The other day, we were heading out for a Saturday adventure, and the usual scramble to get out of the house was happening. The husband had the keys and had placed the toddler in her carseat; I made sure diaper essentials, snacks, and the beloved sippy cup were ready for take-off, and that was that. We were off. I had makeup on, fixed hair, a cute outfit, and so did the rest of my little family. Good to go. Then when we were about three minutes down the road, I looked at my fashion choice for the day, a sleeveless sundress, and noticed two erroneous missteps. “Oh crap. I forgot to put deodorant on,” I moaned to the hubs. And in my head I also was thinking, “And I forgot to shave my underarms.” But I figured only one of those things needed to be verbalized. We turned around to correct that issue, because Lord knows it would not have been pretty if I hadn’t.
I tell you that story to give you an idea of where my head has been the last couple of months. I feel like it’s attached to my body by a very thin string, just floating loosely like a balloon, and at any given moment, it will pop. How did I get to this point? I don’t know, but what I do know is this.
Lately I’ve been in a funk in really bad way. I’ve been drowning in a to-do list that never ends, I’m ten pounds overweight, and quite honestly, I can’t keep up with everything. I would love to shout from the mountaintops: I DON’T HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER. My house seems like it’s never clean, I’ve been snippier to those closest to me, and generally, I’ve had a really bitter attitude. It’s like I’m living in a perpetual state of PMS, and ain’t nobody got time for that. I try to do ALL the things, and it’s just not working for me. I feel like I’ve been failing as a wife, a mom, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a blogger. I can wear many hats, but disappointer is not my best look. The expectations I put on myself are high. I always give 110% when I commit to something, but I’m human. I burn out. I get tired and lazy. Yet things still have to get done around here. I could blame a lot of outside sources for my recent state of being, but the bottom line is I control my attitude and my actions. And it’s time I turn it around. I can’t do it all, but I can do all the things that I can do through Christ who strengthens me.
The minute I knew I needed to turn things around, God was already working. Ever since I’ve acknowledged that my attitude was in the gutter, I’ve seen more signs pointing me to His truths than ever. It’s no coincidence. The first thing I saw was this quote, “Lord, when all my doubts and insecurities come crashing in, help me replace my thoughts with Yours.”
After reading that and a few chapters from my latest bible study, I shared this message on Instagram last week:
Sometimes my insecurities get the best of me, and doubt fills my head. Thoughts like, I’m not a good enough mom, I’m too short tempered, I’m not present enough, I’m not praying enough, I’m not cleaning enough, I’m not skinny enough, I’m not writing/blogging well enough. Enough? Now if that’s not the devil at work… Just yesterday I read a chapter out of Before Amen for my bible study that was all about giving thanks when you think you’re not enough or don’t have enough. “Gratitude is a dialysis of sorts. It flushes the self-pity out of our systems.” Then I saw this beautiful quote from Proverbs 31, “Lord, when all my doubts and insecurities come crashing in, help me replace my thoughts with yours.” Amen. Praying all of this for myself and for all my beautiful friends today. May we all shift our minds and focus to the One up above. I’m choosing gratitude today.
See? No coincidence that I saw those words and read them and soaked them in exactly when I needed to hear them most.
Right now, I don’t have it all together, and that’s okay, but I’m trying my hardest to snap out of it.
Here are five things that I’ve found to help me get out of my slumps:
1. Let it all out and communicate with those closest to you. By all means, even ask for help.
2. Pray and then pray some more. Pray without ceasing and focus on your blessings!
3. Make a plan of action. (This is huge for me.)
4. Hold yourself accountable, but give yourself some grace.
5. Don’t give up.
When you’re in a funk, just a mess for whatever reason, and you’re tired and worn down by life, you only have one choice: you MUST keep going. You can’t give up. You are strong. You are able. You are His.
You see, we can put up a facade that all is okay and that we have it all together, but we’re not made to be perfect. We’re flawed, but God restores us and refines us in each of our hardships. Life’s not always easy. You’re not always going to have it together. But “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Thank goodness for that. Whatever you’re going through right now, know that God will see you through.
Let’s keep in touch, shall we?
You can see where I’m linking up on this page.
You’re amazing, Kristy — even when you don’t have it all together! I know it’s hard to feel that way from the inside sometimes, especially when things aren’t going how you’d like. I really like the tips you gave at the end. They’re truly helpful :)
Oh sweet, Colleen! Thank you! You are certainly too kind, sister. I’m glad the tips were helpful. ;) I want to print them out and repeat them all the time. Lol.
Girl, you are not alone, so I hope you don’t feel like that. What you described above is exactly why I decided to take a blogging break. My family, health and home were suffering. I just couldn’t handle it all and keep it together; I couldn’t do all the things like you said. You are a wonderful woman and mommy. We love who you are so don’t you get down on yourself. You are a rock star!
Thanks, Tiffany! You know, at the rate we push ourselves, at some point the wheels are certainly going to fall off. It’s hard recognizing that we need to slow down and stop sometimes. We most certainly can’t do it all, but we can do what we can. :) And seriously, your words mean so much! Love ya, girl!
