All I Need Is Everything

“Slow down. Hold still. It's not as if it's a matter of will...." All I Need is Everything - Over the Rhine

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I will admit, being cooped up in the house 24/7 over the past few months has been a bit rough for all of us. There are days I feel like I am juggling one million things and can’t catch my bearings or the feeling that I am not accomplishing any tasks, because of too much multitasking. However, there has been one small thing that has helped me throughout this time. I have been pretty consistent with keeping my bedroom a clean and peaceful retreat. There is a book and a speech that circled social media a while back, called ‘Make Your Bed- Little things that can change your life….and maybe the world’, by Admiral William McRaven. He notes how making your bed makes you feel a sense of accomplishment. Checking off that first task of the day, gives you a sense of pride and that can trickle down throughout your day. This is true for me, it has also helped as things get hectic throughout the day, if the kids have destroyed the living room or the kitchen while I was on a myriad of calls, or in moments of feeling overwhelmed with the day, I have found myself escaping to my room.

Why? Because, in my room is a made bed, clean floor and no clutter to distract me (and no people). It is quiet and it has A LOCK on the door, even if it is just for 5 minutes. It becomes just a moment to reset, take a deep breath and recharge to handle whatever is next on the agenda. Let’s be honest it isn't a cure-all, because you still have to open that door back up and deal with whatever is on the other side. However, sometimes just a few minutes of reflection or down time, can change your perspective. I challenge you to make your bed every day or create a place you can go that makes you feel a sense of peace (and it's okay to lock that door for a few minutes), close your eyes, be quiet, pray, sing or eat that snack alone without sharing. Feel free to share below, what things have helped you get through some of your frustrating times.

Take a listen to Admiral McRaven - it is quite the inspiring speech.

It's a little (well alot) deeper than my insight on a clean room, but it is worth taking the time to hear what he has to say.