Confession time. For most of today, I found myself in a constant state of striving too much. I spent hours wracking my brain for how I can make things in my life better – GML, FreelyBe, my apartment, my relationships, dream endeavors, my finances…
…yeah. It was exhausting.
Naturally all of that striving led to comparing myself to others, and before I knew it I had make-believe competitions going on in my head. I know, I’m crazy. I told you this was a confession!
I don’t know about you, but this is something I struggle with way more than I’d like to, and way more than I should. I often just accept over-striving as normal a part of life, and I let it run its course until it goes away. But today, I remembered this image I repinned this very morning:
And then it hit me. Everything I was striving for – the things consuming my mind –was driven by negativity. As much as I thought these were positive things that would improve my life, what I was believing wasn’t even based on the truth. Instead it was based on speculation, fear, and worry. The thing about over-striving is that it rarely gets you what you actually want. And if it does, you’ll probably be too bruised and beaten to actually enjoy it.
I’m not saying that all striving is bad. I think it’s crucial to have goals and dreams and to work for them. In fact, none of the things I was striving for today were necessarily bad in and of themselves. But I think that it’s important to pay attention to our intentions behind those desires, as they can become quite unhealthy without even realizing it.
So what did I do with my weary mind, full of over-striving buildup? I decided to let it go, and instead grasp onto the truth. I let myself rest. I let my mind rest. I’m trusting that all of those “important” things will get figured out in their due time, and all I have to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other.
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Can you relate to this? What is the truth behind what you are striving for?
I can’t tell you how much I needed this today.
Thank you.
It’s so comforting to think about resting one’s mind. Lately I’ve been comparing myself to everyone else as it pertains to our/their relationship, marriage, family life. As I enter into a new chapter with my fiance and as our wedding date approaches I’ve been fretting that our life isn’t as good or happy as “everyone else’s” seemingly happy lives. However, I’ve come to realize that when I stop and let my mind relax and really focus on the reality that the life I live is wonderful and the things I have and the people I share my life with truly make me happy. It’s true…”comparison is the thief of joy.”-Theodore Roosevelt
yes…love that quote. thanks for this comment, Alex
Yes, I can completely relate to you. The truth behind what I’m striving for, is my desire to help others and make a difference. I’ve found it so difficult, since graduating from college to find the career that really leaves me feeling fulfilled and at peace at the end of the day.
I know what you mean! Just want to encourage you in the fact that you can make a difference no matter what you do. Sure, maybe your career may change down the line, but just being a genuine person who cares for others can make a difference no matter what industry you might be in!
Yetti-Writes says
I can. I recently has my 25th Birthday in Puerto Rico, and in the midst of paradise I brought my worries with me and had a slight breakdown over not being where I want to be in life and at this age.
I think one of the issues with the “strivers” of our generation is the fact that we don’t know how to give ourselves credit for what have accomplished already. If we can’t be happy with our progress now, how will be happy with it later?
Wonderful post.
That’s such a good point, Yetti. Thanks so much for this comment!
I totally relate to this. So often I realize the things I am striving for come from my need to glorify myself or gratify humans, rather than to glorify God. That’s when I end up with negativity and harmful goals rather than productive ones!
YES! Progress is the key. With Progress you are encouraged. With Perfectness you are continually disappointed. Serendipities come to those who keep it real and learn from life’s challenges. Brokeness and heartache follow those who try too hard, they always give up in the end. Bad stuff happens, it’s what you choose to do with it that makes you a champion or a loser 😛
Wow, so well said, Maria! thanks for this
Shilvy says
Love this, Gracie!
I struggle with this a lot, but the Lord reminded me of Martha and Mary and his response to her — “Martha, Martha,”the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
It’s something I have to tell myself (multiple times) daily, but I try to reorient my thinking to resting in the Lord and focus on completing others for His glory, not comparing insides to their outsides. It’s a work in progress, especially to make sure I’m listening to the right voice!
Krista…thank you so much for this comment. Your reminder of the story of Martha and Mary really just resonated with me. “Indeed only one (thing is needed)” - so, so good.