In the past nine years as a mother, I have often teetered at the edge…and fallen into the depths of burn-out. From bouts with depression (postpartum and otherwise)–to placing ridiculously high expectations on myself–to piling too much on my plate, I am quite familiar with the costs of living in survival mode.
I think almost all of us have lived in survival mode at one point or another–but some of us have stayed there too long. There is much to be learned in the hard seasons of our lives, but we were not meant to live a defeated, hollow existence. Circumstances can and do cause us to live in survival mode, but I have found that sometimes (just sometimes!) I am to blame:
- I’ve taken on too many projects because I hate saying no.
- I’ve put everyone else’s needs before my own–neglecting exercise, proper nutrition, sleep, and spiritual growth.
- I’ve let the thought and opinions of others dictate what I do and don’t do, because I’m looking for approval from others.
How about you?
Are you super busy? Are you stressed out? Are you lacking joy in the journey? If you said yes to any of those questions, I highly recommend an excellent book entitled Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by my friend Crystal Paine. When she first told me the concept, I knew it was going to be a message that resonated with so many women. The emails I receive and the moms I talk to are often struggling–looking for purpose and balance–and trying to figure out how to get off the hamster wheel. Unfortunately, many of us don’t know where to begin.
In the book, Crystal outlines nine simple strategies to help you Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. Understanding that we are all in different seasons of our lives, she nevertheless shares principles I believe everyone can use at almost any place in life. Goal-setting, priorities, managing time and money, becoming more self-disciplined, and discovering your purpose and passion in life are all topics she tackles.
When I first started blogging, I made various 30-day challenges, and one of the first ones I did was to write a mom mission statement. I was inspired to do so one day after hanging out with Crystal–she asked me point blank what my goals were with blogging and what my priorities were in general. I hemmed and hawed a little bit and realized I didn’t have anything I could point to specifically. I had a few vague ideas, but I had not written anything down–and I definitely wasn’t moving forward. Up to that point in my life as a mom, I had really been treading water. Just barely surviving.
Thankfully, it has been several years since I was in that *stuck* spot. While I can’t say I don’t still have moments (or days) of just surviving, God is re-creating me and has given me a passion and purpose in life. I want to live it well–and say goodbye to survival mode!
I believe in the message of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode so much, I have purchased three copies to give away to three of you! To enter to win, simply fill out the Giveaway form below. This giveaway runs through Saturday, February 1 at 10 PM CT. Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is limited to US residents only.
Tammy W. says
I am about to begin reading this book tonight. I pre-ordered my copy in December & bought an additional copy for a friend last week. I really wanted to purchase an additional book to give away to another friend, but I just can’t keep doing that right now. If I win, it will enable me to share this book w/ others. I truly believe in her tips & have used many to simplify my life already. crystal & you are my 2 fave bloggers, btw!
Stacie Nelson says
Thanks so much, Tammy! That is sweet! I love that you are giving them to friends, too. It’s a great message and a needed one for sure!