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December 3, 2021

Breathe. Repeat.

16 Comments/ 57/ 0

Just breathe.

I keep reminding myself that the things that I am trying to accomplish will get done.

Just maybe not in quite the time frame I had originally planned.

It seems as if I have written quite a few posts about how to deal with stress.  I don’t care who you are or where you are in your life —stress is just a part of living.  How you and I approach it is what makes the difference between dealing with it and not dealing with it.

Today I found myself adding one more thing to my To Do list.  It was something that was not vital to my life or anyone else’s life and yet I took it on because….

Because I did not want others to be disappointed.

But then I thought further about it and quite honestly the people that I was doing something for had no idea or expectation that I was going to do something special for them .  So if I had not done it it really would not have mattered.

But it is me.

I always want to go above and beyond.  To make sure everyone is “taken care of ” and feels loved and important.

Last week my dear husband made sure that I had a perfect Thanksgiving. He knows that losing my mom last Christmas is weighing heavily on me right now. But he provided a nice getaway and  I was able to forget for a little bit all of the things that are weighing heavy on my heart.  I slept.   I spent some really nice time on the beach.  I ate some great food.   I felt really good.

I need to remember those moments from last week.

I need to breathe.

What about you?  Are you feeling weighed down by just one more thing to do? With the holidays there always seems to be just one more thing to accomplish. But I have decided that this year I will do what I can and take care of myself. I hope you do as well.

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16 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. dawnkinster
    December 03, 2021 at 06:52 am

    I’m sorry you’re feeling stressed. I hope you get it all done in an acceptable amount of time.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      December 03, 2021 at 09:39 am

      It’s all good. I am taking it one day at a time and not going to worry if things don’t get done. I really am!

      Reply
  2. Susi
    December 03, 2021 at 07:37 am

    Oh yes. This time of year always seems more stressful than any other and yet, I love it so.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      December 03, 2021 at 09:40 am

      It is the same every year and you would think I would just be ready for it! It is all good — I am taking time to breathe.

      Reply
  3. reneewilliams7
    December 03, 2021 at 07:51 am

    Love you! Hugs! So thankful that you got away. I know that did your soul good. I can’t get away, but I am so looking forward to getting my knee scoped, so I can stop the circus for just a little while. The stress is wearing on me…and I find myself lacking patience. I know that I need a break, but I can’t and must keep going. I’m looking forward to letting my sagging spirit heal as my knee heals. Much love to you!!! (And so honored that you took time out for me! 💕)

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      December 03, 2021 at 09:40 am

      Bless you—you have so much going on and I know you are looking forward to that knee procedure . Praying it helps you get back into a more normal swing of things and that your holiday is perfect.

      Reply
  4. jena c. henry
    December 03, 2021 at 08:19 am

    Hugs to you Beth Ann! The holidays seem to bring us stress and I’m concerned that this year is more stressful than ever for us as we try to get back to “normal”. For me, exercise and meditation (which I do with a Christian focus) really keep me grounded. I’m a big fan of yoga now. I’m starting to appreciate the power of staying “present” and stopping the endless mental “to do” lists. Love you!!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      December 03, 2021 at 09:42 am

      Thanks! It is all good and I am getting all the things lined up that I can without stressing out. It is funny how fast my calendar can fill up with “things” that really aren’t all that important. So I am adjusting and re evaluating and yes–focusing on the Christian focus of things!

      Reply
  5. Sandy Wall
    December 03, 2021 at 08:38 am

    Why do women tend to take so much on? This is the first Christmas season that I am looking forward to in a long time. Work was always crazy with people waiting until the end of the year to get their surgeries done, performing in the handbell concert that took much rehearsal time in the Fall, and doing all the usual activities. Now I’m just focused on Christmas! No work, no handbell concerts ☺️!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      December 03, 2021 at 09:42 am

      You have such a good point. I guess we take a lot upon ourselves to just get things done and organized and really–why should it always be us? I am so glad you are going to be able to enjoy the holidays this year with less stress. You have had a very difficult year and you deserve it! Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Tonya
    December 03, 2021 at 10:16 am

    Exactly

    Reply
  7. Minnesota Prairie Roots
    December 03, 2021 at 11:55 am

    Oh, Beth Ann, you have such a loving and kind heart and that can lead to taking on too much. So I am thankful you had that away time at the beach. And, oh, how I understand the aching of your heart as you think of your mom and the one-year mark approaching soon.

    I talked to my dear mother today on the phone. It was one-sided as I expected. But that didn’t matter. I have to think she heard me. I could hear only her breathing (with the oxygen machine). I had hoped to visit, but her care facility is in COVID outbreak status.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      December 03, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      I am so happy you got to “talk” to your mom today! I have another friend whose mom is not well at all and she sent me a video of her with her mom. While her mom is usually unresponsive I could see her eyes following Jane as she spoke to her so I know without a doubt she knew deep inside that Jane was there. I pray that was the case with your mom as well!

      Reply
  8. Shirley Matthews Dunn
    December 03, 2021 at 01:19 pm

    I am so glad you are taking it day by day. truly is the only way to be less stressed. My husband I decided a few years ago to stop the commercial side of Christmas. We now are celebrating the reason for the season. .I know this time of year is so hard for you. I lost both of my parents in December. I am sending you love & hugs.

    Reply
  9. Darlene
    December 03, 2021 at 04:48 pm

    I am really trying hard not to let myself get stressed this year. It will be hard not being able to call mom and wish her a Happy Birthday on Christmas day. But we are keeping a close eye on my in-laws who are struggling with heath and age related issues. So that is keeping us busy. What will get done will get done. xo

    Reply
  10. Mama's Empty Nest
    December 04, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    In addition to the stress of getting all the things done in time for Christmas, it doesn’t help that I’m under the weather with some kind of sinus thing. Yuck. I’m trying not to stress over what doesn’t get done, but it’s not easy.

    Reply

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