Prioritize and Let Stuff Go
By Bria Simpson
We all want a balanced, meaningful and enjoyable life and we
hope to raise our children in the same manner. The first step to achieve these
goals is to prioritize and let stuff go. There are other tips and suggestions,
which will come later, but without this initial step, the other tips can't be
put to use. We simply are overwhelmed these days with too many choices, too many
obligations and too much scheduled time. If we want balance, we have to make
space for it. It's that simple.
So, let's start with prioritizing your time. Write down
everything you do for at least three days. How is your time spent? What do can
you take out? What do you need to add to feel more balanced? Here are some tips:
Limit your kids activities. I suggest you pick a firm number of
activities, such as one or two at a time and stick to it. No matter what.
Keep some "down time", unscheduled time, to do whatever you feel
like at the time. This time is for you and your family to rest, relax, create or
play.
Take out what isn't benefiting your personal growth or your
family's wellbeing. If an activity benefits your personal growth, but prevents
you from living a balanced life, take it out. Many moms, myself included, learn
that now is the time to donate money or objects to charities and later is the
time to devote work hours. Limit your personal phone calls about superficial
stuff. Gossiping, for example, drains your energy and wastes precious time.
Learn not to sweat the small stuff- such as a slightly messy
house. Allowing some imperfections is necessary to free up your energy for more
meaningful matters.
It takes discipline to create balance. Look at how your energy
is spent, limit and remove what you can, and leave some unstructured space.
You'll be glad you did!
Bria Simpson, MA Life Coach and Parenting Specialist © 2004 by Bria Simpson All
rights and media reserved. email: bria@briacoach.com
phone: 201-493-7716 web: http://www.briacoach.com