It’s time to breathe. Time to relax. Time to soak in the sunshine. It’s summer (even if unofficially). Summertime means many things to many people, but I hope it means relaxing for all of us. I wonder: what does it mean to “relax”? After doing a quick Google search of the definition, I found this: to “make or become less tense or anxious”. Well that sounds amazing! But is that even possible as a busy mom with many children and teens in your care? Let’s consider the possibility:
Make a list of what triggers tense and anxious thoughts and feelings?
What on that list is optional?
What begins and ends with your thoughts?
What stems from “expectations”?
While tension and anxiety are like dust – annoying and always with us – perhaps with a little intentional work, we can limit the build up. Perhaps relaxing will mean a little less (or even a little more) order. Perhaps it will include choosing a posture of gratitude for many blessings, big and small. Perhaps relaxing will come when we let others off-the-hook, recognizing that they need some relaxation too.
Of course relaxation ebbs and flows with the seasons of our lives, but whatever age and stage of life, we have choices. I pray that this summer you enjoy a season of becoming less tense or anxious as you choose to relax and soak in the sunshine.
Speaking life, Kris