So on my list of things to do (yes, structure), I’ve made a
top priority to simplify. Part of not
having any structure usually means I’ve got too many other things in the
way. It's like pulling weeds, cleaning
out the closet, organizing the pantry, or any other metaphor I can think of
that represents “making space” or “letting go of what is no longer needed or useful.”
This is hard, because I sometimes can’t see what might be in the way. Things that seem completely harmless might
actually be taking up space in my heart, mind, and life that something else I
need more could fill. So….(big deep
breath)…I’m taking social media off my phone for awhile. I find myself checking between errands,
clients, in the grocery line, at red lights, every mother lovin’ minute I
can. And it’s not necessary all the
time. I love good articles, seeing people’s photos, and the connection with
others. It helps me not feel alone. I
mean, don’t we all post and comment so we can feel connected, heard, seen? But
I’m realizing I want deeper connection - with myself and others. And I don’t necessarily want all of
facebook and instagramland to have all the precious and delicate moments of my family. What if I used more of my “social media
checker time” actually engaging the present moment I’m in – dip my toe in the
river by my house, watch the bird in my courtyard, or talk to the son sitting
right next to me. I’m sure I’ll be back
to social world, because it truly does have its perks. But right now, I’m
simplifying. And it’s not necessary for
this season.
After creating space, I do things that put me back in touch
with myself. That’s SUPER hard for me to do, because that never feels
productive in the moment. I can check
off with confidence that I’ve gotten groceries, but it’s pretty subjective
whether or not I’ve tended to my heart. And it’s not something I can check off,
because it has to happen every day. I
put it on my list and groan – oh, there’s that self-care thing again – how do I
check that off? What do I even need? But what I’ve learned over and over again
is this care for myself – my oxygen mask – actually makes me more productive in
the long run. So just do it, my list-checking friends. Your family and everyone around you actually
need you to care for yourself too.
I am not sure yet what my simplifying season holds or what it will look like. I just know it is necessary. This is most likely part 1 of a 2 part
blog. So I’ll check back after I’ve
learned more about it and myself in it.
In the meantime…
~What does simplifying your life look like?
~Do you need
structure? Why or why not?
~What do you need to “let go of” in order to create more
space in your life? Keep in mind,
depending what it is, it might just be for this
season or it might be forever.
~How do you tend to your heart, care for yourself, rest?
