“I promised myself once both my kids were in school I would say no to everything for at least 6 months so I can re-acquire some measure of “personhood” as well as a sense of humor. So far so good except for one pre-school trip to the pumpkin patch, in the pouring rain, that I should definately have said no to as well ; )
I will get involved with school in some capacity at some point but for now, the spring from which all motherly things flow needs to refill a bit.”

I used to do everything and just go go go. I was a teacher and ran tons of school-wide activities, did organized ministries, and generally ran around like a nut on top of all the work required just to teach well, be a good wife and keep the home in some semblance of order.

This week I’ve got two things on the calendar and that’s all. And both those things are here in my home. I need not even leave the house this week if I so choose.

It’s different, but so much better.

I belong to one organized activity that meets once a month. That’s it.

I think that people who knew me before must wonder what happened to me. I think everyone chalks it up to my having little ones of my own now, but it is not. Yes, they would limit all that I could do, but instead I choose to limit what I do for all our sakes.

I’ve decided I want to enjoy my life. I don’t want to just do what everyone thinks I “should” do. Yes, sometimes it is hard because I want to be recognized. I want more of a sense of immediate accomplishment. It still stings when people make snide remarks. But it is still better.

I used to always say, “When _____ is over, I’ll have time to relax.” and “As soon as I finish ____ life will get back to normal.” The problem was, there was always something else to start.

I remember the day I realized that if something wouldn’t get done unless I did it, then whatever it was must not be as truly important as it seemed. If it really mattered, someone would do it. This was hard, especially if it was an project that I liked, or I knew was something others enjoyed.

There was such an expectation that I would run this, do that, simply because I always had. From campus-wide writing contests, science fairs, appreciation teas, plays, festivals, etc. I did it all for years. I began to say no with plenty of notice. It was not well received. Somethings other people decided to take over. Somethings were not done. And guess what? It’s okay.

A simple life isn’t easier. It is better.

Kimberly’s last blog post..Unplugging

I compare myself with others, but I am no longer doing for love or acceptance. I am valued not for what I do or how much I do, but because I am.

thanks for a wonderful reminder that less is more.

kristyn’s last blog post..family fun by giving back

i am still trying to work out a strategy that would leave my students happy and me — less stressed and emotionally invested but just as happy…

glorydee’s last blog post..5 and more

Lisa Q’s last blog post..comfort

How can you discount yourself for providing for your family, there is great joy in that! Your the home economist! You do not have to obligate to anything else if you don’t want to or have the time or resources to do it.
I think as women we tend to think that being we are the caregivers that we can not say no. We have to be the do all know all.

Find peace and sanity in your life that your not having to “plan” and run everywhere. Some day your kids will be grown up and gone and then you will have more time to pursue other things if you choose.

rdzins’s last blog post..Hording vs Frugality

I’ve come up with the perfect way to say “no”: “I’m sorry, I have a personal matter I have to attend to then.” The most someone will respond with is “Is everything OK?” and you can answer “Oh yes, thanks for asking.” It’s good to think of how you are comfortable saying “no” and how you’ll respond to any follow-up questions. I actually have a Category in my Blog entitled “Stuff that makes you say ‘Oh HELL no!’” You can find it here: http://whenigrowupcoach.com/blog/category/stuff-that-helps-ya-say-oh-hell-no