When I shared 3 Thriving Thoughts for Hard Days a few weeks ago, we were not at the end of the unexpected and hard around here. The reality is that my capacity and desire for doing things and running the household are shrinking as my energy is being diverted toward the emotional and physical realities and reactions to our circumstances.
I’ve also realized that my physical energy and health vary greatly every month, and I have some ongoing health challenges. I want to have a more realistic handle on what I’m committing to. When I created my vision at the beginning of the year, I had no clue what the first few months would throw at us, and I very excitedly jumped into lots of things, but now I’m finding myself stressed by these self-imposed expectations.
As I was pondering this situation earlier this week, I had the inspiration (in my usual place, the shower) to write a Yes List. What is a Yes List, you ask?
A yes list is a list of everything you’ve said yes to. Because I really don’t like not finishing things and seeing them through to the end, it was very helpful for me to put things on paper and look at them objectively. Then, I could sift through everything and simplify those “yeses” to the absolute essential. I used a Think and Process page in my Thriving in Motherhood Planner and carried it around with me during the day so I could add to it.
Here are five areas from my Yes List that I’m currently simplifying:
Books: I revisited my reading list and wrote down all the books I wanted to come back to in the future. For now, I’m focusing on reading this that builds my character and less on books that require me to take action.
Gardening: Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, I’m simplifying our gardening activities and making progress without making it too complicated.
Rooms: We are continuing our journey to simplify our living spaces, focusing on reducing clutter without getting too overwhelmed with perfection.
Programs/Commitments: I evaluated all the programs I’m a part of and sorted through what is time-sensitive and what can wait. I’ve also re-evaluated my commitments, saying no to some things I had previously said yes to.
Homeschooling: We are embracing our current homeschool and focusing on relationships over perfection. This approach fosters a deeper and more meaningful learning experience.
In a nutshell, I’m on a quest to get really clear on what really matters RIGHT NOW and redirecting my energy and focus where it counts the most. Writing in my Thriving in Motherhood Journal every day is really helping me find the guidance I’m seeking.
I used the Thriving in Motherhood Journal for 30 Days - What I Discovered [Episode 316]
Goals vs Projects vs Habits in the Thriving in Motherhood Planner [Episode 315]
My Number 1 Priority For Cleaning My Home [Episode 314]
Homeschooling in Hard Seasons | Library System for the Best Books [Episode 313]
Embracing the Struggle and Adventure of International Travel with Kids with Synthia Simonsen [Episode 312]
Discover Your True Priorities with 3 Questions [Episode 311]
Figure Out What to Do Next When You Have A Lot to Do | After the Brain Dump [Episode 310]
Reflection and Travel Tips From a Family Road Trip + 5 Day Hotel Stay [Episode 309]
The Power of a Do Something List with Monica Packer [Episode 307]
3 Thriving Thoughts For Hard Days [Episode 306]
Creating Rooms You Love with Myquillyn Smith [Episode 305]
7 Steps To Plan Your Meals for the Week | Meal Planning [Episode 304]
6 Great Books I Read In January [Episode 303]
11 Ways To Prepare for a Difficult Pregnancy [Episode 302]
A Guide to Getting Started With Children's Audiobooks [Episode 301]
My Vision for 2024 [Episode 300]
Goal Planning Guide for Different Seasons of Motherhood [Episode 299]
Digital Minimalism 2024 | How to Use Your Phone Less [Episode 298]
Setting up a weekly schedule/rhythm | Ideal Week Walkthrough [Episode 297]
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