Still
As you know, life is full of ebbs and flows. Although I always exercise at least semi-regularly, there are times when I’m super dedicated and work out intensely and there are times when other things demand my attention and there just aren’t enough hours or energy in the day. At those times, I may let exercise slip, but I pay for it and don’t feel as good.
I’ve had a lot going on with work, relationships, my dad’s illness, my son starting pre-school, my blog, and on and on. We all have struggles so I know you can relate. When things are extra stressful in my life, exercise helps me cope. And I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. Getting really good and sweaty and fighting wars in my mind. Cursing cancer and feeling blessed for the experience of love. I’m also trying to add in periods of rest. Stillness. Time to just
Time to listen to my heart. Time to share my thankfulness and blessings with God. And time to listen for HIS guidance. I don’t know why it’s so hard to just take these moments for myself, but I know they are necessary. I find that right after dropping my son off at school, just sitting alone in my car for a few quiet moments can help ground me and prepare me for the day. But it’s not enough. There needs to be more time to turn off the constant slew of thoughts, fear, worry, anxiousness, sadness.
I set out some goals for myself for 2013 and they have been really challenged. I’m “renewing my vows” 🙂 to myself right now. I feel like if I don’t examine my life and what’s important and how I want to live, then I will just be on the wheel, going nowhere. In the stillness, answers come. Through exercise and getting stronger answers come.
I’m wishing moments of peace and stillness for you too. Have a beautiful day.
Such a beautiful post, Megan. I'm sorry about your dad's illness, and I agree that we can all relate to going throug periods like this. I think it's great advice to sit still sometimes and re-focus on the important things and what we really need. I love your goals! Those are very inspiring. Keeping you in my thoughts! XO
Thank you Tara. I appreciate you.
Thank you Megan, I just needed to hear this today. Hope you're having a great day.
Sounds like we are on the same page Andrea!
Hugs, friend. Been thinking of you. Good to see you back here 🙂
Back atcha Jennifer- I've been away from "our" blog for too long!
So glad you're back, Megan! I love this post and have been feeling the same way…when life gets crazy taking those necessary moments can be so hard. I used to use my morning run as my time to pray and it just set my day on the right foot. Too busy/tired to run = trying to rush or squeeze in those moments throughout the day instead of resting in them. I love that you're renewing your goals and this just encouraged me not to be afraid to shift the priorities back in order!
Yep, we need to refocus sometimes. Waking up early to get a morning run in is such a great idea.
Amen. You are such an encouragement to all of us who read your blog. Thank you for the reminder to be still and to focus on what's most important!! God bless you!
Ah, Katie- thank you! Blessings on you too!
Glad to have you back! Love the honesty of this post and I think we all can relate. Praying for you and your family!
I appreciate your prayers Amanda!
I think that happens to all of us! I know it does to me! However, I love how you say be still and pray. I think that we don't take enough time in our busy days to connect with God, and when we do we see that he gives us the answers to what we were questioning.
Prayers sent for your father.
It's like we "know" it, but it's hard to actually be still and receive. I'm trying to consciously do that each day now. Thank you for praying!
You are exactly right in everything you said! And you are very wise to turn to Him! I'm so sorry about the struggles in your life right now! Thank you for this post!
I'm glad this post resonated with you. One day at a time. 🙂
Such a beautiful post, Megan. I too fall out of my intense workout schedule when things get too crazy and hectic in life. I recently had, but now back on the right train. Thankfully, now that school started back up today, I can hit the gym before work after I drop off my son {luckily, it's right across the street from my son's school!} I am so sorry about what is going on with your dad and pray for your peace and solace in this time.
-Morgan
http://www.thegymbunny.com
http://www.styleoyster.blogspot.com
You've got your routine back! Doesn't it feel great?! Thank you so much for your prayers. Much appreciate!
Hi Megan – this hits home. I have a fully equipped gym in my basement and its covered in dust. It is frustrating because I think about needing to be in that gym every single day, but life gets in the way and something has to give. I actually walked down to my gym at 11 pm last night just to look at it. Exercise is my outlet for my stress so not having time to do it just adds to the stress because I don't have that outlet right now. With work, kids, relationships, home and family we can get overwhelmed and forget about our needs. I think if you can get time to exercise alone or just sit in your car to laugh, cry, sing as loud as you can or have a few minutes of silence then you should take those opportunities to take of you. I hope all is well with your family.
It's true that sometimes, something does just have to give and it's usually our exercise. I have to tell myself that it's okay once in awhile if it's causing more stress to try to fit that into an already too-packed schedule. You will dust that gym off soon and be back to it! Maybe on a weekend day?
What a beautiful post. Thank you so much for the encouragement and reminder. My motto for this year is "Let Go! Let God!" I have been so challenged to follow through. I've failed sometimes, but He is always there! That's what I have been focusing on the last couple of weeks. When life comes at you with things you never thought, I just remember who is in control and give it Him! Thanks for this post!!
I love that, Let Go, Let God. It's true. He know what's best for us anyways and truly has our best interest at heart even when it's not what we want. Thank you for this reminder.