I really think I need to write some of this down. I'm really struggling with eating right now and I don't want to be struggling with eating : ( I find this really interesting because it really is a stress thing. It's like "HELLO" don't you get it. You have way too much on your plate and you need to balance a few things out and not just grab food that's available. I see clearly what has happened in the past.
Cycle
I have a spare moment thus I need to be doing something worthwhile. Help others, serve, give, encourage, clean, work, make money. What I notice is that I'm not on that list. Hmmmmm I'm actually wondering if I realize that I'm worthwhile. I actually think that I thought by denying myself others would pick up on this and rescue me or something. I'm not exactly sure of all the personality psycho babble involved but something is going on. I was doing a GREAT job of taking care of myself but right now I'm REALLY tired. The past four weeks have been disconnected for me. I don't like it.
Things I must do:
Have Quiet Time
School the kids
Co-op
Work
Spend Time With Scott
Work at creating a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family
My FRIENDS (I need em)
Everything else needs to stop for a bit so I can get these things running smoothly. If they fall outside of this priority list then I need to be AWARE that my energy is being taken from me and I don't have any to give.
I'm really having a tough time planning meals and shopping right now. I've got to get that schedule figured out.
Pray for me ladies. I need ya now! The goal for this week is to track every day. Plan my meals, Have my quiet time. I'm going to post a little something daily just to let you all know how it's going. Thanks for holding up my arms in the battle. They are very weary.
Love to you all
Dawna
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I love you Dawna, and I certainly relate to your frustration and exhaustion. I will pray for you and trust that God will work this for good!
ReplyDeleteDawna,
ReplyDeleteI also want to remind you about e-mealz.com. I have always struggled with mealtime. Basically, I would rather someone do the whole thing for me...the planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning. :) But, since that won' happen any time soon, I think e-mealz is the next best thing. It truly has reduced a tremendous amount of stress and helped me save money. Love you Ladie!
I love you Dawna!
ReplyDeleteWhat you're going through is something we all struggle with from time to time. You're on the right track by making a list of the things that are a priority in your life. I know it might feel selfish but make sure your quiet time with the Lord is at the top of the list everyday because if you make that your top priority He will help bring everything else into balance for you.
You're also right when you say that everything that's not on your list has to stop right now. There are many worthwhile things we can do that drain our time and energy so there's not enough of us left over to do the things that need to be done. Just the things on your list will keep you very busy without adding anything to it.
When you find yourself with a spare moment use that time to relax. Listen to some worship music, read a good book, have lunch with a friend, lay down for a few miutes and close your eyes, take a walk, sit down with your kids and watch a movie or do whatever you enjoy doing to relax; you need some breathing space. It is not selfish to spend time doing something you find enjoyable or refreshing; it's a mental health thing. You can't give to your family what you don't have.
You are a beautiful lady and a wonderful friend. Lord, thank your for my friend Dawna; and for making her such a precious lady. Please envelope her in your embrace; help her to be very aware of your presence in her life. Please pour into her your grace and your strength to help her meet her obligations. Please open her eyes to the truth and help her to see those things in her life that are unnecessary and can be eliminated. Please help her to prioitize her life so it lines up with your will for her and her family. And help her to be able to say no to those things that are not a part of your will for her life right now, no matter how worthy they are.
I will continue to pray for you!
Kathy R.
Yeah...what she said! :) Awesome Kathy, thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts into words. You have encouraged me as well.
ReplyDeleteDawna,
ReplyDeleteI ditto Kathy's prayer. Wow Kathy, that was really from the Lord. Your words of encouragement and your prayer too. Thanks for being a vessel of honor and blessing to Dawna.
Okay, back to you Dawna. Girl, you have always been the most busy, but get things done, type person I know. But we all have our limits. I'm just thankful you realize you have some limits. None of us can do it all, as much as we'd like. You have made a list and I will be praying that you follow it, and are sensitive to even more tweeking on that list. You may find more things need to drop off...for a season anyway.
About food, I would suggest you simply your life for the next couple of weeks by simplifying your meals. Stick to the very basic stuff at mealtime...meat, vegetable, starch (if you must,,,and with swimmers, you must). Snacks of fresh fruit and fresh veggies, (splurg and buy the veggies already cut up...I promise not to tell Scott, yogurt, lowfat cheese sticks (I like 2% sharp cheddar by Sargentino). Don't try any new recipes, don't try any fancy stuff...unless you're in a frame to unwind and enjoy that effort, it can be very time consuming and draining. Keep drinking your water. Keep lunchmmeat in the frig for those days when you have to run errands around lunchtime...make a sandwich, grab an apple, diet coke and away you go. I know this sounds overly simply, but it is the sort of stuff that I have to keep reminding myself to do as well. I can get very lazy and be tempted to run through McDonalds, or Taco Bell. And while I can stay on track with those options, it just proves to me that I did not plan well, and now I am subject to what's available when I get hungry. Speaking of McD and Taco Bell, and Subway, you can do very well there and not blow it if you just make good choices. Apples and caramel, yogurt, salad, and a small hanburger are all good choices. Tacos (hard shell) at taco bell, great value at 150 each.
I can hear the determination in your writing. You can do this. Just don't give up. This is not really about dieting, losing weight, etc. This is about regaining control, and it is vitally important to our effectiveness in everything we do...
I love you! You're an amazing woman of God, whose heart of compassion drives you to be all to all people. You must find the balance.
Praying for you...keep posting....
Jane
Okay...I was just looking over the comments again for some reason, and I want you to know that I do know how to spell the word Lady. Ha! Hope you are having a wonderful day. I can still help with those calls when you need me to.
ReplyDeleteWe serve an amazingly awesome God who knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I'm glad my (His) words encouraged you both as well. Dawna is blessed to have you both as friends and the practical advise and encouragement you're giving her.
ReplyDeleteIt's the hearfelt message not the spelling that counts here!
Kathy R.