A Frazzled Woman's Not To Do List

My new years resolutions this year were, in essence, to help me reprioritize that which was important, eliminate those things that were not, and delegate those things that others could do. How am I doing in maintaining those resolutions? Well, not so good. Frankly, I've not adhered to any of them like I should. In fact, I was soooo overbooked, overworked, and overtasked that I totally collapsed last Saturday and could not hardly get out of bed. The exhaustion was so much that I couldn't even attend Michael's basketball games last Saturday. I missed seeing him play and he started, too. I love to watch my kids play basketball so this was a big deal for me to miss. This week hasn't been any better. By Wednesday night, I was beyond the point of exhaustion. I couldn't even fall asleep! That wasn't the way I planned to start my year off! That's not the way God intended any of us to be, either! That's NOT the way my family needs me to be! All I could keep thinking was Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28 "...Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." I'd repeat them over and over, desparately praying for relief! I came to the realization this week that I absolutely cannot keep going at the speed that I am. God showed me that this was not his intention for me, or any of us. Plus, I'm getting older and don't have the energy to keep up like I used too! I don't have a choice, I must make a change! Pleas forgive me if I sound a little whiney. I get that way when I'm sick and tired:-)

Okay, so I must confess. A lot of this is my own fault. I'm a natural type A personality and it's hard for me not to be so involved. So, as I'm sitting home today with a sick little boy, I paused to really analyze my life and why I can't seem to slow down. I realize that I'm still saying yes to things I should say no to, my schedule is still overbooked, I'm still not spending the time with family and friends like I should. And I've not delegated or eliminated things as much as is needed. Although I feel as though I've not strictly adhered to my resolutions. However, I must pare down for my own health, for the sake of my family, friends, the children's ministry, and my students at school! Otherwise, I'm no good to anyone! How about you? Have you been able to stick to your resolutions? Or are you like me, still struggling with issues you thought you'd put to rest?

So, in an effort to re-establish my resolutions, I'm taking a little pressure off myself. Instead of a "To Do" list that will make me feel crummy, because I never accomplish all that is on it, I've come up with a "NOT" To Do List!

1. I will not attempt to do everything. It's impossible anyway.
2. I will not try to be Supermom!
3. If the house is a mess, that's ok. It's our mess and we can live with it - maybe. Oh, I don't know about this one. I don't think I can live with it after all.
4. I will not feel guilty if I tell someone no, especially if it requires more work on my part than theirs - which is usually the case. Saying no to things, even good things, means a BIGGER YES to those things that are MOST IMPORTANT! So, if you suggest something be willing to be the person to carry it out. I'm booked!
5. I will not allow ANYTHING to interfere with special times with my family, especially around holidays.
6. I will not overbook my schedule - time with my family and my children's activities are most important therefore they will take precedence.
7. I will not worry about undone tasks - things don't have to be perfect! They usually never are anyway!
8. I don't have to be SUPERMULTITASKER or SUPERORGANIZED!
9. I will not pressure myself to make EVERYONE HAPPY! There will always be someone who isn't happy with something I've said or done anyway, even if I do try to please everyone.
10. I don't have to cook a full course dinner every night. Fishsticks, baked french fries, and baked beans do count as as a nutritious meal! Does cereal count, too?

Here's your assignment. Come up with your own "Not to Do" list. Then kick back and have a cup of coffee. That's next on my agenda...then it's a shower, off to the doctor with little Michael, then back home to clean house! A mother's job never ends:-)

Here's a couple of great resources for those of us who are frazzled and exhausted by the responsibilities of our lives. These are awesome, ladies!

The Worn Out Woman: When Life is Full and Your Spirit is Empty
By: Steve Stevens, Alice Gray (5 star rating) Available at Christianbooks.com for $9.99

The Frazzled Woman Bible Study, Available at Lifeway.com for $9.95

Victoriously Frazzled Bible Study, Available at Lifeway.com for $9.95

In His Love, Cathy