The Little Moments Where the Mind Wanders
While my kids are little, I have two things. No time, and lots of time. No time to have a 40 hour work week. No time to go back to school. But plenty of time to play trains with Andrew. Plenty of time to fold laundry (okay maybe not). Lots of time to throw together snacks and meals. And a lot of time to let the mind wander.
Those little moments where my mind wanders… When I am folding laundry, doing my hair, washing some dishes… anything more tedious… That’s usually when I have the hardest time with my thoughts. That’s when I find myself allowing memories (not usually the best ones) from my past to pop up, or thoughts about a relationship from the past that never saw closure. Sometimes I can be overly inward focused, fighting critical thoughts about how I am doing with motherhood, work, or serving others.
“I’m just trying to straighten my hair! Why do I have to think about THAT!?” Fatigued by frustration, I battle with my mind again.
So. I had an idea. And I am going to share it with you.
I was recently gently reminded the little years are a season. Seasons do come to an end - whether we want them to or not! While I am not in a hurry for my kids to grow up ('cause they are just so darn cute at this stage), I do look forward to the days when they are a little more self sufficient and our schedule will allow a little bit more autonomy for us all.
Instead of using the little moments where the mind wanders to constantly be in a battle with your thoughts, what if that mental energy is spent on something good? What could that be?
Well, here is one suggestion that I am currently exploring: to educate or prep for whatever that next season may be.
I have been desiring to grow in my website design creativity, yet often lack uninterrupted blocks of time to truly focus. I have found that just putting on a podcast about Squarespace design has been such a wonderful shift in filling those short bursts of time while working on packing lunches or washing dishes. Instead of fighting with my pesky thoughts, my mind is engaged in growing, learning, and enjoying something truly interesting or inspiring.
So, if you’re a mama to littles or simply someone else who struggles to keep that mind of yours from wandering, what could you fill that time with?
— A podcast about health, gardening, homeschooling, fitness, interior design, or nutrition
— An audiobook (fiction or non!)
— Prayer for your kids, husband, friends, or church
— Scripture (so many great apps to listen when you can’t find time to read)
— Express gratitude for what you have and thank the Lord
— A course about an interest you have or want to pursue when some time is freed up
— Sermons that you missed or that were recommended from a good friend
— Theologically rich worship music that deepens your faith
There are plenty of ways to engage your mind, we don’t have to be hostages to where our mind goes.
Let’s not forget that being still is also a good thing - even enjoying the quiet of folding a basket of laundry, ensuring to not fill every moment of our life with constant noise. But I am also all for filling our minds with what is good and uplifting, and getting sweet reprieve from intrusive thoughts.
Next time you’re doing something where your mind wanders, where will you let it go?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
One final note - if you are someone who greatly struggles with your thoughts and it’s getting in the way of your daily responsibilities, I would recommend seeking professional help or talking to your pastor. We aren’t meant to walk through life alone - you are not alone. Jesus tells us He is here to carry our burdens and that we can cast all of our cares onto him. He sees how you wrestle internally and is there for you. Run to the Father. He’s there. 🖤
