The Rhythm of Rush

As I was scrolling down my Facebook feed, several months ago, which I love to see filled with inspirational quotes and prayers, in the midst of beautiful photos of family and friends, I was stopped cold  in my tracks at the following. And it has never left my mind since…

“Not too long ago, I stood at the sink trying to ease the stabbing feeling of stress. I had so much pulling at me. I found myself rushing my husband in conversation. Rushing my kids out the door. Rushing to the next thing and then the next. Rushing to make dinner and then rushing my people through dinner. Exhaustion gnawed deep places in my heart, demanding me to slow down. But how? I’ve made my decisions and now my decisions have made me. Me–this shell of a woman caught in…the rush of endless demands…” ~Lysa TerKeurst

Ever felt like you’ve set your life to the rhythm of rush?

How shall I begin? Maybe with a simple “yes”. Or, perhaps I should write as if I am shouting it: “YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!”

I  think this hit me so hard, because these past few weeks of our most recent fall break with with my husband and our girls have been w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l., and life once again is about to get very busy. Stressful. Rushed. My back feels it. My shoulders are carrying it. I am working overtime to keep my anxiety down, but it is most definitely starting to sneak its way back in to every crack and crevice, and I. hate. it.

I hate rushing around the house.

I hate rushing out the door.

I hate rushing my girls.

I hate the attitude-shift when the stress and anxiety build. And believe me, it’s building. But once again, I know I am not alone. There are hundreds of thousands, upon millions of us out there, all caught in the same rhythm of rush.

So what do we do about it?

For me, preparation is key. Having everything ready for the next day. Folding laundry the night before, even if it means going to bed 10 minutes later. Making lunches, setting out my clothes, as well as having the girls’ outfits laid out. One of our top-five reasons for finding ourselves running out the door later than expected…the inability to find matching socks (sigh). They are all there…they just need to find their match before the morning comes. Plain and simply, being ready.

For me, eating well is key. I am not a comfort-eater. In fact, just the opposite. When I am worried, I can’t eat. When I am stressed, I tend to overlook eating. But, if I can break my eating into 5-6 smaller meals during the day, filled with a mix of fruits, salad, granola and proteins, I feel a constant renewal of energy. And some times, these “meals” are just larger snack portions, but I can fill my tank with food and fuel and soldier on.

For me, writing is key. I hate to burden others. I am a m.u.c.h. b.e.t.t.e.r. listener. But, if I can write it out here, I don’t feel like an encumbrance; it becomes a choice for others to read. Just letting it all out.

For me, laughter is key. Taking a silly moment and filling it with giggles. Intensifying it. Having an amazing laugh. Belly-jiggling, can’t-catch-my-breath, tear-streaming laugh. What a fantastic stress-reliever.

For me, knowing when to say “no” is key. I can’t do it all. I can’t pretend to do it all. I won’t sacrifice my family time. So, when it becomes too much, and something else is added to my plate, I need to learn to say “no” politely and firmly. I know it will all get done. No one can be harder on me than I am on myself. No one can push me farther than that I can push myself. But I am no longer going to pile things on that take me away from my girls, most especially.

For me, prayer is key. Asking for God’s help. I need it. All. the. time. And I am not afraid to ask for it. God wants us to need Him. Because if you recall, He is our shepherd, and we are His flock. And I am one sheep who never wants to lose her Shepherd. E.v.e.r.

The rhythm of rush is quickly falling upon us once again. With within that rhythm is an amazing beat. The beat of life. The beat of little-girl laughter and playfulness. The beat of memories to be made. And if we fail to embrace those sweet, precious “lose-yourself” moments that sprinkle our journey, the everyday rush will most certainly overtake our lives.

Yes, life is preparing to become busy. Very, very busy yet again. But it’s crucial not to forget that within the rhythm of the day-to-day rush, all the while, we are on a journey. A journey filled with learning. A journey packed with opportunity. A journey immersed with experiences not to be forgotten. A journey meant to be enjoyed, at ever possibility presented to each of us.