Jun
13
2009

Be Present

Filed under: Simplifying

My friend, Andrea, has a great post on her blog today…reminding us to “do the best you can in the time available to you”. I’ve definitely been struggling with getting everything done lately And her post reminded me to stay in the moment and to not beat myself up over to-do lists that go untouched for days.

I know that I just had a baby…and I’m supposed to take it easy. BUT…my personality is such that I still want to get it all done. Birth story, birth photos edited, freelance projects that were started pre-Lucy, Cold Stone work stuff…plus I have so many blogs I have been writing “in my head” that I just don’t have hours and hours to sit down and write for you! BUT…I will. Please stick with me here I promise to post more soon.

I’m learning to re-prioritize my life again. I have demands on my time that weren’t there 2 weeks ago and I’m slowly learning to adjust and figure out how to fit it all in without going crazy. OR…to NOT fit it in and just be ok with that.

So for all of you who are in the same boat…be encouraged. Live in the moment that is RIGHT NOW. Enjoy every smell, every touch, every smile…be present in what is going on around you. The to-do list will be there tomorrow

Posted by Sara @ 9:06 am | Leave a Comment

http://www.theta.ca Lizzy

Couldn’t agree more. I’m not a mom yet, but I think the words you wrote can apply to us in all walks of life. There’s a quote on my wall that says, “Live so you won’t have to say ‘wait a minute’ when it’s time for you to go.”
http://2hcreative.typepad.com/ Haley

so true…so true…they grow up so fast. Corinne is already 6 months and I think wasn’ts he just born yesturday.
http://happymama-lisa@blogspot.com Lisa

Excellent post! Living in the RIGHT NOW is all we can do, so why not enjoy it?
http://www.losingmycrackers.blogspot.com/ Bonny

Very good advice! You might enjoy this site: http://www.believenow.com/

Congratulations on your new babe.
http://www.alicecantrell.com Alice

Too true! (As I sit here nursing my own wee babe.) Thanks for the reminder.
Erika

Beautifully written. I am waiting on my second baby (5 days past due date now!) and feeling slightly overwhelmed at the prospect of having two and getting things done. It is good to be reminded to enjoy the now. Which I did today at a birthday party for my older daughters best friend. It was lovely to forget that I was overdue and just enjoy sun and cake and seeing my little girl having a fab time swinging in a hammock.

Blissful days really.

I hope you are enjoying your baby moon with your beautiful new daughter.
danielle

“to NOT fit it in and just be okay with that”

excellent advice. and I’m sure that everyone will still be here, for as long as it takes you to find the time to write, because it’s worth it.

I hope that the entire family is enjoying this wonderful time together.
carrie

you got it friend
much love carrie
http://goodlifealways.blogspot.com/ Michelle

Wanted to say that I love, love, love your blog. You have become very inspirational to me and we have a lot in common (except for the high metabolism thing)! My family just went on our first (of many hopefully) mission trip to a family church camp. I would love some more information on your project you have mentioned before for traveling family mission opportunities.
Congrats on that beautiful baby girl!
http://www.thegranickfamily.blogspot.com Deborah Granick

Hello! Thank you for your post! I just had a baby too June 7th! We had an unassisted home/waterbirth and even delivered her breech! It was one of the most amazing expirences of my life! I came across your blog right before we became pregnant and I was currently “raw” (not so much anymore but interested in heading again in the direction) It was encouraging to see that I wasnt alone with my difficulty drinking green drinks after pregnancy Anyway we named our little girl Lucy Joy. I thought it was so funny that our girls are both Lucy’s Anyway just thought I would say hi and thanks for the post!!

