Are you on autopilot?

Wake up, work, eat, sleep, and repeat. 

So often I find myself in autopilot day in and day out. After too many days in a row I almost feel numb to what I'm doing. Even on my days off it's just checking off my list what didn't get done during the days I was working. Sometimes I catch myself in this cycle of what I like to call being on autopilot. 

The problem with this mode is that is loses all variety and feeling. I forget why I'm doing what I'm doing and tasks become monotonous and the passion and drive is lost. 

Wake up, breathe, work, breathe, eat, breathe, sleep and repeat

Other times I find myself in this routine of tasks, but I take time to appreciate each task and its purpose in my life at that time. I have to cook dinner changes to I get to prepare a nice meal that will allow time for my husband and I to sit and talk for a period of time. When I take a moment to reflect on the meaning behind my actions life becomes less mundane and pressured, and more real and meaningful. When it's hard to find meaning in something like taking out the trash, at least I've taken a moment to acknowledge that it needs to be done and can appreciate the weather as I trek to the garbage bin. 

Wake up, pray, work, pray, eat, pray, sleep and repeat

 After I've acknowledged that I need to breathe throughout that day, I take it a step further to let that breath become a prayer. In taking time to acknowledge God's presence throughout even the mundane tasks of life, I am able to practice a spirit of gratitude. Gratitude grows to joy, which in addition to making my heart happy, touches those around me on a day to day basis. 

So now I've taken a typical Monday morning and transformed my daily tasks as I appreciate the capabilities I have to get these jobs done, acknowledge the people around me, and recognize God's presence in my day. It's amazing how this spirit of thankfulness can help you remember why you do what you do, or how you can make the best of where you are right now. 

Take yourself off autopilot, and let God drive your day.