It's no secret that I've been struggling a lot lately. Between work, daycare, toddler meltdowns, church callings, and other extra curricular activities, I had nothing left.
I read my friend Erica's blog, realized how much I missed her, so we got together last weekend for lunch to catch up. Charlie and I met up with her at Zupas, and we talked about school, children, and callings. I mused about my stress while my son promptly had a tantrum next to me.
She talked about Marie Kondo, keeping up with the Jones', and 'stuff.'
It made me realize that I was giving away pieces of my life, when I should be stricter and more prudent about who and what I give my time to. Basically, does it bring you joy?
Charlie and Sam take up time and space, but they bring me joy.
Work takes up time, but that won't change anytime soon. The joy and stress levels are about the same.
Extra curriculars, ding ding ding, we have a winner.
As much as I didn't want to, I resigned from the West High Alumni Association Executive Board. The time commitment tripled after the new presidency transitioned, and I just couldn't keep up. I found myself ignoring my family so I could prepare for meetings, and zoning out during meetings because I knew I was missing daycare pick up, bath time, and bedtime. It was just too much, it wasn't bringing me joy.
Additionally, my primary class was too much. Sunday morning would come and I would dread facing my class. I wanted my Sundays back; I wanted to enjoy going to church again. So I asked my Primary President for a new assignment. No joy, no go.
Onto the 'stuff' element.
Yesterday I decided to purge my closet. I've been inheriting a lot of clothes from my boss, and I was overflowing.
Sam asked me if I was going to get rid of my plethora of black sweaters (I have about 8 in various sleeve lengths, thicknesses, and waistlines). The answer was no, they each bring me joy.
I probably got rid of 30% of what was hanging in my closet, and about 10% of what was in my dresser drawers. Sam went through his clothes also, and our donation for DI was pretty impressive.
Our closet looks happier, that's for sure.
Finally, my kickboxing studio is rebranding and now features yoga! Yoga brings me joy.
I went to a restorative yoga class yesterday, and it was amazing! With my extra activities on the lighter side now, I have time to do a little bit more for my fitness goals.
I feel a lot better and significantly less stressed since I made these changes in the last week. I have to remember to make time to bring myself joy.
No comments:
Post a Comment