2.11.2009

just breathe...

I admit it. I am a control freak. Things in my life are a bit scattered at the moment and I hate it. My office is a wreck, the house is not very clean, I'm about 2 weeks behind at work and a few days behind with grad school. I think I am making myself sick from stress. I've found myself reminding myself to breathe or to relax my shoulders so I don't get giant knots. My rosacea is flaring up and I have a constant headache. I know I'll get in the swing of things, in fact, I have made a promise to myself to hang up laundry tonight. Baby steps. The reason I bring all this up is because I feel like I've been "that girl" lately - you know, the one that always makes excuses. Here is a sample of ACTUAL things I've said in the past week or so....

"My phone doesn't work in the hotel and my alarm didn't go off."

"My phone is dead."

"I left my master gradebook in another town and it is being mailed to me."

"My dog won't potty outside if it is raining, so I had to wait for her."

"I have an assignment due at midnight."

"I've had some tummy trouble."

"I haven't checked my e-mail in a few days."

"I mixed up the assignment deadline with my other course."

While these all sound like excuses, they are were all true statements at the time they were said. Organized people don't have to make statements like this. They are on time, put together, and on top of things. I used to be one of those people. And I will be again. Just not soon.

7 comments:

The JP Behnkes said...

Ugh! I know you are so much busier than I am, but I feel like I'm in the same boat! Except I haven't been organized and on top of things since...2007? I'm behind on thank-you cards for Molly's gifts, setting up the house we moved into four months ago, editing and posting pictures, planning Joseph's birthday party, chores, etc. I really could go on and on! My excuse: I'm so tired - I sleep when Molly sleeps. Uh, that excuse died about 7 months ago. Good try! But I really am nauseatingly tired and genuinely don't feel well! I'll get on top of things. Just not soon. Perfect!!

Miss Bee said...

Mel, anyone who has children is allowed to complain about being tired! :)

ynez taylor said...

When the going get tough, the tough pray!

Actually, that's good advice for everyone. If nothing else, dedicate five minutes in the morning to simply sit and think about God (even if distractions come along).

Sit. Quietly. Five minutes. Read a verse or two of God's Word. Say an "Our Father," a "Glory Be," a "Hail, Mary."

Jessica said...

I have a heel spur.
:)

sarahsmile3 said...

When you make your master schedule, please try and remember to schedule time to relax. I am serious. You don't want my back.
I also like your dad's advice.

Pat Behnke said...

Dad's advice was the best! Sister oughta be doubly grateful you came up for her Skyviews dinner....you had so many other obligations, but you chose the most loving. When all is said and done, that'll be remembered! You can do it....one step at a time...

Amanda said...

Just breathe is right! I struggle with this same issue all of the time. Some times I deal with the stress better than other times. One thing that does seem to work is to pick just one very specific thing (it doesn't matter how small) to accomplish in the evening. Past examples: unload dishwasher; do laundry; fold clothes (yes, this gets its own night and doesn't get included in "do laundry" because that's just too much sometimes); water plants; write thank you note. For some reason, getting this one thing done ends up making me feel great and sometimes motivates me to accomplish one more small thing. Also, I've become VERY GOOD at asking for help-why the heck not? Hang in there, sweetie. You'll get caught up soon enough and then have nothing to do but sit on the patio and have a glass of wine.