Balance

I'm really good at the art of doing. Like really good at it.

I enjoy getting things done and checking things off my check list. I love to: get the laundry done during the weekend,  make sure that my sink isn't filled of dishes before I go to bed; plan events for the youth at church; water and repot my plants; and many more crazy boring and mundane things but they bring me joy-- truly. I think it's more of the joy knowing that things are getting done and letting others relax and converse while I get things done. 

As much as I love to get things done, it robs me of a lot of stuff. It robs me of moments. Instead of sitting watching a movie with the fam to unwind, I'm desperately trying to get the laundry done by the end of Sunday so I don't have to do it during the crazy work week or I'm trying to get to the dishes we just used from dinner because I might just lose sleep at the thought of a full sink at night. 

But like anything in life...

balance. 

Balance drives me nuts. 

I use to imagine balance as a snarky lady with the perfected side eye look of disapproval. She would look at me disappointed, rolling her eyes hard when I would do things one way or another and not include her. When I did include her, I was nervous and thinking of all the things that needed to get done. I had a hard time enjoying balance's presence because I was busy having my to do list on my mind. I was awkward and anxious with racing thoughts. She would scoff and wouldn't even try to comfort me. 

But in reality it wasn't balance making me feel that way. It was me-- all me. My mind can get weird. I'm so incredibly hard on myself. I drive myself insane!

Balance is actually gentle. She is sweet and doesn't force anything on me. She invites me, but doesn't push. When I finally accept her invitation, she doesn't talk at me; instead, she listens while I talk and share and try to figure things out. For that, i'm grateful.

It's ok that I enjoy doing things, but I don't want it to take away from those precious moments in my life. Finding that balance of doing things and getting things done to slowing down and savoring moments with the ones I love. 

Balance is good. Balance is necessary. 

Slow down, Anais. 

Slow down every now and then, friend. 

xo

Erroneous Excuses

You know that trip you've always longed to make?
You know that relationship you are in that is detrimental to your life and mental well being?
You know that job you've always wanted and desired?
You know that relationship you've been thinking about rekindling?
You know that happiness you've dreamed of?

What has stopped us from living? Living a life of pure contentment and utter pleasure. Instead, we've become anxious and fearful of what could be. We rather stay in this so-so type life, that is mediocre and lacks the appeal of a life filled with wonder and adventure; a better life. We've decided to live and stay in this ordinary life, because it is convenient, comfortable, and let's be honest, we may have become a little lazy.

When will we stop making excuses of the situations we have single handed and ignorantly- or maybe even arrogantly- gotten ourselves into? When will we take responsibility? I'm not saying beat ourselves up and bring ourselves down, but truly looking at life and asking, " What am I doing? & what do I want to do? "

So many things I want to do and this summer has kicked a few of them off. Things I'm scared of doing or I'm a little nervous about, but I know God has laid them on my heart and it is in Him I trust. Opportunities for me have arose and I'm going for it with a thrilled heart and slight (very tiny) feeling of angst.

Live a life that brings glory to God. 
Stretch yourself, you are much more capable than you think you are.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Stop making excuses, if you're doing something you know you shouldn't be doing, stop. Turn away and never look back.
It's okay to be a little scared.
Trust God with all your heart.
Go for it.

I dedicate this post to Vacation Bible School (arts & crafts, especially), whatisthe99.com,

 Guatemala Missions Trip 2013, The Warrior Dash (Sept. '13), 

my last semester of my undergrad career, 

leaving my apartment, new friends I will make, & old friends I've cherished. 

Some Answers...

Love wins. It is victorious. It conquers every time. 

 Love covers all offenses. 

Be the bigger person, even when you don't feel like it. 

Check your intentions. 

Speak in love. 

Ask for forgiveness from those you've hurt.

God's word breaths life. 

L o v e    G o d.

Love brings hope, which in turn brings faith, which then brings results.

Love is active; Love doesn't sit back and watch, love acts. 

Praise & worship God, He loves you and wants to hear from. 

You have a purpose, a purpose that God Himself has created just for you.

Out of love flows: thankfulness, praise, worship, diligence, forgiveness, hope...

Let go & forgive.