My word for 2018: Simplify.
A new year means a fresh new start. It’s always the time we get into an organizing frenzy and start a healthy routine and rhythm. Often times though, creating new years resolutions can become overwhelming so this year, I’m sticking to focusing on one word. I’ve decided to focus on SIMPLIFYING. Being a mom, soon to be foster mama and a working mama brings on a LOT of demands. I would not change it for the world. But to be able to wear all the hats in my life, I have to really pare down and simplify things in my life so that I’m available physically, mentally and emotionally to the most important people in my life. I still find myself struggling with it at times since it can become a balancing act so that’s why I’m really trying to intentionally focus and prioritize the important things in my life. Here are 3 ways I’m trying to simplify this year. This post is sponsored by Grove but all thoughts, opinions and styling are my own. Caution: You will experience cuteness overload with these two below.
1. Make a Meal Plan
Eating healthy is very important to me but I don’t always have time to cook the most nutritious meals. And yes, sometimes the kids just gotta have Zaxbys or McDonalds because they love it. I’m not a nutrition nazi but I do try to stay intentional about what goes into our bodies. Since I’ve started working, I’ve realized the importance of having a meal plan. Mine is nothing complicated. It’s literally just writing down what I’ll be cooking from Monday-Thursday night. We usually eat leftovers and go out on the weekends so that I get a break from cooking. Plus, we live in the same neighborhood with my in laws and some best friends so we occasionally have each other’s families over for dinner. I highly encourage doing this! You not only get a break from cooking but it’s so much fun!
2. Spending time in the Word consistently
I was recently listening to one of my favorite podcasts called The Glorious in the Mundane. Christy was talking about how she made it a point to stop being so busy by intentionally more spending time with Jesus. It didn’t make sense at times because her plate was full and there was so much to be done but somehow focusing and making time for the Lord created space for her to do more things. That really spoke volumes to me because by nature, I’m such a busy body. My mind is always running with a full to-do list and I have to be really intentional about being still. I love creating, working, moving around and staying active. If you’re anything like me, we have to be careful that we don’t become addicted to productivity and even enslaved to striving. I have to remember that my identity is not tied to all that I can or can not accomplish.
I want to spend my time wisely and pursue the things that I feel called to pursue. I need so much wisdom in this area because there are so many things I want to do! I am going to choose to trust that by spending time with Him, he will give me the space and margin to fill my time with the things that are important and really help me to let go of the things that aren’t worthy of my time and energy.
3. Spend Money
Ha!! I know that last one is really gonna get you. This one is pretty big you guys. What I mean is spending money on things that help to simplify my life because it’s okay. This past November, I hired someone to clean my house for the first time. You guys. This was a really difficult decision for me. I had so much guilt because I felt like I should be able to take care of this task and keep my house under control. Plus, I was like… “only rich or lazy folks have people clean their homes!” If you are rich OR lazy, please don’t be offended. I’m being completely transparent and sharing how stupid I can be in my stubborn and prideful heart. Even if you are a stay at home mom, this can be so worthwhile. What a great gift idea for a busy, tired mama!
Jimmy had been encouraging me to hire a cleaner for years but I refused because I always told him I just couldn’t spend money on it. But then I couldn’t keep up with all the cleaning of the nasty toilets, vacuuming floors and everything else that comes with managing a household. And yes, he helps me all the time but ain’t nobody want to clean on the weekends when we actually have quality time to spend together. So finally, I had my friend’s cleaner come and Hallelujah it was the best thing ever. It’s seriously the best money I’ve spent in a long time. I felt like a million bucks after they left. And you know what? I got rid of that guilt because it didn’t make sense! Of course I could spend that money on so many other things but I value a clean home because it makes me happy and keeps me sane. So, thank God for my sweet cleaner who comes to my house every 5-6 weeks to give my house a good thorough scrub.
This also means spending money on products that save me time and energy in the long haul too. I started using The Grove a few months ago and I love the products that they provide. Even their spray bottles are so pretty! They have great deals on products I love and use and I always have them on hand instead of forgetting to pick them up at the store. Plus, they always have great deals and you know how I feel about that.
The Caldrea spray is one of my favorite cleaners and gets rid of the stinky stank food smells that tend to linger after cooking dinner.
For 6 days only, I’ve partnered with Grove to give all of my readers everything you see in this photo if you spend your first $20. Here’s what you get.
- Free Grove cleaning concentrates (3 pack)
- Free Grove glass spray bottle with silicone sleeve
- Free Grove microfiber (2 pack)
- Free Grove cleaning caddy
- Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial
If you’re already and existing customer, you’ll receive free walnut scrubber sponges and will need to use this link here.
Many of the cleaning products have totally changed my cleaning routine. I love that they’re toxin free and create a minimal amount of waste compared to big bottles of cleaner. In addition to the cleaning concentrates, you’ll get a free glass spray bottle to mix them up and microfibers that are equally good for wiping down countertops or getting windows sparkling. Going toxin free has become more important to me after seeing my father and one of my best friends battle cancer. Plus, it’s just better for the environment.
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Here’s to an awesome 2018, friends! Here’s to simplifying so that we can spend more time with the people we love. Isn’t that what life is really all about?
I almost forgot to mention that I’ll be taking over The Grove Collaborative’s Instagram account all day so be sure to follow along with me as I share a day in my life. I promise it’s not really that interesting but you’ll be sure to get a good laugh I promise.
xoxo,
yuni
Let all that you do be done in Love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
I’ve thought about having a cleaning person come in and do some major cleaning such as dusting/cleaning the blinds, cleaning the baseboards, oiling the cabinets – you know all the chores that require so much time and energy that I don’t seem to get around to doing. My thoughts about “rich or lazy” are like what your thoughts used to be. I’m getting closer to hiring some help. It sure would be easier on my back, too. TFS and making me think more about it.
That is a goal of mine too, to simplify this year. And to be more intentional and focused with my prayer time. Making it a bigger priority. Sounds like you have put some good thought into this, best wishes!