I’m a rester….or am I?
I’m a self proclaimed rester! I encourage those around me to rest. I love an unhurried day and calendar. Not living by a to do list. Getting things done at a peaceful pace. This week my hubby and I got away for a week at the beach where we planned zero activities. The only plans we had were to rest, relax and replenish. While doing so I’ve had quite the ah ha moment. Am I really a rester? While I claim to rest I’ve come to realize this week (while I’ve truly rested) that the most important piece of resting to me is slowing the pace of my thoughts. Stepping away from everyday life has brought to my attention how much control my thoughts have on my body. An anxious thought has an immediate effect on me physically. A thought may start small but quickly perpetuates. Lately I have experienced a lot of health anxiety. One thought about a pain or possibility of sickness turns into another anxious thought into another. With these thoughts there is no rest! This week has afforded a lot of time for self reflection, reading, walking, boating, spending quality unscheduled time with my husband. There is so much freedom in having no place to be and nothing to do. But is this realistic in every day life? The schedule may not be but the thoughts or lack thereof are. If I can control my thoughts here in this space I must have the ability to do so returning to my usual schedule. I have proven to myself by stepping away that I am capable of living a more relaxed, peaceful, less anxious life that is truly resting! Resting doesn’t always mean sitting and relaxing. Resting is also an action. I have the ability when I fix my mind on who I am and whose I am to truly rest. Rest in the trust and peace that surpasses all understanding that I am ok. I am more than okay! I am more than anxiety! I am a loved child of God who wants my thoughts focused on loving Him. I am so grateful for this time away to rest, relax, regroup and replenish!
Shine bright,
Teresa
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7