Hello world!

I have two interesting problems about me (well, actually a lot more, but I am sure we will get to those later).  First – I am horrible at procrastinating.  I mean – I can’t procrastinate. I actually cannot wait for the last minute to do the necessary task. Now that might not sound like a problem, may even sound like a great strength to have, but hang with me here.  My second problem is, I don’t start things well.  It takes me forever to really begin action.

I live in limbo.

(Thankfully my husband is pretty good at limbo, even with his big Adam’s apple!)

The dictionary says that limbo is a state of uncertainty.  Other words associated with limbo include: nothingness, nowhere and even oblivion.  Ugh.  Not a fun place to hang out.  So what am I to do?

Considering as early as 4th grade my inability to procrastinate has been firmly established – my teacher named me “Conscientious Carrie” (funny story about that, but for another time) – it seems the way to change this limbo state of mine is to, borrowing a famous phrase here, “just do it”.

So, this is me, on the last day of school for my kids, the week before VBS (of which I am in charge and creating), our family living in a state of crisis (we will be getting to that later), and just to add fuel to the fire, the first day of a diet to lose some weight, I AM FINALLY STARTING A BLOG!

Joining the Blogging Nation

Why, you may ask?

Off and on over the past 10 years, I’ve had periods of time where my work endeavors called upon me to write – newsletters, posts, curriculum, even dramatic presentations.  I found I always enjoyed the opportunity to express myself in this way.  I loved the challenge, the research and the creative opportunities that came with writing.  Living an unconventional lifestyle, traveling for 13 years, and becoming an adoptive parent and then a bio-parent, after 20 years of marriage and at the age of 42, I have heard so many times – “you should write a book”.  So here I am, writing.  (gotta start somewhere, right?)

What will you share?

Traveling for many years in a theater group, I met my husband.  In fact, we spent the first half of our marriage being actors together.  We’ve always said that he was a good actor because he was a good liar and I was a good actor because I couldn’t lie.  I guess what I am saying is, no matter if I’m sharing about my family, my marriage, my faith, my crafting hobbies, my dinner plans or even my stumbling blocks, you’ll get my honest experience and knowledge in everything I post.

Where does the name “Walking the Content Life” come from?

I am an INFJ, Type 4 on the Enneagram, “Quality Time” is my Love Language, and I am Melancholic by nature.  I like to go deep and can’t see living any other way.  I guess that is why the idea of being “content in all circumstances” intrigues and challenges me.

In the Bible, Paul writes, ” I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4, the Message) 

I can’t help but ask myself, is this true for me?  Do I live the recipe?  Do I rely completely on the One who makes me who I am?  Am I content with who I am?

And you know what, these are the same discoveries I find myself trying to help my pre-teen adopted daughter explore, in the midst of trauma reactions, situations demanding intense safety planning and identity questions.  The constant strategizing, adjusting and detective-like observation necessary to get through a day in our current familiar navigation status is beyond exhausting.  It has been some of the most profound heartbreak I have ever felt.  It has also been the root of my deepest joy.

And that is worth sharing and exploring with others.  With you.

So, what does a “content life” mean to you?