Prioritize and Let Stuff Go

**Sara Noel** · 10-07-2004, 12:37 PM

We all want a balanced, meaningful and enjoyable life and we hope to raise our children in the same manner. The first step to achieve these goals is to prioritize and let stuff go. There are other tips and suggestions, which will come later, but without this initial step, the other tips can't be put to use. We simply are overwhelmed these days with too many choices, too many obligations and too much scheduled time. If we want balance, we have to make space for it. It's that simple.

So, let's start with prioritizing your time. Write down everything you do for at least three days. How is your time spent? What do can you take out? What do you need to add to feel more balanced?

Here are some tips:

Limit your kids activities. I suggest you pick a firm number of activities, such as one or two at a time and stick to it. No matter what.

Keep some "down time", unscheduled time, to do whatever you feel like at the time. This time is for you and your family to rest, relax, create or play.

Take out what isn't benefiting your personal growth or your family's wellbeing. If an activity benefits your personal growth, but prevents you from living a balanced life, take it out. Many moms, myself included, learn that now is the time to donate money or objects to charities and later is the time to devote work hours.

Limit your personal phone calls about superficial stuff. Gossiping, for example, drains your energy and wastes precious time.

Learn not to sweat the small stuff- such as a slightly messy house. Allowing some imperfections is necessary to free up your energy for more meaningful matters.

It takes discipline to create balance. Look at how your energy is spent, limit and remove what you can, and leave some unstructured space. You'll be glad you did!

Bria Simpson, MA Life Coach and Parenting Specialist
Web: http://www.briacoach.com Helping moms strengthen and balance their family lives while rediscovering their own passions and interests.