So, there I was minding my own business when yet again life happened. It's a good thing as I do like living. For many life is way to jammed full of too much stuff. Stuff like work and work and then more work. I'm not saying that work is bad because it isn't. I'm saying that life needs to be more balanced. We are created to do more than work. We are also called to do more than sit on our butts and complain. Specifically, we are not to be caught in the cycle or trap where life isn't worth living anymore.
At least how we have come to define life. Back in the 60's a phenomena came about where people checked out of their lives, disappeared and began a new life elsewhere with a new name and occupation. Many left families and began new families. Life had become not worth it as they were living. They took the easy route out. It would be many years down the road that these people began to emerge from the search. No, they didn't want to go back to where they had been. They wanted to be left alone.
This wasn't like the draft evaders who fled to Canada rather than be dragged kicking and screaming into the military. What it was is still a force that drives us for more and better. With so many distractions in life there seems to be no time to work at evading our lives. Living life with this attitude can wear a person down to that point where we consider another line of work, another place to live, new church to attend, and many other "new" elements that make up the "new" life. We jump from the frying pan into the fire and then are left wondering "What to do?"
Seeking contentment in our society of 2014 is a constant part of our lives. We want to slow down, have smaller problems with ready answers, and people in our lives who have a calming effect on us. We want job satisfaction, promotions and fairness. The "wants" in our lives are so many that there is little area left for us to have our "needs" satisfied. The balancing act isn't hard as there is only one element, "want" to balance. We've given up on our needs to one degree or another. Relegating ourselves to one unsatisfying world after another.
What to do? Well, for beginners we can learn how to say "no" and mean it. This is very difficult for people who have many others who want their job, their family, and their possessions. Competition weighs heavily on our lives. Saying "no" in a healthy way will prolong your life and you will find that the world doesn't end when you have done so. Being able to start off with the small things in life is a good place to start. No, I don't want to walk the dogs today. No, I don't want to decide an answer to your problem. No, this isn't going to happen today. Yes, it will wait.
"Yes?" We don't realize it but when we say "no" to one thing, we say "yes" to another thing. Yes, I can take the time to walk the dogs. For today I am not going to. I'm going to finish doing _____ first. The dogs will be okay. They might even be wanting a break! Your (or their) problem can be answered by someone else or not answered at all. We are a society where we let others direct our lives where we don't want to go. We "must" get on board for the sake of the team. What a bunch malarkey. Yes, I can and will have dessert before dinner tonight. Cake and ice cream first. Maybe that will be dinner! Yes, I will not mow the lawn and will go to see a matinee.
Just for today, say "yes" and "no" in a healthy way. Realize your limits and back off from the upper end. Let others be responsible wherever possible You and I don't have to make decisions for others. They can be and will be responsible to the degree they are able. Just for today get your priorities right. God, family, others and then yourself. This is that simple and possible. Step down, step aside, step away and you will be okay just as those around you will be okay. Remember to be kind to yourself. Taking a break isn't a sin or a crime.
What to do?
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