Lately I’ve felt overwhelmed with all that I long to accomplish on my homestead. Often I have to tend to other pressing things, and I’m not able to focus on my goals and tranisition to a more self-sustaining lifestyle. Confronted with too many things to do, too many ideas (from reading too many books!), and too little time, I sometimes find myself doing nothing at all. I call it being paralyzed by in decision.
As I was praying and mediating about my quandry – I remembered something I heard long ago from one of my spiritual mentors, Elisabeth Elliot. When asked how she managed through the many tough times in her life, including watching her second husband die of cancer, she said that she told herself to “Do the next thing.”
That is exactly what I’ve been doing the last day or so. Instead of throwing up my hands in exasperation – I’m making myself move forward and “do the next thing”.
Writing this blog post is a “next thing”. Transplanting some herbs – something that I’ve needed to do, but haven’t because I can’t decide where I want them, if I’m going to put in a separate raised bed for them, etc – is the next thing after I finished writing.
It is easy to research, read and be inspired by others. Life definitely has to keep going – including managing previous commitments and other activities that don’t necessarily fit into the lifestyle I’m trying to create. It’s easier to read and dream, than to DO something. Instead of lamenting all I can’t do (or decide how to do), I’m going to move forward one step at a time. Living this “simple life” is really living a deliberate life.
It is also nice to know I’m not alone. I was greatly encouraged earlier this morning when I read this post about living a deliberate life. It was as if Rhonda read my mind! She did such a good job of putting the idea of living a deliberate life into words!
I get so sidetracked by my long list of things to do, coupled with inspiring ideas, that I have been known to walk in circles wondering just exactly WHAT to do.
In fact, I’m at that point this very moment. Laundry, ironing, moping the floors… I figured I’d see if my RSS had anything in it to ponder as I walk through the kitchen – and here you are!
Thanks! I needed this!!
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My motto is similar… It’s the old Nike Shoes slogan of “Just do it.”
I’m usually a procrastinator and find every reason of why I can’t plant those seeds today or why I should order pizza instead of making a homemade base and saving money.
I’ve been finding it’s much easier to think pro-actively and be engaged in my home chores and take enjoyment from them so maybe soon I will be saying “Do the next thing” instead of “Just do it!”