Have you ever really looked at what your striving for? Is it a big dream? Is it to be a better version of you? Those are all worth striving for, am I right?
But what if along the way you become a slave to striving? Yes, it happens. And if fact, that’s where we’ve been the last 4 months. Guilty. … x 10
Push Push, go go, work work, etc. etc.
Get the picture?
Striving to get “ahead” financially, physically, and mentally left us feeling quite opposite.
Burnt out, depleted, and I hate to say it… bitter. Our lives, our marriage.. they weren’t thriving, they were surviving, and barely.
Striving shouldn’t own us. Striving shouldn’t break us. Striving shouldn’t make us LESS of who we want to become.
It’s time to give striving a rest and replace it with THRIVING; in our relationships, in the way we live, in the way we think!
And so i write this today to keep it real. To take a LIFE inventory. To “check in.” To THINK OUT LOUD.
We Cotters are making changes. And it all begins within. Besides, big dreams start from the heart and grow from there.
2015 has big plans. Trusting God’s plans. Doing LESS to BECOME MORE.
I saw a question from THIS devotional and just had to restate it here below… because it’s needed.
“Are you striving to meet unrealistic expectations and then stressed because of them?” –> let’s change that.
Cheers,
LC
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p.s.
You’ll be seeing a lot more of my original “sherpa wife” recipes and nutrition talk over the next few months, and even more Healthy Bites! Hope you’re hungry!
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Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
October 30, 2014 at 8:47 AMYou are always great at nailing some of my worst head games with myself! I’m always striving for more, better, sometimes for something I’m not even sure of, and I can be impatient and anxious. It’s a lifelong struggle. And you are completely right – what’s the point in doing this if it’s breaking us? I think sometimes it’s hard to recognize the point where it starts to become harmful.
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
October 30, 2014 at 8:58 AMLove you friend and always love your inspiring words at just the right time!
Chris says
October 30, 2014 at 9:00 AMYup. I place a lot of emphasis on things that, at best, I’ll be just average at. Life is full of about 38254714 different colors and when I try to paint with just one or two, it isn’t nearly as vibrant and as good as it could be. Thanks for the reminder.
LCCotter says
October 30, 2014 at 1:55 PMnow that’s a good analogy! you make me think
Chris says
October 30, 2014 at 3:31 PMGood. I like to stimulate your… Mind.
Skye says
October 30, 2014 at 9:03 AMI *always* overestimate my capacity, and often push the wrong things to the bottom of the list. Thanks for the reminder to take a step back!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
October 30, 2014 at 9:04 AMI think that the best quality of many athletes is the need to continue to step forward, to strive (sic) for the next and the best. And it is also our worst quality. Finding the balance is, in my mind, the greatest goal to strive for!
Beth says
October 30, 2014 at 9:07 AMWill be thinking about and praying for you two! 🙂
Ruthie@She'sWickedHealthy says
October 30, 2014 at 9:09 AMThanks for such an honest and REAL post – it was exactly what I needed to hear today. I am breathing big sighs of relief over here. I know that throughout your journey you will continue to THRIVE and help others do so in the process. XO
Marcia says
October 30, 2014 at 9:17 AMGreat food for thought here! Excited for the new pathway you two will take together. : )
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
October 30, 2014 at 9:18 AMYou hit the nail on the head gf. Taking a step back is one of the hardest things but what we ALL need to do sometimes (myself included)! Also, cheers to more Healthy Bites! I’m always hungry.
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
October 30, 2014 at 9:21 AMLove this! I’ve been doing all this and there is nothing to show for it except maybe a new wrinkle. Sigh. Yes I’m with you, change needs to happen. Thanks for being so honest here 😉 have a wonderful day. I’m going to go reflect on the changes I need to go forward in a better fashion.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
October 30, 2014 at 9:25 AMThis has been a struggle for me in so many ways, but it’s very apparent when I am working full time. I try so hard to fit everything in and I get so mad when all my “must-haves” are not in line. Right now, my must-haves seem to be: being prepared for work (outfit prepped, lunch packed), healthy eating, working out/fitness in general, blogging, and personal time with my husband or working on stuff like reading, etc. I want it all all the time, but with a lack of time or just being tired, it’s impossible!
