As a busy bee and social butterfly, I find myself struggling to find balance in my life. Whether I can’t find the time of day to get some extra rest, or to set my priorities straight… I have realized that every day feels like a never ending cycle of the exhausted go, go, GO. From the moment I wake up for my opening shift at 5am, to the time I cozy up in bed at 10:30pm or so… my feet can’t catch a break, and neither can I.
I am three weeks into my second semester of sophomore year. Currently, I am searching for balance between 18 credit hours + fieldwork, three jobs, two bible studies, small group, spending time with friends, oh yeah… and the occasional time for rest. Don’t get me wrong, these are all things I have signed myself up for. It’s as if I go nuts when my schedule is even the slightest bit free, so I have to fill it with as many things as possible. The crazy thing is, I enjoy it. I enjoy my back-to-back plans, my long shifts at work with some of the best people I’ve met, my squeezed in coffee dates with quick friends, my 14 hour days outside of my apartment, and the lack of sleep (well, not so much). I’ve learned that through all the exhaustion and the fact that my body is only running do to the three cups of coffee I’ve had… this busy schedule is possible and enjoyable and Google Calendar has become my best friend lol. I'm attempting to keep track of every second of my life, which may seem extra, but it is the only way I can stay on top of things.
My first week back at work and school was miserable. I had no balance in my life. I was wishing every day of the week away just so I could finally catch a break on the weekend. Within two weeks, I’ve come to find just how much more enjoyable each day can be when I work on being intentional. Valuing my time whether I’m at work, classes, or other events helps each day feel meaningful and I love every second of it.
Don’t get me wrong… my life is still far from balanced. I am still working on strengthening my faith and getting back into working out. My main New Year’s Resolution this year is HEALTH. Whether mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional… our health is what matters most and above all this craziness, I intend to make it my number one priority.
Personally, I believe when I strengthen my spiritual health, the other three start to come together as well. It is through Christ that I long to keep the beautiful body and mind HE has given me stable and healthy. I am currently reading the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge (an incredible book that I recommend for all women {and men} to understand how we as women were created in Christ and Beauty) and I recently read about "finding rest in Christ". With a schedule as busy as mine, not as busy, or busier... it is through Christ that we find rest. I am not able to take on the many plans I have daily with a positive and intentional attitude unless I have found rest in Jesus. And in this rest... my life is balanced. I am still working on putting my faith in Christ and finding rest in HIM and I will keep you in my prayers if you are struggling with the same.
thank you for taking time to read about my hectic life and my attempt to find balance. some upcoming blog post topics to keep an eye out for: faith life in college, and the importance of choosing a major you enjoy :)
xoxo, mal :)