Today’s blog is about getting back to the basics! I was raised in rural Iowa and was heavily involved in 4-H while growing up. I learned many useful life skills from being a part of the organization. I learned how to cook, bake, sew, can goods, and much more. As I recently thought about these skills, I realized that I wasn’t using very many of the life skills that I once was so proud of. It seemed I had allowed my life to get chaotic, yet automatic all at the same time.
The things of the world quite successfully pulled me into the “hamster wheel” of life. Hear me out with the following words, I am not patting myself on the back – just explaining how I got into the predicament that so many people are realizing they are in. I worked hard to have a good life. I went to college, got a great job as a teacher, worked extra hard, and even switched my career to follow my passion of counseling. I continue to work hard at counseling, while operating my own business. Because of my beliefs about hard work, dedication and success, I put my head down and forged forward. How many of you have done the same? I would guess that many of you have the same beliefs and have lived by the same principles. I was encouraged by my parents, teachers, bosses, church elders, etc…
“Set goals and work hard to reach those goals.”
“When you meet your goals, set new ones.”
“Hard work pays off.”
While these principles were/are good on many levels, it just felt like there was something missing. As I thought about it, it came to me that in the past I didn’t realize the importance of self-care, about living a balanced life or about relishing in the joy of accomplishments for a while, before beginning work on a new goal. Please don’t misunderstand me – goals are absolutely important, but what I’ve learned is that the goals need to be made in a framework of a balanced, rewarding daily life. Positive steps forward should be celebrated, and adjustment should be on-going. It’s not a race to the finish line. As my pastor, Ed Steinmetz, reminds us often, “we are not made for the grave”. Living everyday with the intention to give and receive love through the many different areas of a balanced life will surely fill your soul.
So, how does one get off the “hamster wheel” of life? Well, there are two ways! You can begin to slow the hamster wheel down and eventually be able to step off without major damage, but this takes time. The alternative is to jump, tuck and roll! A different analogy is that you can slowly, gently peel the bandage off or you can inhale, pause, and then yank it off with one big exhale. Ouch! You get to choose what works best for you and your family. Change can be hard, but it can be accomplished one small step at a time.
I strongly urge you to begin evaluating the different areas of your life. Ask yourself if each part contributes to a balanced life. Which parts do you need to adjust? There’s only 16 workable hours in a day, so what can you reasonably do in each area of your life throughout the week? There are several resources on-line for you to use to find a balance wheel of life, but I’ll also include one here. Additionally, finding an accountability partner is a great way to work toward improving balance in your life.
I think it’s important to self-evaluate and determine whether you’re needing a change or not. The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced many of us to evaluate our lives. Everyday people are awakening to the need and desire to make some positive life changes. The good news is change is possible no matter what your age! I know for sure some of the changes I will be working on are to get back to the basic life skills I used to love doing – sewing and baking.
I love this Bible verse and it is quite fitting for today’s writing – Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
A few questions…
How have your beliefs from childhood impacted your choices as an adult?
If you make a choice to get off the fast track in life, what are some things you can do to start the process of change?
What can you model to your friends and family that will help them live a more peaceful and fulfilling life?
Growing word by word,
Jackie
Resources:
www. stepstoyourdreams.wordpress.com
www.dev-perso.com
Thanks, Jackie. I am one who jumped off. Yes, ouch! There really was no other way. I just decided to retire from teaching. I was living my dream, but I had no energy left for anything else.
I had a very hard time after that jump, but gradually I found a way to get going again. God gave me a homeschool teaching position 3 days a week. That left plenty of “me time.” I no longer homeschool and I do miss it a bit, but my life is now full of other things I truly enjoy. Things that God has shown me are the most important of all….relationships!