This week has been kicking my butt. I’ve been extra busy. We’re all busy. You get the point. It’s just been one of “those” weeks. The kind where I feel like I don’t have a moment to breathe, I’m multitasking to the point of exhaustion, and nothing actually has my full attention.
I’m learning to roll with the punches, though. Life is full of ups and downs, and that’s okay. It’s normal. I’m also slowly learning how much is too much in terms of work and extra things I commit to.
I could have said no to some of the things I did this week, but I didn’t. And that’s okay. I’m learning this whole work-life balance thing as I go. I am also learning how supportive my husband is. To be able to hug him for a good 10 minutes while tears stream down my face and not feel one bit judged is such a nice release.
In the midst of a tough day or week, I try to remember that I can choose joy. It is completely up to me to focus on how hard something is, or to look around me and decide to be happy because of everything else in my life. My focus determines so much of my attitude.
I can choose to dread juggling the busyness of pet sitting numerous dogs in a day on top of my regular job, or I can choose to be present with my clients and soak up all the puppy love I can get. I firmly believe that spending time with animals is good for the soul.
I can choose to stay stuck inside my head with negative thoughts, or I can choose to listen to a Christian podcast or radio station and hear God’s word.
I can choose to stay inside and catch up on laundry, or I can choose to get out in the sunshine with my camera in hand.
I can choose to panic when I feel sad or anxious, or I can choose to remember that all emotions are given from God and that it’s a good thing to feel all of my feelings.
I can choose to keep pushing myself to get things done around the house, or I can choose to snuggle with Lola and take a nap.
I can choose to spend my days off by myself, or I can choose to visit my family and relish our time together.
I am learning to choose joy and thankfulness in every moment.
Living My Full Life 
Such a great perspective 🙂 I’m ALWAYS reminding myself that the bad things in my life can actually be considered GOOD things when looked at in the right light. We have a God that can make beauty from ashes, and that’s so comforting. Even though at times life can be overwhelming, it’s helpful to remember that truth.
Amen, Brittany! I love that you always look on the bright side and see things in God’s light. It is just so encouraging to me!
Those tough weeks are going around. This is a great reminder to choose joy – it is within my control to do that. I have to remember that!
PS – Hope your weekend is great and relaxing and just what you need. 🙂
Thank you, Amy! It was 🙂
Aww, I’m sorry if you had a tough week too! Hopefully this one was better :).
You have a wonderful husband!! That support system to cry on (literally) is so huge. A great reminder that life comes with ups and downs, but we choose how to handle them!
I truly have been blessed with such a great husband! His support and love continues to amaze me every single day.
Yes, the ups and downs will happen, and it’s up to us to react in our own way!
*huge hugs*
I’m so glad you are choosing joy, sweet friend. This whole post is a great reminder to me. Love you!
Aww, thank you so much Rach! Love you too!!
A good book, a glass of water and a comfy couch. That or I’ll go to the bathroom at work and sit there for a couple minutes 😉 Just to get some time to myself.
Amen to all of the above, Ellie!! Gotta do what ya gotta do at work! 🙂
This week was a WEEK. Ugh. So glad to read this post and hear a fresh perspective 🙂 Hugs and hope you have a relaxing weekend!
I’m sorry you had a tough one, too! I’m glad my post could give you a fresh perspective! Hope you’re off to a great start this week! Thanks for the virtual hugs 🙂
I absolutely LOVED this post! 🙂
(I haven’t posted it yet, but I actually wrote a blog post last week after going through a rough patch myself. As you already know, I’m a huge proponent of living life joyfully and seeing the positive. But for the first time in maybe forever, I couldn’t get myself to smile, because the mommy life had so drained and overwhelmed me. I fought the the feelings of anxiety and failure until God really just reminded me that He created me human. And I am to look to HIM for that joy and strength. It isn’t up to me to carry the weight of the world or to be on top of everything all the time. And He also created me with emotions and needs so it’s okay when I do have to cry and feel all the not-so-happy emotions coming at me).
I found it really interesting that both you and I wrote about different aspects of joy this week! (Well, like I said, mine hasn’t posted yet, but it will be next week. Ha, ha). But still, someone out there needs to be reminded of this message! (Or maybe we wrote these posts for each other). 🙂
Either way, thank you for sharing your heart!! SUCH a great post!
Thank you so much for your comment, Nicole! I loved reading your Breathe posts. They were so encouraging to me! You’re so right that it isn’t up to us to carry the weight of the world and do everything 24/7!
Such an uplifting post. Great reminder for me right now! Thanks Allie! ❤
Thank you, Kaila! I’m glad it could be a good reminder for you!! Hope all is well 🙂
Beautiful post, friend! Having a hubby to cry on is a wonderful thing indeed.
Thanks, Christina! I totally agree with you on the whole having a husband to cry on thing!! It is very wonderful!