Just Say No! Being In Charge of My Own Time

In an attempt to simplify my life, which was my focus for this year (although I think it is really a lifelong challenge), I have been learning to say no. If I am too tired to go to a movie, I won't go. If I have errands planned to get done on my lunch and a friend wants to go to lunch, I'll say no. When I am asked if I want to join another committe, I say no. I would rather stay home and play with my daughter and husband. Is it a bit selfish? Maybe. But I am living the life of my choosing. And enjoying (almost) every minute of it.  I will see that movie later when I am well rested; I will suggest another lunch date with my friend; and we give back to our community in many ways. The most difficult part of saying "no" is the guilt. Especially when you just plain don't want to do something. It is ok to say no without having a reason. "Because I said so" is an acceptable answer.  I don't want to look back and wish I have done things differently. I make time for what is important to me.
From the book I got from my husband She by Kobi Yamada:

via

Does this mean that I don't make time for my family or a friend when they need me? Of course not! But for the first time in a long time, I feel like I have a balance in my life, which came largely in part from creating some time to myself. I love to give and had a hard time saying "no" before,  which meant I taking on more and more. I was busy doing a lot of things, but I wasn't doing any of them well.

I found a great resource at one of my favorite websites Real Simple- you enter how you spend your time and it displays a pie chart to sum up how you spend your time. I realized I was not happy with the way I am currently spending my time. You can also enter your fantasty information how to spend you time.

I made this GOAL pie chart (because I am that type of nerdy person) and it is in my craft room (AKA: Mom Cave) as a reminder of my priorities. My pie chart is not the right way for all, but it is for me.

I am still busy (what does that really mean anyway? Everyone says it...people are always in motion...some people are busy making memories...some people are busy working...some people are busy being at home with their family...some people are busy watching TV...some people are busy thinking- there isn't a right or a wrong, that word sometimes annoys me, but I digress...) but I am "busy" doing things I enjoy.

~Angela