Talk to me.
9:07 AM
The other day my husband was working the evening shift at work and so he graciously allowed me to sneak away to this oasis of refuge for a latte and life goal/dreaming/planning session. I'd be lying if I said I couldn't seriously use one of those about...oh...every other day or so. But I am so grateful for the chances I do get! And maybe the rarity of them just serves to make them all the more special.
It is so difficult, perhaps more than ever before, at this stage in my life to pursue certain "goals". Dreams, ambitions, ideas, inspirations, whatever you'd like to call them. It is much, much easier to default to merely surviving the laundry and the cleaning and the groceries and the children and call it enough. Because sometimes, it seems that is truly all one can do.
But, the dreams remain.
Time passes, and goals change shape and form and ideas either lose luster or grow in intensity, but nevertheless, you still feel like you reach the end of the day with too much idealism and not enough time. And I'm not sure if it's the baby growing inside me that is spurring me on to think of the future, or if it's a little too much coffee, but it seems I've had no shortage of dreams lately.
Just a shortage of me.
Sometimes I'm not sure what I'm doing over here on this space of mine. It is a hobby and an interest foremost, but I want it to be so much more than that. I want it to be a place of inspiration and encouragement. I want it to be a place that leaves you feeling a little more motivated, a little more brave, and a little less alone.
So now, dear readers, it's your turn! What are some questions on your mind lately? What roadblocks are you up against? What are those issues that run through your mind like a hamster wheel and keep you up at night? What is something, no matter how good or bad, small or silly, you just want to share with someone, or hear someone else's thoughts about?
Obviously I won't claim to have all the answers, but we can wrestle through them together. We can talk and discuss and challenge each other, and really, that's my whole goal with this space. And since sitting down with each of you in a nearby coffee shop isn't exactly a possibility, let's just do that here! So leave me a comment below, I'd love to hear from you.
6 comments
Something on my mind lately has been the balance between pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and working out of your strengths. My theory is that maybe there are seasons for each? Also, as an introvert, it's harder for me to make friends. Which is okay, I don't have to be as social as an extrovert, but the pride and selfishness that often hold me back from making conversation (Especially because I just moved a few months ago) are not okay just because I'm an introvert. How to achieve the balance...what are your thoughts on this?
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean about dreaming and goals! "I've had no shortage of dreams lately.
ReplyDeleteJust a shortage of me."
That is exactly how I feel! In this world of Pinterest and fun craft projects I find (what feels like) a million different things that I want to do but when I find myself doing the day-to-day things of just cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, and running after my toddler I can feel a little letdown. Like I didn't DO anything. But the most important thing is taking care of my family and that is worth something. Worth more then receiving accolades from people on my latest groovy project. :) However, I do take moments to dream and to be creative, to actually try some of those great projects that are out there...all with the realization that if it doesn't get done I'm not less of a person. :)
Haha didn't really mean to get so longwinded...it's just what's on my mind! :) ;)
Ahh, the elusiveness of "balance". I certainly wish I had it all figured out! You have a lot of good thoughts here, I'm thinking this will make for a great post in the near future.:) In the meantime, I think the fact that you recognize that pride and selfishness can factor into our reservations is huge. That is a great starting point! I'm sure you will find it gets a little easier to open up the more that you try. Looking forward to talking about this more. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow it always feels so good when someone "gets it"! All the while I know how massively important it is to raise my young ones and love and serve and care for my family...it can leave a person feeling like they haven't accomplished anything. I can't wait to address this further as well....thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDear sweet Shelley, thank you for sharing this. Honestly, this is what my heart needs to do- just spend a "time out" and dream on paper for a bit- but it's just finding the time to do it! Lately the best I can do after a busy day is light a candle under my oil defuser and MAYBE get in a few pages of a book ("Tramp for the Lord" right now- oh the challenging encouragement I need!), but even then it's too scarce in my week. I have so many things swirling in my head, but also so many things swirling in my life, and I need to decide what dreams are feasible without adding any more to plate than I can physically handle. So pray please? That the Father would give me wisdom, but also that He would drop the opportunities into my lap. When He does that, I know it's a "God thing" and not a "me thing", and His faithfulness shines oh so clearly in that!
ReplyDeleteSending you {{hugs}} and again, thank you for being brave and real and vulnerable here. It blesses my heart! <3
love this and YOU! also something that has surprised me lately is how dreams can ebb, flow and even change sometime. ahh! wasn't expecting that. we'll have to chat more about it all soon. love you! XO
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