October 13, 2009 | In: General
From Overwhelmed to Simplified
School has started, Christmas is coming and my summer project lists still aren’t finished. This is the time of year when many of us (moms in particular) begin to feel overwhelmed. So much to do, so little – me.
One thing I’ve learned recently is that feeling overwhelmed is a call to action. A call to SIMPLIFY. Here are some thoughts that have helped me and I hope will help you to go from overwhelmed to simplified.
Why we don’t simplify
1. We are afraid of making decisions.
2. We are afraid of making the wrong decisions.
3. We are afraid of looking like we can’t handle it. (Even though it’s true.)
4. We are afraid to let go of our junk. It may be ours, but it’s still junk.
How to simplify
1. Pray – God’s quite good at showing us what we need and what we don’t.
2. Write mission statement – A measure of what is important to us. When we can’t think or decide our mission statement can decide for us. If it doesn’t fit – get rid of it.
3. Counsel – develop a trusted circle of people who know you and will help you identify the important from the unimportant.
4. Default to No – when new opportunities are presented, default to no. Few of us have too much time on our hands.
When our lives are simple, we can enjoy every last bit rather than have the good moments overshadowed by the looming list of things undone.
Challenge
Think of 1 thing that you can knock off your plate TODAY.
Time to ‘Fess Up
Is your life currently overwhelmed or simplified?
This post is part of WFMW
12 Responses to From Overwhelmed to Simplified
Kat
October 13th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I think I’m Simpli-fying. I’ve gotten my life pretty simple. Now I just need to stop obsessing over the unimportant little things.
Texas in Africa
October 14th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Great thoughts! I think I’ve shared this before, but Richard Foster’s Freedom of Simplicity was kindof life-changing for me. In that book (or another, I can’t remember), he talks about thinking of saying “no” as a spiritual discipline (based on “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.”). That set me free, and it has made all the difference.
crumbsonmyfloor
October 14th, 2009 at 7:53 am
I have seen Dora for countless hours. Never thought about the *size* thing!!
Good stuff.
Take care,
Amy
truevyne
October 14th, 2009 at 11:14 am
both, but working on it~!
Sarah Chia
October 14th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Our life is pretty darn simple…. BUT we’re starting the journey of adopting older children, and I will now need to simplify even more in order to cram my current 2 children into one room in order to open up our 3rd bedroom for our new child(ren). I have about 6 mos. to a year, though, so I think I can do it bit by bit.
Man! I am so excited!!!!
Kristin
October 14th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Definitely overwhelmed. This time of year is busy busy busy!
When I sit down and take my long to do list and put it into days of the week, I find that I am less overwhelmed.
My biggest problem is that I am always thinking of the next step, and thinking ahead. I have to make myself focus a lot of the time on the moment at hand.
You nailed the “fears” on the head for me!
Kat
October 14th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
TIA,
I’ve added that book to my must-read list. Sounds great!
Truevyne.
Sarah,
I’m seriously excited for you!!!
Kristin,
Planning it all out makes everything seem simpler, doesn’t it?
shelby
October 14th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
super duper overwhelmed. but i think there’s no other way to go to college.
i never hear the word ‘overwhelmed’ without thinking 10 Things I Hate About You.
))
Kat
October 14th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Shelby,
You know, I’ve never seen that movie. Should I?
shelby
October 14th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
i absolutely love it.
i do not watch it expecting to see a movie of great genius. i watch it to enjoy it. sometimes it’s nice to have movies like that.
we should have a movie night! or day. or something. have some girl time.
not sure what you would do with those three ragamuffins. four if you count the larger one.
)
Kat
October 14th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
We should definitely have a movie night. We could watch it in the office after the kiddos go to bed and while J watches football or something.
'Becca
October 16th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Definitely overwhelmed. Your “Why We Don’t Simplify” list is eerily on target for me.