Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful day with your family this past weekend.
So, my hubbie and I enjoyed a big night out this past Saturday.
We went to Lowe’s looking for shrubbery. 😉 We are finally starting to tackle some overdue landscaping projects. I’m sure our neighbors with pristinely manicured properties are rejoicing!
On our way there, we decided to grab something to eat. Initially, I was in the mood for Olive Garden (the shrimp scampi was calling my name), but when my husband pointed out that we might not be eating until 8 pm, I quickly pivoted and chose Panera Bread.
Since he’s the tech guy with all of the apps on his phone, he handed it to me to place my order (I really wonder why I even have an I phone – I use only a fraction of its capabilities – am I the only one?).
I happily began choosing from the menu options. When I was ready to submit the time to pick up our order, “ASAP” wasn’t an option so I chose the “Later” option.
When I clicked on that button, it said, that the next available pick-up time was 4 days in the future (Sorry for the inconvenience).
Huh? That can’t be right. I tried it again, thinking I needed to refresh the app.
Same procedure, same results.
I relayed this information to my husband and handed his phone back to him. “What’s our plan B because they’re not taking orders until next week?” I informed.
He then proceeds to do what most guys would do. He tries to order himself while stopped at a red light. 😉
“How’d that work out for ya?” I ask.
He smirks.
“Don’t you trust me?” I inquire.
“No,” he teasingly replies. “Do you trust you?”
Silence.
Something about that seemingly innocent question hit me like a ton of bricks.
After several seconds, I emphatically replied, “Yes, I do trust myself!”
I just completed a 6-month commitment to myself and God, so there is a part of me that trusts myself.
In all transparency, though, there are times that I don’t trust myself.
Can you relate?
I say I’m going to do something and then I talk myself out of it.
Here are some of the excuses I’ve used or still use:
- It’s too hard.
- I don’t have enough time.
- My family’s needs are more important than my own.
- I don’t know how to do this (translated, I’m not enough).
- No one cares what you think (Again, I’m not enough).
Psst…I’m wrangling with thoughts right now in my mind about not sharing this with all of you.
Here’s what I’m realizing.
Learning to trust yourself starts with making a simple commitment to yourself and keeping it. Period.
It doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering. Actually, if you struggle keeping commitments to yourself, start small, but start.
- Did you make a commitment to get up earlier so that your day runs smoother? Set your alarm to wake you up 5 or 10 minutes early. Then actually get out of bed (put your phone or alarm clock across the room so you physically have to get up to shut it off).
- Did you commit to exercising more regularly? Choose a specific time and day, put your sneakers on and get outside no matter the weather conditions, even if it’s only 10 minutes. If it’s raining, grab an umbrella and dance in the rain.
- Did you commit to making more time for pleasure? Schedule a long, soaking bath once a week (to start) or schedule time to read, watch or listen to something that makes you laugh before dinner.
- Commit to stop eating after dinner? Schedule a fun activity with your family (bike ride, tag, board game) or call a friend for a quick check in to diminish the emotional eating triggers.
- Commit to deepening your relationship with God? Give Him your best. If you’re a morning person, have coffee with Him. If you’re a night owl, light a candle or listen to some worship music before bed.
So, I’m curious, on a scale of 1-10 (1 – I hardly ever keep my commitments to myself …10 – I keep all my commitments to myself), how committed are you to YOU?
In what area(s) do you struggle the most to trust yourself?
Leave me a comment and let me know what is one area you’d like to develop a higher level of commitment to yourself.
And, if you’d like to receive support around developing healthy habits that will help you feel more in control of your life, I invite you to schedule a Manage Stress with HOPE Clarity Call . I’m on a mission to help Christian women manage their stress so they can show up full of confidence, purpose, and peace.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Have a blessed day!
Linda xo
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