I’m having a bad morning. Rushing to be somewhere makes me a maniac!
Story. Of. My. Life.
It seems like no matter what I do, how many kids are with me, or how sane I start off the morning, I am constantly ten minutes late and hurrying like crazy. Is this just me???
Oh, I don’t know. I never have that issue. ??
The worst part is in my rushing, I do stupid things that make me even more of a maniac. Like this morning, I dropped Ben’s homework sheet (that I was signing, while fixing my hair) in the toilet. And someone hadn’t flushed, of course. My rational self isn’t really present in these moments.? ? ?
NOOOOO!!!
LOL! Okay, I know it’s probably not so helpful to laugh… ? but it makes me feel better to know I’m not the only one that has this running-around-like-a-chicken-with-my-head-cut-off problem. ? ? (And the homework in the toilet IS funny…in a terrible way.) ?
I guess I have to laugh or I will cry!
Exactly! The longer I am a mom, the more I’m finding that to be true for everything. We have this choice to either laugh or cry. Unfortunately, I tend to do neither of those things and just get mad ? and that doesn’t help either.
MAD…yes! I think that’s it exactly. In the rushing moments I am mad at myself, thinking things like, “Why don’t I get up earlier? Why can’t I EVER be on time? Why did I just snap at the kids?” And if I’m being honest, sometimes I’m mad at the kids too, “Why are they not helping me? Why are they just going S-L-O-W-E-R??? ?
I have one that moves sooooo slowly that it make me nuts! He’s oblivious to everyone else’s rushing. He just moseys around like time doesn’t exist. It’s a miracle we haven’t missed the bus yet this year! Lollygagging when you should be rushing is equally infuriating and still causes us to be late!!
Turtle pace.? But you know what I found that helps me? (When I remember to do it!) I take a deep breath and ask myself, “What is the worst thing that will happen if I’m late?”
Because once I think about it from the “worst case scenario” perspective, it helps me realize the world is not going to end if we’re late – helps me slow down and let it go.
True… And breathing is DEFINITELY a good thing…that I forget to do often.
Sort of essential to life. ?
Breathing! Now there’s a novel concept! But not just survival breaths. Life-giving breaths!
Yes! And maybe that is the key. In our breathing, we try to remember where every breath comes from. That will help us to remember that God is the source of all good things and He calls us to rest, not to be headless chickens. ? ?
I think stopping to breathe in the midst of all of that is hard to do though!
Right… because we aren’t thinking straight!!
It is tough! But I don’t mean stop and sit down and ponder life… I just mean stopping the panic craziness to breathe, and refocus for a second or two on what is really important. And know that it is going to be OK.
I like that… Stopping before we cross that fine line between hurrying and panicking! Not letting myself spin out of control.
And I love the thought about where our every breath comes from. Maybe that will help me keep it all in perspective before I’m too mad to speak kindly to my family! And if I have to choose between kindness and promptness, breathing in His breath will make that choice a whole lot easier.
OK, this is a good plan. Whenever I feel rushed and panic mode starts to set in, I will take a deep breath and say, “Dear Jesus, you authored this moment. Help me to slow down and rest in You, and know that You’ve got it.”? ?
Love it. Now go fish that homework out of the toilet, convince yourself that it was a clean toilet, blow-dry it off, remind yourself there are worse things in life, and be on your way. ?
Soaking in the Truth
Scripture to encourage you:
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- “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7
- “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping!’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy…The Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.” Psalm 94: 18-22
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Music to inspire you:
- “Breathe” by Jonny Diaz
Readings to come alongside of you:
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- The Day I Stopped Saying “Hurry Up” by Hands Free Mama
- How to be a Calm Parent by Abundant Mama
Living Out the Truth
Ideas to try:
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- “Calming Breath” excerpt taken from anxieties.com:
| Calming Breath |
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- In order to avoid rushing, try giving yourself a buffer of 15 extra minutes before you actually HAVE to leave. This will allow for surprise potty accidents, last-minute snacks, and children who just want to stop and smell the flowers (literally).
- In order to avoid rushing, try giving yourself a buffer of 15 extra minutes before you actually HAVE to leave. This will allow for surprise potty accidents, last-minute snacks, and children who just want to stop and smell the flowers (literally).
{These suggestions are ideas from novice moms. Sometimes our life situations need more. In that case, seeking out professional help is the right call.}