The Hands Free Revolution

I'm embarking on a new journey. This will be a life-long journey, but the rewards will be felt instantly. After all, that's what our society is about, right? Instant gratification. Instant results. 

We want it now; no, in fact, we want it yesterday.

Recently, two things have come across my radar. First, this video appeared, ironically, in my FaceBook news feed. Go watch it. No really, I'll wait...go watch it and come back a changed person.

Secondly, Rachel Macy Stafford's post, "The Day I Stopped Saying 'Hurry Up'" has had an impact on me. You see, I have a sweet boy who is a 'stop and smell the roses' kinda guy. My daughter, while she enjoys the smelling of the roses, she more wants to please me, therefore, she has stepped right in line with my expectations of 'get-it-done-now-so-we-can-hurry-up-and-move-onto-the-next-thing' mentality. 

Let me share something with you, friends. I'm tired. I mean, I'm really tired. Tired of trying to be involved in everything and tired of trying to be everything to everyone else, while my kids get less than the best from me. 

Before you get all high and mighty on me, let me share with you that my kids come first in my decision making. Which is where the lines get blurred. Because is it best for them that they be involved in every activity that comes their way? Or is it best for them to have a mom that is able to sit and appreciate them because we aren't running out the door to the next play/practice/rehearsal/activity/event/program there is?

I know what the Bible tells me. I know what God has been pressing into my heart. I know what my gut-wrenching, overbooked-calendar, stressed-out, tightly-wound, body is telling me. That we need to  s   l   o   w   d   o   w   n.

So, today, I'm taking the 'Hands Free Pledge' to be more present with my children. (I'm taking this from Rachel Macy Stafford's book "Hands Free Mama.") 

          The Hands Free Pledge 

     I'm becoming Hands Free.
     I want to make memories, not to-do lists.
     I want to feel the squeeze of my child's arms, not the pressure of overcommitment.
     I want to get lost in conversation with the people I love, not consumed by a sea of unimportant emails.
     I want to be overwhelmed by sunsets that give me hope, not by overloaded agendas that steal my joy.
     I want the noise of my life to be a mixture of laughter and gratitude, not the intrusive buzz of cell phones and text messages.
     I'm letting go of distraction, disconnection, and perfection to live a life that simply, so very simply, consists of what really matters.
     I'm becoming Hands Free. 


Won't you join me?

Share with me in the comments your thoughts on how we can make positive changes to put the phones down, close the screens, and really connect with people.