Life today often feels like a relentless race against the clock. The constant hum of notifications, overflowing schedules, and endless to-do lists dominate our days. In a culture that glorifies hustle, being busy has become synonymous with productivity and self-worth. Yet beneath the surface lies a deep exhaustion—a sense of striving but never truly arriving. This unrelenting pace leaves little room for stillness or reflection, pulling us in countless directions and fostering an overwhelming sense of disconnection. 

In this episode of The Live From Rest Podcast, host Steve Smith introduces the idea of ruthlessly eliminating hurry, a principle inspired by the wisdom of Christian philosopher Dallas Willard. Reflecting on his personal journey with what he humorously calls "chronic busyness disorder," Steve shares a relatable perspective on the pressures of modern life. To reclaim control and live with intention, we must first recognize the toll of this cycle and redefine what it means to live a meaningful life. He offers a practical three-point plan to slow down, refocus, and align with what truly matters

This episode is for anyone feeling burdened by the weight of external expectations or the demands of endless to-do lists. Drawing on insights from thought leaders like John Mark Comer and Rick Warren, Steve advocates for the power of daily stillness, weekly Sabbaths, and annual retreats. Gain actionable strategies to counteract busyness, challenge the norms of hustle culture, and provide a roadmap to a life of rest and balance.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Discover practical strategies to slow down and regain focus by embracing daily stillness, weekly Sabbaths, and annual retreats as antidotes to a hurried lifestyle.
2. Gain valuable insights into "chronic busyness disorder" and how recognizing its impact can help you align your life with purpose and peace.
3. Reflect on the transformative wisdom of walking at the “pace of grace,” empowering you to prioritize what truly matters over external demands. 
   
   

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller
• Works by Dallas Willard 
• The Keys Project: Website 

Episode Highlights

Self-Diagnosis and Chronic Busyness Disorder

• Self-diagnosis has become increasingly common in today’s world, with many turning to "Dr. Google" for answers, often leading to confusion and unnecessary worry. 
• From this idea, the term "chronic busyness disorder" is introduced, inspired by Shelly Miller’s book Rhythms of Rest, to describe lives overwhelmed by relentless schedules and constant demands. 
• Symptoms like poor sleep, anxiety, and mood instability highlight the toll of this condition on mental and emotional well-being. 
• Steve shares his own struggles with chronic busyness and uses the podcast as a way to reflect on and navigate his journey toward a more balanced life.

Steve: “Firstly, there is never enough time to do what you need to do. Secondly, there is definitely not enough time to do what you actually want to do.”

Inspiration from Dallas Willard and Personal Experiences

• John Mark Comer’s recounting of Dallas Willard’s advice to "ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life" serves as a profound source of inspiration. 
• Steve once had a family trip to China, where he intended to slow down upon returning to England, only to find himself falling back into old patterns. 
• He reflects on the need to recognize chronic busyness as a condition and considers the possibility that overcoming it may require more than just discipline.
• Drawing a parallel between chronic busyness and addiction, he emphasizes that acknowledging the problem is a crucial first step toward meaningful change.

Three-Point Plan to Break Free from Chronic Busyness

• Steve outlines a three-point plan to break free from chronic busyness: recognizing it as a condition, being internally driven, and taking steps to stop.
• Emphasizes the importance of serious prayer and possibly getting an accountability partner to help address the issue.
• Discusses the difference between being externally driven by others' expectations and being internally driven by God's purpose.
• Highlights Jesus' example of being internally driven and the need to focus on God's purpose rather than potential.

Steve: “Jesus did not fulfill his potential…He didn't do all that he could have done, but he did fulfill his purpose, and that's what we need to be doing.”

Daily, Weekly, and Annual Practices to Avoid Burnout

• Steve introduces a three-point plan to escape chronic busyness: recognizing it as a condition, being internally driven, and taking intentional steps to stop. 

Steve: “You can stop or you can be stopped.”

• He stresses the value of serious prayer and suggests involving an accountability partner to support the journey toward change. 
• By contrasting being externally driven by others' expectations with being internally driven by God’s purpose, he encourages a shift in focus. 
• Prioritize God’s purpose over the pressure to fulfill potential, this is the example set but Jesus.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

• Recognizing chronic busyness as a condition is reiterated as a vital step, along with addressing it through prayer and accountability. 
• Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the podcast, share it on social media, and anticipate upcoming episodes featuring Giles Lacelle and Shelly Miller. 
• Look forward to future discussions on the Jesus Prayer and the healing power of stillness and meditation.
• The episode wraps up with gratitude for the audience and an invitation to tune in for the next session.

About Steve Smith

Steve Smith is a passionate advocate for finding rest and peace in a world filled with busyness and distraction. A medical doctor with a deep love for both science and faith, Steve brings a unique perspective to the intersection of spirituality, personal reflection, and the wonders of creation. Through his work on the Live from Rest podcast and app, he guides listeners to the glory of God by exploring timeless truths and practical approaches to living with intention and balance.

Drawing on his personal journey, Steve offers thought-provoking insights into the harmony between faith and the natural world. His reflections, grounded in scripture, encourage others to marvel at the intricacy of life and the universe as evidence of God’s design. Known for his relatable storytelling and thoughtful approach, Steve inspires listeners to find rest in the glory of God while navigating life’s challenges. Whether through his meditations, teachings, or reflections on faith, he equips audiences with tools to embrace peace, clarity, and resilience in their daily lives.

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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. Recognize and address the relentless pace of life that pulls us away from what truly matters. Slow down, embrace daily stillness, and walk at the pace of grace. Let these principles lead you to a life of balance, resilience, and meaningful connection.

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