I’ve Been Robbed

I had the craziest feeling the other day,  That sick, unsettling feeling like something had been stolen from me. No catastrophic moment brought it on, just the stillness of my thoughts. And it occurred to me, there are dreams I’ve held in my heart for years that are dying by focusing on the wrong things.

We are Moms. Life is crazy. But, just because we became a Mom doesn’t mean our lives don’t matter. Quite the contrary, they count even more! The greatest gift we can give our children is going after the life God created us for. Our example of pursuit will carry a lifelong legacy.

I’ve taken a few moments in this year-end/new-year time frame to dig deeper into my “why.” The part of me that decides what the day’s priorities will be. Then it hit me – I’ve been robbed! Without warning and a slow fade of deceit, I’ve chosen the non-urgent, trivial stuff while being robbed of life-giving activities.

Been There – Done That 

We’ve all been there – “I’m just going to check this one decor idea on Instagram.” Well, that never happens! Thirty minutes later, the realization sets in – I wasted all that time when I could have been doing something productive.

So, the social strolling saga wins the dopamine war, yet I’m worn out, and feel worse about myself because my life doesn’t look like hers/his. Guess what – it isn’t supposed to look like theirs! A highlight reel of vacations, home runs, and touchdowns does not equal a great life. Absolutely, they bring happy moments, and I have cheered my heart out at those events. But, they do not provide lasting joy. My need to be in the “know” has stolen my “now” moments.

The pull of trivial busy work gains my attention because it is the most comfortable. At least for the moment. That is until I look back on a six-month time frame, and come to terms with the fact that I haven’t taken one step closer to my goals.

Your Best 

What is that one thing you feel robbed of? A job promotion? A side hustle adventure? An exercise milestone? A financial goal? A relationship?

Can you honestly claim that you did your very best?

I have a high-school Senior, and I find myself repeating – “Are you doing your best? Are you going after your goals with everything you’ve got? Because if you don’t, you’ll have regrets.”

And as I replay that soundtrack to him, it plays back for me, “Heather, are you doing your best? Are you pursuing goals that you’ve dreamed of for years? If you don’t, you will have regrets.”

Robbed 

Yes, I’ve been robbed!! However, was I my own thief? Have I diminished my goals simply because the lure of a distracted life is easier than focusing?

A quenching thirst that never gets satisfied craves more. And what we continue to feed – grows. And what we starve – dies. So, what is it that you need to feed, and what is it that you need to starve?

Take Action 

There is no perfect moment when all the distractions in life will be eliminated. However, with an intentional pursuit of doing our best day in and day out by prioritizing the things that matter, we will eventually lead a life of no regrets!

Robbery is when something that is yours is taken without your permission. What are you allowing to steal your time, leaving you with regrets? Starve it! And then watch your new discipline change your life one day at a time.

Tomorrow you will wish you had started today! And since you are living with no regrets now – start today!!