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Empowered Moms and Kids

The Power of Finding Peace and Joy In the Choas of Momlife

(Inside: Finding peace in chaos sometimes seems impossible because of the constant demands of motherhood. But finding peace in the midst of chaos can bring you so much joy and here’s how to get there. )

Do you ever just want everything to stop?  You desire so much to soak in the beauty of this motherhood journey, the role you so deeply desired, but there are the constant dishes, changing diapers, and picking up – how does a busy mom actually “be still” long enough to actually find peace and joy in the chaos?

Constantly stopping during the day to “soak in the beauty” seems impractical. Then if we stop, we feel guilty because we’re moms and if we’re good moms we should always be doing something that serves our family, right? (Oh negative thoughts, you are so good to us…)

finding peace in chaos
Finding peace in chaos – Join this community of moms raising tweens and teens HERE.

I decided to play around with this “be still long enough to find peace and joy in the chaos” idea to see if the world keeps spinning. I assumed it wouldn’t, but risked it anyway… 

In March, while I was on spring break from teaching and home with only my three-year-old, I intentionally paused numerous times throughout the day to be still and see all the goodness around me.

Day one was a complete failure. I actually had a little anxiety about if I was being still enough or being still correctly.  It took me a whole day to convince myself that there wasn’t a right or wrong way to be still. It was more about mentally being silent, noticing my surroundings, and opening my heart to what God might press on it.

Here are some moments I’ve had…

While walking to the zoo with my youngest, gentle spring snow was falling.

I saw beauty in my youngest reaching out his hand to grab the thick, warm snowflakes

When I compared myself to someone else and fell short, I stilled my mind.

I had to do this several times before God gave me soothing reminders that He created me differently than others on purpose.  My thoughts, my actions, my path will not always look like other people’s choices and it’s supposed to be that way. God directs me in my unique path, not to necessarily follow other people’s journeys. This thought grew peace in my heart as I breathed in the love of the Holy Spirit and out the ugly beast of comparison.

When I looked out the window, I inhaled deeply and stilled my racing mind.

I noticed how pretty the trees were swaying in rhythmic motions to the caressing wind. Why do I not notice how lovely God’s beautiful creation of earth more?

As I read a book to my oldest, he leaned his head against me, and I felt blessed.

How many more years do I have left of him resting his head on my shoulder?

One son had a hard day.

We talked as I tucked him into bed and I noticed how cute he was snuggled deep under his covers, looking up at me with his big blue eyes and freckles that skipped across his nose. I stilled my mind and I felt so much love in that moment, even amongst the challenges of parenting.

When I was nervous about something, I mentally stood before the Lord.

As I meditated on how big God is, I felt His presence calm my heart.

When I was having an over-the-top stressful week, I paused in a state of survival to catch my breath. 

Goodness was reflected in my husband’s actions. Without me asking after work, he jumped right into helping me – pausing to noticing this felt therapeutic. I have a good partner, and I’m thankful.

When my youngest needed me in the middle of the night, I lay on the floor next to his toddler bed, wide awake. I prayed about something bothering me.

I felt Jesus speak to my heart, not really with a solution, but with the kind of peace that His presence brings. 

Some days scream by and I hardly have time to eat my meal, and other days seem to more naturally beckon me to be still.

But either way, it doesn’t matter – there are no rules to this. I just know, when I still my mind, I’m more fully present. It’s as if the shades are taken off my eyes and I can see all the goodness around me. That is until my toddler spills his milk plunging me back into reality.

But, between those chaotic moments – there is so much beauty – sometimes, we just need to be still and see it. 

Momma's, still your mind and you'll feel more fully present. Allow yourself to better enjoy your day. Read on… #momlife #motherhood Click To Tweet
finding peace in chaos
Finding peace in chaos – it is possible to be still and better enjoy your days.

Finding peace in chaos – read the full series on self-care and inspiration for moms.

Why is self-care so hard for moms? Y’all, I ignored it for so long, that I had an epic mom crash. (I talk about it over here.) I never want to go there again, so it’s game on, self-care!

I recently listened to a podcast by the author of my favorite book on creativity (affiliate link), Liz Gilbert, where she talked about how she feels like she been given the divine responsibility of being in charge of “Liz,” so needs to do what’s best for “Liz.”

Okay, I hope I don’t mess up the interpretation of what she said too much, but let me tell you how it went into my heart…

God gives us the sacred responsibility of taking care of ourselves. So, I need to see myself in the 3rd person. I need to step outside of myself in and say, “Cheryl doesn’t need to be doing that. She’s done enough..she needs sleep, or to say ‘no,’ or to sit and pet her beloved dog.”

