I’m on a quest to stay well-balanced and sane this Spring.
In years past, Spring months — especially the mayhem of May — have equaled one stressed out, senseless, and overly strained mama. (I’m getting jittery just rereading former spring blog posts).
But not this season, friends!
This mama has a Spring Sanity Strategy!
I’ve been implementing my new favorite word, “no“– and boy does it feel good!
- No, I cannot volunteer for that school activity (although it sounds wonderful and no one else has signed up. No.)
- No, I cannot add that project to my work load.
- No, I didn’t see Parenthood last week. No TV for me this season.
- No, I cannot join that book club — even though it sounds super fun.
- No, I didn’t see that on Twitter. Or Pinterest. With no laptop, my social media time is limited (and I think that’s a good thing).
- No, I cannot redecorate your bedroom.
You get the drift.
However, as I focus on my Spring Sanity Strategy, I’m also implementing many important “Yeses” into my life.
Here are a few of my favorite –
- Yes, I will take care of my physical health. This is hard for me, friends. And new. My health is usually my first, “no.” Not this year. In fact, yesterday I literally handed over my full schedule book to my trainer and said, “Please put in two dates next week that work for you. I’ll plan my days around my work-outs.” My health matters.
- Yes, I will read the Bible and memorize Scripture. Or I get crazy head. Quickly.
- Yes, I will have lunch with my son who is in college. Every. single. time. Again this week, I received a late night text with a lunch invite for the following day, and yes, I made some schedule switches to be there. My answer will always be Yes.
- Yes, I will play cards with my kids. If I’m too busy to play after dinner, I’m too busy.
- Yes, I will serve hot lunch. I love that my middle school age kids love having me come in to school — and it takes 30 minutes total. You need a hot lunch volunteer — yes!
- Yes, I will still meet friends for coffee. I had coffee this week with a new friend/neighbor who first invited me in December. I’m grateful she understood I couldn’t meet right away — ahem — but nearly four months later, I super loved getting to know her. I left our coffee with a new friend, and hopefully a new neighborhood walking buddy too. Yes, I’m still open to quick coffee getaways — it might just take awhile. :/
- Yes, I will call my mom. I’m trying to do better about filling my mom in on the details of my life — and not having her just read about it on FB. My family matters, and I want to grow in saying yes to my family who means so much to me.
- Yes, I will serve my local church. One of the highlights of my week is serving at the welcoming desk at my home church. I love it!
- Yes, I will pray for you. Hopefully my friends know they can text me and I will always pray for them. Always.
- Yes — I will celebrate! In fact, it’s about time to get my “fiesta” on — Red Hot Faith is being released in May. Can I get a Woo Hoo?! It’s time to cue the confetti!
Bottom line: I have a choice.
You have a choice.
Although there are certain non-negotiables in our days — work, family, dinner time (why must we eat three times a day — this exhausts me!), laundry — I’m learning I do have more say about what goes into my schedule than I want to believe.
Let’s choose to say YES to the life-giving moments and memories that truly matter in our day, and say NO to the chaos, confusion, and clutter.
I’m on a quest to stay well-balanced and sane this Spring. Want to join me?
Just say YES!
May your day be filled with an abundance of all your favorite things!
You just make my heart smile. I am SO thankful for you!!
Thank you! This is my first visit, but I truly enjoyed it. It is difficult to learn to say no to others and yes to yourself. I realize (the older I get) that I must find a better balance. Saying yes to myself actually means that I have more to give to others, and leaves me feeling more satisfied. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Love this post! I have to say that I have put my health last and you inspire me to start looking at it and taking care of myself better so that I can be here for my children and husband. So blessed by your words!