I’ve been struggling lately. There seems to be a million things going on, with no end in sight! And it’s making me unhappy.
This isn’t a vent about how busy I am – we are ALL busy!
But the truth is that life lately feels really busy…. And I hate it.
Over the last few weeks, I have been doing some serious thinking as to why I feel overwhelmed and unhappy with the busy-ness. And my conclusion is this:
The busy-ness of LIFE is getting in the way of just LIVING!
Sometimes we are so busy trying to get everything done, trying to please everyone, that we forget about just enjoying the moment. We all go through phases in our lives where it feels fast-paced and hard to keep up. And right now, I need a priority shift.
I love to be busy. I think if I’m not busy, something’s wrong. I am a people pleaser, and a girl that can’t say “no” when someone needs something done. I thrive on praise from others, and hate to let people down.
As the last few weeks went by, I slowly realized that in the midst of keeping up with all the stuff that needs done, I’m choosing to not play outside with Elizabeth. I’m missing chances to just sit and talk with my husband. I’m prioritizing writing a blog post over spending time in God’s Word.
I simply can’t do it all.
And if you can, I’m desperate to know your secret!
There is nothing wrong with staying busy and juggling a lot of projects and responsibilities. This isn’t a call to laziness! (Although there are days that sounds pretty appealing)
Instead, I am realizing I may need to learn to say a hard word:
No.
No, I can’t sit on that committee. No, I can’t teach that class at church. No, now isn’t the time to start a large home organizing project.
And I’m choosing to focus on living, instead of slugging through life.
*I’m not usually so somber and serious. But this has been weighing on my heart recently. I don’t like to admit when I’m doing something wrong… but felt I needed to share. Thanks for putting up with it.
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This is such an encouraging post! I, too, tend to be a people pleaser and can’t say no, so this post speaks very well to me.. Thank you so much for posting this!
Sarah
http://mybowsandclothes.blogspot.com/
It’s always comforting to know you aren’t the only one that struggles. Thank you for your sweet comment!
I am the same way- such a people pleaser. I recently read the Best Yes and it was such an encouragement to me. Slowly I’m learning to say no- and that it is okay! Hope you have a good weekend!
Thanks Keri! I need to read that book. I’m finding that saying “no” is the hardest thing for me to do.
A great reminder. One year, my new year’s resolution was to say NO. And, I did it for a whole year, and it felt great!
A whole year??? I’m so impressed! I think that’s the trick to learning to say no – to just do it!
I am a people pleaser, too! I like to help out and have to work hard not to over commit myself. I’ve been reading The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst and I’d highly recommend it to you. It teaches you how to say no and how to decide what is the best yes for your family/current situation. It’s been really helpful for me!!
You’re the second person to recommend that book to me, Whitney. I guess that’s my signal that I need to check it out from the library 🙂 Thank you!
Amen! The busyness of life sometimes stresses me out way too much! We’ve been making a huge effort to say “no” more and it’s truthfully helping so much!
So glad saying “no” is making an impact! I need to just buckle down and do it!
I really, really appreciated this post, Katie. I think it’s especially hard to find the balance as someone who also tends to multitask and thrives in having responsibilities and being part of stuff. I have similar feelings when I’m busy running around doing stuff and choosing other stuff over spending time with my boy. Thanks for your honesty and for the reminder!
When we love to be busy and being the point person for so many things, it’s hard to admit when we’re too busy! I just need to practice saying no! Thank you for your encouraging comment, Miljoy!
You are amazing Katie! I love your honesty and that fact that you are so real with us – your readers. 🙂 Hugs!
Oh, thank you, Vanessa! I appreciate that.
Such a great post, thank you so much for sharing! I totally get where you are coming from – I too LOVE to be busy and feel the need to do everything for everybody. I’m also working on learning to say no and make sure the important things are prioritized in life. So glad I came across your blog – Ill be following along on Bloglovin! Hope you can check my blog out as well.
Xo
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
I’m so thankful you wrote this post! You know we’re always here to support you. I’m also thankful to count you among my friends:) Blogging has been such a blessing in that regard!
I’m so grateful for blogging and the awesome support it has given!! It’s so wonderful to have sweet friends to lean on 😉