Mom searches for simplicity!
At about the time I was over my head, juggling the demands of motherhood, managing my business, and volunteering for every great cause that came my way, I decided I needed to find a better way to cope with my hurried, worried life. The solution came to me quickly; I will just clone myself.
Not because I am a got-it-all-together kind of mom, but in order to deliver on all my commitments, I’d in fact need two of me. Over-booking, over-extending and over-promising became my M.O.
Since science has yet to offer a viable method for cloning myself, I went on a ‘search for simplicity.’
How do we Search For Simplicity?
1. Yes! It’s OK to say “No.” Saying no to people creates a fear that people won’t like us and that we will be judged unfairly. Deep down inside we want people to like us and the thought of not meeting their expectations is down right frightening. Is it really worth sacrificing your sanity to try and please everyone, all of the time? If your not sure about something, say no to it. If your heart is not really in it, say no. Simplifying your life is about being content with the choices that work for you.
2. Build margins in your schedule. Know how much time, energy and ability you have and then dial it back a notch. Leave some space in your busy life for the unexpected situations that could pop up.
3. SLOW DOWN. Our generation is great at creating “busy habits.” We measure success by how busy we can be and how much we can get done. We get in the habit of being busy and often feel depressed when we aren’t busy. The truth is that running on high octane is not healthy. We become exasperated, irritable and often don’t address life’s important issues. We put off much needed conversations with our spouses. Office meetings get delayed. We’re too busy to go to church. Whatever the case, important things get trumped. Try to slow down and find time for reflection.