I love all the quotes you used through this post. Thanks!
Missy says
October 30, 2014 at 9:38 AMOOOh this is so good, Linds.
Love the strive —-> thrive ideal.
Joyce Meyer talks a lot about enjoying where you are on the way to where you’re going/where you want to go <– and making sure that where you want to go aligns with the plans God has for you AND she talks a lot about taking care of what you already have rather than striving for more.
All of which I am working on — I am so eager for what comes next! but I cant skip the journey to get there.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
October 30, 2014 at 9:51 AMAre you a mind reader? I swear sometimes you know exactly what what I’m thinking. I’ve gotten bad at estimating how much I can. I don’t know when it happened either. Been trying to figure it out forever.
kristin @ W [H] A T C H says
October 30, 2014 at 10:16 AMstriving vs. thriving. love it.
Fancy Nancy says
October 30, 2014 at 10:51 AMYou have no idea how much I needed this word today!! This is resonating with what our family is struggling with lately with my husband’s job…continually striving but wanting so desperately to just be still and thrive!
Krysten says
October 30, 2014 at 10:55 AMI can relate to this so much. This is exactly how I felt this Spring. I definitely needed to take a step back and re-evaluate things. It is still a work in progress but I think I made some good decisions. Sending you hugs!!
Kim K. says
October 30, 2014 at 10:59 AMhugs to you and KC! sometimes i have to remind myself that i can’t control the uncontrollable. xoxo
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
October 30, 2014 at 11:16 AMBless you Lindsay, you really do know how to inspire us all!
Here’s to change, here’s to thriving! 🙂
Heather @ FITaspire says
October 30, 2014 at 11:20 AMGreat thoughts for this Thursday, I lean toward striving so easily, need to rest in what we have!
Mariah J says
October 30, 2014 at 11:58 AMThanks for this Lindsay! We are going through the same thing over here and it’s time to quit the striving and start thriving. You are always such an inspiration!
Ps. Can’t wait for more “sherpawife” posts….they are so helpful and have helped me fuel, heal, recover, and continue to support my hubby and his training! (And mine too of course!) keep them coming hon! 🙂
Dietitian Jess says
October 30, 2014 at 12:34 PMLove your sincerity here… I definitely can relate, I think probably everyone can, thanks for sharing some inspiration 🙂
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
October 30, 2014 at 1:01 PMReally good thoughts, here, Lindsay. I love how you are able to take an honest look at yourself, reevaluate, and move on in a positive way.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
October 30, 2014 at 2:38 PMI have been on this SAME train lately!!! I just pinned a thing that says “Once she stopped rushing through life she was amazed at how much life she had time for.”
xo Brother.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
October 30, 2014 at 2:50 PMThis. I wrote a whole post yesterday on overcoming perfectionism which I think is similar to figuring out what we are striving for. It can be so hard to get wrapped up in a cycle of DOING when we should focus more on BEING. Thanks for a great post!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
October 30, 2014 at 3:14 PMSuch great food for thought!
Kim says
October 30, 2014 at 3:17 PMJust this morning I was thinking along these lines – I used to look forward to each day (at least most of them:) but lately I find myself not really excited about the new day – too much!!!
Kierston says
October 30, 2014 at 3:37 PMWe are on the same page today. Always striving for more doesn’t always lead to a ‘clearer’ path. Often times, we need to slow down in order for the path to clear so that we can see more clearly.
