ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 2015 ON focusonsimple.co
2015 is all about simplifying.
Life got a lot overwhelming in 2014. Overwhelming to the point where you’re holding on to your gratitude for your health, having food to eat, + the well-being of those you love, wondering what the next challenge is going to be, + not sure how much more capacity to deal you have. So by the end of the year I found myself yearning for some simplicity, some zen, some space to recharge + process the entirety of the previous year.
+ in simplifying, I’m focusing on the commitments I make. I tend to take on too many things – make too many commitments. I think that’s an affliction most of us have. As a result I find that I do nothing really well. + I’m feeling a little tired of the mediocrity that breeds. I can’t do it all, no matter how much money I spend on planners, how many lists I make, or how much sleep I miss out on.
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So I’m focusing on doing less, so I can do less better. One commitment at a time. Do it well. I’m learning there’s a real discipline to sticking to one or two commitments + not letting additional wants, needs, feelings of “I really should…” start dictating how my days get filled up.
In addition to needing some time + space to recharge from last year, part of the desire to simplify comes from wanting to make sure I don’t take on so much that I leave myself with no real, quality time for my son + family. My husband + I brought him into this world + I am committed to raising him to be a kind, generous, self-sufficient, contributing member of this world. It’s going to be the biggest job I ever have + I will not do it well if I’m busy trying to time manage too many other commitments.
Which means I am saying ‘no’ to a lot of things I would have normally said ‘yes’ to before. + the things I’m saying ‘yes’ to are on my terms. I won’t be trying to second guess what would be easier or more convenient for anyone else. This makes saying ‘yes’ actually feel good + I’m not reluctant or regretful about that which I say ‘yes’ at all.
This is me taking ownership of my life, what I want it to look like, + what I have going on in it. At the end of my life I will only have myself to answer to for what I have to look back on + how i leave it.
So, to sum up:
- make space for yourself, your thoughts, your emotions
- be mindful with the commitments you make
- say no if you can’t say yes with joy + certainty
- commit to your commitments 100%
- remember that it’s your life + you’re the only one who has to live with it right to the end. make it count.
