Sneaky Stress, Party Planning and the power of Community
Lesson 1: Sometimes we’re stressed without knowing we’re stressed
Stress is sneaky.
There have been many times stress walked with me and I had no idea. I chalked it up to fatigue, an upset stomach or a drained social battery. The reality of the situation only became clear after the fact. Stress had come for a visit, and I, the unknowing host, had been reaping the consequences. Just this past week, I noticed my body taking a hit from the mental stress I was experiencing.
The mind to body connection is powerful and should never be underestimated.
Lesson 2: Despite the nerves, plan the party
Since moving, my 18 years of repressed sociableness is taking a stand and demanding attention. I’m unaware of the reasoning or cause for the uproar, all I know is, I feel an extreme desire to be social. A very uncharacteristic emotion for me in recent years.
A few weeks ago I had the bright idea to plan a Christmas party for some of the young couples from our church. Backstory for you, I have lots of ideas (like ALOT, all the time, everyday), but I don’t follow through with them all (thank goodness). That being said, there was a 50/50 chance the party wouldn’t actually happen. Remaining a fleeting idea in my mind, pushed aside and soon forgotten. Surprisingly though, after talking it through with my husband, we decided to move forward with the idea and plan a party.
I wish I could say I went forth with confidence from that moment forward, but that would be a lie. Nerves and stress definitely occurred during the planning process. Those were then followed up with some after party doubts and second guessing. Really, at the end of the day, my stress was caused by my worry of failure. Failing my goal of creating a space for people to have fun, create new friends and build community.
Despite being nervous about the outcome, I'm truly glad we planned the party. Smiles were shared, laughter was present and it was a delightful gathering with everyone.
Lesson 3: The Power of Community
The significance of community has been on my mind a lot recently. I’m not sure if that’s because of the holidays, and the gatherings that come with that, or the impact of making friends in our new home has had on us. Honestly, it’s probably a mix of both, mixed with some other happenings of life.
I’m not sure what I’m trying to say with this lesson and I feel I’m still in the middle of learning it, but I wanted to express my gratitude for the communities surrounding me. My chest is bursting with a full heart. Over the past year, I’ve begun to truly notice the strength, happiness, power and impact a group of people can have on someone. Personally, this past year, I’ve been supported, invited, welcomed, loved, celebrated, inspired, and wept with so many people.
The fullest moments of my life all involve people. It’s when I’m with others that I feel most full. I understand that I, myself, am whole, but others elevate me, and bring a new level of happiness to my life.
Moral of the story: Community is powerful. Community comes in many forms and looks different for everyone. I’m very grateful for mine. Shoutout to everyone who’s touched my heart, I sincerely thank you.
Gratitude:
Car ides with the family: As children, these were some of my fondest memories (minus fighting over the ac temp…). We would talk, hardcore jam out and fill the car with the deepest laughs. To this day, a good car ride with family and friends is one of the highlights of my life. There’s much to learn from one another when sitting in a confined space or hours on end.
Simplicity: I’ve found that simplicity is calming. I hope to live a simple life full of beautiful moments.
Helpful people: We had someone help us with insurance this past week and they were amazing. They took a stressful situation and made it all better. So grateful for their willingness to help!
Family Gatherings: I’ve been blessed with a wonderful immediate family as well as extended. I love gathering with my relatives! I love chatting with them, laughing, catching up and whatever other mischief we get in too.
Questions:
What brings peace into my life?
What drives peace away?
What even is peace?
How do I achieve peace?
- The Butterfly Enthusiast
