This month has been a lesson in focusing only on
what is absolutely necessary.
what is absolutely necessary.
A few weeks ago, I was all geared up to launch March's theme, ESSENTIALS, to better explore the things that are vital in my life. The things that are there when all of the frivolities get stripped away. What I hope to build my life on: God, family, nature, creativity, music, rest. My own personal ESSENTIALS.
Interestingly enough, I never got to draft that full first post,
because March had other plans.
because March had other plans.
This month has tested my limits with stress and made me essentially (pun wholly intended) have to start practicing what I wanted to preach: When stress starts to rage, how can I dial back, take a breather, and build my life around what is absolutely necessary?
This is something my sister likes to remind me of when I get overwhelmed.
Only do what you have to. Go to work, come home, and sleep.
Don't do more than you have to do during difficult seasons.
Only do what you have to. Go to work, come home, and sleep.
Don't do more than you have to do during difficult seasons.
As a person who wants to constantly push myself to work harder, create more, run faster, this is welcome advice. Dialing it back to only what is essential in my life means protecting my time, putting the pause on creativity in favor of a full night of sleep (still not the best at that one), and setting boundaries so that I don't push myself too hard and burn out.
Oh, March. I wanted this month to be full of so much blogging.
But instead I tried to focus on Jesus, my tribe of loved ones, and allowing my spirit to rest (via nature walks, chai tea lattes, and reading books in the backyard). Unfortunately, I realized this blog was not one of my ESSENTIALS. It is an outlet that I adore but I can only pour into it when I have the time, energy and creativity to write something I resonate with. And if that means fewer posts and more resting, that's a trade-off I have to be willing to make.
I am curious to know what falls into the ESSENTIALS category for all of you.
What are the things that, even at your lowest and weakest, you know you need in your life to thrive and bring yourself back to a normal state? This could take any form, really. I know personally that a morning run and a cup of tea with some good reads will recharge me. Throw some vinyl in there and a vanilla bean candle and we're all set.
What about you?
How do you go about taking things off of the table (RIP my novel) when life gets too stressful? What kind of ESSENTIALS help recharge you? Oh, and how was your March? Mine has been a doozy, but I've learned so much. Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments!
I hope to be back in April with a new theme. We'll see!
Until then, I wrote a thing for Burning Youth and if you'd like,
you can read that here.
Until then, I wrote a thing for Burning Youth and if you'd like,
you can read that here.
I love this. Only do what you have to. March has been a very stressful month for me and knowing I wasn't alone is encouraging and I want to turn to God more and this is really inspiring to me. <3
ReplyDeleteGod bless you. Have a great April.
Thank you so much, Ivie! :) I am sorry to hear that you also are having a very overwhelming March but I'm glad that this post was able to encourage you! That means so much to me. God definitely provides strength when I seek Him during these difficult seasons. Thanks so much for your kind words! I hope your April is excellent. :) <3
DeleteOhh I like this! Your month's theme of what is essential ultimately led to an unexpected break. It's funny how that goes isn't it? <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kara!! :) It's ridiculous and ironic and fitting and glorious all at the same time. And much needed! Thanks for commenting. I hope that you are having a great end to your March and that you have a wonderful month ahead!!
DeleteI love this post! It's something I struggle with, but I'm definitely trying to get better at allowing myself to embrace.
ReplyDeleteI think my essentials are God, loads of coffee, that extra hour or two of sleep when I'm exhausted, ALL the music, snuggles with my cat, and good soul talk with friends and family.
You are too sweet, Sarah! Thank you. :) I think it's definitely a balancing act sometimes, and knowing when to pull back and take things off your plate can be tough. Praying that you are able to find that balance in the month ahead.
DeleteThose are the best essentials ever! I totally second the soul talk and extra sleep. The combo is the best thing. Thanks for leaving such a lovely comment! Hope you are having a great week. :)
March has also been a stressful month for me. Both of my jobs are changing so it’s been a big transitional period plus I’ve been trying to prepare for my Iceland trip in the midst of it. Essentials for me are having an hour or two to myself every night so I can relax, a cup of tea in the morning before work, and petting my cat everyday when I’m not traveling. Kitty pets do wonders for stress.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you've been struggling with stress this month! But I am sure that your Iceland trip will be absolutely amazing - that is super cool that you are getting to go! I completely second that cup of tea in the morning. AND YES! Kitty pets are always essential. :) Thanks for commenting! Hope you've had a lovely weekend, Victoria. <3
DeleteI'm glad you've found the things you can't live without and taking time off when you need it is SO important! I probably couldn't survive without music and ice cream so I keep those close. Looking forward to your posts in April! ♡
ReplyDeleteOh, I couldn't agree more! Taking time away to focus on those essential things has helped me recharge during this chaotic month. OOH YES music and ice cream are 100% on the list of essentials, especially if it's mint chocolate chip ice cream or indie/alternative music. :D Thank you so much! I so appreciate you reading along!! <3
DeleteThis is one of the lessons that senior year taught me - one that wasn't exactly my favorite, but a necessary one nonetheless. Blogging tends to fall off my list as well, no matter how much I love it. Same with my novel. It so stings seeing the passion projects fall to the side, but I think it's also comforting to know that they're always there to turn back to once you have the chance to refocus yourself first.
ReplyDeleteYes, the struggle is totally there with blogging. When life gets crazy, the desire to blog is sometimes still present, but there is less time to pursue it, which can be frustrating. I FEEL YOU WITH THE NOVEL! It's like, my heart is there to write it, but sometimes I just don't have the time or energy and that is DIFFICULT. I completely agree and that's a great perspective - the passion projects will always be waiting when you're ready to pick them back up. But in crazy seasons, we have to take care of ourselves and our main responsibilities first. I hope that April can be a great month for you Grace Anne!! Thanks as always for reading and leaving kind words. <3 :)
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