Changing Direction

August 31, 2018 • 9 Comments

Lao Tzu reminds me, “If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” In the last few weeks, I’ve had a little look-see into where I’m heading. Being responsible for four little humans, who have four very full lives (and zero driver’s license eligibility), on top of my personal and professional pursuits, has the potential to hospitalize me. And not in the part of the hospital where people are allowed to visit.

If I want to enjoy this one life that’s been given to me, I need to look at how I perceive that life. If I’m always sending negative messages to myself and taking on too much, I’m going to end up exactly where I’m headed—A victim of my own chaotic existence.

For me ‘changing direction’ means remembering that I have choices. I have choices about what I say ‘yes’ to, what I say ‘no’ to and how I perceive my life. And I love to be reminded that, as an adult, I don’t have to justify, explain or defend my changes in direction to anyone.

Do you ever feel like it’s all just a little too much? Only I know what’s too much for me and there's no shame in setting limits. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Comments

Mags

Mari
Thank you for taking the time to comment because I think it's empowering for all of us to hear (or read) about other people making conscious choices about what's best for their family. And I love that you brought up the stage you're in. It's so helpful to look at how our needs change from year to year, month to month, etc. Enjoy those cartoons!

Mari(non-registered)

For the first time in 4 years I didn’t sign my kids up for any activities on Saturday mornings. My son Started kindergarten and I want him to be able to wake up on Saturday and play with his sister and watch “Saturday morning cartoons” (even though they are nowhere near as good as the ones in the 70’s/80’s). Some of my best memories are lazy Saturday mornings. Thanks for sharing this. We all complain about the go-go-go of life but guess what? We have the control! Great reminder Mags!

Mags

Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to comment.

Deb:
I'm so happy that this resonated with you. I always have to remind myself that "No" is a complete sentence.

Meghan:
I'm so proud of you! You are setting such a wonderful example to your children and the people who respond that way at the thought of setting boundaries. I'm not sure when we stopped putting our mental health on the list of things to protect, but the 50% rise in depression, anxiety, and suicide in the last 10 years are certainly a wake-up call. GO MEGHAN!

Kelly:
SO FUNNY. I remember being so excited to spend the night in the hospital when I delivered my youngest three kids. I felt like I was going to a fancy hotel with room service. Much different vibe in the psych-ward, of course.

Bob:
My friend often mentions that quote and I so appreciate the reminder.
And thank you for your kind words.

Cuz:
Thank you for that, "Life is choices."
It feels like the more I have going on, the more important it is that I take a deep breath before making them.

Dena:
Great point Dena...I don't like clutter to begin with so, you're so right, that 'no' can bring with it a whole crap-ton of relief.
Amen sister.

HERER'S TO SAYING 'NO' TO OTHERS SO WE CAN SAY 'YES' TO OURSELVES AND OUR FAMILIES.

Dena(non-registered)

Oh how I relate to this! I recently had tomake some tough decisions regarding how many yes’ I take on. It is definitely not easy, but the sigh of relief after a “no” is very rewarding

cuz(non-registered)

Love the quote! will be writing down that one for sure. Ive been known to chant- 'life is choices!' , and while we cannot control it all, we can control some of the input and experiences that impact us.

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