What does it mean to you, my friends?
I'd love to know.
August 1, 2018
It's OK. In Fact You Really Should.
What now? You are probably wondering what I am advocating now. Well, it isn't anything earth-shattering, I promise. It is nothing new, or crazy, or trendy. In fact, it is just the opposite. I am talking about slowing down. And taking time for you. Life is busy for us all. Choosing to pause and step out of the chaos for a bit each day does not make one weak or lazy. In fact, I think it makes one stronger. I am a firm believer in the idea that in order to take care of others, we must first care for ourselves. This can mean different things to different people. For me, slowing down and taking time for me means...
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This blog is so dear to my heart. I have been on a mission for years now to try to simplify our life. I know that I require my cozy down time in order to be at my best to take care of my family. We live in such a fast paced world, that far too many people don't get down time, and I truly think that is why so many people are just so grouchy. I love this blog, because it truly is something we all need!!! Hugs to you. Juli
ReplyDeleteDown town for me today is a Christmas in July film that I recorded last week, a hot tea and biscuit and a crochet project on my lap. Throw in a scented candle and that would complete my happiness.
ReplyDeleteSimplify...been trying...but with my mother in-law in very ill health and us taking over POA (Power of Attorney) for everything but her health proxy...it has been a very difficult summer. ANYWAYS---
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to visiting you and others to give me that "calmness". Thanks you Billie Jo. smiles
True, we can't give anything to others if we are running on empty. Good thoughts.
ReplyDeletexx Beca
Me too! See me over here waving my arm? 🙋🏼♀️
ReplyDeleteI don’t do well when I have to go a lot of places or activities.
Yes! After my hubby's surgery in May, we were "forced" to have some down time. It really was eye opening. I find that if I have at least 30 minutes of quiet, and can be in His word first thing in the morning my days go a whole lot better.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to my quiet time each morning before 7 am. I am an early riser and go to the porch and enjoy the silence, the birds chirping and the sun coming up. It is prayer time for me too and I always have a good talk with God. I need this every day to start off the busy day ahead.
ReplyDeleteI like to have some quiet time in the morning to walk and then read the morning paper. Yes, I'm a dinosaur who reads an actual real paper newspaper! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, we must take care of ourselves. I like to relax with a good book or take a bubble bath or work in my flower beds. They all say ahhh to me. Here's to relaxing everyday, my friend! ♥
ReplyDeleteOh my yes. Simplicity is key for me and my sanity. If we even have one thing I feel like we're busy. I like to read. And sit in the quiet. And nap. Because naps are awesome.
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on my friend. I found myself strolling through the garden this morning picking some of the last of the raspberries while my coffee was brewing inside the house. It is finally cool enough again that I can sit outside in the morning on the back porch, have my coffee and catch up on some blogging. The fur babies are all out here with me sacked out asleep too. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, Billie Jo. We need those calm, quiet, and peaceful moments to relax and enjoy life. Then we are ready to take care of others.
ReplyDeleteall of the above, and enjoying visiting my friends in blog land. Thank you for your prayers and sweet thoughts, so far we have good reports, hoping to be home by the weekend💕😘
ReplyDeleteLove
Sue
I am retired now and if I slow down any more, I'll be standing still... which I usually am! LOL But I do remember those years when life was way too fast and crazy. I'm retired now. Praise God!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! One way that I will be "forced" to slow down is that there is NO weekend entry into the buildings in the District where I teach. For a former classroom teacher who spent EVERY weekend up in her classroom (even with toddlers) this is a godsend. I literally CAN'T work on the weekends! Hallelujah! LOL In addition, I made this strategic move from the regular classroom to ESL becuase the workload is spread out so very differently. Rather than writing lesson plans for 7 subjects for 20 kiddos every day, I am pushing into classrooms and providing English language support for my ELL learners. While some lesson planning is in order...not the extent required of a regular classroom teacher. And finally, this new position does not require a substitue for sick days! Again, no stressing over writing sub plans for when my kiddos or I need to call in sick. I ofetn went to work sick b/c it was easier than writing out plans for someone else to teach. All of these changes will allow me to experience a healthier work/balance lifestyle while still providing for my 3 kiddos as a single mom. This post touched my heart friend. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI start my day off pretty slow every day and then get my motor running:) I think it is just fine to slow down and enjoy the moment! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteMy day starts off with coffee and quite time. It's when I get most of my blogging done. Since I lost my husband last summer, I still never am sure what ea day will be like..if I stay busy, most days are good...if I slow down too much, I find myself thinking too much and getting sad. I sure agree that all of us need a calm time during our days.
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo--Thanks so much for this post, but I was hoping you could please share how you do these things such as nourish, home and calm. I learn so much from your posts!! Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen!
DeleteThanks so much for visiting!
And thank you for asking.
I think that will make a great post.
I will put it together and post it very soon!
Have a cozy afternoon. : )
I agree, but I would add knit and read.
ReplyDeleteHi Billie Jo~
ReplyDeleteSlowing down to me means, listening to music I love, spending time with family, reading a good book, watching my favorite movie, and eating my favorite food...but mostly...simplicity.
Loved this one!
Hugs and Love,
Barb
Oh, I love this so much! For me, I can feel myself weakening when I don't take time for myself. I need it - to make myself stronger for my family. For me, it's as simple as a cup of coffee on the deck, watching my favorite TV show, staying up late to read another chapter of my book, or even a long walk by myself. Our lives are so busy and hectic all the time, it's so important to take care of us ♥ We deserve it! : )
ReplyDeleteVery true Billie Jo though I'm only learning to do this now. To me it means slowing down, clearing the calendar and just enjoying each day a bit more slowly. That includes coffee and a good book :-) Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI've never been accused of burning the candle at both ends. I take time for myself, I did even when my kids were small. Some days the house took a back seat while I sat and read a magazine or walked through my favorite antique store. If you take care of yourself, you're at peace and healthy enough to take care of others.
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid chaos all the time. I really need peace.
ReplyDeleteI love slow days everyday...I would love an empty calendar for just one month wouldn't that be nice. I need to learn to take time for my-self..I am a giver.
ReplyDeletelove this so much!
ReplyDelete*raises both hands in the air*
ReplyDeleteYES!
Self care first, always.
For me: A good book. A walk. Heck, even cleaning out a t-shirt drawer brings some calmness to my life.
Great post.