Photo by Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash

Lately, it seems like the people all around me are on edge, including myself. Exhaustion, fatigue, sensory-overload, scheduling madness, and sometimes, just pure chaos have increased the stress loads a thousand percent. Add in Hurricane Ian! Not only did he pummel our loved ones down in Florida, but decided he didn't have enough and circled back up the coast off me! 

It's no wonder that I've been waking up tired and grumpy, feeling like I could dive back under the covers when the alarm goes off. This weekend, instead of being social with friends, I choose to recover some rest and a little bit of joy with a rocking chair, a bright sunny day, and a book that I've requested from the library for 3 times before I finally finished it. 

Sometimes we have to say no in order to breathe. To be the light to others, we have to stop and slow down. It is okay to not do it all. It's okay when we need to stop to find joy. Otherwise, we lose our sense of self and lose our own light that makes us shine. 

Mondays are always chaotic. I generally start my Monday morning slow after incredibly long Sundays full of beautiful Church things. Yesterday was no different. It was a great day-full of kids learning, laughing, and having fun. Kids asking questions, growing, and making new friendships. Kids who don't let the small stuff get to them, because we let them be kids. 

Today, take time to be a kid. Maybe you need a time-out with your juice box. Maybe you need a coloring sheet and some crayons/ pencils. Maybe you need to laugh over silly jokes. Maybe you need to watch your favorite TV show or movie for the galizziontheeth time because it makes you feel whole inside. 

Today, as you wake up, grab the coffee, get the kids ready for school, and head out the door to work, may you find joy.