The vibrant tangerine hue practically popped off the shelf, catching my eye—or perhaps it was the word "unwind" emblazoned across the cylindrical package that snagged my attention. I was weaving my way through the grocery store aisles, sidestepping jars of sauces and canned soups, glancing at teas and coffees, and playfully chasing a mischievous toddler who kept ducking behind mid-aisle displays. That single word—"unwind"—had me completely captivated. I glanced around nervously, just like I always do when I sneakily toss a box of "women's best friend" into my cart—why do I still feel the need to hide it? And then I sheepishly tucked a can of something under a bag of banana-mango puffs. Okay, maybe two cans.
Clearly, I need to chill out, though I was initially embarrassed to admit it. Or at least I was until recently. I found myself multitasking during what was supposed to be a relaxing lavender bath, complete with a creative book, a face mask, a cleansing drink, scrubs, my phone (just in case inspiration struck), and tidying up my kids' toys scattered in the tub from the previous night. It was time for some self-intervention. As I typed that last sentence into my phone, I heard the dreaded "ding!" signaling a new email, and I couldn't help but check it. Ugh, I'm slapping myself for sharing this.
There are moments when I feel pumped, almost invigorated, by the whirlwind of activity that seems to constantly swirl around my home. We're moving, planning events, throwing parties, maximizing our summer days with swimming, picnics, and adventures—it’s exhilarating. But it’s also exhausting.
While I adore the rush of juggling multiple tasks and the adrenaline of managing chaotic schedules, I’m also drained. I know the balance will shift eventually, bringing quieter days filled with rain-soaked skies and empty calendars, perfect for cocooning under blankets and embracing tranquility. Those peaceful moments wouldn’t be as sweet without the chaos, though. You can’t truly cherish stillness unless you’ve experienced its absence.
Tonight, though, I shared a simple yet cherished moment with friends at the pool. It reminded me that sometimes, the best moments are the simplest ones.
As I navigate this balancing act, I've picked up a few lessons along the way:
First, say YES to the right things—and NO to those that drain your energy without offering any meaningful return. What brings you joy? What fuels your spirit? For me, blogging reignited a passion for writing. It gave a voice to my thoughts and inspired me to seek out beauty in the mundane. Through blogging, I've connected with incredible people I've never met, and their words of encouragement have been priceless.
Second, carve out time for yourself. I often snatch fleeting moments of solitude—quiet pauses to close my eyes, to silence the endless to-do lists, and simply dream. Even in the midst of chaos, these brief respites keep me grounded.
Finally, focus on doing one thing at a time and doing it well. I’m guilty of typing emails while my husband recounts his day or flipping between conversations and TV shows. It rarely works out well for anyone involved. By committing to single-tasking, I’ve noticed that not only do I accomplish more, but I also savor the little moments I might otherwise miss.
Maybe I don’t need that "unwind" product as much as I originally thought.
[Image: Brayden enjoying the pool]
What about you? How do you strike a balance between staying busy and finding peace?
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