There are very few dull moments once you become a parent, wouldn’t you agree? But where is that line between excitement and overwhelm? How do you know when you have too little on your plate, just the right amount on your plate, or an overflowing plate?
A few years ago when our pastor was out of town, we received our message that week by watching a video of Craig Groeschel, a pastor who is known for using video to deliver his sermons to thousands and thousands of people. No matter what your spiritual beliefs are, his messages are relevant to the world we live in today. I enjoyed the video so much that I took great notes that I would like to share with you because I think it will hit home. (especially for the mom’s!)
The message was about how having one handful is better than two. Did your ears just perk up? Wait a minute…isn’t pop culture trying to tell us that more is better and that we can never have too much?
Well, Craig Groeschel made a powerful argument for how it’s better to have less of what doesn’t matter and more of what really does matter…or it’s better to have one handful with tranquility than two with toil. We only need one handful, and with that other free hand we are able to help and encourage others, feel peaceful and just live a life where we are honoring our purpose everyday rather than getting side-tracked by a host of things that do no good in our lives.
Craig’s two points on how we can live a “one handful” life are to
let go of what doesn’t matter.
fight for what does matter.
In order to let go of what doesn’t matter, we should
Cut back: First, take a look at spending and scheduling. We have to discipline ourselves to say “no” to some things so that we can say “yes” to what’s better.
Throw out: Clean up the clutter like our lives depend on it because they do!
Turn off: How much time are we spending with our heads in front of a screen? We will never change the world watching re-runs!
What would you do if you were told that you have only thirty days left to live? Would you carry on with your life in the same day to day pattern as you are living today? Or would you suddenly change what you were doing and how you are living? Your answer to this question will help you identify your true priorities. Have you taken the time recently, or ever, to clearly define what matters most to you? Have you sat down, cleared your mind and carefully contemplated whether you are living according to your priorities and purpose? If not, what are you waiting for?
You deserve to live in a way that makes you feel happy, joyful, peaceful and meaningful, and knowing what brings these feelings to you is so important. Take the time to reflect, evaluate, make alterations, strengthen relationships, and release what you no longer need in order to live your life the best you can.
If you want to feel less overwhelmed, then determine what you need to let go of so that you can say yes to what matters most. Once you let go, notice the relief you feel. You are a resilient person, but in order for you to be a HEALTHY, resilient person, saying yes to daily self-care is a must. It is a tool in helping you to gain clarity for living a life with less-overwhelm and more resilience and relief.
I encourage you to check out Craig’s videos on youtube or podcasts. I am pretty sure I fell in love with his message because he and I are completely on the same page regarding our thoughts about the “B” word. You know, when you ask someone how they are doing and the all too common response comes out: “I’m busy and tired.” The good news is that you can change that by moving to “one handful” thinking which can become “one handful” living. What can you release today so that your tomorrows are lighter, happier and more peaceful?
As I will preach it from the mountaintops for the rest of my life, self-care always deserves a place in the schedule of anyone who wants to live a happier, healthier life. I believe in it so much that I have created two resources for you that I encourage you to check out right now.
30 Day Self-Care Guide– This FREE printable Tracker will help you develop the habit of daily self-care with some ideas that will inspire you to take action.
30 Day Self-Care Challenge– Alright, if you are serious about making self-care a priority and need some extra support for making this happen because you are ready to experience all the benefits, you need to check out this program. And stay tuned because I am sharing my postpartum self-care journey to my tribe of fit moms!
Lastly, in order to experience release of emotional and mental stress, it is very helpful to do physical movements that help to release the stress and tension being held in the muscles and fascia in the body. Give this three minute video a try and feel what mean!
