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.
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How to Have a Successful Shopping Trip with Your Kids [Episode 156]
Episode 155: Everything Happens for a Reason with Leila Mireskandari
Fun Mom vs Smile Mom [Episode 154]
From Surviving to Thriving to Soaring [Episode 153]
The Daily Big Three [Episode 152]
Finding Your Thing with Rachel Miller [Episode 151]
Routines Help Me Live in Alignment With Who I Am Every Day with Ashley Brown [Episode 150]
The One Thing I Needed to Start Loving My Home [Episode 149]
How to Start Something New with Madeline Casey [Episode 148]
How to Make Space to Figure Out What is Important to You with Madeline Casey [Episode 147]
How to Live in the Present with Madeline Casey [Episode 146]
Choose Your Priorities or Someone Else Will with Madeline Casey [Episode 145]
Protect the Asset with Madeline Casey [Episode 144]
Our Visions for 2021 [Episode 143]
How Adding Color Creates Clarity in Planning with Pamela Moose [Episode 142]
The Power of your Choices [Episode 141]
God Wants to Help [Episode 140]
Add Novelty to Go from Good to Great [Episode 139]
How to Create a Habit when You're in Survival Mode [Episode 138]
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