In June 2018, I met with a filmmaker in my area to learn more about his career path and creative approach. I had a list of questions I hoped to ask him, but we talked for two hours and barely touched any of them. He taught me a lot about my own values and warned me that I was on a dangerous road. One lesson he taught me is that I only have 100 percent to give. Yet, I was trying to give my 100 percent to every area of my life and was wringing myself dry. With family, work, business, school, and church demanding my attention, I certainly did not have 500 percent to give.
Something Must Change
After I spoke with my friend, I realized that something had to change. I had to take something, or some things, off my plate if I was really going to have relief from my anxiety and depression. I asked myself questions I never thought I would. “Should I quit school?” “Should I close my business?” “What if I changed my career path?” God brought me great hope as I considered these questions. He expanded the possibilities for my future. Most importantly, God showed me that I don’t have to continue down the path of anxiety and depression – I really could experience lasting relief.
I prayed a lot during this time and met with men much wiser than me. In the end, I decided to switch my degree track to a shorter one and take a hiatus from my business for a while. In time, I hope to manage less and breathe more.
Far too Busy to Thrive
What concerns me is that busyness is considered part of the American culture. I know men who spend little with their family and barely exercise because they treasure their work so much. Other men work so much that they do not prioritize the next generation of disciple makers. I also know moms who wrestle with anxiety because they have overloaded their family calendar with extracurricular activities. We are far too busy to thrive and are stretching our 100 percent beyond its limit.
I want to meet you where you are today. Would you pray through the questions below and meet with a friend this week who will be honest with you about your life? The anxieties of life can fade in significance if we are willing to divde our 100 percent wisely:
- What are the areas of my life (work, family, etc.)?
- Do I have unfair expectations for myself and my 100 percent?
- What should I do to free up space in my life? How can I take the load off my 100 percent?
You don’t have to be forever busy. You really can rest from anxiety and even depression. I dare you to ask these questions this week. My life is transforming because I did.