How to Find Your Road to Clarity and Peace – Part 1

Moms often suffer with what I call Myopic Paralysis (MP).  MP is not an official medical or psychological term, but it has the official sound that the condition merits. We moms tend to believe we have more to think about and more to do than we have the ability to accomplish in the hours given to us each day. The result of this belief is MP.

Short-sighted

The word myopic refers to the ability to clearly see only what is close to the eyes. It denotes an inability to back away and see the big picture. Myopic indicates a short-sighted perspective hindering the ability to look ahead, a powerlessness to make plans or establish routines that will eventually affect your family’s everyday life in a positive way.  A lack of creativity and a narrow-minded view of how to make changes are also symptoms of MP.

Immobile

Paralysis applies to being stuck in the demands of daily responsibilities and the tyranny of the urgent. Immobilized, the mom suffering with myopic paralysis is swept along by the deluge of everyday tasks that are natural to parenting.

As a mom who once suffered from this condition, I want to assure you that there is a cure! Carefully apply the following mental rehabilitation strategy for clarity of vision and for relief:

• Establish a basic daily routine for yourself and your children.
• Pursue peace in your schedule.
• “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”*

The strategy works beautifully if done in order. It can work out of order, but you will find that each point flows right into the next when fleshed out as I have listed them. You may scoff at the simplicity of this strategy, but you will be amazed at how profoundly it works. Don’t succumb to the temptation to blow it off. If you are suffering with myopic paralysis, start your rehabilitation today.

Overview of Strategy

The three bullet points above are based on establishing habits.

1. Routines are habits that can enhance your home life or hinder it. A basic routine is a track upon which your day can run in a healthy and enriching way. 
2. Pursuing peace begins with a healthy routine, which may call for an evaluation of what fills your days. Keep track of how time is spent at home and outside your home, and you will discover what hinders peace in your schedule. Establishing a healthy balance to your daily schedule will encourage inner peace.
3. Eliminating hurry from your life does NOT mean activity and busyness should be eliminated, but rather that you should become aware of pre-occupation, the inability to be fully present, and other evidence of a hurried soul. Peace of heart comes with a less stressed inner life and an understanding of how to build healthy relationships within the family.

I believe so profoundly in this strategy I am writing a post dedicated to each point.

In the meantime:

• Take note of what your routines are now. Are they intentionally set by you, or are they a reaction to your immediate circumstances?
• Consider your schedule. Does it give you and your children a healthy space for just being?
• Make an assessment of the condition of the inner you. Are you at peace or inwardly stressed and hurried?

The road to clarity and peace in your home begins with you. Let’s work together to make it happen!

*Quotation by Dallas Willard