Simplifying Chaotic Lives
Is it possible to eliminate the chaotic frenzy that accompanies the demands we face each day? Balancing careers, maintaining relationships and managing a household can tax even the strongest of women. There are seasons when we are so busy that our goal becomes to simply survive with the least error possible.
For me personally, as my responsibilities have changed over the years I’ve had to make adjustments to how I bring order into my home. My children are actively involved in school and numerous sporting activities, my husband’s schedule often conflicts with mine and my schedule has demands that are unrelated to those of my family. I’ve tried numerous methods of co-ordinating our schedules, everything from a kitchen calendar with different colored pens to electronic devices. Every new plan seems to work for awhile but then things get out of control again.
There are certain things that I’ve discovered can be helpful to take some of the chaos out of the busyness.
- Obtain vital information as soon as possible. When you obtain vital scheduling information as early as possible you can determine which events are absolutes and then build everything else around them. If I am responding to last minute requests, I have little control over my schedule and at that point it becomes crisis-management.
- Mark down all the important items of others that will affect your schedule. Traveling has become a part of my life and so I have learned to plan as far in advance as possible, and to say “no” to offers when the information does not come soon enough. I try to choose my dates of travel around my husband’s schedule first and then around the children. As traveling has become part of my routine, it has been a little easier to work around the schedule. I plan my trips so they interfere as little as possible with family life and those things that are important.
- When asked to do something, take time to review the offer and call the person back. When you take time to reflect and discuss requests, you often can have a much more logical perspective on the implications of the commitment you have been asked to make. There have been numerous times when a little reflection changed my decision.
Consider yourself and your family. When our hectic lives interfere with our time to nurture ourselves and our families, we pay a price for that sacrifice. Consider what the impact each activity will have on you and your family members.
- Take time for yourself. You may be so overwhelmed that you don’t have time to do that. Perhaps capturing some quiet time early in the morning or late at night when everyone is in bed can be empowering and refreshing for you. Try exercising or going for a walk – it might be the best thing you did for yourself that day.
- Take time with your loved ones by booking fun and non-stressful times together. These times can be energizing and enriching for each of you. When our lives get out of control, we sometimes let the fun be the first thing that slips onto the back burner. Be creative and spontaneous.
The demands on your life will ebb and flow. You have the ability to maintain calmness in the storm by controlling the things that are within your reach. Realize that nearly everything you commit to will have more impact on you and your family than you think it will. Consider what you commit to very carefully. Life goes by very quickly so take the time to cherish and savor the moment.
- Develop Inner Peace. Deep inner peace can give you all the tools you need to weather the storms of life. Amidst all the frenzy of hectic schedules, an inner assurance that you’re doing the right thing can be strengthening and empowering.
I’ve discovered that my personal relationship with God gives me daily strength. God cares about each item of my day and wants to guide me through it. The inner calmness that I am able to experience us something that is available to each of us through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I encourage you to give your life over to Christ and allow him to be your inner strength.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of woman you want me to be.
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised.
6. Ask people to pray for you. I also encourage you to ask people to pray for you if you are struggling. At TheLife.com, we have individuals who would love to pray for your needs. Discover an empowered life as you put some of these tools to use in your own life.
