When I first started drafting this post, I was headed in a different direction. I thought about doing a fun, quick little recap for you of all the fun I had this weekend via Instagram.
But as I went through the pictures and really put my thinking cap on, I realized that I've made a few changes in life recently. You can call it a new years resolution or a 2012 goal. Or maybe it's just sort of an epiphany. But the gist of it? Stop and smell the roses. Take small bites. Make life approachable.
our Saturday hike, Black Rock Lake It used to be that I would come home from work each night and attempt to attack an insurmountable to-do list. Finish painting hallway. Catch up on 97 blog emails. Call Nana for her birthday. Finish stitching pillow case. Watch Gossip Girl. Draft a guest post. Mail three thank you notes. Load dishwasher. Write three blog posts for the week. Fold laundry. Take pictures of a project for the blog. Bathe Tucker and Maggie. Go to bed by 10. Yeah right... and that was the kind of list I thought I could accomplish in one night after working all day.... And on the weekends? I shudder to think about those to-do lists. Of course, David is incredible and does his fair share (or more!) helping around the house.
But still. All of this? It was just too much. I put too much pressure on myself to get it all done and get it all done ASAP, which, of course, never actually happened. So by the end of each night, I was left stressed, exhausted and disappointed. And weary of the fact that the items that didn't get done would have to go on tomorrow's to-do list. Now that's a vicious cycle.
But still. All of this? It was just too much. I put too much pressure on myself to get it all done and get it all done ASAP, which, of course, never actually happened. So by the end of each night, I was left stressed, exhausted and disappointed. And weary of the fact that the items that didn't get done would have to go on tomorrow's to-do list. Now that's a vicious cycle.
So lately, instead of trying to be superwoman, I've really made it a point to scale back my to-do lists. Again, the word for me is approachable. It's time to bring my expectations of myself back down to reality. Now in the evenings, my to-do lists (which my Type A, OCD personality can't really stray away from) have only two or three items on them... and usually that includes items like "eat dinner with David," "finish drafting design article" and "do yoga for an hour." Now that is a list I can accomplish. And the funny part is that everything gets done. All of the projects, the household chores, the personal time, the blogging... it all gets done! I just have to slow it down and do it in smaller bites of the apple.
my weekend reading list And I feel better. Not only am I more relaxed and more well-rested, but I'm having more fun! Like this weekend, for example. I realized it's kind of nice to hang out for an extra thirty minutes in bed, cuddled up with the hubs, the pups and a stack of magazines.
our Saturday drive to the mountains
David and I also took a drive up to the mountains on Saturday and spent our afternoon hiking around a lake and just lazily enjoying nature... the way nature should be enjoyed. Top that kind of day off with a big meal from our favorite mountain southern BBQ joint and life couldn't have been much better.
Black Rock Lake
Of course, we did tackle some things around the house. I promise you the whole weekend wasn't sweatpants, watching the rain and lazy hours by the fire. But a lot of it was : )
watching the rain on Sunday
And we loved every minute of it.
Since I realized that I haven't shared any 2012 goals here on the ol' blog yet, let's call this mine. In 2012, I want to take a deep breath, step back and make sure that my life is not crazy or hectic or lost in the frantic moments of crossing things off of a to-do list.
Rather, in 2012, I want for my life to be approachable.
I love this! I found myself getting into that same habit even this year. So I put a stop to it immediately by taking one day this weekend to do NOTHING! I am in the office today feeling much better. So I agree 100% with your plan. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I to am trying to slow down a lot more. I have 3 children under 7 and I fear that Im gonna miss all these great moments with them and regret it as long as I live! I let the house go, the laundry go, and spent sunday building a baseball thing for my oldest and we all played all Sunday afternoon it was perfect!
ReplyDeleteIt's like you were reading my mind, Michelle. I need to do the same thing and realign my priorities and energy. Thanks for articulating this for my foggy brain!
ReplyDeletexo Heidi
Such a good word to live by---approachable. That vicious cycle is so frustrating. And I think one of the worst parts of it--you never really enjoy the things you do accomplish. Looks like you guys had a great weekend. :) By the way--love the boots you are wearing. :)
ReplyDeletei like this new approachable you Rhondy. i want to be her too.
ReplyDeleteYep, superwoman doesn't exist...good that you know that now!!
