Last week I shared the first 2 traits of the not so busy mom.
Trait #1: The not so busy mom lets go of perfection.
Trait #2: The not so busy mom lets go of the need to impress.
This week we continue digging deeper into the 4 traits of the not so busy mom by looking at traits 3 & 4. Today we will look at trait 3 a bit more closely.
Trait #3: The not so busy mom considers her priorities.
A lot of our busyness can come from over-stuffed calendars and overloaded schedules. We take on commitments and lead events. We sign up for activities and participate in groups. Our children have something to do every afternoon, and we play chauffeur. Our weekends are filled with more sports, classmate birthday parties and whatever else we might find to keep the kids occupied. We get to Monday morning, and we can’t believe we have to do it all over again.
Another Way
When we consider our priorities we can better fill our days, weeks and months. When we consider our priorities our calendar is filled with the things that matter.
Let me share some of my priorities, so that you can see just what I mean.
My top priorities include:
- my relationship with God
- loving other people (family, friends, neighbors, people I meet, etc.) by reaching out, serving, encouraging, etc.
These priorities shape how I choose to spend my time and even more importantly, how I choose to spend my life.
With these priorities in mind, the following are the types of things you will see on my calendar:
- lunches with friends
- at home “dates” with my husband
- Bible studies
- trips to the playground with my children
- church activities & meetings
- walks with my mom
- dinners with extended family
- outreach activities in the community
I know my priorities and these priorities shape the choices I make, the way my calendar is filled and the things that fill my days.
As you explore this idea of living a full life without the busy take time to consider your priorities. Do the things you fill your time with, the things you fill your day with reflect those priorities?
When you fill your calendar, your day, your weeks, your months…your life with your priorities in mind, you’ll find your life isn’t a busy life but a full one.
What about you? Do your calendar & the activities you pursue reflect your priorities? Share your thoughts below; I would love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Charissa
5 Books that Have Inspired and Encouraged the Not So Busy Mom
I love this. It is a great reminder to reflect and refocus each day on what is important! Thank you!
You are welcome, Jenn!
Love! Thanks for sharing
You are welcome!
Oh, wow. Just stumbled upon this series. I need to go back and read your other posts. I am trying to be less busy, and for the most part have succeeded, but I feel there is guilt associated with that. I need to work on letting that part go!
I am glad you stumbled upon the series, Sarah. I hope you get to read the prior posts and hang around the blog as we pursue (together) a full life without all the busy!
This is always my goal – prioritize time with God first, then relationships over getting things done. I am not a fan of being busy, and strive to plan down time into my week. Great thoughts!
Thanks, Emily. 🙂
Planning down time is a good idea!
Sometimes it feels like absolutely everything is a priority, but you’re right that if we sit and think about what’s most important, our “to-do” list gets a lot shorter.
Stephanie, you are right. Everything screams at us, “I’m important!” It’s up to us to sift through it all and truly consider our priorities.
I definitely need some help ‘un-busying’ myself… I’ve begun setting days or mornings aside for the higher priority things (aside from work), like volunteering in my son’s class, so I definitely can see how helpful this strategy can be.
Hi, Kate! Setting aside mornings for higher priorities sounds like a great idea. And how fun to be able to have time to volunteer in your son’s class; he will remember that his mom worked in his classroom for years to come!!
I too worry about the culture of busyness we live in. It’s just not quite accurate. I love how you point out that it’s really about owning your priorities.
Thanks, Rebecca! 🙂
This is such a great post and reminder. Every year, while setting my goals, I write out my “Best Stuff List”–they are not goals, but the things that matter most, like relationship with God, my husband, and my three boys. And then all goals and plans need to be able to trace back to those Best Things. Thank you for the reminder, I may need to revisit my list 🙂
Hi, Eryn! I love that you have a “best stuff list”! What a great way to shape your goals and plans!!
It’s so important to define your priorities, and especially to write them down. I do this with my weekly goals, which are based on my priorities.
Yes, writing down our priorities and goals is super motivating!