"Takin' Time Out"

As I am sitting in the airport waiting to board my plane home…I have no internet access and unable to send or receive email it is simply amazing how addictive our lives have become through technology. I have been people watching, trying to take this opportunity to relax, breathe in and take some of my own advice in “Takin Time Out” but for some reason the hustle bustle and over stimulation of an airport it is not working. I decided it was a perfect opportunity to start my blog for the week. I have been strategizing on what topic would be good to discuss since the last few weeks I have encountered several waves of emotions, interruptions and testing of my faith. As I am watching a mother trying to hang onto her toddler who desperately wanting down the word RELASE came to mind.

Can you close your eyes for a moment and envision this scene with me, the struggle with a little one…what comes to your mind when you see this toddler wanting down is the mother afraid to allow for fear he will run off, get into something he shouldn’t, crawl around on the dirty floor where there might be germs (lol I think germs are good) or is it fear he might disrupt someone else’s space? We have all seen it yet the distraction of watching the child wiggle and squirm and almost flip out of her arms becomes comical. The child is determined to get his way the mother challenged to keep her power wrapped around his body until she has finally has had enough and lets him down…finally a RELEASE has come and he is off and in reality they both feel so much better!

Yes there are different forms of RELEASE and the word can be positive or negative energy to oneself. So as I sip on my scrumptious cup of peach ginger tea and taking a deep breath I will try to explain my take and hope you absorb the lesson I am trying to explain. The word RELEASE has been very powerful for me the last week or so.

When I say the word RELEASE…a positive twinge of excitement can enter my veins, thinking about the anticipation of something new. How many of us are waiting for the newest RELEASE of the latest technology such as a new I-phone, Apple device or perhaps you are an Android user? I have known people who stand in line camped outside the store (which personally I think it’s crazy)…just to be one of the first for the RELEASE of the latest and greatest. Perhaps it is a new release of a movie with our favorite actor, a new book written by your favorite author or a new single or album from your favorite artist in music. A few years back I can remember my children would drive me crazy wanting to know when the new RELEASE of the latest Pokémon cards or Beanie Baby by Ty would be coming out? To me this type of RELEASE causes anticipation and excitement. The adrenaline is flowing. The new body style of a car, boat or RV. Reality check, we truly live in such a material world! Yet there can be another take perhaps a loved one or even yourself is preparing to be released from the hospital, rehab center, physicians care, weight loss program or perhaps even jail or prison. This brings a sigh of relief and an attitude of gratitude you made it through the storm and are ready for the next step…

RELEASE, I think of those who have nursed a wild animal back to life and it comes time to RELEASE it back into it’s normal habitat. Perhaps you are a fisherman who loves to fish but you prefer to catch and release, I have a client who I asked if he was ever going to get remarried…he paused and a slight grin appeared on his face. He said oh no…I date like I fish it’s catch and release only in my world! LOL…

Referring back to the mother and child struggling…how often do we try soooo desperately to hang on to something or someone against their will? As we watch our children grow or our parents age many times we wish we could put them in a bubble, safe and secure so desperately wanting the clock to stop so we could savor that stage a little longer? Yet we must release our power and move on it is all part of life!
How many of you are in a relationship that you need to release the stronghold? Deciding to end a relationship might not be the same as actually leaving. But releasing the struggle is more of what I am referring to. Perhaps you are trying to control that person or situation and you truly can’t nor should you. God designed each of us uniquely and we have a part to play but controlling someone is not in his plan I can assure you. Scripture tells us “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” —ISAIAH 41:13 or “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” – MATTHEW 6:33

There truly are situations that someone is in such a toxic relationship they should leave but fear holds them back…The more entangled you are, the more logistics might have to be worked out. I’ve found that the hardest relationships to get out of are the ones that are the most dysfunctional. The stress definitely takes its toll. That’s why you might need some help. Seek guidance from a coach, therapist, or a really grounded friend—the kind that loves you unconditionally and isn’t afraid to (metaphorically) slap you back to reality. If you fear for your safety in any way, definitely build a strong team to support you in the transition and leave…RELEASE it NOW!

Many relationships are set up for failure…I love the saying from Mandy Hale “When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be.” We all need to RELEASE our expectations….don’t get ourselves worked up for the unknown robbing us for the enjoyment of today. How many times have we awfulized (my friend taught me that word and I just love it) a scenario in our head played it out to be much worse that it was robbing us of the enjoyment of the NOW and the present? Maybe that expectation was too high for the other person and they feel bad for letting you down.

The whole purpose in referring to this word this week is each and everyone of us has someone or something we need to release…Take your hand and make a tight fist….hold it for a couple minutes or so…tighter I know you can hold it tighter…tighter the force is so tight your hand begins to ache now open up your palm slowly and can’t you feel the relief? Just by releasing that power, that force you automatically get instant relief! As you are “Takin Time Out” what’s in your bag or your palm you need to open up and RELEASE…let it out…free it and you both are no longer struggling in bondage. Until next time my friends let’s RELEASE more and enjoy today for there are no guarantees of what tomorrow may bring…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Definition: A main division of a book, typically with a number or title. A local branch of a society.

