STRATEGIES TO RELAX

I recently did an impromptu trip out of town and when I woke the kids up to let them know we were heading on a mini vacation their excitement was contagious.

After the initial excitement wore off, my son started on a full bluster of what he wanted to do on day one, day two, in the evening, when we first arrived and so on. At first, I shared in his enthusiasm, but I had to make a conscious effort not to rush through our vacation that hadn't even started.

I excused myself to the bathroom so I could gather my thoughts and that's when I started evaluating my whole life. How often do we think so far ahead that we aren't living in the "now?"

We focus so much on the destination that we forget to enjoy the journey. The truth of the matter is, riding in the car together looking at the handiwork of God in and of itself is amazing. Listening to our favorite music, attempting to sing, enjoying snacks, all of this is part of the "journey." All of this is part of the process of getting us to where we want to go.

Feeling excitement or enthusiasm is ideally how we want to live. Being excited about a future event or a destination gives us a burst of energy. It puts a pep in our step.

But what about when we feel stressed, worried, or anxious about a situation? Most likely, the heaviness of these emotions is often time a burden that will fatigue even the strongest.

When we focus our attention on a future event, that can cause a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. If we allow the uncertainty of the outcome to overtake us, we will find ourselves in a state of anxiety. Which will in turn leave us distracted and unable to benefit from the splendor of life.

Matthew 6:34 (TPT) says "Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself."

I need to say that twice to be sure you heard me. Refuse to worry about tomorrow. Deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.

Some believe that refusing to stress over upcoming situations is irresponsible. Some think that it is a lack of planning. I even heard a teaching recently that said to prepare yourself for the "worst case scenario" and when it happens you will already have positioned yourself for it.

I expect only the best and invariably only the best comes to me. I refuse to accept the worst case scenario before the worst case scenario even happens. Respectively, in my opinion that is utterly absurd and ridiculous but I would be blind and ignorant if I didn't see or understand that the majority of people think this way.

"Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Don't misunderstand what I am saying. My strongest attribute is organization. I structure my entire days and I very rarely deviate from it.

Setting and working towards goals is mandatory. Attaining our goals is what validates our hard work and efforts. Failing to recognize the steps that get us there is detrimental.

If stressing over future events is not something that you typically do, what about rushing through the journey to get to the destination?

Personally, I thoroughly enjoy fall and winter. I used to get depressed when spring and summer were on the horizon. I can remember a time when I would think about the color of the leaves changing and the air getting crisp so much that I failed to enjoy the pleasures of summer. I would focus solely on the seasons I enjoyed and I let it rob me of the joys that were right in front of me.

Stressing over bills, inflation, a turbulent relationship, an illness, being happy only after attaining the goal, or just focusing on the end result will interfere with your present.

Learning to enjoy each day to the fullest requires conscious effort and a shift in mindset. It's about finding joy in the little things and appreciating the "now."

When was the last time you laid in the grass and gazed at the stars or have you ever? How about danced in the rain? Walked outside barefoot?Or literally stopped and smelled the roses?

Seek out activities and experiences that bring happiness and fulfillment. Try new things, explore new places, take time to appreciate the people and things that we often take for granted.

You have to let go of the past, refuse to stress over the future, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the present. Practice gratitude and appreciation. Find beauty in all things. Be mindful of the blessings and opportunities that each day brings. Embrace positivity and surround yourself with like-minded people.

Ultimately, learning to enjoy each day to the fullest is about living a life of purpose and finding contentment in the here and now. "Satisfied with what is and eager for what is to come."

YOU ARE DESIGNED TO REIGN IN LIFE

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