should go to the nail salon and ask if I could take pictures. I should start a gratitude journal, draw amazing pictures in it, and photograph the pages. I should go to a coffee shop and snap a picture of my coffee and a treat (ok, that one would be easy). Suddenly, all this refreshment talk was making me very stressed and tired.
And, therein lies one of the main reasons we need refreshment in the first place: We drive ourselves crazy with all the to-do lists and perfectionism and guilt. Of course we need refreshment after all of that!
I have a mentor who is in her early 70’s. Her white hair is truly a crown of glory and it sits regally on her head. But, that is where any sign of her true age ends. She has the energy and carriage of a girl. This wonderful lady gave me some advice recently:
“Grab small moments of peace whenever you can.”
She has successfully mastered doing this in her own life and it shows. No matter what is happening around her she finds a way to pause and recharge. She was recently watching a grandniece for the weekend and they took a trip to the beach. As chaos reigned around her, this lovely lady sat quietly on the grass. She looked around at the trees and listened to the water hit the shore, and she felt renewed. At the end of the weekend, instead of feeling exhausted, she still had energy to spare.
She didn’t wait for quiet moments to find her, she MADE them.
I need to face the fact that my life will probably never be “peaceful”. There will never be the perfect time to stop and recharge myself. So, that means that I too have to learn to find peace in the midst of chaos. I need to be able to push “pause”. And, while I can’t pause the actions of those around me (I know, I’ve tried) I can learn to pause myself.
When chaos reigns around you, the house is a mess, the kids are yelling, and it’s time to fix dinner, try this: sit down. Just sit. Look around and drink it all in and smile (this will totally freak your family out, by the way, which makes it even more fun).
As your son chases his sister in anger and she screams in ear-piercing tones, notice how his hair curls over his ears and how cute she is in her little dress. As the dog tracks mud in, remember him as a puppy and how thrilled the kids were when you brought him home. You are living the life, sister!
I tried this recently when my house was full of people and chaos and noise. It was time to get dinner on and there were small children running everywhere and adults getting in my way. I turned off the stove, walked into the living room, and just sat. I removed all the “shoulds” and allowed myself to rest for a moment. I drank in the craziness and let myself enjoy the blessings God has given me. Sure, dinner was late, but I went from being really crabby to having the energy to tackle it all once again. I was refreshed.
And, one last reminder: Even the God of all creation paused to refresh Himself and take in the beauty of His creation. Surely, we can do the same.
Ann is renewed by:
Praying while she drives, naps, coffee, chocolate, trips to the craft store, old British TV shows, embroidering, flowers in a vase, holding babies, journaling and funny youtube videos. What renews you?
Ann can be found blogging on allmomdoes every Wednesday. To read more of her blogs, click here!
