Finding Calm in the Chaos: Embracing a Life of Intention

Are You Drowning in Chaos?

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly running on a hamster wheel, desperately trying to keep all the plates spinning? Like no matter how hard you work, you can never quite catch up? I’ve been there, and I know how exhausting and disheartening it can feel. But what if I told you that the key to finding peace and fulfillment isn’t in doing more, but in doing less?

This week, I had a profound conversation that challenged everything I thought I knew about success and productivity. It made me realize that true freedom and joy don’t come from checking off every item on our to-do list, but from intentionally creating space for what matters most.

The Trap of Hustle Culture

For years, I bought into the lie that success meant constant hustle. I thought if I could just work harder, longer, and faster, I’d finally feel accomplished and worthy. But you know what? The finish line kept moving. There was always one more thing to do, one more goal to achieve. And in the process, I was burning myself out and missing out on the simple joys of life.

Can you relate? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and everything in between. Perhaps you’re comparing yourself to the highlight reels you see on social media, wondering why everyone else seems to have it all together while you’re barely keeping your head above water.

Here’s the truth I’ve come to realize: that picture-perfect life we’re chasing? It’s an illusion. And the constant pursuit of it is robbing us of the peace and contentment God wants for us.

The Power of Intentional Living

So, what’s the alternative? I’ve learned that it’s about embracing a life of intention. It’s about consciously choosing where we invest our time and energy, rather than letting the urgent crowd out the important.

Here are some key insights I’ve gained on this journey:

1. Slow Down to Speed Up: It sounds counterintuitive, but I’ve found that when I take time to pause, reflect, and plan, I actually accomplish more in the long run. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
2. Define Your Own Success: Success looks different for everyone. Instead of chasing someone else’s definition, take time to consider what truly matters to you. What does a fulfilling life look like in your eyes?
3. Create Margin: We often pack our schedules so tightly that there’s no room for the unexpected. But life happens, and we need buffer space to handle it without falling apart.
4. Prioritize Rest: Rest isn’t lazy; it’s essential. Just as God rested on the seventh day, we need regular periods of rest to recharge and reconnect with our purpose.

Practical Steps for Finding Calm in the Chaos

So, how do we actually put this into practice? Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful:

1. Start Your Day with Intention: Instead of immediately reaching for your phone, take a few moments to pray, meditate, or journal. Set your intentions for the day and connect with your why.
2. Implement Systems: Look for areas in your life where you can create routines or systems. This might be meal planning, a cleaning schedule, or a specific way of organizing your work tasks.
3. Learn to Say No: Every yes is a no to something else. Be intentional about what you commit to, ensuring it aligns with your values and priorities.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Take moments throughout your day to pause and be present. Notice your surroundings, your breath, how you’re feeling. This can help ground you when things feel chaotic.
5. Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude: Regularly acknowledging what you’re grateful for can shift your perspective from what’s lacking to the abundance in your life.

The Spiritual Side of Calm

As women of faith, it’s crucial to remember that our worth isn’t tied to our productivity. God loves us for who we are, not what we do. When we root our identity in Him, we can release the need to prove ourselves through constant doing.

I’ve found great comfort in Matthew 11:28-30 (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.”

This passage reminds me that in Christ, we can find true rest. It’s not about striving harder, but about surrendering our burdens to Him and aligning our lives with His purposes.

Embracing Imperfection

One of the biggest obstacles to finding calm is our pursuit of perfection. We set impossibly high standards for ourselves and then beat ourselves up when we inevitably fall short. But here’s the beautiful truth: we’re not meant to be perfect. We’re meant to be human, with all our flaws and quirks.

I’ve learned to embrace the concept of “good enough.” This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity, but recognizing that sometimes, done is better than perfect. It’s about giving ourselves grace and acknowledging that growth is a process.

When we let go of the need to have everything just right, we create space for joy, creativity, and genuine connection. We can be present in the moment instead of constantly worrying about what’s next.

The Joy of Simplicity

In our consumer-driven culture, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking more is always better. But I’ve found that there’s incredible freedom in simplifying. This might mean:

• Decluttering your physical space
• Streamlining your commitments
• Focusing on quality over quantity in relationships
• Simplifying your goals to focus on what truly matters

When we strip away the excess, we often discover what’s truly important. We create room to breathe, to think, to be.

Balancing Ambition and Rest

Now, this doesn’t mean we should abandon our goals or stop striving for growth. As purpose-driven women, we’re called to make an impact in the world. The key is finding a sustainable rhythm that allows us to pursue our passions without burning out.

It’s about recognizing that rest isn’t the enemy of productivity – it’s the foundation of it. When we’re well-rested and centered, we bring our best selves to our work, our relationships, and our ministries.

Finding Your Unique Rhythm

It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating calm. What works for me might not work for you. The key is to experiment and find what resonates with your personality, lifestyle, and season of life.

Maybe for you, it’s waking up early for some quiet time before the day begins. Or perhaps it’s scheduling regular breaks throughout your workday to recharge. It could be a weekly Sabbath practice or a monthly personal retreat.

The important thing is to be intentional about creating space for calm in your life. It won’t happen by accident in our busy world – we need to prioritize it.

This week, I want to challenge you to:

1. Identify one area of your life that feels chaotic right now.
2. Choose one small step you can take to introduce more calm into that area.
3. Pay attention to how this small change affects your overall sense of peace and well-being.

Remember, this is a journey. Don’t expect overnight transformation. Be patient with yourself as you learn to navigate from chaos to calm. Celebrate small victories along the way.

If you’re feeling inspired to dive deeper into this topic, I encourage you to listen to this week’s full episode of The Confident Woman Podcast. The insights shared offer practical strategies for creating more peace and intention in your daily life.

From Chaos to Calm: Redefining Success and Finding Peace with Jenna Hermans

Points to Ponder:

1. What area of your life feels most chaotic right now? How might introducing more calm change your experience?
2. What’s one thing you’re holding onto – a commitment, a mindset, a possession – that no longer serves you? What might happen if you let it go?
3. How can you create more “proactive calm” in your daily life? What systems or routines could you implement to support your well-being?

Scripture for the Soul:

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

This verse reminds us that in the midst of life’s chaos, we can find peace in God’s presence. When we pause to acknowledge His sovereignty, we tap into a peace that transcends our circumstances.

My hope for you this week is that you will experience the freedom and joy that comes from intentional living. May you find pockets of peace in the midst of life’s demands, and may you know deep in your soul that you are enough, just as you are.

XO,

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