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On Getting to Know Yourself

in Being a Woman· Change· Confidence· Faith in Action· Family· Seasons

SnowyScene

Last week we took down the outdoor Christmas decorations, something that’s always a little sad for me. We’re one of the neighborhood stragglers on this front because I’m all Oohhh! Let’s just keep them up a little bit longer! But the day always comes when David is over it and removes the white lights and evergreen garlands framing the door and windows. It’s good, really, because if it were up to me I’d make like my inner hillbilly and leave our lights up ’til Valentine’s Day. Or maybe even Easter. At any rate, I feel a small letdown when I look at our now naked house, like the long stretch of winter looks darker than it did before.

If it weren’t for Downton Abbey on Sunday nights as well as Friends on Netflix, I’m not sure where I’d be. (She said with a dramatic slow shake of her head.) Those two shows bring a little light into my January.

Ever since I wrote my last post at (in)courage, I’ve been thinking about what other things carry more light into my life–this month and always. In other words, I’ve been spending some time getting under things and taking stock of what I need to function well. Not only does getting to know myself better in this way make me better equipped to give to others, it helps me avoid burnout and become a better steward of this life God chose for me.

In this process, I’ve learned just how many things I’ve thought of as luxuries in my life when in reality, they feed my heart and soul. Therefore, they are essentials that I need.

For example:

Tea Time

I need regular routines in my day to give it a natural rhythm. That’s one reason why I love to party like I’m 90 and drink tea. Tea makes me slow down and enjoy a familiar chorus to the day’s song.  In the late afternoon when I have my tea, I peruse my favorite magazines with as many pictures as words or read books with no goal other than to take in a little beauty. Often I’m at home for this, but on the days I’m shuttling kids, I’m drinking tea while sitting in my parked minivan.  If I’m at home, sometimes my husband or a kid or two will join me if they aren’t working or doing homework. My tea time is usually quick, but it’s enough of a pause in my day to give me a shot of energy for the evening.

Quiet Time

Most Sundays (as well as those rare, slow Saturdays) our family has Quiet Time for a couple hours. During quiet time, I read and/or take a nap. If the kids are home, they can do whatever they want as long as its quiet. When they were little, we made them stay in their rooms for quiet time and told them they couldn’t come out unless they were bleeding, broken, or barfing. Heh. Now that they’re older, the same rule basically applies except they don’t have to stay in their rooms. But like I said, they do have to be quiet (which is harder than one would think it should be). If my regular tea time recharges my batteries, our quiet times give me a regular tune-up.

“The problem is some of us try to take a shortcut and fulfill God’s call without receiving God’s nourishment. . . Twenty years from now, I don’t want to have gained vital and precious experience but have lost my motivation and joy.” ~ Gary Thomas from Sacred Pathways

For some time now, I’ve been aware of how I enjoy these things, but it’s only recently that I’ve discovered how I really need them. Most things in life run like a marathon rather than a sprint. So if I’m going to have the stamina to make it to the finish line, I need to know myself better and live according to what helps rather than handicaps me.

In this process, I’m also learning what are not essentials for me. Before, I’ve viewed these as malfunctions within my personality. Now I view them as excess clutter that weigh me down rather than lift me up.

For example:

Multitasking

Unlike most women, I’m a terrible, horrible, no-good multitasker. Accepting this has been such a gift because it means I don’t beat myself up because I can’t rapid-fire check things off my to-do list. For me, quality really is better than quantity. I’m supposed to do one thing well(ish)…then move on. Of course as a mama (one of twins no less), I did and still do my fare share of multitasking. But if it’s avoidable, I avoid it.

New Year’s Resolutions

I’m a bit of a New Year’s rebel and don’t pick a “one word” each year or make resolutions. For most folks, making resolutions helps them streamline their goals and focus on what they want to accomplish in the year to come. For me, resolutions stress me out and make me feel guilty when I (inevitably) break them. So, no resolutions for me (unless you count resolving not to make them an actual resolution).

I’m worth the time and effort it takes to get to know myself better, and so are you. What are you discovering about yourself this New Year? What essentials are you holding onto? What nonessentials are you letting go?

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Filed Under: Being a Woman, Change, Confidence, Faith in Action, Family, Seasons

« One Awesome Thing You Can Do For Yourself in 2015
What You Can Expect to Find at This Corner of the Internet »

Comments

  1. Beth S. says

    January 13, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    I loved this Kristen. It’s funny how I’ve had this post in my mind to share that would go something like, “What I want you to know.” A few tidbits for my readers and few things I have discovered about myself. I always love getting to know you better. AND, thank you so much for your words of encouragement on my recent post. It truly was appreciated!! Much love. xoxo

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      January 13, 2015 at 1:39 pm

      That’s exactly why I wrote it, Beth. I also enjoy learning more about friends, so I thought it would be fun to share likewise. I love your “what I want you to know” title. Go for it!

      Love you, Beth…and all your words. xoxo

      Reply
  2. Jacqui says

    January 13, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    Kristen,
    I think knowing yourself is very similar to being true to yourself. If you don’t know who you are then it’s really hard to live the life you’ve been called to live with integrity. Thanks for today’s post. I am always encouraged by your authenticity.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      January 13, 2015 at 6:56 pm

      “If you don’t know who you are then it’s really hard to live the life you’ve been called to live with integrity. ” ~ yes and amen.

      Thank you, Jacqui. xo

      Reply
  3. Shawnelle Eliasen says

    January 14, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Love this post. I understand – about the lights. Mine are still shining. And it’s a sad, sad day when we take down the tree (which we did last weekend). What I’m learning…I’m understanding that I hold a lot of guilt. Guilt that is not mine to hold. I think I allow myself to carry a burden the Lord doesn’t intend for me to carry. So, I’m learning to still care deeply for others, but not to feel guilty over things that are not in my control. I’m letting go. On the flip side – to indulge in simple things. Cocoa by the fire. A sweet chapter of a sweet book. It’s okay – these filling things!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      January 15, 2015 at 12:17 am

      I love this comment so much, Shawnelle. I love how you speak of how we can still care very much for others in our lives without carrying guilt for that which is outside our control. This ministers to me today…

      Thank *you*.

      Reply
  4. Beth Williams says

    January 18, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    Robin,

    We must be twins. I love tea time–all the time. I drink it to warm up and it kind of relaxes me in the evening. As I get older (50 this year) I realize I need quiet time–especially after a rough year last year dealing with my aging dad’s illness and work stresses both hubby and I.

    This year I “resolve to not resolve”. I will do better at changing things, like my job, health habits, etc. I will love more and be more gentle with myself and family.

    Blessings 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. What You Can Expect to Find at This Corner of the Internet says:
    January 15, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    […] I’ve spent some time getting to know myself better so I can better give to others and fulfill God’s tailor-made plans for me. Within this […]

    Reply
  2. Around The Web Inspiration | Reflecting His Glory says:
    January 20, 2015 at 5:36 pm

    […] On Getting To Know Yourself-  by Kristen at Chasing Blue Skies.  2014 was a year that I feel like I really got to know myself.  The real me.  So I could relate to Kristen’s writing.  Do you know you? Read this and you’ll understand  what I mean. […]

    Reply

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