Embracing Stillness: Finding Peace Amidst Life’s Demands

On the outside, it seemed like I was thriving. I had beautiful children, a faithful husband, and a meaningful job. But inside, I couldn't stop my mind from racing. I was waking up at 3 AM to check emails. Sound familiar?

No one expected this of me. I had developed unhealthy patterns rooted in fear, lies, and pride. This is funny because I had always "prided" myself on being humble (now there's a conundrum for you).

I was sick of the ball and chain of my cell phone. Even when I put it down, my mind raced with thoughts of incoming emails and text messages I felt compelled to respond to. I wanted to be fully present with my children, but the chores needed tending. I longed to connect with my husband, but exhaustion overtook me by bedtime. I couldn't think of anything but sleep, which eluded me because my mind was racing about all the things.

The Cost of Busyness

Addiction to busyness is costly. It was robbing me of my peace and my family's presence.

While quiet corners of my mind were stressed over the need to slow down, my pride ruled my actions for far too long. I had no idea I was operating out of pride. Looking back, I see how I wore my busyness as a badge of honor. To be busy was to earn my place and prove my worth. I thought, "They must not care as much as I do," which led to resentment for feeling like "the only one doing it all."

The Illusion of Control

Busyness became a band-aid. God is gracious and teaches us the lessons we need—even when we don't realize class is in session. I used my addiction to production as a shield against fears rooted in my childhood.

My early years were filled with uncertainties. I lacked stability and often couch-surfed wherever I could find shelter. I learned to earn my place through perfection, anticipating everyone's needs. This survival skill helped me during childhood, but later in life, it meant I never missed a deadline. I hovered at home, ready to clean the moment a mess was made. Saying "no" was never an option, and I never considered what would happen if I slowed down.

The Awakening

My one-step-ahead, never-slow-down mindset served me for a time. And then, it almost took me out.

After my third child, my first daughter, was born, I focused on being present with my family. I thought, "I don't know what's wrong, but something isn't right." It wasn't anyone's fault. It was a sign of past trauma, and the enemy deceived me into believing a lie: that I needed to be enough for everyone.

A Powerful Revelation

The Lord revealed something during my maternity leave: I am not enough, and I never was meant to be. The survival skills I developed from childhood trauma morphed into pride disguised as busyness. They kept me from resting in the One who is enough—Jesus.

The Journey to Surrender

I don't know where you are in your journey. I wasn't ready to face the truth of who I had become. Striving felt protective, but it became stifling. The heaviness felt suffocating. Surrender was even more unnatural, but it took practice.

There were times I felt the urge to fill my calendar—after all, isn’t that what gives us purpose? Wrong. I learned to seek God's direction before accepting tasks or invitations. If He doesn’t give a "yes," then I shouldn’t do it. A good idea isn’t always a God idea. It requires daily reminders and surrender to maintain this new rhythm we have embraced as a family.

Now, our mornings are slower, and we have more white space. I have opportunities to practice saying no (when God directs) and saying yes (when God leads).

The Invitation to Freedom

This may feel impossible. A year ago, I would have thought the same. But here’s the truth: you are not enough, and you don’t want to keep the charade up anymore. He is enough. He can accomplish what you cannot. This just in: you were never meant to do it all alone.

He Is Calling You to Less

He is calling you to so much—by calling you to so much less.

If you’re seeking tools to be more intentional and slow down with your family, explore The Intentional Family. Start meaningfully connecting with your faith and loved ones today—you won't regret it!

It's time to embrace stillness, step away from busyness, and discover true peace.