ReplyDeleteLove your 2012 goals! I think we all need a little bit of that mentality!
ReplyDeleteThis is IMPORTANT. Thanks for the perspective. I usually have a big swirling to-do list in my head and that doesn't make life approachable. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds perfect to me. Taking every moment as something special is a great way to live!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good way to think of life. Now that Im back to work full time this is something I really need to strive for!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree with you more! My husband is always telling me that I try to do too much. He keeps things so simple, and I am the one running around trying to do a million things at once. I'm sure he'd appreciate me slowing down too. Glad you got to spend great quality time together in the mountains. So fun!
ReplyDeleteI love your 2012 goal! I've been working on doing the same in my life...simplifying and enjoying every single minute & cutting out as much stress as I can.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to take a step back and relax. I hope you can keep your approachable goal and things stay this way for you!
ReplyDelete"approachable" - michelle, i love that! i may have lesser blogposts but i am enjoying life more without deadlines and no more stalking of my own blog stats!
ReplyDeleteAmen, sista! As Type A'ers and bloggers, we live in a world of instant gratification and faster-than-real-time posting. I'm glad you're slowing down and making life more approachable. I'm right there with ya!
ReplyDeletep/s: Although I do hope Gossip Girls remains a Monday night priority :)
Such a great post Michelle!! I often feel overwhelmed at night and on the weekends and it's so important to realy stop and just enjoy each day. PS...where are your boots from?? Love them!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I'm guilty of the crazy to-do lists too, so this is a great reminder to slow down!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! I am the exact same way with my to-do lists after work. Thanks for this perspective!
ReplyDeletethis sounds divine! I think you hit the nail on the head "approachable". Great post!!
ReplyDeleteLove it. I still owe you an email back since you know I have been wrestling with this. I am guilty of being crazy busy. I think I need to take on less as well. Happy Monday, friend.
ReplyDeleteI needed to hear this! I'm the exact same with making overly-ambitious to-do lists and being disappointed when I don't get it all done. Especially with my blog--I get so burnt out if I try to do too much! Making life "approachable" is a great goal!
ReplyDeleteLove it Michelle! I love picking one word to focus on for the New Year...makes it more attainable. Sounds like the perfect weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love it! In this day and age, there's so much pressure to be "perfect", but that's just something I know I'll never be. I love your goal for 2012 - to just take time to stop and smell the roses. Life passes us by so quickly anyway, we should enjoy every moment we get. =)
ReplyDeleteThat is a great word to live by. I try to do to many things and get upset when they all don't get done when I want...heck, I've been writing a blog post for three days! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteA great goal for the new year, Michelle! Along the same vein, I am always striving for balance....and have to remind myself that a little down time is okay now and again! Glad you enjoyed your weekend!
ReplyDeletegreat post. I feel the same way so often - i have a hard time knowing when its okay to say no and when im just being lazy. Im glad to hear you are striking a happy balance.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, M! My two week hiatus from work and projects has spurred me in the same direction. It was so great to actually spend time with my family and not dash in the other room to paint/photo/write! This beast is my hobby, my outlet, my release...not my burden!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome and totally spoke to me. Love.
ReplyDeleteOh I loved this post Michelle and can definitely relate. So much pressure in life comes from ourselves and I've started to realised that there is a point when my striving to accomplish a lot and be a "do-er" becomes unrealistic and sets me up for disappointment. My weekend was very similar even though it is a bit hotter is Aus right now!
ReplyDeleteYou got it girl. Way to be. I used to get so mad if I didn't have something drafted for the next day, but now I'm okay with it and I know I'll have a fresh start the next day because of it. Hope you had a good day Michelle.
ReplyDeleteOne word: Amen!
ReplyDeleteWell if you ever hit the nail on the head this post is it. I struggle with ever mounting to-do lists and unrealistic expectations of myself. I think I'll join you in scaling back and enjoying each day more! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! It really hits home. I make so many to-do lists throughout the week and let's be real, they are so out of reach. My goal is to get everything done during the week so I can have my weekends completely free. But when I can't get everything done during the week, not only am I stressed each night but then that leaves me frantic on the weekends trying to get everything done. So basically I'm a complete mess. I think you're completely right about making it all approachable. If I think about it that way then I will be able to find that 'me' time in every day. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDelete