Do you ever get frustrated that one area of your life seems to be out of whack, only to realize that other areas are actually out of whack too, and one is affecting the other? That was happening to me, and because I’ve been so busy, it took a while for everything to finally click.
I spent months feeling exhausted and stressed, wondering when something would give so I can just feel rested and stress-free. Of course my stress levels started to affect my marriage and my children. A tired, cranky woman doesn’t make the best mom and wife, despite her best efforts. I mean, I don’t think I was a horrible mom or wife, but I definitely think I was coming up short.
Finally, I decided that enough was enough and I needed to make a few changes in my life. The changes are all about me, but they sure have had a powerful impact on my family. By taking the time to focus on myself and put my life in check, I have been able to give the ones I love the very best version of who I am – the version they deserve.
So here are three decisions I made at the beginning of the year. And now, 5 months later, I am so grateful for the courage to make them. My life is better, my kids are even happier, and my marriage is stronger.
Putting my health first. I have neglected my health for years. It all started with my first pregnancy. After I gained that weight, I just got caught up with motherhood, became full of excuses, and I put myself last. This year I finally realized how crazy that was, especially with my strong family history of strokes, so I changed things. I now eat better (although I do indulge at times) and I workout 4-5 times a week. I feel better, I can focus more, and my confidence is increasing. I also have more energy to play with my kids and I am less cranky when I interact with my husband. Everyone wins!
Saying “no.”. I love to take on new projects, and I hate to let people down. It can pose a problem because if I take on too much, I will inevitably let people down, and no one wins. I end up burning myself out, while also damaging relationships. I am now very careful about what I agree to do. And when an opportunity arises that I just can’t pass up, I ask myself what am I willing to let go of so I can take it on. Saying “no” to others more often gives me the chance to say “yes” to my loved ones more often. That has made all the difference.
Praying more often. I consider myself a woman of faith. I believe that everything I am, and everything I will be, is because of Him. That said, I realized that the busy-ness of life had me praying just once a day and that just wasn’t enough. Now I pray all day, every day. I pray in the car, at my computer, in the bathroom – wherever I can. Doing that helps me stay calm, it nourishes my soul and it helps me keep my life in perspective – all things that help me step up my game as a mother and a wife. I thank God for that.
BMWK – what changer