Do you feel like you do a LOT in taking care of others? I know I do. Have for…decades.
We show up for our families, our teams, our church, our clients, our communities…
We plan, we participate, we serve. Some of us even…hustle.
But here’s what I know to be true: Emotional stewardship matters just as much as physical rest and mental clarity.
It’s not just about “feeling your feelings” (although that’s a part of it). It’s about being honest with yourself, and choosing to lead your emotions…rather than letting them drive the bus. The struggle bus. This is something that most of us forget in the process of all the doing.
Let’s walk through this, step by step. Shall we?
Emotional Check-In: Are You Leading with Peace or Pressure?
When you pause long enough to listen inward, what’s actually driving your current season?
Is it pressure?
Or is it peace?
Pressure sounds like:
- “I should already have this figured out.”
- “Everyone’s waiting on me.”
- “If I stop now, everything will fall apart or not get done.”
Peace sounds like:
- “I can find a steady pace, and go with that.”
- “I don’t need to prove anything to anybody.”
- “God is with me, even in the pause.”
A quick emotional check-in doesn’t require a journal, a coach, or a therapist...although all of those can help tremendously. Sometimes, all it takes is an intentional deep breath and one honest inward moment.
In that honest inward moment, ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now, AND what’s the story I’m telling myself about it?
Then… ask:
Is that story true, helpful, or kind?
You may be surprised how much pressure you’ve been carrying without even realizing it.
Strength Looks Like Stillness
If we’re not careful, sometimes we can equate strength with hustle, grit, and “push through” energy. That comes across like, hard work makes us look strong. Well…
But real strength is also:
- Choosing not to react
- Sitting with discomfort without numbing it
- Taking one purposeful step instead of ten crae-crae ones
Stillness isn’t weakness. Not at all!
It’s strength, anchored. Wow. Think about that!
Stillness says:
“I could run ahead…but I’m choosing to stay grounded. I could fix, solve, or strive…but I’m choosing to wait and listen.”
This isn’t being lazy or lax. This is actually a very positive and powerful statement.
Whether it’s a business decision, a life transition, or a relationship challenge…sometimes the strongest thing you can do is stay still long enough to hear what’s real.
Read that again.
The Gift of Pause
We don’t always get to choose the pace of our life. But we can choose to pause. And when we pause (like a rest in orchestration), we can then intentionally change the pace forward. The rhythm.
And here’s what I know to be true: The pause isn’t a punishment. It’s not a fail. It’s a gift.
When we pause, we breathe deeper.
When we pause, we notice more.
When we pause, we give God an invitation…a space to meet us. (I’m SO picturing a bridge right now! LOL)
And in the pause, we make room for peace to rise. (Oh…this brings me so much JOY!)
If your emotional tank has been running low, or you’re tired of always pushing through…maybe this is your reminder, and it’s absolutely my encouragement to you:
You are allowed to pause. It’s critical to your mental and emotional well-being.
- You can take a break and still be brilliant.
- You can be still and strong at the same time.
- You can stop pushing and still move forward…when it’s time.
And...
- Let rest be your reset.
- Let pause be your power.
- Let emotional stewardship be part of how you keep walking…forward…well and whole.
Will you receive the gift?
I care about your mental and emotional health. I'd LOVE to know how this resonates with you, and what you need to move forward. Please do share.
I believe:
- you were uniquely created by God
- your identity is key to everything you do in life
- you are here to make an impact...on purpose
- your impact has a ripple impact forward
- life and all of it's transitions, are best viewed from a bridge perspective
- life is better when you orchestrate it, vs trying to balance it
- you can live a healthy, whole life
- you can live a JOY-filled life
- I'm here to help
If you love this information, please leave a comment. 👏🏽🙌🏽
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