Natalie Notes

“Don’t let perfection get in the way of good.” I’ve heard that phrase a lot lately, and I still struggled to post because this episode didn’t feel perfect. People kept asking when the next one was coming, and I didn’t know what to say, because I was waiting on an answer. But maybe the point wasn’t the answer. Maybe it was what I learned while waiting for it.

Your waiting season might be one of pain, redirection, silence, or heartache. But there’s a lesson in all of it, and a season like this is meant to be stewarded.

So what are you going to do while you wait?

Because the waiting is never wasted. 

Pressure is a privilege (and it is required to make diamonds)  … but you shouldn’t stay pressed.

When pressure hits you, you might be impacted in many ways. Whether it’s preparing for a big deadline, a performance, an exam, or trying to hold together a relationship that isn’t putting in effort. Pressure can reveal what we have rooted our identity in—but it does not get to define us.

When your identity is rooted in what is STABLE, you will not waver when your circumstance starts to fluctuate. With this being the first week back at school, I felt the pressure full force. Pressure may be a tool for growth, but it is not where you should remain permanently.

Rest is not a reward. Rest is essential, and can not be earned. My mindset used to be “work now, rest later” but it only led to frustration.

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I had a beautiful transition out of my busy semester and into my summer with InterVarsity (a Christian fellowship community on campus), and through a week-long camp trip, I learned a few things. 

During a silent time on the trip, I was led to read Ecclesiastes 3 which says there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. There is a time for sadness. A time for joy. A time to weep. A time to laugh. A time to build. A time to let go.

And what I took from that is: there is a time to work, but there is also a time to rest.

I realized I was tying my self worth and identity to my productivity. If I am always trying to work now, I will never actually reach rest. I had to ask myself: when do I actually stop long enough to let my mind, body, and spirit recover?

In this episode, we talk about the importance of rest! 

• You do not need to be the most talented, confident, connected, wealthy, or ready person—you need to keep showing up (consistently).

• Motivation gets you started; but it's discipline that keeps you going; consistency changes your life.

  
  

  I can not practice my trumpet intensely for 45 minutes on ONE day and expect to be the best in the band. I need to CONSISTENTLY practice so I can see the growth.

  
  

  What area of your life do you need to add some consistency ?

Hey everyone! This is my first episode where I give an overview of the five f’s that I find to be important in my life (and maybe even yours!)- faith, family, finance, freedom, and fitness.

I will be adding to each of these categories as we go.

Stay tuned for next time!