I have always had a hard time slowing down, but the last year has reminded me how important it is to “be still.”
Sometimes, you just can’t do it. Trauma, mental illness, grief, and similar experiences impact our patterns of thinking and behavior. When something so daunting is fresh in your heart and mind, it consumes you. I never want to stay in that place when it happens, but it has been important to give myself grace on the days I can’t seem to get my emotions together. If something impacts you this deeply, it’s usually for good reason. We shouldn’t ignore the magnitude of losing someone special or enduring something traumatic.
Sometimes we need to let the storm pass; other times we need to put on a jacket and grab our umbrella. We have to let the rain fall for as long as it needs to. It’s unrealistic to think we can stop the rain, so I have to find peace in the waiting period. It is in these moments that I usually discover things about my life that need to be changed. When life slows me down, I become more aware and begin to focus on small repairs. When the rain lets up, I’ve built up the strength and confidence to dress for the weather and give life another go.
Rest. Heal. Recover. Reset… BE STILL.
Have a great week,
Neal
