Force of Habit

    Happy Tuesday, everyone! It feels like this week has already lasted an eternity, though my calendar assures me it hasn't. In truth, I've barely done anything this week. I wanted to go for a walk yesterday but it was pouring outside. It's interesting how when one thing doesn't go according to plan, it's harder to do everything else you need to do. At least, that's how it is for me. I don't see myself as a night person, I really struggle with being awake after a certain period of time, but I'm not much of a morning person either. I can be if I get up but if I stay in bed, it's so hard to get going with my day and do everything I need to do. It's weird being motivated to something, passionate about something, and then not doing it. We procrastinate the things that are hard, even if they're important, and it's frustrating but do I do that thing? No. In the moment, I would much rather be in bed and then the day drags on and I've accomplished very little by the end of it. I've heard that people procrastinate because they're perfectionists. If we can't have it be exactly what we want it to be, we put it off because maybe that will change and then we end up in trouble. If I have a deadline for something, I'll get it done eventually but if I don't, that thing goes undone. It remains something I talk about doing without actually doing. And it can be so frustrating but I still do it. Sorry for the rant but this is something I've been frustrated with of late. 

    I wasn't planning on it but it does tie in to what I want to talk about today. What habits do you have, good and bad? How do you spend your time? Last year, I fell madly in love with everything Victorian. I loved the books, the fashion, the culture, the balls, and the lifestyle. I read Jane Eyre and all I want to do is wander on a moor. Little Women tells of people doing lengthy tours in Europe, which would be a dream come true for me. Of course, this is all fiction and idealistic, I know this, but it seems so grand. In today's day and age, there's so much to stimulate us that, when we have a slow day, we get bored. I doubt many of us would last long in such a period, dependent on books and needlework, cooking and cleaning, to keep us entertained. Anyone visiting our time period would probably be vastly overwhelmed. In truth, I don't know that I would long. I've become so dependent on my phone to feed my boredom and it's so hard to break free from that. My brain likes the endorphins but I'm scared for my attention span. I already struggle to interact with people and cell phones certainly haven't helped much in that department. Granted, being in a long distance relationship, I'm glad not to have to depend on letters as our only source of communication (my handwriting is very poor) but texting has become so impersonal. There's a social awkwardness in texting versus calling someone and what's okay and what isn't. I think that at some point, all of us would be grateful for the opportunity to slow down a little bit.

    I want to live slowly. I want to make the most out of every day because it's a blessing and miracle to be alive. Don't misunderstand, I'm grateful for what technology has enabled us to do. I'm grateful for this platform, not to mention the ability to write entire novels without drying out an inkwell and make edits without having to start from scratch. I just don't want to become so lost in worlds that exist in a cloud that I miss out on what really matters. I want to create. I want to make a difference in my environment. I want to have a greater appreciation of this world and the life I've been given and I can't do that sitting still. I can't do that if I'm doing nothing. None of us know how much time we have but I want to make the most out of mine, even though it's hard. It's scary to chase after dreams and relationships, adventures, crafts, the things that really bring us joy. Believe me, I've lived in that fear. I'm afraid of mistakes and imperfections. I'm afraid of what success will ask of me. But life is so precious and I don't want to miss out on what God has for me.

    What you do and how you live matters. I want to live well. I want my life to mean something, I think we all do. What are you doing with your time? Are you creating and learning? Are you looking after your mind and your body? I know how easy it is to spend time in bed. I know that succeeding is just as scary as failing. Procrastination is one of the easiest things in the world to do but it will always leave you feeling empty. In Colossians 3:17, Paul says this; "Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father." Part of what I love about my faith is the opportunity to live for something greater than myself. This isn't all about me, I have no desire to be that selfish. Slow down. Take time to do everything in excellence. Find outlets that give you the space to create. Start habits to take care of yourself. Have the discipline to get up early and read, work out, make something. Don't get caught up in the rush of life that you don't make adventures for yourself or take time to invest in the things that are long-lasting. Love the people around you, give them your full attention. Be mindful of your habits and where you allow them to lead you and keep you. In order for us to do everything for the glory of our creator, we have to do. We have to act. Live the life you've been given, take advantage of the blessings and opportunities around you, and do it all in the name of the one who gave that life to you. 

    Create something this week. Put your phone away or limit the time you spend on it. Go outside and enjoy the sunshine or the rain. Slow down. Take time to breathe. Start good habits and put an end to the bad ones. Find joy in the little things, contentment in each day. Remember that you were created with so much love and purpose, that your life has more value than you could possibly comprehend. Don't waste it. 

Yours Truly,

Rey