It has been a week of quiet over here on Finding Joy. It wasn’t an intentional choice – in fact – it was one of those choices that was made for me and by circumstances. I had been on a business trip traveling all over the country, living on little food and no sleep, and working almost all day long. I simply couldn’t sit still long enough to write a post that reflected my heart and offered words of encouragement. And, my business partner kept telling me let it go and that for right now, those days, that I needed to be willing to put my writing on the shelf.
Look at your life today and live intentional. Look at where you spend your energy and let yourself give yourself the grace to not have to do everything perfect, or to say to no to an opportunity even though it is awesome, or to not go to that holiday party, or to not really care that the toys are all dumped together on the living room floor. Living a life that is intentional and awake means recognizing that there are blips in the map where normal doesn’t look normal. And, it’s recognizing to be grateful for all days in life and looking for the beauty tucked within them.
Instead, now today, do as I’m planning on doing. Hugging my family just a bit harder. Slowing down to capture the moments. Sitting in a chair and breathing. Emailing those that matter to me and thanking them. Living boldly and at the same time profoundly grateful. Letting go and giving yourself grace where it is needed. Loving the little things. Seeking joy.
You have today. Plan for tomorrow. Dream big.
And in the middle of it all live today with zest and joy.
Where do you need to give yourself grace today?
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I’m part of the Creative Directors for the BEECH Retreat being held Jan 31-Feb 3 on Captiva Island, Florida. Check it out at www.beechretreat.com
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7 comments
I love, love this post. I too am a bit of a perfectionist. One thing I know I need to do is spend less energy on technology and connect in real life. It’s like at dinner sometimes with my fiance, I’ll look up and wonder how long we’ve both been staring at our phones! Thanks for the reminder 🙂 Xo
I totally resonate with your experience and your words! I think it’s wise to give ourselves grace and let go of the expectations we have! Thank you for always sharing your heart. I love your posts. 🙂
What a wonderful post. I have been talking to God about the same thing. But more on the “how can I do all these things?” that have to do with marketing? And He said: “Let Me do it”. So I did.
Now I can work as the Spirit leads. Relax. Reach out. And be Christ to everyone I meet. In PURE JOY.
Blessings,
Loved meeting you,
Janis
Thank you for this special blog. It helps me, to think the right things. Mom from Holland.
Good having you back!
Continuing to lift up prayers!
Psalms 31:14-16, 24 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake. (24) Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
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Thank you for this post. I’ve been thinking all day that I wish I could leave work just a few hours early. It’s my daughter’s birthday and the house is a disaster and her presents aren’t wrapped. I couldn’t bake her cake last night because we didn’t have enough eggs, so I will have to do that too. I’m definitely fighting g the bad-mom-itis. But I will choose to give myself grace. Grace to be with her, and to not stress over these details.
i am so impressed that you took a break. you are so busy and i know it must’ve been so good for you. xoxo.