Are You In a Whirlwind?

Life is happening, and for most all of us, at a seemingly rapid pace.There's always something to do. There's always something we feel we left undone. There are goals we were pursuing and we feel like we aren't even close to accomplishing what we set out to do. Our demands are so great on most days that we are constantly getting pulled in too many directions all at once. Too many days are complicated and filled with confusion. Add to all this are the unexpected occurences that need handling ASAP. It can feel kinda crazy, right? Indeed, it can and does.

Ask yourself today is there a stopping point to all of it? Is there a way to gain control and get some peace? Is there a way to manage the momentum of the days, weeks and months? Well, I can assure that there is. In most cases, it may require making some hard, serious and strategic moves, things you may have already pondered but didn't do for one reason or another.

Personally, I believe in this strategy and applying it whenever and wherever possible: "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Here's where that could fall on it's face: we believe everything thing we're doing is the MAIN THING, however, it is not. Certain things are true priorities. Some other things are possibilities. Other things we are doing because we see potential of some kind in them. Unfortunately, a lot of our choices are simply poor decisions that led us into unwanted turmoil, tailspins and whirlwinds, and now we are unsure we can turn it around or just let it go without feeling like we somehow failed ourselves or others. 

Just recently I spoke with someone needing advice about a project that is in the works. As I listened, it wasn't hard for me to determine that the project was too costly, not financially, but it was a time-stealer. And, it was a big effort that was not going to generate the rewards that were anticipated. It was a lofty goal, but the question that came to my mind is what is the main idea with this? What is the main thing you really want to achieve? I didn't ask those questions in a direct way, but I offered reflection on the big picture to help see if it was really going to be worth it. 

Sometimes we want to do things because it makes us feel good, and that's okay depending on what it is. But, if the whole effort is to just shine a light on how impressed others will be with you, this is cause for pause. Investing your time, your money, your talent and all the things it takes to "be impressive" is expensive for sure. Don't be afraid to ask yourself what is main thing, and be honest with yourself. 

Here's a thought, or several on making the main thing the main thing: 

1.Maybe think about being a positive influence that will make a lasting impact on others? Such as  making small changes within your own family dynamics, with your children and your spouse. Priortizing how you interact with them, how much you interact with them and what you do to interact with them brings new and rewarding results. The main thing is to be more engaged with those you love and those who you know genuinely love you. That's what is going to matter now and in the future.

2. All the stuff that is making life feel like it's filled with craziness is something that we have to decide to do a "hard stop" with. Impossible, you say? You may be surprised to see how giving up some outside commitments and things that you decided are "obligations" will change your life overnight. Literally, overnight. Give someone else a chance to fill a spot that you leave. 

There are other people who are totally capable of doing what you believe you are the only one who is capable of doing it. A hard reality, yes, but it's so true. Generously give someone else an opportunity to be great, too. The main thing is to allow yourself to be freed of self-imposed chains of responsibility that will open up more space in your life to re-engage with yourself and the things truly important for your well-being. It's a win all around.

3. Don't you just hate all of the "uncontrollables"? All that stuff that shows up without notice, without negotiation and without quick, surefire answers and responses available to you? I certainly get it, it happens pretty much daily. Well, there is little we can do about when and where all of that stuff happens, but we can make the decision to handle whatever comes our way. Some of it makes you want to run and hide, I know. When we do that, it can create even more complications. You've heard it said "You can run, but you can't hide." So, I've always said to put on our best thinking caps, gear up with our best "tackle it" attitudes, and brace ourselves for battling with our problems and predicaments, any and all of them. 

When you handle things head-on, committed to those challenges, you become better and better at conquering the issues, and less and less thrown off the course of living happier and healthier because of them. The main thing is knowing that you will build more and more confidence in yourself and your abilities to navigate the experiences that life throws at you. It may not be easy, but you will build greater mental and emotional strength and strategies with every effort.

If you're caught up in the whirlwinds of life, you may not presently see how to dodge them, but embracing the skills it takes to manage and maneuver your day and life are readily at hand. Grab hold of them and make them work for you. That's the main thing to do. ~ S.R.F.

It' smart. It's wise. It's FOXOLOGY! Listen to archived FOXOLOGY podcasts:

FOXOLOGY with Host Silver Rae fox