Have you ever had one of those days when you simply could not get any work done? There you sit, fully intending to conquer your to do list; yet, before you know it, your eyes zone out and thirty minutes later you realize you have done nothing?! (Of course you have had days like that! We all have!)
I am having such a day… right now. As I type, I am sitting on the couch looking out my living room window at the dreary, cold, rainy day, and my brain is pleading with me to let it sleep.
I worked for you yesterday. Today I want to rest.
Sure, you have a pile of work to do, but do you have to bother me with it?
Maybe if you feed me more sugar I will work harder for you. Probably not. Still, the sugar sounds good. How about a cup of hot chocolate?
You should take your Christmas tree down. Keep working and I will sit here and stare at your Christmas tree. Look how the ornaments sparkle… sparkle… sparkle… Zzzzzzz….
Ever since I woke up this morning (side note: I dreamed Eric put a snake under the covers with me), I have been in a mental fog – an inconvenient fog. If I did not have piles of pending work to complete, it would not matter if I slipped back into bed for a three or four hour cat nap; but, alas, that is not an option and I am seeking ways to whip my mind back into submission.
Oh look, Ramsey is sleeping and she looks so peaceful.
Sounds Like I Need a Break… (Considering my Brain is not Giving Me an Option!)
Seeing as the theme this year for PreEngaged is Blessings, I am going to turn my distraction into an opportunity to bless someone. My work may just have to wait a few moments while I attempt to wake my brain and encourage someone in the process. Here are some ideas:
- Eric loves a clean kitchen. Lately, our counter tops have become a holding area for random ingredients. I could take about 20 minutes and completely clean off the counters so he can come home to a clutter-free kitchen (which I know would bless him).
- Some of my friends are struggling lately with the weather and other circumstances. I can take a few moments to send them a note or write them a card (which I know would bless them).
- Ramsey has been cooped up in the house far too much lately due to the weather. She needs to go outside and run. I can sacrifice my comfort by going outside and playing fetch with her (which I know would bless her). The cold rain may be just what I need to wake up! (which I know could bless me!)
- I have cookie mix and neighbors. Shall I bake them some cookies?
- Several people I know are in need of prayer and so many are hurting. I could take a few minutes to seek God on their behalf.
Evaluation of the Situation
In addition to using this time to bless others, I am also trying to consider what might be causing my lack of focus:
Out of my control:
- The weather. It is cold and gray and I cannot change that; but, I can look forward to the sunny forecast that is on the way!
- How much sleep I got last night. It was in my control to go to bed earlier, but now that time has passed, I cannot go back and change it. Today is today and the past is the past.
- How adorable my dog looks lying on the cool floor waiting for her next meal. (Seriously, her adoreableness is out of my control. ~smile~)
In my control:
- My diet. I have not eaten much protein yet today.
- My liquids. I think I may be a little dehydrated.
- My surroundings. If I straightened up this room, I may not be as distracted.
- My attire. Perhaps getting out of my comfortable pajamas and into some “work” clothes would propel me into more of a work mindset.
- My attitude. I can smile. I can remind myself of all the many blessings in my life. I can mentally plan my next vacation. I can boost my spirits.
- My environment. I can listen to praise and worship music or play my audio Bible.
- My muscle tenseness. I can massage my shoulders, temples, and back to increase comfort, blood flow, and hopefully mental stamina!
Per the usual, there is far more in my control than out of my control. I can choose to make my situation better or I can whine and cry about how this day is a bust. (I think I will choose the former.)
I messaged a few friends and told them I am praying for them. I am about to head into the kitchen to pour myself a huge glass of water. And, soon I will take Ramsey out for some much needed play time. Later, as I prep for dinner, I will take a stab at cleaning off those kitchen counters for Eric.
It is going to be a good day from here on out!
How have you turned your restless days into productive ones? [Comment below!]