Change

It is 1:00 in the afternoon on a Saturday. I am sitting in this rare moment of peace and taking in every second. The kids are across the street at a birthday party, baby is fast asleep. Hubby is working in the garage, and I am sitting in the air conditioning on a scorching hot day. I am not cleaning, cooking, nothing. I am sitting in a quiet, cool house and I don't plan on doing anything. This is the life. These moments certainly are far and few between, but when they do happen, I embrace them. 

The last couple of years some very big changes occurred in my life; many personal changes. I spent the last 2 years or so discovering a lot about myself: who I am, who I am not...who I want to be, who I do not want to be...who I want to surround myself with, who I do not...where I want my life to go, where I don't... I had a baby, something I never thought possible again. I became a mother of 3. Like I said, big changes. And, this upcoming year is also proving to posses more change. 

Back to the peace and quiet. These ramblings all tie together, I promise. You see, I tend to be a high stress person. And, recently, I've been working with an amazing naturopathic doctor who has been getting me back on track, and I'm so excited! But, she has advised me to chisel down my stress and watch what I take on in my life. One of the things she said was to let the house be messy. Thankfully, my house isn't too bad right now. And, thankfully I have big kids that are a big help in that department. But, I need to know when to slow down-to sit on the couch and enjoy the quiet and refuse to busy myself with work that can wait so I can have a moment to myself. I'm still learning, don't get me wrong. This is no easy task for a mom. But, I'm trying. 

Next year hubby and I are taking on the children's ministry at our church. We were so honoured to be asked to do this, but I'll admit...I'm nervous. Adding things to my plate can be unwise right now. But, I'm believing that God is going to provide the help and support we need, because this is something He is calling us into and I don't believe He calls us to do something without providing the necessary skills to get the job done. I'm taking a step back in regards to schooling the kids- we will be taking a much more relaxed approach (hopefully) with more fun outings and classes, lots of reading and exploring the kids' interests, writing in Starbucks...I want to have fun next year and not worry about what "has" to get done. This mama needs a break. So, I'm giving her one. 

This morning, when feeling particularly stressed, I took babe and went outside for a few minutes with him to walk around the yard. Getting out into nature has a way of calming the system. Also, I've found strapping baby on me and cranking up the music, singing to him and dancing around, really helps too. And, baby loves to sing along with mama. Even going into my room for a few minutes to nurse him away from the chaos has been enjoyable. I'm beginning to know myself, what I can handle, and when I need to just get "away". 

Last week a group of friends and I went out for my birthday, and that was another great way for me to re charge. I need to get away and be with my girls every once and a while, to chat and laugh and get real. 

So, next year I will have a one year old (ahhhh!!!!) and will be teaching grades 2 and 3 (what!!??!!) and will be teaching, planning, organizing Sunday school for ages 3yrs-grade 5 (eeeeeeeeek!!!!). BUT, I'm also going to learn to slow down, breathe, take it easy, know when I need to say no, let things go, ask for help. Yes, I'm believing these are all attainable skills for me next year, even amidst the busyness that lies ahead. So, if you see me, yes please ask me how I'm doing. But, also be prepared for an honest answer. Because, I may need a little support, a shoulder to lean on, an encouraging word. And, I'm here to give you all of that as well.