A new school year is upon us. A new school year always means adjustments in schedules. For most people with school aged children, it means that there will be more on their schedule. Practices and extra activities that have been on hold for the summer will begin again. Our schedule gets a little busier. The most difficult part of the beginning of the school year for us is not schedules or events, it's peace stealing requirements.
These peace stealing tasks happen to all of us all of the time. I notice them the most when I transition from summer and my own schedule to the school schedule. My mind is consumed by the things I need to do, the things I want to do and the things that others ask me to do. I am planning and organizing and juggling everything in my mind. The amount of activity I need to do is not overwhelming. What happens to my mind is the wearying, taxing part.
I can't change the events. I can't change the requirements. I can't control what others do around me. I can control me. I can control my outlook.
As I enter into this season again, I am working hard to keep these thieves from stealing from me. I guard my time to be me, to be with my family and to enjoy the gifts in my life. I give all I have to my job, but when I walk away I will walk fully away. I will turn off the constant reminders of what needs to be done until it is time to return to the job. I will set boundaries and I will not let others tear those boundaries down.
I feel my heart race when the slightest stress tries to take over. I feel my blood pressure rise when I am demanded to do something immediately or am taken advantage of. I feel the physiological changes in my body when any form of stress tries to come. My heart actually hurts when those pressures try to come at me. I will do them and I will take care of everything, but I will not be pressured to panic, be anxious, or stress. Somebody else's issue is not my issue. If I make a mistake, I will own it, but I can't take on everyone else's mistakes.
A while ago my husband read something that said the best way to avoid dropping the ball is not to catch it in the first place. I know me, I know what I can handle and I will work hard to do me. I will work hard to be at peace even if everyone around me is not.
I want to encourage you to find your own boundaries. Are there areas where people are invading your personal life and stealing from your peace? Are there times when you aren't fully enjoying where you are because someone has hijacked your thoughts who isn't even with you? Find the boundaries and stand firm. Know what is good for you and keep your soul, spirit, and body healthy.
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