Deborah Granick
Heather Hanneman

Exactly what I needed to hear TODAY…and the next day and the next ! Thank you sister for the encouragement!
http://flourishingmother.blogspot.com Andrea

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

Remember the “One Thing” is to ask Him everyday what He would have you do–sit at His feet. I promise your days will look much different than you ever planned or thought. Not easy for a “do-er” (like you and me) but very freeing.
It’s always a continual journey for me of letting go and trusting that all that needs to get done will get done. I don’t think I will ever arrive, but will be forever on the journey.
Take it easy, lady!!! We don’t expect profound posts from you!! You just had a baby!!! Heck you have enough archives here to read for YEARS! =) Love on your husband, Bella, and that sweet faced baby. That is simplifyiing! =)
ps. thanks for the link.
http://laurareaux.typepad.com Laura Reaux

Amen, sister! These little ones are only so little for such a short moment. I’m right there with you on having plenty that I want to get done, but I’m just taking it slow and easy. xoxo
Penny Murray

Ah, learning to ‘live the moment’ has always been a struggle for me. But as we continue to simplify our lives and focus on priorities and make room for dreams, this becomes a litle easier. Your blog always helps me to remember to do this which is why I love it so much.
Brightwing

Thanks for the words; I really needed to read that today.

Congrats on your new addition, and please don’t worry about us here in the blogosphere: your blog posts are always worth the wait! Enjoy your mama time.
sara-bo-bara

such a great reminder! : ) whenever i am typing in your web address, i always pause and say, yes! walk more slowly, live more wildly!!! enjoy your little bundle, she looks precious.
jen

Hang in there! I do need to be reminded to live in the moment often. There are always SO many dishes to be washed, laundry to do, etc. It is hard to balance. It does get easier, though, so be encouraged. Everyone needs time to adjust when a new person is added to the family! Congratulations!
http://www.kellycar.blogspot.com Kelly

I just had my third baby 4 weeks ago and I am struggling also with being in the moment; and then I will catch my daughter singing in the other room or my baby making his little noises and I realize those moments are the most precious and I need to not worry if the dishes aren’t done. Still, it is not an automatic thing, I have to remind myself to be present!
Melanie Campbell

I hope you’re enjoying your babymoon! Don’t worry – we’ll still be here when you come back! Try to take it easy!
http://www.invertedcrescent.blogspot.com Cavewoman

Reading this today was helpful.
My own life has been fairly busy, and this was a good reminder to do the best I can in the moment I’m in.

Thanks.
Jessica Ortiz

Wonderfully written. In the beginning it was hard to adjust to our new normal, but now 8 months later and life is finally settling in. Enjoy your new little one and things will come around.
http://www.beoverjoyed.blogspot.com Stephanie

thanks for sharing…I definately needed to hear this tonight. I have a constant list in my head all the time. Its like i feel a burden if it is not completed. I am going to try my hardest to give it over and let HIM control me for once.
Anne

oh, enjoy it all! I had to squeeze a law school paper in after my daughter was born and it was terrible–I just wanted to spend every second looking at her. So if you don’t HAVE to finish something–don’t–just enjoy! I just discovered your blog and I am loving it– and there is plenty to keep me busy in the archives until you are ready to write more again!
http://www.herbanhomestead.blogspot.com mandi

yep. that’s the key. just being ok with it. i recently posted on what i wish i would have known after baby #2

http://herbanhomestead.blogspot.com/2009/05/looking-back.html

hang in there mama! and just enjoy this time!
http://www.TanyaDennisBooks.com Tanya

I know exactly how you feel! I’m the same way — except my “baby” is almost 4, not 2 weeks. My most earnest prayer is that I will prioritize each day correctly, in a way that brings the most glory to God. I want to plan weekly and monthly, too, but for each day I need to only think about that day and what God would have me do THAT DAY. It’s tough. It’s called sanctification.

By the way, I linked to you and your James Challenge today on my blog. You don’t know that you’ve encouraged me, but you have. THANKS.
http://orryally.livejournal.com Sally

This must be a woman thing, especially ambitious ones with lots of ideas and projects in mind! I read a great blogpost here: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2009/06/state-of-house-and-poets-dreams_26.html
It really spoke to me about my endless dreams to have a spotless/organized house, with three little ones 4 and under running around. Live in the moment, God keeps reminding me. Thanks for helping Him do that