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I dreamed the other night that I went nuts.
Like, completely crazy.
Loony.
Insane.
And I had to be committed.
I KNOW….mortifying right?
But, I can understand it. Mike even said it was only a matter of time…..who asked him anyways. Hmpfff.
I had a really bad habit of taking on more than I can handle. I can’t say “no”. (Well to SOME people, others, I have no problem saying “nope, sorry! Find another sucker!”) And I end up with more on my plate than is humanly possible for me to accomplish.
(Sound familiar?)
I also had a terrible habit of taking on other peoples problems and issues and DRAMA. (You too? I’m in good company then.) Mother in law driving you nuts? Call Dana! Babysitter cancelled on you? Call Dana! Neighbor put up really weird mannequins and you’re afraid? Call Dana! (But I’ll bring my camera, I’m just sayin’) Problems with people suffering from Chronically Stupid? Call Dana! Need help and no one else will say yes? Call DANA!
(OK, I’m still working on this one…..)
But my stress level can be VERY hard to manage some days. The kids are loud/unruly. My family needs everything under the sun yesterday. Bills due. Short paychecks. Work more to cover.
etc etc etc
And my hormones are out of whack right now. I don’t know why. I went to a very unenthusiastic uncaring unsympathetic busy doctor who told me I was just fine. Ummmm….OK. I’m just telling you that 2 days out of the month I want to kill everyone. Guess that’s normal. I’ll try to warn you when those 2 days occur. {shrug}
In my prayer times a few months ago, God showed me areas I needed to work on and showed me ways to help deal with it. I’ll list them for you, cuz I’m nice like that.
1.) I cannot miss my Quiet time. Yes, I have to get up even earlier when I get so little sleep anyway. It’s a privilege I love and a sacrifice I am willing to do. My day starts at roughly 6 in the morning with anywhere from 15 minutes in the Bible to 45 minutes, depending on my need. And my prayer time used to be roughly 15 minutes, but it’s jumped to around 30, sometimes I can go longer. Again, just depends on my need. Some days are rushed and I only have 30 minutes tops, but I take the time. Always take the time. Find the translation you like, find the reading plan you enjoy, or find a nice quiet, comfy spot to do it, but always take the time.
2.) I have to learn to say no. This was really hard for me. I’m a people pleaser. I want people to like me. I like to feel accepted. But, I’ve learned that just because I do whatever the person needs, it doesn’t mean I will be accepted by them at all. Doesn’t mean they are gonna like me. They aren’t gonna ask me to sit at the Cool Kid table at lunch. And God told me my acceptance comes from Christ alone. So there. If I have to tell you no, please don’t egg my house, but if you do, I’m still not sorry I said no, you just need to be a better person.
3.) Cut OUT the gossip. {GASP} WHAT?? People gossip? If you are calling me to gossip to stir up drama……I’m gonna have to hang up on you. Sorry. God told me to.
4.) Find your JOY. Our joy should come from Christ anyway, but I know for myself, I allow outside junk to determine my moods and that just isn’t right. I had to learn to smile and laugh and move on. And if I couldn’t smile and laugh….then just move on. I can’t dwell on what So-and-so said about me, or whether or not my brother is my fan on Facebook (little inside joke there….said with a smile), or if someone’s blog post is aimed at me…..I have to let it go and move on. Find my Joy.
Psalm 1:1
Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
Psalm 9:2
I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.
I could go all day with those verses…..
Find what works for you and put it in place. Find your joy.
Dana Disclaimer: People use other people to relieve stress. Calling up a friend (or Mom π ) to talk about your day/problems/issues, is perfectly fine. We need that fellowship with each other. We need that comfort from other people. Go to Christ first, then call me.
As for my hormone issue, I happened to find a vitamin that worked for me. I’m not knocking doctors because God gave us doctors for a reason. I love doctors. I go to doctors. There is a NEED for doctors. Vitamins or whatever will not always fix our stuff, if you have a medical need, you should see a doctor. But in this particular instance, I found a vitamin that keeps me from killing people so I’m goin’ with it.
You’re welcome.
Be kind and help someone else in need!