{ Search for Serenity }

I am back! Yea! Life has been incredibly hectic lately. Several weeks of hosting different sets of company throughout the past couple months... School coming to a close, which means projects, finals, weird schedules to remember and scholarship deadlines... Trying to keep up with exercising and healthy eating... (it can easily turn into a full time job) I just can't seem to catch my breath before running into the next thing on my "to do" list. Anyone else feel the same way?

So here is the question... How do you manage to complete all of the tasks you want/need to get accomplished without killing yourself in the process? 

This past weekend wrapped up the last of our swarm of company for awhile. I should clarify that I LOVE having visitors, but after about the 5th set in a 2 month period, I need a break. I finally had Sunday to do what I wanted. But wait. No I didn't. I had to catch up with all of the other tasks that I had not been able to complete the previous week and then prepare for the week ahead which was quickly approaching. Ehhh! Do you ever feel stuck in a rut? A vicious cycle of running in circles, never feeling like you are truly getting anything "done". That is where I am at. Maybe even 2 or 3 miles past.

So what did I do? Yesterday afternoon, after I walked the dog, finished my workouts, turned in a scholarship, tried to go to the grocery store (found out there was a power outage in the center where it was located, so they wouldn't let me in... bummer) and finished homework, I decided that I needed to take a break and relax. Finally. I sat on the couch with my mom and enjoyed watching some "bad" reality TV, strayed from the healthy eating and grabbed lots of popcorn, chocolate chips and dried fruit (a weird combo but so good!). Later on I took the time to actually enjoy my bath... Lighting a candle, turning down the lights... I realized that I should take more little moments like those to reflect and take a breath.

I wondered why I (and so many others) get so frazzled and eaten alive by our responsibilities. Why do we let them take up all of our energy? Worrying, stressing, rushing from one thing to another...

I wondered if I could look at situations and tasks without all of the commotion.

Now in order to do this I know that I need to make some changes... No more procrastinating... Which I know really contributes to a lot of my stress. I need to be in control of my life and not let tasks overrule me. That's CRAZY! They don't have power over me or you!

Here are 3 simple steps to search for serenity:

Step 1: Set aside some time for yourself to enjoy the little things (or big) such as your favorite chocolates, visiting inspiring shops, taking a walk, catching up with your DVR, whatever it may be... Go for it! You won't regret it!

Step 2: Setting up a schedule. Now, not a schedule that is going to RULE OVER you. That is not the point! Just a simple outline of the things that you want/need to accomplish for the day ahead. I recently heard an amazing piece of advise. I don't remember where, it may have even been from a Biblical lesson on a podcast... Who knows... but it said that your day starts at night. What do I mean? For example, you need a good START to your day with a restful sleep at night, right?! Honestly at first I just needed some time to process such an idea. Wait... I should view the end of my day as the beginning? How does that work? It is confusing, but I do feel like it could make a huge difference in my life and yours. If we "start" our day off the night before on a positive note, then how much better will our day be?! 

Making a schedule really is not a difficult thing to do. I promise! I like to start by quickly writing down all the things that I NEED to do. Then write a list of things you would LIKE to do. Next you can write down about how much time it takes to complete the task. Then all you have to do is go through the list and start putting them in order of importance and see what you can realistically get done.

Easy enough. This would be the perfect thing to do to help "start" your day the night before so that you don't go to bed with a whole commotion going on in your head because you are trying to remember everything you have to accomplish.

Step 3: Looking at life positively! Wow. Who would have thought?! Honestly though... If we looked at things as opportunities to have fun and enjoy new experiences, instead of a chore or just a waste of time, can you imagine how much happier we would be? I know this is something I can always work on! Seeing the positivity in even the "yucky" situations.

I know this is a lot to dump on you but I just had to share what has been on my mind! I hope you found a bit of inspiration or guidance through this post! I would love to hear how you handle the craziness of life and if you try any of these tips! Thanks! Hope you have an amazing, re-energizing and restful day!