Good News: Helpful Insights
Although my role as a pastor and a chaplain often is related to other people’s mental health, I also have to be aware of my own mental health. To be honest, it has not been where I want it.
As I reflected on some of the emotional weight I have felt, I have realized that some (much?) of it was connected to things that I need to get done. I can feel those unfinished projects and tasks hovering over me.
What I would prefer would be to get all those things done and be free of that burden. Except, I know that they would soon be replaced by new projects and tasks.
So what I did instead was to try and take care of at least two things on my list every day. It does not have to be a big thing. It might be that email or text I have been meaning to send. It might be that podcast script I have been meaning to write.
While I still have numerous stressful situations going on in my life, I have noticed that this has made a big difference. Not only does it relieve some of the pressure, but the success on one of the days gives me the motivation to accomplish my goals on the next day.
There are plenty of things left on my ‘to do’ list but they are getting done. Before I had all these things to do and I felt overwhelmed and so I didn’t do any of it. Now things are getting done.
But this is not about increasing productivity, it is about making me feel better. I have more energy, I am in a better mood, and I am motivated to do both the things that I enjoy and those I enjoy a bit less.
This is Good News.
