Monday, March 16, 2009

Moratorium

I'm taking a moratorium this week. Not from blogging but from fear, doubt, anxiety and stress.

Actually, my birthday is Sunday and since we aren't buying gifts for each other, I came up with a better way to celebrate.

My husband and I agreed that starting today through Sunday, we wouldn't watch the news on TV. When we do, it only depresses us further. Not fun. I also wanted us to take a mini-vacation in our worries and not talk about our situation except in the positive.

Sounds easy--might not be--but I can't think of a better gift. A week of no worrying and no pressure. A week to focus on enjoying the day and not thinking about the what-ifs. I felt much lighter this morning already.

How about you? Is there something you could declare a moratorium on in your life for a week?

22 comments:

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Happy birthday! Praying you are blessed abundantly on that special day and always!

Wow! We are on the same wave length. I'm not reading the newspaper or watching tv this week. I'm trying to fill my time with enjoying my husband more and filling my life with fun and happy things even if it is just to dream.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Terri, what a wonderful idea! I'll be thinking of you throughout the week.

Barb Davis said...

Come on over to The Serenity Gate. We're starting an Optimisim Club!

M. Bail said...

Happy Birthday! I'm trying to not think about money, which is tough since when you don't have enough of it, it becomes an obsession. I choose to believe I'm having a positive and hopeful outlook rather than sticking my head in the sand! A vacation from worry is a good idea. Those problems will still be there after the vacation and you'll be mentally fresher and better prepared to deal with them again!

M. Bail said...

Hi again Terri - thanks for the comment at my blog. Thankfully I'm not unemployed, and you so have my sympathy. I can totally understand wanting to take a break from that worry. I'd be completely insane. Good luck and I hope something awesome comes your way soon!!!

Melissa Amateis said...

What a great idea, Terri! I need to take a moratorium myself from my ongoing divorce. If I could just separate my mind from it...maybe if I make a concerted effort to really focus on my novel, that will help.

Kasie West said...

I think I'll steal your idea. I want to be stress-free for a week too. And happy birthday, Terri!

Linda Hoye said...

Happy Birthday, Terri! I love the idea of a moratorium on fear and worry. It seems to be a common theme among many of us lately.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Happy Birthday! I think yours a great idea. You're right...too depressing to turn on the tv these days. I sometimes feel this way about the internet. I'm going to try and limit my time here so I can get some writing done.

Also, going to try and take a break from eating snacks at night. I've got to get back on track with my health.

Enjoy your week.

peace~elaine

Kathleen said...

I could issue several such moratoriums, joining Elaine in the evenings without snacks (how does one watch American Idol without popcorn, though?), or from laundry (folding underwear is so-o-o boring!).

I heard something wonderful once: "I couldn't quit, so I had to stop". Worry would definitely head that list for me.

Be blessed with a peaceful moratorium, a precious birthday, and an undeniable touch of His hand.

Kathleen

Beth in NC said...

That is a great idea!!!!

I pray you have a wonderful birthday celebration!

Jody Hedlund said...

Our pastor recently had a sermon about "numbering our days." Ever since then, I've been thinking "what if" today was the last day or tomorrow? Kind of changes the perspective! It narrows down the things to really worry about!

Jinksy said...

A peaceful week sounds like a great birtday prezzie to me! x

LauraLee Shaw said...

Happy happy birthday! I'm working on some self-care, while at the same time trying to make it all about Him. so myself-in-Him-care. After a long, hard few months, I'm in need of some maintenance. Will pray for you, dear Terri.

Jan Cline said...

Blessings on your birthday! I agree with the TV news thing...I dont watch it anymore either! Terri, Im so glad you commented on my blog. Dont cancel your appt. God knows all and prepares the way for us. My sister had neglected the tests and the lumps were too deep to be felt in a regular exam. So many good things have come of her issues, but if she had not gone when she did - she might have missed a part of her life that brought her closer to me and to God. I really like reading your blog - keep posting!
God Bless, Jan

Stonefox said...

Hope you have a great and stress free birthday! It sounds like you've come up with a great plan!

Angie Ledbetter said...

I used to be a news junkie, but lately, I haven't watched/read very much if any lately.

Hope your day is special and wonderful!!

Yolanda said...

Happy BIRTHDAY!

What a great present...no news.

Come to think of it, we haven't had it on either since Friday. Yee haw!

Vickie said...

Great idea Terri and because of that I know you will have an awesome birthday.


Blessings,
Vickie

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Good for you, Terri! I'd say that's one beautiful gift to give yourself!

Happy Birthday -- may it be one of joy and hope for your new year ahead.

"For I know the thoughts of plans I HAVE for you, thoughts for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope!" (Jer 29:11)

You do realize you are the perfect age for the destiny He still has for you!

Jenni James said...

It's a great idea! I LOVE It! I think you guys are gonna have a great week. Sometimes it's nice just to snuggle up on the couch with a movie with my hubby or play a board game just me and him... lol! It doesn't happen often, but it's so nice. I hope you enjoy your week.

Mark and I stopped watching TV once we moved to England 4 1/2 years ago, it was a big step, but i think it has improved our lives immensely--so I know what you mean. Jenni

Sharlyn Guthrie said...

What a great idea, and wonderful birthday gift! Happy birthday, and may your worries melt away during your moratorium!