When I started to simplify, I didn’t know what it would look like. I had some dreams about peace, calm, and a slower pace, but you never know how it will all really come out. But, the other night, I had a victory that showed me the fruit of not being constantly on the go, either in reality or in my head. What was it? Nothing mind-blowing or grand in scope, but huge for my little world.
For the last 5 years at least, I’ve had to get an extension on our taxes because I just wasn’t organized and didn’t have all I needed in one place. Can we just be honest? Working on taxes is hard enough on a good day, what with there being numbers involved, complicated pages of instructions that make little to no sense to anyone outside of accountants and IRS agents, and the idea in the back of your mind that if you do it wrong, there are penalties and audits. I don’t need anything else making me stress while doing this task.
On top of that, this time of year is always a bit hectic with the kids and church work and it was always a HUGE stress for me, so I would put it off thinking I’d have more time later.
In reality, come October, I’d still be frantically trying to pull it all together again. It showed me that it really wasn’t an external problem.
It was me.
Me, thinking I am superwoman and trying to juggle my business, home, church work, marriage, family, friends, kids activities, and on and on. You understand, I’m sure. My life and my mind were so full of responsibilities and deadlines. I was striving to be all for everyone and making sure they had success in whatever they were trying to do, all the while, I only accomplished two things really well.
1. Being stressed and overwhelmed.
2. Doing most things only half as well as I could have.
Not exactly the track record I want to brag about. But, I often did just that. I thrived on being so busy. We all hear it from others or ourselves. Wearing our chaos like a badge of honor. It’s like we are proud of being exhausted.
But, I wonder, if it’s not a first strike to deflect any blame when we don’t do as well as we hope. If I put out there that I’m so busy, then when I forget, don’t accomplish whatever perfectly, or disappoint anyone, I already have the excuse planted in their minds.
I’m hoping they are saying, “Don’t be upset. You have to understand, Barb’s just overwhelmed with everything. It’s okay. I don’t know how she does it all, honestly. I’m actually so impressed with her.”
Way to turn that failure around into a compliment.
Being in “simplify mode” means that I can focus. I can get things done without my brain reminding me of the twelve other things that are still floating around in the corners waiting for my attention. Was I sitting doing taxes for a straight 5 or more hours?
No, I had to get a few other things done. Carpooling, dishes, laundry, some work related training and contacts. But, what was missing, was the frantic mindset that it all had to be done right now. I wasn’t being mentally pulled in different directions and I could focus on each thing as I was in that moment, knowing that my plate wasn’t overflowing and that each thing that needed my attention was doable. I even made time for coffee and margaritas (not together) with some friends. And I didn’t feel guilty doing it. I had made time for that in my schedule.
And my victory? My taxes are done! They were done with time to spare. They were done before I left on a trip with my husband to North Carolina and I didn’t have to worry about them AT ALL while I was gone. Nothing hanging over this girl’s head! Yes, it felt amazing!
And my victory? My taxes are done! They were done with time to spare. They were done before I left on a trip with my husband to North Carolina and I didn’t have to worry about them AT ALL while I was gone. Nothing hanging over this girl’s head! Yes, it felt amazing!
So, where are you right now? Have you made the choice to simplify your life? Are you working at spending more time with the Lord and less time on the hamster wheel? No matter where you are on this journey, remember to be patient with yourself. I would always beat myself up because I wasn’t organized and prepared. Every year I would promise myself that I’d have it all together and do a little each month so that I wasn’t trying to scramble at the last minute. And each year, I’d repeat the same stress.
I hope you’re letting the Lord have more time and saying no to those things that don’t bring you joy. You will be surprised how taking little steps can have big results.
XOXO,
Barb
I hope you’re letting the Lord have more time and saying no to those things that don’t bring you joy. You will be surprised how taking little steps can have big results.
XOXO,
Barb
Reflections of a Cute Lil Mom 