Good morning, Mamma, happy Monday. Back at it, yes? As we head into our weeks, can I ask you to take a minute to review the weekend, the upcoming week and what you have planned for next weekend? Are you living your values?
Tough question, isn’t it?
If an objective observer were to follow you through your day, what would they say you value?
Another tough question.
But so important. There will never be all the time, money and energy that we want. But there can be enough. There will never be a convenient or easy of it for us; but it can be good. Decide what you value, apportion your resources accordingly and then stick to your guns if life pushes back.
It takes effort to live your values. It doesn’t have to be expensive, fancy or complicated, but we do have to make some conscious decisions about what to do and what to cut out.
I gave up a race recently to watch a friend’s toddlers for the weekend. I love her and want her to have a strong marriage, I love her kids, my kids love her kids, and there are not that many people you can entrust your toddlers to for three days. I’ve already had one big, expensive race this summer; I can give this one up and pick another smaller race to do instead, later in the month. Do I have a pang for my big race? Sure, but I still made the right decision.
I gave up my grad school to have the time to home-school my youngest. THAT was a big values decision and not an easy one, but I did the right thing. My career is fine, and, more importantly, my kiddo’s test scores went from the mid-thirties to the high nineties. And, most importantly, he’s happy. Back in a regular school now, but he wouldn’t be where he’s at today without those two years of home-schooling.
Do you could watch a TV show, or go for a walk as a family? Do you go to the Happy Hour, or spend those two extra hours with your kids? Do you hand kiddo an iPad or pull them up onto your lap to read books out loud?
Our actions are where our values become apparent.
Decide, Mamma. Decide and then pursue your life with passion. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. Don’t let any negative sarcastic somebody rain on your parade.
Go, live it, girl.
Live it in such a way that when you look back at the lovely mess that was your life, (no insult intended, everyone’s life is a mess, girl, this stuff’s not easy or tidy) you have no regrets.
With love,