Simplification Update

Remember that little word Simplify that I'm focusing on this year? Well here's an update: it's been a CHALLENGE. It hasn't been simple for me to simplify. With overwhelming work at the day job, custom pottery orders, sick children and a husband that embarked on what I refer to as his "world tour" in January and February, I've found it difficult to maintain this mantra, even in this short time. I've prayed. I've cried. I've gotten angry. I've confided in friends. I've had mini-breakdowns. I've called my mother for help. And I've thought. A lot. And then a whole lot more.

And even though I don't know exactly when I realized it, suddenly I realized that life really is simple. It's the decisions that we make about our lives, our priorities, how we spend our time, those things are what make it complicated. Good or bad, positive or negative, for the right reasons or the wrong ones, those things we choose as priorities make it overwhelming and overly complicated. Life really is simple.

Love your family. Smile every day, even at people you don't know. Hug your kids. Run after them and hug them again. Be silly and teach your toddler knock-knock jokes, even when he doesn't understand them. Dance with your baby girl in the kitchen and teach her the words to your favorite Zac Brown Band songs. Kiss your husband. Realize how much your mother loves you. Make something new, even if it's just a grilled cheese sandwich. Delight in an unexpected sunny day. Don't take things too personally. Think about the best thing that happened today, and focus on it again for tomorrow.

During this very trying time, I've realized that it's ok to turn my phone off and not check email for an entire afternoon (gasp). That it's ok to be 'that girl' who rarely updates her Twitter or Facebook account or only updates her blog once a week. That I'm allowed to say no when it's a decision that will cause me stress or make me miss out on time with my family. That it's ok if I change my focus for a while (or forever). Cause that's me. And that's my life right now. And you know what, I'm totally ok with that. Finally.