It’s 4 am, Saturday the 10th – I am listening to September by Daughtry, thinking I should change the song and try to hold on to summer a little longer. After all, I am writing about our summer holiday.
We got back to London this past Monday with a 3-hour delay; a storm over the English Channel kept us grounded for a while. I returned to work on Tuesday and started a four-day fast. There’s too much to do this fall to not pray and fast for everything happening under Neos, Podcast and life in general. I ended my fasting last night, and today I celebrated with some tasty waffles and a nice walk in the park.
I’ve been thinking about my treat since Thursday: hang on, Saturday, you can eat all you want.
I think a lot like that, having this ”think beyond this moment” mindset.
I learned to think like this to deal with the pressure of different projects: you’re stressed now, but think about the after, or you feel like giving up, but… you’re tired, but just hang on…, and you get the idea.
This thinking beyond the moment also keeps me in check when I think of doing something stupid (yes, I am great, but sometimes, I have my moments). You want to do this, but how will it make you feel after? Do you want to eat that entire pizza?
So right now, I am trying to be in the moment, even if I want to be 100% ready for autumn and rush to October or to my trip to Romania planned for November. I am here, in the warm September, still posting pictures from my holiday, and enjoying the sun, even though I am ready to wear my hoodies and drink my hot teas.
Why do we tend to rush things?
Apparently, this is called hurry sickness and we need, intentionally to adopt a slow living lifestyle.
And how do we do that? Reading multiple articles, they all say the same thing:
- practice mindfulness
- self-care
- set boundaries
- prioritise.
Things that I have done for some time now, and they are extremely helpful.
I am often reminded of the words of the apostle Paul about running the race. I, for one, want to do this right. I want to be able to run the race full of joy, peace, and patience. I want to be in the moment.
Do you know that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit? I have known Galatians 5:22-23 since I was seven; it only hit me a few weeks ago. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit; it’s a God-given command, in a way, to be joyful.
This doesn’t mean we don’t recognise how we feel, but we don’t stay there.
Yes, I miss some people, and I have moments when I feel hurt, alone, or forgotten, but I choose not to stay there. Not anymore.
Are you ready for this end of the year?
I am not sure I’m ready, but I am excited: my job, about Neos projects, a new podcast season, and new trips. As usual, please keep us (Laura and myself) in your prayers; everything is a learning and growing journey.
“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” — Mother Teresa
Going back to still being in the moment and Portugal, I recommend the place. It’s an affordable destination with a perfect combination of white sandy beaches, rugged coastlines and architecturally beautiful cities.
And did I mention the food? ?
#portugaldiaries #mindfulness #growth #ontothenextone