I spent last week at the beach with my two sisters and a friend. My friend’s aunt let us stay in Murrells Inlet, SC, at her cottage for free, and it was the reprieve I didn’t know I needed. The rhythm was simple: eat, beach, read, eat, hang out, watch Olympics. Having personal autonomy for several days always refreshes and restores me. I live most of my days in manager-mode, coordinating the needs, schedules, and lifestyles of many people. So when I can take that Manager Hat off, I feel a deep exhale.
I came home to more of 2021 throwing its curveballs at me. My son’s truck got stolen but was found by the police, everything gone inside including over $1000 worth of tools. Our sweet community has loved and supported him. My daughter has an ulcer on her uvula and a tonsil stone. Another son doesn’t have his schedule yet for his new public school because they still haven’t reviewed his portfolio. My dog has had issues for weeks but that has finally calmed down. I’m knee-deep in registrations, finances, syllabi, two more family birthdays, and shopping lists. And then we have some personal issues and dynamics that are weighing on me. August is coming in hot in more ways than one.
When life keeps hitting me over and over again, pretty much daily, for months on end, the stakes in the ground are sleep, water, Word, prayer, and movement. When I lose those five priorities, I start feeling adrift. My emotions get heavy. My energy drops significantly. My anxiety grows great within. These are what I come back to again and again and again. Each of us has been wired for some non-negotiables. It’s good to ask yourself what they are. And then, when life gets wonky, you ask yourself if those pillars are standing strong in your life. And if they aren’t, start there. Otherwise, the stress and overwhelm can cause paralysis and you don’t what to do and question everything. Figure out your pillars, and always go back to those.
I worked hard all day long yesterday, and this morning we were at my son’s new school early. I had been up since 3 am with insomnia and so I took a morning nap. Sleep is key for me to feel well. I’ve been getting more things resolved, keeping the dishes and laundry going, and am going to rest a bit more. The last 7 months have caught up with me, and I am feeling worn. I have a very full and complex schedule with fall, and so I must pace myself well. Naps are a pillar for me, giving me some sleep to keep my nervous system calm.
I hope that you are finding some calm in the storms you are facing, holding on to your own pillars, choosing to endure, to persevere, to walk in resilience by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Love,
Aimee
Missing you in this space…lots going on I’m sure. Just wanted you to know I love your words and comforting spirit.
It is so hard to take that manager hat off. The boys were in DC this past week and I was home with the little guy. It was time I needed to slow down and evaluate my needs and wants. I went back to my go to, to center myself: Daily Gratitude, Daily Devotions, and lots of prayer. It helps to know I am not alone in all of this.