Now how many times did I use the word clear in my comment? 😛
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
October 30, 2014 at 3:48 PMI can very much relate to this right now. This month in particular has felt SUPER hectic to me, and now I just feel kind of drained and full of nervous energy instead of excited energy… ya know? I’m so happy that October is almost over so that I can take a little time and realign my goals for November. Just keep breathing… just keep breathing…
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy says
October 30, 2014 at 3:53 PMI admit, I do put too much pressure on myself to stay on top of my game in Everything, and as soon as everyone catches up with me i feel like I need to stay one step ahead so that I don’t fall behind.
LCCotter says
October 30, 2014 at 6:59 PMoh yes, i so get that.
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
October 30, 2014 at 4:11 PMLove love love this post! I think so often we just push push push and do so much striving that you need to stop and remind yourself to slow down and enjoy life. It is not all about meeting goals but taking the time to stop and smell the roses. Looking forward to more of your recipes for sure.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
October 30, 2014 at 4:29 PMOh yes. You know that this speaks to me so loudly!! Striving to do way too much. The funny thing is that I haven’t been as “busy” these past two weeks yet I strive to fill 110% of my time! It’s ridiculous. Love you and this message. xox
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
October 30, 2014 at 4:33 PMLove you! Praying for you Cotters as you seek God’s wisdom and direction. xo
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
October 30, 2014 at 5:51 PMGreat reminder Lindsay. I am definitely guilty. It’s really hard to feel content when you dream of more. Part of what my fiance and I are struggling with is living here in Malaysia. Professionally, it’s better for both of us. Financially, much better. But when we spend time in Aus or America with our families, we feel like we are wasting our lives- missing out on things that really matter maybe a little more than work and money.
Purelytwins says
October 30, 2014 at 7:26 PMOMG love that last quote, we will admit we have done that. And sometimes catching ourselves doing it again, but having Madison has helped us A LOT to slow down, work less and live right now!!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
October 30, 2014 at 7:30 PMYes, we are all so go go go.
Cannot wait to see what you have in store.
Tara Newman says
October 30, 2014 at 7:59 PMStriving > Surviving > Thriving. Such great awareness here. Always here to encourage you to rest, follow your heart and pursue your passions.
Sandra Laflamme says
October 30, 2014 at 9:25 PMI always overdo it. It is hard not to. But less definitely is more. This is a great post and has me thinking about my goals for next year! Thanks!
Megan (the Lyons' Share) says
October 30, 2014 at 9:39 PMI am the queen of striving… Even when it’s to my detriment. It’s almost as if striving is my ” comfort zone” (even if I’m striving for something outside of my comfort zone, or if that striving is making me uncomfortable, it’s still too “scary” to let myself not strive for something). You know how much I admire you, respect you, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2015! <3
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
October 30, 2014 at 11:56 PMOh my goodness, Lindsay, I DEFINITELY needed this in my life right now. Especially if you read my latest blog post…haha. Yes yes yes to striving less and thriving more! Time to enjoy life and it’s journeys.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
October 31, 2014 at 2:49 AMYES. As always, hitting the nail on the head. Big love buddy!
Brooke says
October 31, 2014 at 6:56 AMSO good. (And that devotion that you linked to was so me!) It’s hard when you feel like you’re striving for good things to know when/how to stop and what to give up! But maybe we aren’t created to strive, but to pray for wisdom, to listen, and to obey. Woah, waaaay easier said than done! Praying for you, friend (and for me)!
And I seriously need to get “The Best Yes”. I’ve seen quotes everywhere and they all resonate with me!
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise says
October 31, 2014 at 8:18 AMI love this post! I am totally guilty of this–I spend so much time working and striving that I forget to relax and enjoy the ride. Thanks so much for the reminder to thrive!
Jenny Kanevsky says
October 31, 2014 at 9:55 AMTotally nailed it. balance. It’s all about balance.
LCCotter says
November 1, 2014 at 7:54 AMand always working on that… sigh. tis life though!
