Danielle LaPorte says "Letting go makes way for something closer to your truth...which is always more beautiful. Always." Did you know that you can even let go of plans, appointments and commitments in your life? Well you can. I am giving you permission to say no to being over-programmed. Your kids too. Let's begin this process shall we?
It's Friday!! Woo-hoo I am so excited to sit down and relax. But wait, I have to pick up Johnny, then take him to a sleep over, then dry-cleaning was ready, but no, that doesn't work because it's not on the way...wait, crap! Did I agree to meet someone for cocktails later? I think I did. I said I needed to relax. When all I want to do is go home. Let's see. I will relax tomorrow! But wait, I have to take Mia shopping and then pick up Johnny, and then Mia has a soccer game. Maybe tomorrow night, yes tomorrow night, I will rest. Did someone ask me to play Bunco? Okay, Sunday. At least I have Sunday. But I agreed to host family dinner didn't I?
Clearly, I made all of this up based on imaginary mom thoughts...or did I? Does this sound like your thoughts?
How can we create more space in our lives to just breathe?
- Just say no. I know this is the most obvious, but it's like a drug campaign and you need to repeat it. Saying no to guilt about disappointing others is something I have already tried to teach my daughters. It's not easy. It is practicing self-care, and that's important to your mental health and well-being. It really is. What is the worst thing that will happen if you say no? They won't invite you? Well good. You just created much-needed space.
- Write down your perfect night. This one might seem silly if you don't journal, but it actually helps you to stay focused on what you want and not lose sight of it. Sometimes, what other people want, sway our decisions. We want to feel loved, popular, liked, maybe even honored to be invited to so many things. But ultimately, we get caught up in the rush. It's okay to stay the course on your vision.
- Pencil in a date...with you. Yesterday, I had a list 2 miles long of things I am trying to complete in the next 2 weeks. I might be launching some big program on here. It's totally fine. I am not quite ready...but whatever. Because here is what I know...IT will happen at the right time. It will still be there when I am ready. So I took some time and made a date with a friend because I wanted to see this new little bakery. I enjoyed speaking to all the shop owners in this spot...and they told me what having a store front is like and living your dream. It was a needed date with myself to reflect on where I am going with my business. Plus I got time to chat with my friend face to face, which I am big on.
- Say YES to things that make you happy. If you are saying yes to things that actually don't make you happy, examine why? Is it because I am lonely and want more friends? Do I not feel supported at home? Do I not like down time, because I am unsure of myself? Start thinking about activities that make you feel alive. Jot down 3 things you would like to see happen in your life. Make space for them.
- Just breathe. I am breathing in. I am breathing out. Just focus on the breath. Take a few moments wherever you are. The desk. The car. At night. But create that space in your life for the right things to show up. Visualize your whole body relaxing. Let go and make the way to something closer to your truth. Not the truth of others.
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