I Just Stopped…

When did my life begin to change? It’s the question I asked myself the other day as I sipped my coffee. At first, I looked for a specific moment, a memory that could show me the exact point in time I chose to walk a new road that led to a more peaceful life, a more Christ-centered life. But I couldn’t find it. What I did find was an answer though…. My life began to change for the better when I just stopped.

I stopped people-pleasing.

I stopped gossiping.

I stopped fighting other people’s fights.

I stopped stressing over what I can’t control.

I stopped trying to control.

I stopped feeling like an imposter all the time.

I stopped zeroing in on every flaw.

But you’re probably wondering, "But how… how did she stop?" For me… I stopped allowing my feelings to be the driver of my life. I had to learn to take a moment and think logically a little bit more. I had to begin asking myself the questions before my feelings ran wild. Is it my fight? Should I be concerned with that? Why does that bother me? What does God say about that?

Lots and lots of questions!

Somewhere along the way…

I started to set boundaries.

I started to watch my words.

I started to see how short life is.

I started to focus on who Jesus says I am.

I started to shut down conversations that did not uplift another.

I started to embrace peace.

I started to trust God more fully.

I started to find joy in the simple moments.

I started to live with purpose and intention.

I started to feel content with who I am.

I started to focus on the good.

Lovely, I’m not going to sugarcoat it… it’s a long journey but an intentional one. You may not even see the changes for a season, but I promise you will. It’s one step at a time, one decision at a time to make a change… to simply stop and decide what is one thing you want to stop. Write it down, make it your screensaver, find a scripture to stand on.

Here’s the truth of it. There’s so much more I need to let go of and stop doing. It could take a lifetime and still I don’t think I’d conquer it all. But what I’ve found as I look back is that letting go of even one has changed how I feel peace. Because it’s one less thing to hold me.

It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but a gradual shift. By stopping the negative habits and thoughts, I made room for positive change. I let God take the lead, and slowly but surely, my life began to align more with His will and His love.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to stop. Stop and ask yourself the questions that matter. Stop and listen to God’s voice. Stop and let go of the things that weigh you down. Your journey to a more peaceful, Christ-centered life might begin with just one simple step: stopping.

-Little Sparrow Loved.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)