simplify.

one of my biggest challenges lately has been to simplify my life. to turn off the noise. have a little more quiet and a little more down time.

I must say... for the most part, I have failed miserably.

however. as petty as it sounds, I removed twitter from my phone for awhile, took the vibrate option off (so that I can pay more attention to people and in class) and limit my internet time each day. it has helped SO much. it gives me a little more time throughout the day and a lot less stress on my to-do list. facebook and twitter tend to suck me in and NO ONE texts more than I do.

i have challenged myself to taking 20-30 minutes to myself before bed every night for the last several weeks. no homework, no phone, no computer. i've gotten a lot of reading done and a lot more sleep. i will not allow myself to run through my endless lists of to-do's and think about all the things i need to get done. it's simply time to unwind and relax and take a few moments to read, write, pray, allow myself to get sleepy.

if any of you are like me, the end of the day tends to be the most stressful. i get anxious and worrisome. i will overthink things TO DEATH. i will stay up so late tracing things over and over in my head and beating myself up for not managing my time better or not getting things done the previous day.

and when i get like this, i feel like the Lord brings me back to this verse:

matthew 11:28-30

the message:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

NIV:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

....and then I'm comforted. (usually)

I want to be free. I want to live freely and lightly. I want to live free of anxiety and worry, stress, restless sleep, and sleepless nights.

by simplifying (or attempting to anyway) my life these last few weeks, with the exception of one really stressful week, I've experienced so much more peace. I'm excited to see where it will continue to go. I'm also looking for other ways I can simplify my life rather than just my time. My bible study gave us some ideas, so it's time to put some into practice :)

hope this finds you well.