It’s been a year since I quit my job to pursue my family. It’s been a year since I took a full month away from the blog. It’s been a year since I took the words and made them into action.
The year of many changes.
There are no words (actually there are more words than I have time to write)…but rather a sense of fulfillment. The calm of knowing that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. And though each day brings it’s own headaches, I can’t imagine going back to that place of RACING through each day.
Here’s the post that announced my last break. I’m planning to take another in August – not a full month, but maybe a couple of weeks. Blogging isn’t as stressful these days. Because life overall isn’t as stressful.
Maybe YOU need a season of NO.
———-
First, thank you for the AMAZING comments in regards to this post. If you haven’t read it, go back and do so – today’s post will make much more sense.
As my title alluded to, I am entering in to a season of NO*. Let me tell you – this has been a YEAR in the making. A year for the stress of all the activities and duties that I’ve taken on to come crashing down around me (multiple times). I’m finally to the point where I need to step away from a few things. I need a season of no.
I need to take ACTION against what I struggle with.
Because busyness does NOT equate to productivity.
Because God is literally MAKING me lie down in green pastures.
Because my family and I deserve more.
What does that mean? What does that look like?
In this season, I’m saying NO! to….
- Working at the gym for the month of July (training and subbing). <-this led to me stepping away completely
- Blogging for the month of July (writing and, sadly, reading).
- Theater shows for the Fall.
- Anything else that takes me away from my first two callings – wife and mother.
I think everything on that list is pretty self-explanatory, but for today, I’ll address the blogging aspect as it kinda-sorta impacts my readers.
I need a break from the blog.
When I started this blog nearly two years ago, my life looked very different. I had the convenience of TWO NAPPING CHILDREN who gave me two full hours of alone time a day (I miss those days!). I wasn’t doing shows. I had just started teaching at the gym and had no clients. Basically, I had more time. And my focus was more home-centered.
Flash-forward to now. Henry no longer naps. Clara’s naps are shorter and some days she doesn’t sleep at all. I’m at the gym for at least two hours a day, training clients – usually three. I’m at the theater two hours at night. I have no time to sit down and write. And honestly, when I get time to myself, I don’t WANT to sit down and write. I want to read a book or my Bible or work on a house project.
Blogging (the act of writing) is something I LOVE! But everything that comes with it (reading other blogs, social media, self-promotion) …..I just don’t love that aspect anymore. Some days it feels like my phone is super-glued to my right hand. It’s simply not fair for the people around me to be “absent” while I’m “present” online.
For the month of July, I suppose I could blog sporadically or line up guest posts, but I don’t even want to give myself that option. If I did, I would just devote thoughts to blogging and right now, I simply do not want to think about it.
This isn’t goodbye necessarily (notice the month of July thing above), but I suppose it could be the start of goodbye. Who knows??
I’m taking a month to find out.
Catch you on the flip side**!
QUESTION: What do you need to say NO to in your life right now??
splendid…lindsay
lorie says:
Respect girl…and you will never regret!
Traci says:
I have been feeling this way so much lately. I like the idea of a season of no. I can’t say no to things that will provide me with income, or certain opportunities, but I can say no to a lot that I would normally say yes to. Anyway, lots of support on this idea! You nailed it!
Sarah Koller says:
I’m relatively new to your blog, and I seriously enjoy reading your posts, but I have to say- you go, Mama! I’m glad you’re going with what’s best for you and your family during this season :-).
Sarah @ Sarah Sincerely says:
Seasons of no, or just knowing when to say no to certain things in life, are SO necessary. Otherwise, we end up overcommitted, exhausted, and no good to anyone.
Jolene says:
I feel the same way as you…but sort of reversed. I don’t feel like I have as much to SAY anymore, though I do enjoy reading blogs, like yours, and interacting that way and on instagram, vs. writing myself. it comes in rare bursts when I want to write these days, weirdly. I like your approach though, it’s smart. take advantage of the time, of the NO. love.
Wendy says:
I need to say NO to debt. The hub and I had a long chat with love and respect yesterday.
If we say YES to living simply for 74 days, our NO is a reality.
It’s crazy exciting and we have to finalize the details…and pray, a lot! while being responsible to each other and our goals.
Liana@RunToMunch says:
I said no to daily blog updates this summer. I want to enjoy living life, instead of just writing about it.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says:
You have to do what’s right for you! I hope you enjoy your break!
Tori says:
I have enjoyed following you (eh, that sounds stalkerish)and reading your blog so much since becoming a mother. You should know that I adore your honesty and honestly, I think that’s what makes me like you SO much. You’re real. Even when real isn’t the in-thing. And I love that.
I’ve learned to say ‘no’ more since I had Tytus.
Yes, I still feel guilty EVERY TIME.
But I’m learning my limit and if I say no to sex with my husband because I said yes to something that made me too tired or whatever…then I need to re-prioritize my ‘yes’ list.
I need to add Track Stars to my yes list so I can have some Lindsay and Katy time!
Love ya Linds!
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says:
You’re so wise for recognizing that life’s gotten hectic, and then being intentional to let a few things go in order to focus on your family. I admittedly have a hard time doing that, because I want to do it all, all the time, even when I realize I can’t. With baby coming soon, the blog (and all that comes along with it) will have to take a backseat. I’m contemplating a ‘digital detox’ once a week, to help me get a little more balance.
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says:
This was one of the first posts that I read on your site and what has kept me coming back! With becoming a mom to twins in my future I think I will have many things I may need to say ‘no’ to in the next week to 2 weeks, I pray nightly for the wisdom to recognize these things sooner than later. One may be the blog for a few weeks :) another may be housework for a few weeks…I just pray for wisdom to see what needs to be said ‘no’ to