"A little simplification would be the first step toward rational living, I think."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
I decided that it was time for a new look for "She Breathes Deeply." Life is turning a chapter, and I want my blog to represent, and signify that. My daughter is turning one... I'm officially beginning to teach Christian Yoga this Sunday... I'm giving up some things, and focusing my efforts on other things... Life is changing, and I am appreciating it.
Lately, I have felt Jesus just asking me to simplify. I'm afraid I am one of those "I can do it all!" type of women. Yet, in reality, I am not. This lesson of simplification seems to be one I have to learn over, and over, and over again. I keep trying to do more, while God asks me to do less.
Yesterday, as my husband was finishing up putting the final touches on my blog, he turned to me and said, "It's funny how much work it takes just to simplify." He, of course was speaking of my blog design. But, how true that is in life as well. I think it takes a whole lot more to live simply, than to live a life full of "go-go-go." Living simple entails being still. And as it would seem, in this very busy "more is more" society; being still is a lost art form.
Now, I am not talking about being lazy. Living a simplistic life is quite the opposite from being lazy. It is a constant discipline to be able to wisely weigh out choices of what should and should not take up space in our lives. I'm talking about having the wisdom from Jesus to know when to let go of things in life that are just weighing us down. Even though I may want to try my hand and doing it all, I cannot. Once again, I am reminded that HE is God, and I am not.
It is really hard for me to not to try to do it all. Being a mom, a wife, trying to do some part time work from home, blog regularly, teach yoga, keep up with friends and family, try to keep a clean home... and the million other I attempt my hand at daily... It is overwhelmingly exhausting.
...and I hear the Lord speak to simplify, and let go.
So, last week I took a hard look at my life. I re-prioitized what I believe God is calling me to do right now. I let go of somethings during this season, and openly embraced other things I believe I am supposed to be doing.
...And I wanted my little blog to signify this simplicity. Hence, the simplistic blog design. We are still under construction a bit (my sponsor set up will look a lot "cleaner" and orderly in a couple days). But, I have added some new content to my "About", "Christian Yoga", "Tattooed Mama", "Friends", "Sponsor", and "Contact."
Have a wonderful, wonderful Monday, friends.
P.S. If you are looking for final "Mom Walk Challenge" it will be posted next Monday.
I completely agree with your ideas about simplicity and God's desire to just see us be still and revel in the life he's blessed us with. I, too, am constantly doing when really what I need is some being.
ReplyDeleteThis post is incredibly encouraging and a nudge in the right direction for me as I seek to simplify and reconnect with Jesus as I've been completely negligent lately.
Thanks and prayers as you seek to simplify :)
Thank you, sweet lady!
DeleteLove this... the new design and the words. It does take work to simplify. Being simple can be hard - doing a few things with our whole heart and listening to what God wants us to do instead of what we think we should be doing all the time. Beautiful Mandy.
ReplyDeleteLove the new design! I'm doing a Bible study right now called Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald. It's beautiful and everything I need to hear right now. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI NEEDED to hear this. As a university student balancing a job, monthly payments, a relationship, and trying to keep up friendships I'm finding it really overwhelming. I always thought it was just me failing at life, but I'm not the only one who seems to be hoarding too much on their plate! Thanks for helping me to realize what God's been trying to tell me for the past year! The cut-down starts NOW!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm so jealous that you are a Holy Yoga instructor! I first heard about HY on your blog, and when I looked into it I fell in love with it! I hope to one day find the time and money to invest in the training program and become an instructor, too.
I hear ya, girl! I'm praying for you as you find the peace God has for you!
DeleteI actually am not certified through Holy Yoga yet. I am certified through the AFPA... But in the fall I am praying that God provides a way for me to go through Holy Yoga training. I LOVE that you are interested in Holy Yoga, too! : )
This came at such a great time! I have been struggling with trying to be a "Super Mandy" as well! Thanks for the reminder to lean on him for all things big or small & not on ourselves.
ReplyDeleteWow, simplify and Let go...short but powerful words on monday! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Kyle is so right. It does take a lot to simplify. I am trying to really listen to God and work to simplify my life right now as well. <3 Love the new look! Kudo's to Kyle!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - I hope simplifying this part of your life frees up space in the rest of it xxx
ReplyDeleteMandy, I love the new blog look! :) & I love that quote so much.
ReplyDeleteI love the new perspective and the new design. Mucho bonita!
ReplyDeleteI like it a lot! I hope we hear how your first yoga class goes! that will be so awesome. You are doing great things mama.
ReplyDeleteIts lovely, just like you. And yes, I agree with all of that!
ReplyDeleteI completely relate. Last New Year (2011) instead of resolutions I asked the Lord for a word that would be our Family word for the year...what the year would be about and what he wanted us to seek in our lives together and with Him. It was so simple...just one word. This year, ironically & yet fitting, our word is Simplicity. God is purging me, our marriage, our family...so many changes. Some very painful and uncomfortable...some very exciting. He is still working on me...still simplifying..cutting away what isn't necessary. Sometimes the journey to simplicity seems so complicated...maybe because I've cluttered my life with so much STUFF...stuff I get attached to and have a hard time unhanding. But when I do...I feel so free. I applaud you for diving in and seeking to pursue the things that matter most. I know you won't regret it. :) I SO enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing. (and the blog looks great! I understand that redesign process...just so happens my husband is a graphic designer too)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this word. My word for this year is "balance." I think a lot of simplifying has had to come with that. I have had to cut out other things in my life to provide balance, all while being mindful of where God wants me and how He wants our family to function. I totally agree that it often takes MORE work to simplify b/c it's so much easier to get sucked up into the everyday busy-ness and rushing mindset that we have to be doing everything all the time. Being mindful also means we have to be more responsible for our decisions, and path, which requires a little more of being in the present mindset, and taking an inventory of our thought life. Anyways, thanks for sharing. Good stuff.
ReplyDeletewww.imagerycaptured.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this word. My word for this year is "balance." I think a lot of simplifying has had to come with that. I have had to cut out other things in my life to provide balance, all while being mindful of where God wants me and how He wants our family to function. I totally agree that it often takes MORE work to simplify b/c it's so much easier to get sucked up into the everyday busy-ness and rushing mindset that we have to be doing everything all the time. Being mindful also means we have to be more responsible for our decisions, and path, which requires a little more of being in the present mindset, and taking an inventory of our thought life. Anyways, thanks for sharing. Good stuff.
ReplyDeletewww.imagerycaptured.blogspot.com
Hi I’m Heather! Please email me when you get a chance! HeatherVonsj(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteloved it, mandy!
ReplyDeleteIt looks nice!!
ReplyDeletesorry, not sure why my comment posted twice
ReplyDeletelove the new layout & post!! i love Chevron too!! so chic :)
ReplyDelete<3lisa
So true. Simplifying really requires scrutiny, especially when it comes to time management and priorities. The Lord's been speaking to me recently about making family time higher up on my list. Oops! Thank God for his gentle guidance. Thanks for sharing. Just found your blog and loving your genuine heart.
ReplyDeletelove it
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