Well, here we are in a new year, and I thought it might be helpful to share some of the things I’ve been processing.
One of the things I have been processing over the past few days is how to become more intentional about how I use my time. I guess I’ve tried to do that to some extent for a few years, but I’ve been noticing things that haven’t been working- which can get me quite stressed! And I think a few things are clicking to place in my mind.
I think one of the things God is helping me with is becoming more intentional about planning. I got a writing planner recently, and I’ve been listening to some things about planning, and it’s helping to learn how I could do things more intentionally.
I’ve learned over time that I often work best with baby step goals. Instead of huge, mega goals for this new year, can I put in smaller ones that could actually happen?
I can get frustrated when I have chunks of time that end up getting eaten up by other things, instead of things I feel called to do in that day. And I think the Lord is showing me that one helpful thing to do is slotting the biggest pieces in first. I think I need to prioritise the most important things I feel called to do each day. And time with the Lord definitely needs to come first! But, apart from that, if there’s something I need to do, I’m learning it’s best to block time out for that first. A lot of things happen because of routine, and I guess that’s generally good if they are the right things, but, for the things that don’t, I think more intentional planning (maybe with routine going forward) could really help.
I’ve been trying to make more time for writing, such as editing the novel I’m working on (it’s a story about a traumatised street child who encounters the Father’s love). But I find that the time so easily gets eaten up by other things. And, as I prayed about it, I realised that, when I have time I could use to write, it would be very wise to put the chunks of time for my novel into the free spaces BEFORE other things go in! And maybe even doing those chunks earlier in the day, so they’re not nagging me later on!
And I also work really well with rhythms and routines, so that things just happen as part of a routine (like putting the rubbish out in the office after I get back from lunch!). Are there tricks like that that could work for you?
But I’m also slowly learning, that, even whilst seeking to live more intentionally, I can relax inside and enjoy God’s presence with me in the moment, which is something I often forget to do! I think the Lord is encouraging me to remember to receive (and enjoy) His love and His presence with me because I belong to Him through Christ. Even though I constantly fail. Even though my performance is so far from perfect. Because He accepts me through Christ (you can find out more here about how that can be true of you, too). And that means I don’t need to stress inside, but can work from a place of more calm and peace.
Those are a few things I’ve been processing this January!
Are there things you have been learning and processing too?
Happy New Year!
Caroline
Caroline Abblitt 