I’m hesitant to share this. This is not design.
This is a confession of a text-book Type-A personality: me.
Flickr photo "Busy Bee Resting"
I had an ugly revelation this morning. I put myself in time-out. I’m go 100mph everyday, and it’s taking a toll on me. I usually wake up with my heart thumping- thump thump thump – this is how I know it’s time to get out of bed… when I’ve played my to-do list over and over again in my head so much that my heart starts to pound and my blood pressure rises (free alarm clock, right?). So, this morning I awoke, got my coffee and sat down. Usually I drink my coffee while doing something – reading mail, straightening sofa pillows, doing dishes, making bed, doing laundry, making a list, getting dressed, adding to list I just made, talking on phone, checking email, showering (yes, have drank coffee in shower)… you get the point. This morning I decided to BE STILL. I sat at a barstool in my kitchen and opened the Bible. I said "show me something Lord". Do you know what I flipped my Bible open to? The story of Martha & Mary. HOLY CANOLI… I am Martha. I hate this truth about me. After I read this I got up for cup of coffee no 2… and started up the stairs. But then I felt the need to STOP and be still again. So I stopped on the steps and sat down (think: Super Nanny "go to the naughty step") I made myself sit still there until I finished the second cup. Man, it was an awesome feeling – totally quiet house, just me sitting on the steps. So random… but so true.
These are photos of scaffolding. Ha! Seriously! The water/sun/sky/beach never crossed my mind til I was looking thru that clients file in my computer. It’s like I’m the worker bee too busy pollenating to stop and smell the flowers. I thought ‘client will like to see scaffolding so they’ll know how far stucco guys have gotten’. Am I crazy or what?
I need a reminder to chill out, most things that cause stress (my stress) anyway, are really no big deal, nothing is perfect in this life.
If posts are light the next few days it is because I’m attempting to turn over a new leaf.
Peace out – thanks for reading… I love all you people in blogland!
Erika, wow I’m so impressed that you listened to your inner voice and tuned into the most positive force out there. God. Despite his magnitude, it says in the bible that he is the “small still voice”. We cannot hear it unless we are quiet too. Great job! I can’t remember the last time I did only one thing at a time. I’m usually juggling my children, a laptop, my phone and about 5 other things. This is the problem with our fast-paced chaotic culture. You’ve inspired me to slow down and also focus on what’s most important in life. Thank you for the message and inspiration.
This is why you are such an inspiration to me. Because even when you aren’t posting about lust worthy kitchens and killer lighting, I find a reason to really hear what you’re writing about. I, too, need to remember to just stop sometimes. I also need to let my husband stop – poor man, I run him ragged with handy to-do lists and “can you put/get this from the attic”…
thanks e. I hope you do take time this week. Any time spent blogging, spend on yourself. I just may follow suit!
You need to read one of the greatest books ever… “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World”!!! I’m sure you can get get it used on Amazon or Half… or you can borrow it from me! Talk about eye opening… did you notice what Mary did? She sat and listened… exactly what you did! You may not be so far away from Mary as you think!?
Having just returned from my Uncle’s Funeral, I find your post very timely. Us creative types, really run on idle and need to always be thinking of the next shift, the next post, the next job, the next meal- and really remember to slow down and savour that cup or coffee with faith and open to listen to your heart beating.
Thump, Love your post. Gonna sit and drink my coffee.
Ha Drinking it in the shower! Too cute:)
Having just returned from my Uncle’s Funeral, I find your post very timely. Us creative types, really run on idle and need to always be thinking of the next shift, the next post, the next job, the next meal- and really remember to slow down and savour that cup or coffee with faith and open to listen to your heart beating.
Thump, Love your post. Gonna sit and drink my coffee.
Ha Drinking it in the shower! Too cute:)
I feel you. I am the same way. In fact, I type this as I am drinking MY coffee and making my list for the day and blogging. I am trying too to remember the just “be” and not stress so much about making everything PERFECT. I have totally drunk the Oprah Kool Aid and am reading her new book club book “A New Earth” which is actually quite enlightening about subjects like this.
Hmmm…this is sounding very familiar. I’m on a bit of a fast track myself. Thanks for leading by example.
I’m so glad to read this post!! I love you and I’m praying for you especially this week.
What an amazing revelation. I’ve always considered myself the “Mary” type,but despite that, I still struggle w/ slowing down and doing the things that are of eternal consequence and not just temporal. Hope you enjoy taking some time off.
xo
Carolina
I am an avid reader of your blog and find you truly insperational. Not only in design but all aspects of life- keep up the good work!
A month ago I had crick in my neck and could hardly move but I was almost thankful. Not for the pain, of course, but because only this could allow to slow down.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s impossible to hear God if we can’t sit still long enough to listen. One of the most important things we can do is meditate – that is filling our minds with the things of God.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s impossible to hear God if we can’t sit still long enough to listen. One of the most important things we can do is meditate – that is filling our minds with the things of God.
I used to be a total type A personality and had many of the same inclinations as you mentioned…until I tried yoga. Talk about learning to slow down, be still, listening to your heart, gratefulness and surrender…
Peace!
This is very convicting – thank you!
thanks for sharing….good to know there are other “Marthas” out there…yeah, I don’t mean the Stewart kind either!!!
oh yeah…keep reading that Bible, it’s the only book that will really lead you in the right direction!
I was just browsing through your blog and noticed this post. I’m currently reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver… and it rocks! Its so easy to feel like we have to be “Martha” in our society. Read this book! (make the time, lol