I am a pretty extroverted person and do love to be busy, but after my second daughter was born I felt like I was drowning in activities and realized I was “surviving” my weeks instead of enjoying them. The best days for me were days where we had no plans and stayed home or went out and did something spontaneous and those were few and far between. Working from home was also super challenging when we were busy all day because it was hard to find time to finish everything during a 2 hour nap time! When the school year started this past September, I made the decision to take the “semester” OFF and SAY NO to everything.
- No gymnastics or ballet
- No play groups
- No Bible Study
- No “weekly” obligations
Sometimes you have to MAKE PLANS to have NO PLANS.
I love being in control of my schedule versus my schedule controlling ME. I am sure we will start sprinkling in activities as the years go on, but for me… This DETOX has been so good for my physical, emotional, and mental health. I feel like we have a new rhythm as a family and I can now look forward to one-off play dates instead of enduring them! I read a book a few months back that talked about re-evaluating your schedule every 6 months. Which activities bring you LIFE and which activities DRAIN you? Do more of what brings you LIFE and cut out all the rest! This doesn’t mean it will be cut out forever, but sometimes during certain seasons it is necessary to scale back. I fully intend on joining a Bible Study and putting my girls in activities in the future but for this season in my life, simplicity wins. Happy Mommy/ Wife = Happy Life! (Can I get an AMEN? )
Since we are starting a FRESH year, what would you like to cut out or add this year?
Would love to know what book you read about re-evaluating your schedule and choosing the activities that bring life. Great post!