You Need To Choose To Slow Your Busy Life
I have heard from most everyone lately that their life is busy. “I have so much to do.” “Everyone is going in different directions.” “There isn’t enough time.”
I believe that most everyone understands how life can easily become triple and double booked. It’s not easy to balance work commitment and deadlines along with plans to meet with friends, children’s schedules, workouts, grocery shopping, meal planning, and basic life errands. Trying to maintain this pace typically means late nights (which means less sleep), skipping out on necessary events (exercise, a date with friends) and basically running into the ground (or into a wall).
Lately, I’ve found myself in this cycle. My exercise routine fell off to one day a week, I hadn’t written in my personal journal for several weeks and I was grading papers right before class. There has been no such thing as just being able to sit.
Towards the end of last week, James developed a cold (the kind with a nagging cough and constant pressure) and he basically felt miserable. Fortunately, he had a doctor’s appointment already scheduled and was able to receive antibiotics and even a breathing treatment. However, like most people, he had clients to see at work and continued to keep up his schedule.
We had plans for the weekend which included the University of Kentucky’s homecoming football game. However, the weather on Saturday was rainy, cold and felt like late November. This was not something someone who was sick needed to be out in. Fortunately, he agreed (although at 4:00 PM he still stated he was thinking he could go).
In all honesty, I just wanted to stay at home. In all honesty, I NEEDED to stay home. I love football but my mind and body have been telling me for several weeks that I needed to slow down. His cold was a perfect reminder that one needs to choose to slow a busy life down.
We ended up spending Saturday night watching football on tv in front of a fire. I was able to get through my stack of magazines which has accumulated over the past month and I thoroughly enjoyed wearing my yoga pants with no makeup and hair pulled up in a bun.
Although I regularly schedule time for myself such as hair appointments and time with friends; this weekend reminded me of the importance of choosing to slow down. There will always be an activity to go to and appointments to keep but there are times in life when we must choose to say no and listen to our own needs.
Do you have a busy week and month planned? Is there a part of you that feels the need to take a break?
Today I encourage and give you permission to choose to slow down.
Joining Emily’s Grateful Heart Monday because I’m grateful for reminders that we need to choose to slow down.
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Life is a constant finding of balance, isn’t it? Thanks for this reminder, Sheryl. Every time I find myself complaining about how busy I am, there is a little voice that reminds I can choose… it’s so easy to feel like the other things are more powerful than my own willpower to say, “no” to things. For me, the key is to remember all those other things will be just fine without me and the world will continue to turn 😉
I have a busy MONTH planned and my 5 year old has already given me grief about being gone for so long.
He’s used to our morning time and evening time.
It helps to have a team of sitters and friends that he enjoys that makes it a bit easier.
It’s hard on everyone when the daily routine has to change. I’m so glad you have such a great team to help you with hiim. We just have to remember that busy times pass and to plan for special times with those we love.
YES YES YES!
My month ahead is busy indeed– and I’ve been trying to take precautions to keep my essential routine together despite the full schedule. I’ve realized that I need to input EVERY obligation (even things like meal planning, email, and cleaning) onto my calendar so that I won’t open it up and think “Oh, I’m available!” when I’m really not. Scheduling time for myself has been really important for my sanity’s sake too– I love this so much Sheryl!
Thank You Daisy. I had to do in September what you are having to do right now. It helps to not feel so overwhelmed and also helps you to prioritize yourself.
Oh yes… I am ALL about this right now. Just stepped down from one leadership position because I simply cannot keep going like I have been!
Good for you!! I know it can be very hard to step down from leadership roles but it’s important to step back and think about what is truly important. Being pulled in multiple directions is draining and not helpful for anyone. Proud of you!!
THANK YOU!!! This is a conversation I have with my boyfriend all the time because I overbook myself and then feel completely overwhelmed. I’m going to take a deep breath and remind myself that it’s okay to say no sometimes.
Lauren 🙂
ohheyilikethat.blogspot.com
I believe we all think about this more than we are willing to share with each other. It’s good self care to take care of yourself and realized that not everything is as pertinent as we feel it is.
As someone who constantly feels like they need to be doing something, your blog post was SO what I needed today as I sit here at work thinking of the other things that I just *must* do when I get home. Rethinking my task list, I’ve realized that of the 5 things, only one is really necessary so, after dinner, I am going to unwind with a glass of wine to set the tone for a calm and relaxing week.
Oh my gosh Kendra, I’ve been the same way before with a long list and then realized only one was truly important. The world doesn’t end if we don’t get it all accomplished. I hope you sat down and had that wine.
I wrote about this recently too. It definitely is a choice. 🙂
http://unveiledandrevealed.wordpress.com
Yes, we each are responsible for being conscious in slowing down and not doing too much.
Every part of me needs a break at this moment. With work, workouts, blogging, cooking and other stuff, there is just no time!
— DT | Here I Scribble
But you can make the time!!! I totally know where you are coming from… just remember to take a deep breath and reassess everything.
Such a good point. It is so important to schedule time for ourselves.
If we don’t slow down, it’s so hard to care for others and do anything.
I can completely relate to your post!!! I definitely need to slow down and take a much needed break! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by. Its important to realize we each have the power to slow down if we remind ourselves to do it.
Oh yes. It can be so hard to slow down and take a break naturally so it’s so important to schedule it in. Thanks for the reminder!
Morgan | theradwife.blogspot.com
So glad it was helpful. I think we all struggle with making time to do it.
I really love this. I had to say no to coffee plans because I reallyyyy just needed time by myself. It’s SO important!
I think you will be shocked, just shocked, to hear that this is a constant battle for me. Haha