You just never know if today is a day to use your "Don't do list"

Many months have gone by. So much has happened in my life and my family's life. There's so much I need to do, reflect on and embrace.  As a Mom I have been challenged in ways that I never thought of.  I need to have a date with myself soon (thank you Aaron! for scheduling time for it.  Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed:) ) and cannot even begin to describe how dates with myself help me to  recharge. I love being a Mom. I would not trade it for ANYTHING in the world. No other job, full or part time, no other career can compare to the joy. I am sure there is so much out there I could do, good things out there. Many people I could reach. Exiting careers and things to do outside of my home. But, it is not my place now.

And then, during those hard days as a Mom....because see: I LOVE!!! this job of mine, but it's not by any means easy. So during the hard days, I make an effort to use my "Don't do lists" sometimes in my mind, sometimes I write it down.  It goes like this: I say a prayer in my mind, or I just take a moment to ponder and center myself or I get on my knees and out loud I vocalize my 'overwhelmness' and ask to know what I need not to do that day.

For example, "Don't do the dishes, until you play legos with J"  or  "Don't go to the laundry until you get to read two books to M" or "Don't vaccum until after you pray and read a verse from your scriptures".

When the busy items come to the surface, then I can see the essentials and I can smile and slow down to do what will bring balance to my day.


I love my "don't do lists" as much as I have learned to love my "to do lists" (I have NOT always like lists). But my don't do lists! they give freedom... we are friends,  and it's my simple way to face a challenging day or hour in my own way. It works for me and truly helps me to be a better Mom.


These treasures of mine are worth a don't do list!