It’s been a week. A hard week. A busy week. An exciting week. Lots of ups and downs. If you follow LCN religiously you know I’ve been pretty MIA on social media and well, this post is not going out on a Tuesday like I promised you all. It’s Wednesday…in case you didn’t know.
I struggle giving myself grace in situations like these. I try so hard to do it all, and not just “do it all” but also give 110%. I forget I’m human and not superwoman…which I strive for every day. I don’t think anything is wrong with that expectation of myself. It pushes me to be the best person I can possibly be, every day. But that logic, that superhuman state-of-mind fails…when I (the human) fail. And that’s where the lack of grace is extended from my heart to my mind.
Like I said, it’s been a rough week. Aaron’s work life is busier than ever and this week it feels heavier than usual. My work life is also pretty insane. More deadlines, etc. Our AC is currently “out-of-order” and of course we are amongst a weird heat wave this week. My clean laundry has been sitting on my couch since last week (which now needs to be washed again because my dogs think it’s their new bed.) Aaron and I are taking on some new projects for the future that weigh heavy on my mind. I have you, my readers who expect fresh, new content and I strive every day to make each and every one of you happy and excited to come on here. (Which includes my Whole30 post…I PROMISE I am working on that and it will be out very soon…but stay tuned.) And on top of all of that, I am hosting a huge, exciting, VERY exciting event at my home this Sunday. Something I have been looking forward to since I started my blog. You will know all about it this weekend and I can’t wait to share!
All of that to say, this week I am inspired by simplicity and minimalism. In times of high stress and anxiety, I like to clear my mind and simplify my life. I take away the unnecessary things, the things that distract me, and I keep only the objects and ideas that inspire me. Instead of worrying about EVERYTHING ON MY LIST, I sit, breath, roll some “Stress Away
Yes, you heard me right. I clean. I get rid of the clutter, the mess. I don’t deep clean, let’s not get crazy here. I just pick up my life. I make sure the space I plan on working in, is picked up, organized and clean. This simple task clears my mind and channels focus and attention.
SO…today I am doing just that. I plan to clean my house after work. I won’t look at my list until I feel clear of mind.
I wanted to share this post with you all today because I am NOT superwoman. As much as I’d like to be, I’m just not. I suffer from stress and have bad weeks and days and I choose to move on. Sometimes I make promises I can’t keep (like saying I would post these every Tuesday.) And you know what, I didn’t this week and it’s OKAY. I give myself grace and I hope you can extend it my way too. Because not only do I feel like I let myself down, but I let you down.
Life can be hard sometimes and instead of focusing on EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST…focus on the simply things in life. I will leave you with this quote that I love…
“Clutter smothers, simplicity breathes.” – Terry Guillemets
If you aren’t following me on Pinterest, go now and follow here. Leave a comment below on how you deal with stress. What are your methods of living a stress-free life? Share with me.
xoxo, maddie
Beautifully written!! I needed to see this today after such a chaotic end of the school year and birthday parties galore! Remember on this day you were expecting rain for that awesome event…and it couldn’t have been more beautiful!
Thank you Mishalene!! I’m so glad you found some inspiration from this. : ) You’re right!! Thank you for being apart of it!
This is so good! And a true reminder for all of us.
Thank you for being vulnerable in sharing what you’re experiencing this week.
Xoxo
Thank you jess!! I think there is a lot of power and humility in vulnerability. xoxo
I love this Maddie. I’ve spent so much time explaining to my friends/family/coworkers that I’m not a “keeper”! And it makes life so much easier. We live in a digital world, take advantage of that. It keeps life fresh. And without holding onto all that clutter, comes freedom and lack of guilt when I want to get rid of something or change it up. 🙌🏻
I totally agree Jenna! I am not a “keeper” either and I feel like it’s liberating! Thank you for reading and sharing your experience :)
Ahhh love this! Strangely my husband and I have the same situation with our AC!! Perfect timing right? haha It definitely added to my stress this week too.
Usually when I’m the most stressed, I sit outside in my backyard. I have two rocking chairs out there that seriously do a number on me. It immediately calms me down and clears my head. Even though sometimes I feel like I’m doing the opposite of getting things done, it totally brings me back to a normal state. A state that will allow me to calmly take on the long list of “to-do’s” :)
Oh no!! I’m so glad it’s cooled down a little bit so we can get these AC’s fixed…haha I agree! Definitely didn’t help with the stress levels.
I love this tip Shea! I don’t usually think about sitting outside but I love the sun! Going to try this next time :) xoxo