Addicted to Busy

Originally written by Shannon Carroll in December 2020

I’m in recovery. I’m a recovering addict… I’ve spent my whole life being truly addicted to busy, to perfectionism, to productivity and responsibility, to workaholism, lists and stress.

It’s a problem and it’s finally caught up with me. Vertigo, hormone rollercoasters, soul-exhaustion, burnout, migraines, a quick temper and emotional intolerance for most all of life has landed me in the time-out chair. And not just for 15 minutes…. but weeks, months.

This is a hard spot to be in – forced rest doesn’t come natural or easy for those of us who derive our identity and dopamine hits from crossing off everything from the never-ending to-do list. I’ve fought this season… until I realized God wasn’t letting up. And I’ve learned it’s best to surrender and listen to Him instead of forcing my own way. 😉

Every signal, every sign, every word coming at me right now is REST, be still, trust, Sabbath, stop, just be. So I’m learning to embrace it. To lean into the refueling and refreshing from the Spirit. To relearn to listen and be present in His presence. To relate my humble story of the capable becoming incapable to the timeless story of the Divine Capable One entering human limitations and frailty as a tiny babe, dependent, sleepy, needy. One Who modeled rest and stillness in his adult life… and Who proved that His Enough was my enough – His ability made the difference for my inability. He closed the gap that my greatest attempts to produce could never provide.

Here I sit on a Wednesday afternoon – cozying up to the Eternal in the sacred stillness, taking His yoke upon me and learning how to find rest for my soul. I’m finding that His burden is truly light and He can fill my soul weariness like nothing or no one else can, not even a tidy and crossed-off to-do list.

Truly, rest is beautiful. And transformative. And so desperately needed in our chaotic world today. The invitation extends to you too, friend. Learn to rest and you’ll discover the most powerful and life-giving mysteries of our existence. You can be in recovery too.  ❤️ 😘

Read more from One Thing Remains.

Shannon L. Carroll

Throughout her life, Shannon has had a dual love for effective communication and discovering truth. Thousands of families across hundreds of platforms – both in person and online – have heard her teach about practical wellness tips and inspirational lessons from God’s Word. She’s passionate about helping women (& fellow pastor’s wives!) be well in mind, body and spirit. She assists her audiences in learning how they can live: nourished & restored, healed & whole, while being grounded in Truth.

Addicted to Busy

Originally written by Shannon Carroll in December 2020

I’m in recovery. I’m a recovering addict… I’ve spent my whole life being truly addicted to busy, to perfectionism, to productivity and responsibility, to workaholism, lists and stress.

It’s a problem and it’s finally caught up with me. Vertigo, hormone rollercoasters, soul-exhaustion, burnout, migraines, a quick temper and emotional intolerance for most all of life has landed me in the time-out chair. And not just for 15 minutes…. but weeks, months.

This is a hard spot to be in – forced rest doesn’t come natural or easy for those of us who derive our identity and dopamine hits from crossing off everything from the never-ending to-do list. I’ve fought this season… until I realized God wasn’t letting up. And I’ve learned it’s best to surrender and listen to Him instead of forcing my own way. 😉

Every signal, every sign, every word coming at me right now is REST, be still, trust, Sabbath, stop, just be. So I’m learning to embrace it. To lean into the refueling and refreshing from the Spirit. To relearn to listen and be present in His presence. To relate my humble story of the capable becoming incapable to the timeless story of the Divine Capable One entering human limitations and frailty as a tiny babe, dependent, sleepy, needy. One Who modeled rest and stillness in his adult life… and Who proved that His Enough was my enough – His ability made the difference for my inability. He closed the gap that my greatest attempts to produce could never provide.

Here I sit on a Wednesday afternoon – cozying up to the Eternal in the sacred stillness, taking His yoke upon me and learning how to find rest for my soul. I’m finding that His burden is truly light and He can fill my soul weariness like nothing or no one else can, not even a tidy and crossed-off to-do list.

Truly, rest is beautiful. And transformative. And so desperately needed in our chaotic world today. The invitation extends to you too, friend. Learn to rest and you’ll discover the most powerful and life-giving mysteries of our existence. You can be in recovery too.  ❤️ 😘

Read more from One Thing Remains.

Shannon L. Carroll

Throughout her life, Shannon has had a dual love for effective communication and discovering truth. Thousands of families across hundreds of platforms – both in person and online – have heard her teach about practical wellness tips and inspirational lessons from God’s Word. She’s passionate about helping women (& fellow pastor’s wives!) be well in mind, body and spirit. She assists her audiences in learning how they can live: nourished & restored, healed & whole, while being grounded in Truth.