Meant to Thrive {semi-hiatus explanation}

Hi everyone! Looks like I won’t be posting much except required scheduled posts (e.g. blog tours/etc. I agreed to do ahead of time).

In July and early August, I’ll be posting every Saturday to update you on the Kees & Colliers blog tour, but otherwise, this will probably be a very lean summer.

And here’s a brief explanation in this post. So here goes.

How am I? Some days are better than others. I think that’s just human life in a nutshell!

Lately the balance between good days and bad days has seemed a bit screwed to me. I feel like I have a lot of bad days, like even my good days are pretty lowkey, and like I don’t want to be living in this awfulness.

I’m not a fan of living halfway, I don’t like waiting, and I would rather be hot or cold, alive or dead. I’m not an in-between kinda girl, and yet a lot of my life seems either in-between if it’s not cold/dead.

The goal is to be hot (figuratively and not in the “attractive” way though hey, that too–) and alive. That’s what we all want! (See one of the coolest songs ever.)

To quote “Thrive” by Casting Crowns:

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

When you aren’t thriving, you need to work toward it.

Like I said, I’m not mediocre girl. I want to be all in or not in at all. In my day-to-day life, I’ll often choose not to do something if I can’t be the best.

Is that realistic? No. Can I keep living like that? Nope. But what does that have to do with anything?

Well, I honestly don’t want to just live – I want to keep pushing through or drop everything. It’s not good for me to do either right now.

So I’m lightening my load and telling myself to not be AS amazing but to be KINDA amazing. (Not that I’m not always amazing, but you know.)

Can you thrive even when you’re feeling bad or mediocre?

Sure! It’s about attitude not circumstance. You can be joyful even when you’re not happy or content.

Thriving is not about what’s happening around you but rather your attitude on the inside. 

One of my favorite lines from the chorus of “Thrive” is:

Just to know You and

To make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide

Joy and thriveation (… it’s a word) needs to be based on God not on us. I mean, if I’m coming up with my own happiness, it kinda sucks. But God offers real joy.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

That’s a command, and God has never commanded anyone to do something impossible. He knows our human limits … and still He tells us to rejoice in Him.

Happiness is not always possible. Joy is. Thriveation is.

How?

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

John 16:24 (NIV)

I’m no expert on the subject as of yet, but a reliable source (e.g. the Bible) tells me that God will give me joy.

So what conclusion have I arrived at?

I need to give myself a little slack. I can be on fire for God even if my life isn’t perfect, even if I’m taking a hiatus, even if I feel depressed.

God’s goodness and power isn’t dependent on anything. It stands on its own.

So yes, I’m trying to cut back on things. After I’m finished with projects I’m devoted to, I’m not taking new ones. But I am keeping on keeping on with writing, etc.

I am struggling with patience – I’m rarely patient with myself, and I hate the fact that I have to be “mediocre” in my life as I learn not to be. But see, I don’t have to be mediocre as a person, and that’s perfectly all right!

Soooo … that’s it! I’ll be back full-force eventually, but if I’m slow to respond or whatever, that’s why!

TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

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p.s.

Wellllllll … okay. That was kinda random. Did it make sense? What are your thoughts on happiness vs. joy? Do you agree that joy can be attained? And when do you think it’s important to take a break?