Why I Don't Rest and Blogaholics Anonymous

Sunday morning and I'm home while everyone else is at church. Home for the second day straight. Trying to heal a torn tendon in my ankle.

Why is it that the only time I really feel like it's OK to rest is when I'm sick? 

I grew up with a strong work ethic. I grew up believing that rest was what you did when you finished all your work. Rest was a reward for a job well done.

Problem is, with a family of six, the work is NEVER finished. I can't even imagine what this means for moms with families bigger than mine.

I think I need a paradigm shift. I think that rest needs to become part of the natural rhythm of my life, even when there are a thousand things still screaming to be done. I doubt the change will come easily for me. It's really hard to change something you've believed all your life. You know what they say about teaching an old dog new tricks.

The good news is that since I've slowed down a little week, there's been more time for reading, so I have lots of good links to share today.

Time for this week's Blogaholics Anonymous. You know the drill. 

I'm a blog addict, an information junkie. I read decorating blogs, home organization blogs, adoption blogs, political blogs - anything that makes me learn or think or laugh or grow. Here's a smattering of posts I've enjoyed lately. Disclaimer: By posting these links, I'm not saying I endorse all the views expressed; but I am saying they made me think. 

He's Alive - A birthday celebration for a child who will never know his actual birth date

Adopting a Young Teen - Amy Eldridge of Love Without Boundaries shares insights on young teens who are about to age out of China's adoption program.

I've started telling my daughters I'm beautiful - Why it's important for moms to celebrate our own beauty in front of our daughters. This one was a wake-up call for me.

the secret behind a schedule that actually works - This sounds like a secret I need!

Tyler of 16 and Pregnant tells FMF Off - Hold on to your hats for some serious back and forth about the effects of adoption on adoptees and birth parents.

The "Ah-ha" Moment - I wish I did not have to link to this post. Brian Stuy reports on serious allegations of fraud in older child adoptions from China.

Also, don't forget to check out all the great posts at this week's Paint Me a Picture linky party. There's still time to link up one of your own posts.