There is one word I want to focus on today as we talk about having it all. That word is TRYING.
Trying, striving, always doing – this is where “having it all” becomes a burden.
Of course, our lives will involve work. We have families to care for, jobs, homes that require upkeep. There are things we MUST do. However, TRYING to have it all heaps unnecessary work onto those to-do lists we talked about yesterday.
I think about the time I tried to write a book. Or tried to start planning a conference. Or tried to make all of our snacks from scratch. Or a long list of other endeavors. None of these things are inherently bad, but I was trying to stuff them into an already busy, crazy life in order to “have it all.” I was exhausted and anxious from all the trying. It felt like I was constantly swimming upstream.
Remember, the “having it all” pressure is not the same for all of us. Trying to write a book might be right where you are supposed to be at this moment. It wasn’t the right time for me. Someday, it probably will be, but for now I’ve stopped TRYING to squeeze it in where it doesn’t fit.
I think this weekend seems like a great time to stop TRYING so hard and enjoy being a part of the life with which God has surrounded you. For me, analog weekends help with that tremendously – I’m not trying to keep up with social media and I’m not comparing my weekend to that of anyone else. I also come back from the weekend rested, refreshed, and with my priorities in proper focus.
Let’s take a cue from Master Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.” Do what God has given us each to do, and no more trying to make anything else fit!
I love you and your beautiful heart for encouraging others. I want you to know how much your words ministered to my heart today. God used you to bless me. Thank you for being His vessel.
xo,
TL
Girl… yes. You are speaking my language! Yesterday I made an incredibly difficult decision to cut something out of my life, something I’ve done daily for eight years, because it had become too difficult to keep up with. We *can’t* have it all or do it all and sometimes something has to give. And cutting this activity out (sorry for the vagueness!) gives me so much more time to be truly present in my life.
Thanks for your writing, Erin. 🙂
Great advice! I never correlated the anxiety from trying to do too much with how I was feeling, does that makes sense? Have a great weekend!