Human Being or Human Doing

Groceries, work, school, dinners, fitness, meetings, phones, internet...the list could go on forever.  Today's society teaches us that MORE is more.  Doing more things will make us feel accomplished and happy.  And, unfortunately, I like many others have fallen into this same trap.  But, let's stop and check......how are we really feeling?  Do you wake up excited to go run the marathon once again.  Do you feel confidence that you never had?

Ok, so time for evaluation.  There are certainly things in our lives that we have to do to maintain life.  Getting food and going to work/school are necessities.  But, at what speed.  Do we have to drive over the speed limit and squeeze something into every second of our day/night.  Is it healthy for us? 

Yesterday, I began seeing a new counselor.  She said that we spend too much time as human doings that we don't take time to be human beings.

Human being--what does that mean?  Well here is my take on it.  Being is just existing, living in the moment and savoring the experience.  It's all part of self care and reflection.  Do we do that?  Do we ever really take time to just sit and reflect on what's around us, not always inside of us.  I know that I don't. 

We did some deep breathing exercises.  I breathe, right, we all do.  But wow, you don't realize the shallow breathing you do until you really take 3-5 minutes to knock it off.  Racing heart gone, clenched fists gone.  Just you, silence, and your breath.  She said...your breath is powerful and I realized how true that was.  Just sitting and breathing.  Truly trying to relax every part of your body.  Just simplicity but powerful none the less

So last night, I had church group.  I have some definite people anxiety but have realized without transparency, relationships don't form completely.  So, I have chosen to pick what I call safe environments to open up about my mental health struggles.  This is one of them.  They immediately asked how the new counselor went.  You know, in one of few rare moments in my life I was like, these people genuinely care about me for me.  Not because I'm Mac or Cody's mom.....Neal's wife....etc.  They look at me as someone with value in their life.  Wow...what an awesome feeling.

Now, here's the kicker.  I am challenging myself to find value in my own life, in my own being.  It's easy for others to tell you things and let them settle in your head.  But, settling in your heart is a whole other world.

So, today, I pledge to slow down and quit being a human doing.  I pledge that I will take the time to observe things around me and the greatness God has surrounded me with.  The blessings that I have been given in this life on earth. 

Often times, I have found it easy to have a self pity party, I mean I have lots of struggles I battle.  But, we never know what others are battling.  So, in church group we talked about slowing down and being a listener rather than a judge.  I pledge that I'm going to realize that we don't know others stories and we need to work on genuine care and concern for all human beings. 

In closing, I have rambled on.  But, I used to come into work early to have some Julie time in peace.  I've found myself rushing in the morning and losing that time. 

So for today, I shall close with a deep breath and encourage us all to find something positive to focus on, be it large or small, this positivity can change the world.

Until next time, take care and God Bless!