In case you are a little exhausted from analyzing everyone and everything, here’s an invitation to rest from that. And if that isn’t you, here’s an invitation to pause and give thanks.
It can be exhausting, parsing people’s words and guessing what’s going on in their minds when they say this or that—especially if you’re simultaneously fighting the urge to clarify (defend?) your own perspective.
One of the interesting things about family reunions is noticing how easily we revert to older (or is it younger?) versions of ourselves—individually and collectively. Our sons are home from college and we are having a glorious and fun time. We are also noticing old habits that haven’t served us well and resisting the return to that old-familiar.
It looks different for each of us.
I continue to be surprised at how simply noticing and naming my feelings (instead of processing and analyzing them) keeps them from taking on a life all their own. It also frees me up to enjoy actually listening to and learning more about my beloved ones.
As you might imagine, this is a win-win situation.
It feels like relief and rest, except for the up front effort and repetition involved in creating a new habit. But it is not exhausting.
I am reminded of what The Preacher said (recorded in Ecclesiastes 7:29):
“This is all that I have learned: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.” (GNT)
Here’s to an uncomplicated new week.
Alicia
Thank you. I appreciate the reminder to note and name instead of be anxious and analyze.