Stop Normalizing Chaos

We live in a world that seems to normalize chaos. Hustle culture, burnout, constant stress, a 24/7 news cycle, doom scrolling and much more but why?

Our productivity seems to be measured by how stressed out we are. It’s almost as if, if we aren’t under constant stress we aren’t working efficiently enough.

Working efficiently doesn’t have to mean working under constant stress. In fact, being under constant stress can actually hinder productivity.

Working smarter not harder is an old saying but it’s a true saying. There’s no reward in burning yourself out.

Burnout can lead to all types of health issues. Issues such as anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal issues, heart attack or even stroke.

Chronic stress can be so detrimental to your well-being.

It’s important to recognize that it’s not okay to normalize chaos. Pouring from an empty cup shouldn’t be glorified.

The answer to not living a chaotic life is self-love. Self-love means prioritizing your well-being. When you prioritize your well-being you stop normalizing chaos.

The bottom line is chaos is unhealthy especially if it’s constant. Short term stress might be necessary in order for you to grow but long term stress can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health.

For instance, what are some chaotic things in your life that you are normalizing?

It could be a relationship. Relationships might be one area of our lives where we normalize chaos. That might be because of the way we were raised or because what is culturally normal.

However, there is so much harm in normalizing chaotic relationships. The only way relationships can truly be successful is with healthy boundaries.

It’s important to value peace, ease, effortlessness instead of constant striving. It’s okay to be ambitious but every single thing in life is about balance.

We can’t be truly successful or happy in life without balance. Constant stress robs us of the daily moments where we can find joy.

Happiness can be found in the simple moments. Drinking a cup of coffee on the porch, listening to music, journaling, praying and speaking with a loved one can all bring joy.

When you’re living in chaos the small simple moments of joy can get overlooked. Before you know it you start rushing through your days and years and you miss all the little moments in between that are so special.

When you look back on your life, do you want to feel like you rushed past all of the moments that were important to you?

Living a slow life these days almost seems like a luxury. The opposite of a chaotic life is a slow life.

There’s this trend online focused on living a “soft life”.

I think even better than a soft life is a slow life.

A slow life isn’t just limited to a slow morning but it’s about milking and enjoying every moment of the day.

A slow morning is great and so is not rushing through marriage and children.

One day you’ll wake up and you’re celebrating your 50th birthday and then your 60th birthday and then your 70th, 80th, and maybe even 90th birthday.

Do you want to rush through every moment of your life? Do you want to spend your life always rushing to achieve your next goal?

Or do you want to live a life where you enjoy even the simplest moments of the day? A conversation with a friend, reading your morning devotional, prayer time, sharing a laugh with a loved one, these can all be moments that you look back on with joy.

A slow life, not a rushed life is a good life. A life filled with laughter, joy and love. When we live in chaos, laughter and joy can all get lost in our day to day responsibilities.

Chaos steals from us. It robs us of our youth, beauty, time and more. Things we can never get back are all stolen from chaos.

What is chaos costing you and how much of your life are you willing to let it steal? What are some ways that you can slow down?

Maybe you can slow down by taking a walk after lunch or reading a book after work.

Whatever you choose to do, take the time to fully enjoy the moment. It’s possible to be content in every situation.

No matter what you are going through there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep the faith.

Sharlene Moulton