Do you ever feel like you’re on a never-ending quest for balance? I do. Between doing my best to deliver at work, be present for my kiddos, stay connected to my spouse and run a household, it can be straight-up overwhelming at times to try and divide my time up appropriately. And as it should… our lives are fuller than ever and we as women are pulled into SO MANY directions.
When was the last time you stopped and thought about your life and the balance you are (or aren’t)achieving? Have you considered specifically what might need to go? We spend so much time adding to our lives. We consume more every year than the year before. We feel the need to make more money, to make more friends, to buy more things- all while feeling increasingly strapped for time. On the other side of this cycle of “not enough” is “too much”—as in too much negativity, too many goals, too much to feel bad about.
Lately I’ve been thinking about what mentalities and habits I have that need to GO so I can live the life imagined. So here is my list, in no particular order:
Uncomfortable underwear
There. I said it. I don’t know about you, but finding the perfect pair of skivvies feels like a life long quest for me. I have a whole drawer full of underwear that don’t fit and that I don’t like. I’m throwing them away. I’m keeping the ones I like and my quest continues… but damn it, no more wedgies.
Never ending to do lists
As a self-professed “to do” list junkie, this one puts me outside of my comfort zone, necessarily though. There is a certain kind of sick related to never giving yourself the sense of satisfaction of having your to do list “done” and honestly, it’s the way I’ve lived most of my adult life. I’m working on being more honest about what I can actually get done in a certain block of time and working to achieve that instead of fooling myself that I will be able to accomplish a weeks’ worth of tasks in an afternoon. It’s not happening. And I’m done pretending it is.
Comparison in general
Me compared to my friends. Me compared to my coworkers. Hell- even me compared to me 10 years ago. I’m done comparing myself to others. I’ve been BLESSED to live this incredible life, to get up every day and love and be loved and work in an industry I love. I’m losing interest rapidly in how I “measure up” to those around me. I’m trying to focus on being the best version of me TODAY that I can be. Not the me of 5 years ago or the me of a year from now. The best me, in this moment, that I can be.
Apologizing for things that aren’t mine
Does anyone else have this bad habit? I’ve consciously been working on this one for YEARS and while I’ve made good progress, I still catch myself taking too much accountability for the actions or inaction of others. I’m proud that I’m willing to apologize when something is mine to own, but I’m done falling on my sword. Sorry, not sorry.
Beating myself up for the state of my house
Dog hair, baby poop, freaky looking bugs. These are all things you can find in my home at any given moment- guaranteed. I have many talents, but keeping a pristine home is not one of them. I was talking to my 4 year old this weekend and I agreed with her take on the situation “Mommy is better at work-work than she is at house-work”. And you know what? That’s perfectly, 100% okay.
Trying to find time for a mani/pedi
Every weekend I tell myself I will go to the nail salon and get a mani/pedi. Being in beauty, it honestly doesn’t feel like an option. It’s just something you are expected to have done. Well… I’m done. Between recovering from the work week and wanting to spend every possible moment with my girls and my husband over the weekend, it’s just not something I seem to ever prioritize and I’m deciding that’s okay. My new at home routine consists of a nude color on my fingers and toes- those lighter shades are so much more forgiving of my non-professional paint job. But no more stressing about finding two hours to go to the nail salon after a jam packed week.
Have you decided something in your life isn’t worth the stress that comes along with it? I’d love to hear if you relate to anything I shared or if there are others on your list that I should consider!