Have you been a fly on the wall here lately? Seriously! You just put into words everything my heart has been feeling lately. I keep wanting to do it all and feel like I’m failing miserably. Thank you for this encouragement today. It’s exactly what my heart needed to hear.
Oh, Jennifer! :) I think it’s the season (literally and figuratively)! ;) Why do we think we’re supposed to do everything? I’ll never know. Prioritizing what’s really important and remembering that God is above ALL has helped put a lot of things in perspective for me. Thanks for being a great friend!
*standing ovation* This has been me for months. You so eloquently put into words what I’ve been feeling. Luckily there is finally a little light at the end of the tunnel and I’m coming out of this funk, but perspective is always important continually along the way.
High fives and hugs to you, Meg! Thank you for your sweet words. Seriously. I’m so glad you’re finally seeing a little light at the end of your tunnel. Funks are just too funky of a place to stay. Glad we’re both saying sayonara. Love ya, girlfriend!
Awesome post Kristy! Like others have said, I’ve been feeling this so much lately too so you are not alone. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Chelsea! I really think it has to be the summer blues or something. Is that a thing? Lots of love to you, my dear!
Good Lord I needed this today! I could have written this myself. I feel a funk radiating from me lately too. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? I love your posts, I hope you don’t think I’m crazy, but I swear we’d be buddies if I lived near you, but I’m in CA. Thanks for the reminder.
Alissa, your words bring so much joy to my heart.
I really think the funk has spread all over America by the sounds of everyone’s comments. ;) Pressure is for the birds. Seriously. But like a diamond in a rough…
Thank you for sweet compliment about my posts. I even put a lot of pressure on myself as a blogger, and well…out came this post. And I’m sure we would be great friends in real life too. But I’ll happily accept having you as a blogging friend though! Xoxo
Yep this is basically how I had been feeling the past few months. I’ve definitely dug out of the funk at this point but I know that it’s because I’m majorly failing at blogging. I had to cut something loose and blogging had to be it! I’ll get back into it (I hope) but if I don’t, I’m happy and ultimately that’s what matters most. XO Love your perspective!
I know you understand! :) Knowing when to step back from something is huge. I’ve had to say “no” to a lot of things lately, and as much as I would have loved to say yes, I couldn’t. Sanity and happiness is key. Love ya, girlfriend!
So glad you shared this because I have felt like I have been in a funk lately too. I’m so easily irritated and I don’t want to be that way- thank you for this encouragement!!
You’re so welcome, Keri! I’m so glad you could use the encouragement, too. Sometimes I write things because I need the reminder, and I share it because I’m hoping that someone out there could use it too. So thank you for sweet comment letting me know you’ve been in the same funk. Here’s to getting out of it and to better days ahead! Xoxo
LOVE this post! Doesn’t every mom feel like she doesn’t have it all together? I needed to read this post, so thanks!!
Thanks, Kelly! Yes, we put so much pressure on ourselves, but we’re all doing a wonderful job. That I am sure of! ;) You’re so welcome. I’ll keep sharing for as long as I can.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! People so often recommend either just praying, or just planning/etc. when what we so often need is both, and often help from friends/family on top of that! I think praying helps our mindset and the planning action helps in the real, ya know? Thank you for your transparency and your good, honest advice.
You’re so welcome, Whitney! :) Yes, making a plan of action always helps me out. I’m happy you found my few tips helpful! It takes a lot to pull myself out a funk, so I’m glad to know I’m not the only one. ;) Have a great weekend!
I can absolutely relate and I really needed to hear this today. Thank you for being so open and honest and sharing your heart!
You are so welcome, friend! I’m glad you could use the words of encouragement. I know it’s never a coincidence when we hear exactly what we need right when we need it. :) I’m always hear to listen, too. Have a great weekend!
I think we can all relate to this post! I love how open and honest you were in this post, it helps all of us feel not so lonely in these kinds of thoughts. LOVE your 5 steps, I take similar action and it’s always so helpful.
Thanks so much, Jessica! You know me and my honesty. ;) Glad to hear that you do some of the same things. It really does help you get back to the positive life.
Oh friend, I’m so sorry you are dealing with this and I know exactly how you feel! I feel like I’m not being the best me lately and it’s starting to affect those around me, and that’s not ok! I love your tips to get through a rough patch. Let’s do this!
Thanks, Liz! I think it must have been the summer blues. Slowly climbing out of it, and thank goodness for that! :) We can do it for sure!
This a beautiful post & something I greatly identify with. Through pages of to-do lists, personal blogging expectations, Mommy duties, home maintenance, etc. I’ve allowed myself to become overwelmed. Love that you take it to prayer & give it to Him! I need to do the same. Thank you! Coming over from “Turn It Up Tuesday”.
Thank you for your kind words! I’m sure that without prayer, I would be a hot mess. Sorry for the late reply. I hope all is well in your corner. ;) Have a great rest of the week!