I used to be too intense. I was intense about how my children behaved and looked. I was intense about how my house looked, how I looked and what people thought of us. I was intense about trying to change my husband into what I thought he should be. I really can’t think of anything I wasn’t intense about! What I really needed to do was give myself permission to lighten up! 
I didn’t know how to trust God with daily life. I was out of balance in almost everything. I did not yet realize that celebration and enjoyment are necessary in our lives, we cannot be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically without it! In fact, celebration is so necessary that God made sure He put it in the Bible. He literally commands us to celebrate. 

The best gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you, and you cannot be healthy without celebration being a regular part of your life. Today, change the entire atmosphere in your life with celebration. Give yourself permission to lighten up! 

Holy Spirit, don’t let me be too intense. Help me remember to give myself permission to lighten up and celebrate Your goodness every day.