Has it been a crazy week for anyone else? Overwhelming? It seems like the mix of back to school and all of the things I want to do in the Fall are adding up in a big way! So, I’m going to mix what I was going to talk about a little down the line with what I had planned for today.
In college, I had a sign hanging in my room that said ‘the girl who’s going to medical school is studying right now. What are you doing?’ Yikes, right? I made myself a list every night before I fell asleep for what I hoped to do the next day. Each day, I had myself so high strung about getting it all done -the gym, the classes, the studying, my jobs, service and anything else I thought deserved my time. I think you can imagine how much fun I was to be around.
One day, my church leader asked me to meet him in his office. When I arrived, he asked me how things were going. He mentioned I looked constantly stressed and he had a feeling I needed to talk to someone. I fell apart and mentioned my struggle to do all of the things. He listened, calmly, and then gave me a piece of wisdom I’ve held tightly to ever since. He told me to add something to my daily list: ‘fail at something’.
This became a liberating idea. I rephrase it, but the phrase ‘give yourself a break’ and ‘you win some, you lose some’ has become a major part of my lexicon. A great deal of my anxiety comes when I expect too much of myself, stretch myself too thin or push myself too hard. So now, I work on letting a lot go, and keeping my schedule to a manageable level. But things will come up, and your schedule will be thrown into disarray, so consider missing an appointment, or a deadline, or not making the dinner you had planned a win, something you had planned would happen.
Day 15 Prompt – #31daystohappy
Prioritizing & Giving Yourself A Break. Which balls can drop without causing long term damage. What are the most important things?
Now, knowing what things I know I’m not going to be able to manage and can just leave off is such an important part of my sanity. And when something goes wrong, (like this dresden) I know that these are little setbacks and I don’t let it affect me. I know I can grab my seam ripper & I don’t freak out.
And if you’re still reading, the weather is changing and Winter’s coming (any GOT friends out there? ;)) As we in the Northern Hemisphere will be spending more time indoors, it’s time to weed out things we no longer want to take care of. I’ll spare you the picture of the back of my car full of stuff, but since we are allowing ourselves space to fail, I’m allowing myself space to admit things are just things and even if I’ve purchased them, I may no longer need them. I am focusing on being mindful about what I allow into my life.
The book ‘the life changing magic of tidying up’ advocates ridding yourself of anything that doesn’t spark joy. My takeaway from the book was life changing. If it is a belonging you (or your kids) don’t ‘respect’ (ie put away) get rid of it. I can’t tell you how liberating it has been to literally pick up the things (off the floor, usually) that don’t get taken care of and get rid of them. I haven’t missed anything, but I feel truly liberated (bonus, my kids don’t leave as much on the floor! Win!).
Day 16 Prompt – #31daystohappy
Let go of things that do not get respect. This includes unfinished quilts that no longer ‘spark joy’. I’ll be letting go of several this weekend and hopefully you’ll join me! I’ll be parting ways and freeing myself and my mind from the space these things are taking up!
I think I’m back on track, so thank you for reading and I’ll see you here tomorrow!
I have let go of 2 projects in the last month. One, a class I never even started but when I really looked at it, it’s not something I want to spend time and the 2nd a few blocks I made for another group and although I learned a lot about the technique and the blocks it’s not something I like enough to want to continue…..so no quilt and a few blocks for a table runner. Gosh it’s so freeing to acknowledge I don’t have to finish everything. ( and I have 8 bags from closet and cabinets ( who needs 20 vases) ready to let go of too!
I loved that book! I’m still working on the tidying (there is a LOT around here), but it has helped me be more mindful about what comes into our home. I actually just got rid of a quilt in progress. Each block had embroidery work and I only had one block to finish, but I put it off for TWO YEARS. Eventually, I just got real with myself and said this quilt brings me only guilt and frustration and bagged it up for someone else. Such a relief!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh boy! I just found this (after following you on Instagram for some months – you’re such an inspiration) and it is INCREDIBLE. Thank you!
There is way too much wisdom to digest in just a day though, so I’m going to make each of your posts my theme for a week – or a month – however long it takes me to fully learn and action them. Thank you so much for taking the time to write these, and for the honesty and openness that is so often lacking in our age of digital perfection.
You are appreciated, and these posts will make a real change in my life. Thank you xox
Fabulous combined post – and a perfect living example.
Altho I did have to look up “GOT” – and felt absolutely silly about it, after I did!!!
Thanks again for keeping us on track – giving us a new to do list of things pointed toward “happy”!
Seriously, love that book! Have I done a major tidying up yet? NO! But, I have gotten rid of quite a few things and left with a different outlook on my possessions. (Now, if I could only teach my daughter the same view!)
Just wanted to let you know how much your posts mean to me and your advice. Anxiety is something I struggle with daily. Thank you for your honesty and open heart!
PS I have celiac too. No fun, but it gets easier as time passes. And hopefully your husband is already feeling so much better!