THE PRODUCTIVITY OF STOPPING
Life is busy. I say this a lot in my blogs, but it's true! Calendars fill up quickly, and any in-between time always seems full of exciting things like fixing flat tires, addressing plumbing issues, or resolving sibling conflicts between the kids.
I find myself craving times of quiet stillness - even if they are few and far between. When there are opportunities for stillness, it's easy to feel torn between stopping or tackling the next thing on the to-do list.
I'm the kind of person who is fueled by productivity and making progress on projects. So stopping, for me, can sometimes feel counter-productive. If I'm feeling behind on life and suddenly have a pocket of time, why wouldn't I jump in and try to get ahead?
Whether I'm trying to be productive or taking a moment to stop, I've recently been asking myself the question, "will this make me a better wife, mother, or friend?" Sometimes, the best thing to do is work hard and get things done. But doing, doing, doing all the time can run you ragged. When I'm constantly doing and rarely stopping to be present, my energy levels decrease, my stress levels increase, and my patience is shortened. I've found that when I stop to sort through my thoughts and what I am feeling and just enjoy the moment, it helps energize me to do all the other things in life.
But stopping can be hard sometimes. Once things are quiet, and I'm left with my thoughts, my mind goes in a hundred different directions. What I've found helpful is having an activity that allows me to slow down and focus my thoughts. For me, this activity has been gardening. I love being outdoors, digging in the dirt, and caring for plants. When I'm in my garden, I'm doing something I love while moving to a mental space where I can think about things and process what's happening in the world around me.
I encourage you to find something you enjoy that allows you to refuel, process, and be alone with your thoughts. For you, this may be journaling, riding a bike, painting, or something else. Because sometimes, for me, this is the best way to be a better wife, mother, and friend.
| Credits: Author & Photography - Jacintha Payne |