I’ve decided to choose less in order to gain more.
{In case you missed it, read Part I of this first.}
I’m choosing my new life, and for now, nothing more.
Last April, even before the baby and before A Loving Spoon, I thought I was on the right track when I decided to live vs. blog life and only be present here 1-3 days per week.
Well I failed, and then I failed even more once 2014 hit.
I blogged and blogged and blogged, and I received more messages about, “how my blog had gotten so great” so I blogged some more.
And it drove me to a place where I wanted more, forgetting that less was really more and forgetting about the things that were truly important to me.
Funny how we always think we want more when the reality is we should be choosing less to gain more.
I made an outrageous number of goals. Just look at them all.
And most of them? Most of them make up pieces to my old life.
Choosing Less
I didn’t need to write you this blog post. I didn’t need to justify myself to the world. But I needed to do this for me because this is my space, my life and the place where, truth be told, I am able to vent in a way that you might like, love or leave.
I am choosing less.
There will be no more 6-7 days a week of blogging. There might only be 1-2 days per week. (Side note: I will be finishing up my Mighty Nest, cleaning and organizing series first, though, as it’s already nearly done for the most part.)
I am choosing less.
I am giving up structured workouts that happen on structured days with specific goals in mind. I will still train for a 1:45 half marathon, but beyond that, going to the gym will only be on the days I have the passion for it and energy to sustain greatness.
I am choosing less.
No more miscellaneous projects. There comes a moment when too much is just too much, and while miscellaneous projects might seem like a fun task at that time, in the long run they only create more.
I am choosing less.
I give, but I am not free. I’ve written about it before, but I need to hold tight to this even more. In the past couple of weeks, I cannot count the amount of times I’ve been contacted from people who just want to “pick my brain” on Gutsy topics, branding, social, entrepreneurship, etc., etc. or use my blog as a place to pimp their product, company, links. Really?
I am choosing less.
What’s Worth More
In choosing less, we always hope, ironically, it leads to more.
I thought about this concept of more…..what does more mean to me, and what is worth more in my life?
She is Worth More
I’ve been so wrapped up in meaningless things that I began to forget about the most important role God has given me, Mommy. Not everyone will agree with this, but it is my most important role currently. I met her in the NICU where she was waiting for Ryan and I to take her, to love her, to be there for her and to prove to her that the world might not be an ugly place.
She doesn’t care if people love my blog. She doesn’t care if I am one uber-fit girl. She doesn’t care if I have more and more. She needs me now. She needs me to help her bloom into the beautiful Little Legume she is going to be.
He is Worth More
…..is the best partner in crime that ever came into my life, and I need to do a much better job at being that same person for him.
Him
The Lord has given me strength in my old life, and the will to smile for everything that is finally here in my new life. I cannot be sidetracked by the things that aren’t for His glory today.
It is Worth More
Until you start your own business – a real business, with real product, real money, real processes and pour your blood, sweat and tears into the beliefs and story you will to come to fruition, this one is hard to understand.
But all of the aforementioned I have done, I am now doing and I am about to put my whole self into. It’s scary, but in order for success with it to loom, I must give only that business my full attention.
I have chosen less all around, and when I made these simple (not easy) decisions, suddenly a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Think about it —> is this what you need in your own life? Are you trying to spin wheels to live up to an “old life” or someone else’s standards?
Choosing less, gaining more…..yes, yes this is Life Unprocessed.
Signing off.
Love your guts,
SKH
I’d rather not see a season of
woolrich outlet Why Donating Vehicles Is The Best Option For Used Car Owners
woolrich outletKnow the Best Style for your Office Wear Page 1 of 2
woolrich literary Every room has its own refrigerator
What To Do At Your Next Networking Event
woolrich made in usa Every room has its own refrigerator
You will heal. I will help.
you are so wise.
Not wise. Just trying to be more honest with myself:)
As a new mommy you always try to do it all. I fell to that when I was a new mommy. Then I realized I couldn’t do it all and tried to do everything but what I needed for me. That worked for a while until I became exhausted in all areas. In the last month I have finally added back in some me time (some gym time) and I am the happiest that I have been in a long time, which makes me better in all areas of my life. In a couple months or years that may not be what makes me happy anymore. Its all about try, fail, adjust…or try, succeed, life throws you a curve ball, adjust. We are mommies, we can do anything that we put out hearts and mind to!
So many awesome and appreciated thoughts, Emily. I agree, too…we are constantly evolving. I’m glad I caught up with my *current* evolution.
I forgot to mention that you are doing an amazing job at being a mommy!! U got this!
Hey Sarah, I read your blog regularly, but rarely ever comment. I just wanted to tell you that this post couldn’t have come at a better time for me to read. I am so glad that you’re realizing that less is more, because I’ve been facing that lately too. I have so many things, ideas, and projects to accomplish and I want to do them all right now – especially since I have my own little one on the way in about 6 months. I just want to tell you that you’re amazing, whatever it is that you choose to put your focus on, because it’s VERY clear that you do everything with passion and soul-centered heart. Keep on keepin’ on, momma! 🙂
I can’t love this enough. THANK YOU. Truly.
We are in the same place with blogging, my friend. So easy to get pulled off course when people like what you have to offer and let you know; it makes you want to do more and more and more. Looking forward to hearing about your new company’s success!
Thank you!
I think we all get caught up in trying to do more and more and more but at the end of the day less always feels better! Great post!
It’s so true. Thanks, Betsy!
Good for you! *gives virtual high-five*. I blog only once or twice a week and I thought that was too little, compared to those who blog every single day. At least I now know I am not alone in that it’s OK to not blog every single day.
Do what you gotta do for you and yours, and don’t let people claim your time as free to take.
Always look forward to your insights on Gut Issues, regardless of how often you post. That’s what archives are for, yes? 🙂
Thank you, Cheryl!
Some very wise words that I would like to add to my life as well!
Good luck on your half marathon!
Thanks!
YES!! I totally agree. In fact, I was having this same discussion with myself last night. I do some good thinking at those late night feedings. 😉 Something about being a mommy puts things into perspective… at least it does for me! xoxo
You are so inspirational! I am starting to get that way with obsessing about my blog, and posting too much, trying to read every post. It is starting to get overwhelming with a full time job, and full time grad school!! That does not even include my 70 miles a week running! I need to follow you now, and back off! I am starting to struggle to sleep, and it is time to do less, to definitely get more!
I am excited to see what you can do this year! Especially with a clear focus of what you want, and spending the quality time on the things that matter most 🙂
Love this. Sometimes we go through events that make us need to re focus, and I had the same realization lately. I’ve tried to make my blog more about content and posts I love and not for the sake of posting. Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
Oh Sarah! It is so hard to do it all!!! When times get hard and my wheels are spinning as a mom, a wife, a professional and a follower, I used to say that God won’t give me more than I can handle. But, recently I have started to say He will give me more than I can handle because that is when I slow down and turn to Him in prayer for courage and strength. This is when I find clarity and peace and I’m so grateful I am a mom, wife, professional and follower. I am so happy for the wonderful blessings you have been given and that you have the grace to receive them! How awesome is that!?? Cheers to you for taking on less and having more:). It’s a delicate balance and so worth it!
Xoxoxo Kris
These thoughts are awesome, Kris! Thank you so much for them.
I love this post and first, I just wanna wish you the best of the best of the best with everything. You will rock it.
Second, this post is so raw and honest because it comes from the heart. It’s true though. We have to be present for the things we care about most. So we can live. And have meaning in our life. Life becomes richer when we focus on what really matters more so than going to the gym everyday or blogging because we think that is the right thing to do. We live more healthfully by being happy and making things count!