Recently I’ve been having a hard time finding my balance in life. Collette ( Wine to Water ) recently posted about this and it really got me thinking. I work a lot and our family always has multiple things going on. I feel like I need to make lists just to remember everything that I need to do. This is nothing new however I need better tactics to keep that balance more regular.
My husband and I got invited to a bonfire this past Saturday, starting at 6pm. It’s with some of my old classmate friends. I said yes, I don’t see them often and they are really nice people. Well Friday was a long day and Saturday I didn’t get home until 4pm. I was whipped and cancelled saying I’m just too tired. It’s 100% the truth but also it’s a drinking bonfire and just like last time I can go and bring my own non alcoholic drink, but that seemed like a chore too. A weight was lifted from me when I did cancel, however I did want to see them and the next day fb post about good friends did sting a little but I understand, everyone is good friends and had a great time! I chose not to go.
Anywho, yesterday after work a couple of the girls that held the bonfire text me and asked if tomorrow ( now today ) I wanted to go with them for Chicken Gravy & Bisquits night at our local diner. I totally said yes as that’s right up my alley! I’m excited about this! I also told hubby I’m too stresssed out on weekends. We have a grad party Saturday at 4pm and I said let’s relax at that and just keep relaxing after. I’m looking forward to that as well.
This past Sunday was Fathers Day. We got bbq chicken from our local fireman’s bbq and I made potato salad and a tossed salad and I made 2 pies. ( one for my father in law ) ( My dad lives a bit further away ) potato salad is timely and I got frustrated that my day was going to be about food. However I did offer to cook it all! I do this a lot! Anyway after hubby saying not to make all that I did and then walked down to my in-laws and got in their pool. It was just what I needed to relieve that stress.
So anyway, I’m trying to really be conscious of balance. I started Monday off frustrated again and that’s no way to start a Monday off. I think I was just tired. My arms hurt pretty good from swimming! I can’t believe I’m that out of shape, I have been doing my small workouts. Feeling more refreshed this Tuesday morning and I sure hope you all are too!
Thanks for reading, Jackie
Littleredhead 
I have learnt to cancel when there are events I just can’t face going to I know no one will be too upset. Even better, I am learning to say ‘no’ in the first place. I also have stopped offering to make everything, and host everything and prepare mountains of stuff. Maybe it’s selfish but it burns me out, makes me grumpy and tetchy and then I’m no fun for my family to be around. So let’s call it self preservation rather than selfish!!
That pool looks fab. Glad you had a chance to relax 🤗🥰💕
I love calling it self preservation! Completely spot on! My parents are coming Friday night and bringing subs. I decided to go easy and have chips with it. I already feel a sense of calm about that. I need to learn to say no better. Much easier and then I don’t feel as if I have let anyone down because I didn’t say yes at first. Hope you are doing well Claire, I miss talking to you! 😍😘❤️
I’m ok. Still reading and commenting on here but not really blogging at the moment. Yep, be realistic with what you can do and then take it down a notch from that … then you don’t over promise. I find it really helps me!! Enjoy seeing your parents ❤️❤️
I’m going to remember that….”Be realistic with what you can do and then take it a notch down from that.” That helps a lot! Thanks Claire! I knew doing chicken gravy on biscuits tonight with the two girls that asked me was good right away. One even needs to be back home at 6:30pm so having that certain end time is good for me too!
I’m glad you’re throttling back some, Jackie. It’s a good thing to know oneself, be brave enough to act upon it, and be able to enjoy the ride along the way with no guilt. Love that photo! 🏝 ☀️🧘♂️
Thanks Dwight! I really need to pay attention to what I say yes to. My chicken gravy & biscuits went well with my 2 friends. I belly laughed which I haven’t done in awhile and I am now easily confident enough with ordering water with my meal, even when others order drinks. 😃💪🏻 Have a fantastic family reunion and I bet you will find new places to go rucking!
I’m with Claire! It’s self preservation, not selfish. It’s not worth it if you are doing a bunch of things to try to please people but it makes you grumpy and burnt out in the process. 🌟💛
I couldn’t agree more. Really going to focus on self preservation from now on. Thanks for your comment!
yup, it’s def a good time to scale back. the weathers beautiful and the livin’ is fine, as they say..good to see you enjoying yourself!!
Thanks Lovie! I hope things are going well with you and you are taking it easier as well. ❤️❤️❤️