Realizing that you can’t do it all frees one up to experience the moment. For two months, my plate of responsibilities has been overflowing, and as odd as it sounds, the upcoming holiday season will be a welcome reprise. I’m slowly peeling items off my “do it all” list, knowing that those commitments must be served up “family style” for others to enjoy. Some of those obligations, I brought on myself by saying “yes” to good things, but good things that I should have saved for another time. I’ve learned the hard way what happens when the plate dumps, and clean up is not enjoyable.
As the holiday season approaches, are there any items you can remove from your full plate before it dumps at an inopportune time?
Click here for my previous 31 Days to More with Less posts.
My 31 Day girlfriends: Chatting at the Sky, Nesting Place, My First Kitchen, Life With My 3 Boybarians, Reluctant Entertainer, TheInspired Room, Remodeling This Life
What a timely post. I’m certain we all feel this way at one time or another, but it’s now for me. Fall and the activities in work and the kid’s school life is just crazy, and I can tell my body is shutting down. I believe I’ll spend this weekend cleaning out both the house and my schedule. I’d like to spend the holiday months in thankful reflection, not frantic regret. 🙂
I am not doing too many things right now, I am able to say “no” to things – that just isn’t a problem for me. I am ready to enjoy a bit more hospitality/entertaining for the holidays. As well as some fun activities with just my kids! But this is such a great reminder as the most common answer (after “fine”) to “How are you?” is BUSY!
I don’t usually scrape my plates. I usually put them on the floor and let the dog clean them off.
Wait. I don’t have a dog.
🙂
My husband isn’t happy with me when I don’t scrape my plate because it clogs up our dishwasher.
@melissa @ the inspired room, Can I just tell you that i am crying I am laughing so hard at your two….Yes – literal tears on my face.
Kimba and Melissa – I just love you girls.
I learned this lesson the hard way this year. And I’m very close to meeting my goals to pare down. I’m moving from working 70 hrs a week to 30 hrs/week.
The difference is impossible to describe.