Holly says
October 31, 2014 at 11:56 AMRealizing we are free because of God shifts the perspective of all we do from overwhelming to manageable. Thank you for sharing the devotional!
LCCotter says
November 1, 2014 at 7:59 AMwow, so true. Love that!
jobo says
October 31, 2014 at 12:06 PMLOVE this so, friend. Striving is excellent, but when it takes over, it no longer is. I am so excited for your 2015 plans. It is going to be your best year, I can feel it xoxo
LCCotter says
November 1, 2014 at 7:54 AMthank you for always being there. xxoo
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
October 31, 2014 at 1:18 PMAre you secretly a 152 year-old who has found the fountain of youth? You’re seriously wise beyond your years woman! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. I love that Joyce quote. So true!
LCCotter says
October 31, 2014 at 1:55 PMI am! how did you know? JK! thank you friend
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
October 31, 2014 at 5:52 PMWow, Lindsay! You hit the nail on the head with this one. There are many ways to say it, but striving is truly a clear way to put it. I’m SO guilty of this. Thanks for the reminder to stop and look around for a minute. And with that, Happy weekend to you!
LCCotter says
November 1, 2014 at 7:58 AMi think we are guilty from time to time. Good to support each other through it, yes?
Jody - Fit at 56 says
October 31, 2014 at 7:36 PMSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO get this! I really do. Honestly, still do.. BUT I know you are working towards making the right decisions for you & if I can help, please let me know!!! HUGE HUGS!!!!
LCCotter says
November 1, 2014 at 7:59 AMyou already do enough for me. <3
Lauren says
October 31, 2014 at 8:43 PMI needed this sunshine so thank you very much. Very much know what you mean at the moment. I am taking a break and slowing down so that I can thrive again 🙂
Here is to thriving in our lives 🙂 xx
LCCotter says
November 1, 2014 at 7:53 AMalways here for you! i know transitions can be hard. xxoo
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
November 1, 2014 at 7:37 AMI think we set crazy unrealistic expectations for ourselves and then get upset when we can’t meet them. Frustrated, we set more unrealistic goals and the cycle continues.
For me, with my lists, I recognize I can’t accomplish everything I write down, at least not in a single day, and I also don’t beat myself up when things don’t get done. In fact, learning to adjust and manage our expectations is generally the key to not being upset when things don’t go as planned.
Love this post. Can’t wait to see you thrive. Bring on the healthy bites and the recipes. 🙂
Annie Heiss says
November 2, 2014 at 10:58 AMNeeded this post on this rainy weekend morning 🙂 Thanks, Lindsay!
Danica @ It's Progression says
November 2, 2014 at 11:04 AMI love that question at the end…I’m so guilty of that! I set these ridiculous expectations for myself, for no good reason, and then get so frustrated when I don’t meet them – what a silly cycle…I’m slowly but surely learning to love who I am in this moment and to be in constant communication with the Lord about where to be.
Lauren says
November 2, 2014 at 7:37 PMYES! Best thing I’ve read in a while & always the best reminder for me…as a ‘recovering’ perfectionist + goal-oriented person. This year has been quite the journey for that. Of course I have goals with my new business (& blog), but most importantly, I need to create a business/blog/life that makes me feel open, vibrant, connected, etc. so I don’t feel burnt out. I don’t want to grow a business that lives me with no LIFE outside of it. Your question is great at the end…another reminder for me is to allow myself to live from the HEART rather than my head/ego.
LCCotter says
November 2, 2014 at 9:22 PMi totally get that lauren! keep THRIVING and living first
Abby says
November 2, 2014 at 10:19 PMAw- glad you guys are thriving and trusting in plans for 2015. I think we are all guilty of letting whatever it is we’re striving for take control. I don’t think we are all good at letting that go sometimes and refocusing.
Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Anna says
November 6, 2014 at 2:43 PMThis is such a great, intelligent post, and an important reminder. I’ll definitely be taking your advice. Thanks!