“No.” It’s a simple two-letter word, but some of us act like it’s actually a four-letter word! But saying, “No” occasionally (or not-so-occasionally) has such power to free up your time- and your mind!
I’ve been blogging the month of January about getting your life under control and more organized. Of course cleaning out closets, purging extra toys, and organizing your shoes will certainly help, it’s nearly impossible to stay organized if you have way too much on your plate.
I was so fortunate to be able to read an advance copy of Crystal Paine’s brand-new book, Say Goodbye To Survival Mode. The book is chock full of great ideas and advice to start actually living your life, instead of feeling like you’re completely out of control and barely holding on. It was so eye-opening, yet simple, to read that by saying yes to some things, I am inherently saying no to others. I honestly can’t be in two places at once!
There’s SO much good in the book, but I’ll just share a few other things I learned. I loved the chapter about living well within the margins of your income in order to give more. I find myself so often saying, “Oh, this is just a few bucks.” (usually while at Target, can I get an amen?) But those “few bucks” over time add up. Instead of spending an extra $5 every time I go into Target, I can easily support another child from Compassion International.
Crystal also writes about taking care of yourself in order not to break down physically or emotionally.
She so succinctly states, “I’ve learned that when I focus on my health, read more, schedule time for fun, and give myself some grace, I become more the woman, wife, mother, and writer God has created me to be, instead of stressed-out, frazzled mess.” (p. 222)
I think as women, we are so others-focused (with our families, jobs, school) that we sometimes forget about ourselves. And being selfish is certainly not the point, but rather, taking care so that we are around longer to serve our families and do what God has called us to do. Taking a little time here and there to nurture our souls and bodies is not time wasted.
Are you feeling frazzled, out of control, and just plain worn out? I highly recommend reading Crystal’s book to begin getting a handle on things that are good, but not necessarily best, for you and your family. You can buy it here on Amazon!
(I was provided a copy of this book, but all opinions are my own. Links to Amazon are my affiliate links.)
Linking up: Living Well Spending Less
About Kelli Hays
[…] neither my church or my husband makes me feel this way at all- such a blessing!) When I read Crystal Paine’s new book, I loved her idea of making a “best things” list. There are thousands upon thousands of […]