For this go-go-go, do-all-the-things girl, that way of explaining our self-obligation was powerful. Self-care is vital. We better serve our family and communities when we are in a good place. So, be encouraged by the full series on self-care and other inspiration for moms.

Self-care and Inspiration for Moms

INSPIRATION TO REFUEL MOMS
Free eBook: Christian Meditations for Busy Moms Just Like You
Best Podcasts Every Mom Needs to Hear
5 Best Relaxing Songs to Make Your Day Better
60+ Encouraging and Inspirational Best Books for Mothers
Need Hope? Look for it – Hope will Always Come Back to You
Momma, Go for Your Dreams! Let Faith Overcome Your Fear

SELF-CARE IN THE CHAOS
8 Reasons Why “Me Time” for Moms is Good FOR YOUR KIDS
The Power of Finding Peace and Joy In the Choas of Momlife
Moms Need a Break and Good Things Can Come of It
Good Parenting Skills: The Single Best Thing Parents Can Do (Free Mini-eBook)

Join this community of moms raising tweens and teens

I wrote this article a few years ago, but here is my current phase of parenting…

You just dropped one kid off at practice, picked up another, and are trying to decide what to make for dinner. Your days are filled with work, parenting, and waiting for password reset emails.

You are parenting tweens and teens.

It’s an amazing life-phase, but also challenging in unique ways. In it all, you’d love a little encouragement to help you laugh, grow in faith, see parenting hacks, get ideas to connect with your kid and celebrate the awesome momma you are. 

I got you, friend. Sign up for Empowered Moms and Kids monthly emails and get encouragement in your inbox geared for someone exactly in your life-chapter. It’s totally free and you can unsubscribe at any time. 

Plus, you’ll get instant access to all the great resources in the freebie library. Join our community below. 

parenting tweens and teens
Cheryl Donely

Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, high school teacher, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for moms raising tweens and/or teens. Read more in the “about” section of this page.

Tags: faith, Motherhood, self-care

12 comments

  • Patricia Miller June 28, 2014 at 4:31 pm Reply

    I think that a lot of us, as moms, and wives, and even single working women, struggle with finding time, amidst the chaos that is too often the fabric of our lives, to spend time communing with God. Thank you for sharing your journey to draw closer to Him. Matt 6:33

  • Tiffany McClary June 28, 2014 at 5:09 pm Reply

    Stopping by via My Salt, His Light (www.mysalthislight.wordpress.com) to show some love! We are neighbors at Essential Fridays and Fellowship Friday this week! Beautiful post, and so true. Its difficult at times to mentally "stop" and be still, as a busy mother and wife (who also wears many other hats!). You've encouraged me to actively seek out more still moments. I will be trying this! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Starla J. June 28, 2014 at 9:26 pm Reply

    Awww. Loved this. It's one of my favorite verses. Thank you for the encouragement. I found you over at Christian Mommy Blogger.

  • sinceibecameamom June 28, 2014 at 11:39 pm Reply

    Thanks, Starla! Glad you stopped by!

  • sinceibecameamom June 28, 2014 at 11:40 pm Reply

    Thanks Tiffany. I stopped over at your blog too. Loved it – I started following you.

  • sinceibecameamom June 28, 2014 at 11:41 pm Reply

    Yes, it is so hard to find time to be STILL. Life is too busy. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

  • Jennifer - The Deliberate Mom June 29, 2014 at 9:24 pm Reply

    This is beautiful and such a lovely reminder. It can be challenging to "be still" as a busy mom… but it's so essential to build our relationship with God, to hear Him, and to feel at peace.

    Thanks so much for sharing (and for linking up to the SHINE Blog Hop).

    Wishing you a delightful evening.
    xoxo

  • Gen Delali June 30, 2014 at 9:36 am Reply

    i like how you mentally and intentionally stay still before God. i need to do this more often. also, it's great how you're becoming aware of His presence through the things and people around you. there's beauty in the seemingly small, simple things. 🙂

  • sinceibecameamom June 30, 2014 at 11:55 am Reply

    Thanks for letting me share on your lovely blog, Jennifer!

  • sinceibecameamom June 30, 2014 at 11:56 am Reply

    Yes, there is beauty in the seemingly small, simply things – I have had such a need to look for God's beauty in daily life.:) Thanks for leaving a comment. I enjoyed reading your words!

  • steph July 7, 2014 at 9:19 pm Reply

    I love how practical your examples are… It's not about finding yet another 10 minute slot in the day for yet another of our good ambitions!

  • sinceibecameamom July 8, 2014 at 12:42 pm Reply

    Thanks for your comment, Steph!

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