Welcome my friends, love this time of the week when I get to sit down with my laptop, curled up in my favorite chair with a blanket wrapped around me and yes I have a savoring cup of hot orange spiced tea in my favorite cup and the dog curled up at my feet. I am frantically trying to type as fast as I can as these random thoughts are eager to come out into some form of inspiration. This week we have had major rain in North Texas and the weather has shifted to a little cooler than normal but we will take it as I am sure the blazing hot days of summer will be right around the corner. Even though I really don’t mind, I love sunshine and the heat.

This week I have chosen the word CHAPTER. While “Takin Time Out” this week I read a great quote from Victoria Moran that could apply to each of our lives…”A charmed life is lived in CHAPTERS, the way you would read a long novel…Give yourself without reservation to the CHAPTER you are on.” Read this again slowly…”give yourself without reservation to the CHAPTER you are on!”

How many of you feel like you better do everything now…today…right this minute? Do you find yourself running nonstop just to keep up, frantically trying to get it all done? How many times do we feel it is never enough or the “To Do” list never gets done? Your day is defeated and it hasn’t even begun…has someone or something robbed you of your joy? Or maybe you are fighting an illness, a loss, are just trying to keep up! Let’s STOP a minute…breathe in deeply and re-evaluate!

Read the first portion again “A charmed life is lived in CHAPTERS”. This is different way to approach life or perhaps gives us a different perspective because you live it in CHAPTER’s one section at a time just like you were reading a book. Just think about a really good book, one you can’t put down you are so engrossed in the story, absorbing each word on the page and nothing exists but what is happening now. Even though CHAPTER 9 is laying the foundation for CHAPTER 10 the book only make sense one CHAPTER at a time. Sometimes it leaves you in suspense, the adrenalin can be flowing or your heart skips a beat but you are caught up in the actual moment. This is how we should be living our lives each day. When you live your life this way you can devote more attention to what is yours, it is your story and embracing in living in the moment the present fully aware as this time will never come again. Take just a second and look at your current CHAPTER…are you in school, newly married, raising children or teenagers, perhaps you are a recent empty nester, building your career, ending your career and recently retiring, in the sandwich generation, experiencing loss, change, health issues or in the final CHAPTER? No matter where you are I hope you are truly enjoying and finding the best life has to offer being grateful for every little detail even if it is a tough one. No matter your circumstances you still have a contribution to make to society. I realize circumstances can certainly make things more complicated and we all have a CHAPTER we are ready to see end and move onto the next one or have a chance to undo. Yet as I stated earlier each CHAPTER helps build on the next one! It makes us who we are and maybe the CHAPTER is not all about you but you are living through hell to be a part of or help another person’s CHAPTER be complete! We all have to take the good, the bad and the ugly to make it a good novel! Now wouldn’t you say that is a novel idea?

Maybe your CHAPTER is like a detective you can’t quite put your finger on it. You are in search of the missing facts…something is off…just make sure your questioning does not turn into an obsession that distract you from the activities you are supposed to be living. There is nothing wrong with feeling your way through the unfamiliar realms of the new emotional landscape you may not have all the answers you just need to continue your pursuit of the truth…let your inner compass guide you. If you get too off track it’s ok to ask for help…whether it is through a friendship, mentor or a coach/counselor. There are always bumps in the road and seeking wise counsel is important to get us through that CHAPTER and onto the next!

Another point I would like to make no two stories are alike, so just because someone expects you to do things a certain way may not be your true story…your CHAPTER doesn’t always have to be in the order your parents or family members may think! We were not all designed to grow up, go to college, get a job, start and raise a perfect family, give back to the community, go to church, retire to Florida or Arizona and live happily ever after. Even though many non-fiction books portray this image or someone tells you this is how it will be let’s get real…even June and Ward Cleaver had Eddie Haskell to contend with or The Wilson’s had Dennis the Menace living next door. Life is to be an adventure…imperfect and messed up most days. That’s what makes a great book!

I feel it is very important to be grounded and connected. I need my faith in God to get me through most of my CHAPTERS and when I stray and try it my way that is the CHAPTER that is most disastrous. When you feel your CHAPTER is falling apart or you need some guidance and encouragement, I hope you will pick up the good book! Yes, the Bible…this is the bestselling book of all times. It is filled with so many CHAPTERS to help you day in and day out. It provides us with knowledge to learn to cope, maneuver, have hope, faith and learn to truly love one another. Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future.” Or Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” and Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?” Finally if you are struggling Matthew 9:36 “And when Jesus looked at the crowds he felt sorry for them, because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.” I am hoping you will let God be your shepherd as the next Chapter is written.

As you are “Takin Time Out” this week reflecting on your current situation or the plans ahead…please do not get so absorbed in the future or letting the past haunt you…let’s breathe in deeply, let out slowly and be present TODAY…this very moment…enjoy this CHAPTER as it is being written! Until next time my friends let us Love generously, Praise loudly, and Live fully!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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