Striving for GRACE Days 10-11

So, today is a 2 for 1 deal. The last two days have been pretty busy!! I can report that they have been pretty great days! It isn't like we have had a lack of frustrating situations...we have had lots of whines and bad attitudes, but we have gotten through them! In fact, we really had to draw some tough lines yesterday as it was an essential lesson in authority. I even had to miss 3 things I was invited to, which normally would have completely stressed me out. I am realigning my priorities and it is crating beautiful consequences. 

I feel like God is showing me that it is ok to take a minute before reacting. It is helping me to filter a lot more of my thoughts before they pop right out. I know that sounds simple, but for me...it is not simple. 

Background:

I am a fast paced person who hates wasting time. Even a 2 second pause can frustrate me! Sometimes, It is not one of my favorite qualities, even though I don't like that others aren't fast paced like me. Sometimes I really like it because I get lots of things done and I am pretty proud of that. My husband can't stand that I constantly finish his sentences. He has been trying to get me to slow down and relax for years (12??). I can't even stand to watch a movie unless I am working on something too. 

Last year, one of my co-workers said something that made my brain stop for a minute. I have known her for about 3 years. She is always impressed and thankful toward me for what I do and what I accomplish. I was explaining to her that my brain basically doesn't stop, ever. She asked me if I ever relaxed. My response was a quick, "no." It even took me by surprise. That was the truth. I am high strung, fast paced, and I often add stress to myself and those around me. It isn't healthy. It was the first time I had actually taken a glance at how differently my brain works. I don't like downtime because my brain keeps going. I often wake in the night and have difficulty going back to sleep because my brain is going a mile a minute. I wake up early because my brain is ready to go, quickly! Since that day, I have thought of that conversation quite often. She cared enough to ask. It meant a lot. The truth is that I am a bit fearful of slowing down and having to give my thoughts the reins. My thoughts can spiral. They can make me feel like I totally out of control. I avoid downtime and it is unhealthy.

Back to what I am Learning:

I am trying deliberately to get rid of the rush in my life because the rush leads to stress, the stress impacts relationships, and ultimately everyone is more unhappy and feels less loved. Does it honor the Lord? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

So, is my prize list done? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Am I ok with that? Nope! However, I am making progress. I have been less stressed and have taken moments to do what is more important! I have a pretty hectic schedule in the next week. Normally, I would have been a disaster--and currently I am not! I have taken time out of almost every day this week to spend relaxing time with my husband. Normally, I count laundry as quality time! Eek, that is harder to say aloud. Ugh, I really am working on things. 

Ultimately, this journey has been a very real blessing to our family! We are spending more quality time, having more meaningful conversations about the challenges we face, and I am more relaxed!