Another seemingly “crisis” that I instantly wanted to fix—A “What do I do?” scenario with my adult daughter who was making poor choices that I wanted to redirect and control. I say redirect and control, because truthfully that is what I wanted to do. Of course, I have to decide what my boundaries are, because it is my responsibility to decide what I will and won’t do in response to her choices, especially because she still lived at home and I was financially supporting her.

The only problem was that I was panicky, anxious, and intense. My mind was spinning and my thoughts confused. I didn’t have clarity. As I struggled with the feeling that I “had to make a decision to fix the problem,” a different thought surfaced: “Easy Does It, Karla.” I instantly felt relief recognizing that I didn’t have to decide anything until I was ready and that taking it slowly was actually better than making a rash decision that was wrong.

“Easy Does It” is a slogan often heard in Twelve Step Meetings. It means to slow down and take life a little at a time. Don’t try to force solutions. Don’t act in haste. Don’t push too hard. Don’t take on too much. Don’t try to fix everything at once. Don’t take on something you aren’t ready to do. Don’t try to learn too much too fast. Don’t try to apply everything you learn all at once. Instead, go slowly and lightly and let things happen naturally.

What happened with my dilemma? Two days later, I woke up and knew exactly what I needed to do (and it wasn’t what I had wanted to do at first). I had taken the time to step back and get a more balanced view of what was happening; I had run the problem by a person I respect and whose advice I value; I had let my emotions settle so I could react using wisdom; and, I had prayed asking God to guide my thoughts and direct my plans.

By Karla Downing

Relationship Devotional Prayer

 
God,

Help me approach life with an “Easy Does It” attitude so I don’t react in haste and make poor decisions. Help me know that I don’t have to fix everything all at once, including myself and my relationships. Help me relax and trust that everything will work out as it should in the right time and way, according to your will and purpose.

Relationship Devotional Challenge

•  The next time you feel that you “have to do something,” try “Easy Does It” instead.

Scripture Meditation

 
Proverbs 20:25

“It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows” (NIV).