Hey there!
Welcome to all of the new and not-so-new faces alike!
It’s time for our weekly blog link-up, where we write like crazy people for five minutes flat, then do something even crazier — we share our offerings with the world.
That’s right . . . We take a deep breath and bravely post our five-minute scribblings for others to read.
It’s really not about the quality — it’s about showing up. It’s about sitting down, setting the timer, and doing the work. It’s about the discipline and the practice of letting the words flow. It’s about releasing fears and embracing imperfection. And we do it together.
Since it’s still pretty close to the beginning of a new year, I thought it’s as good a time as any to: SIMPLIFY
[Tweet “Join @5minutefriday as we free write for five minutes flat on the prompt, SIMPLIFY.”]
Ready? Let’s write!
GO.
It’s the second week of the new year, and I’ll admit: I’ve fallen hard for the “start fresh” appeal of a new calendar alive with possibilities. I’m eager to plan, prepare, fill in those blank white boxes.
I’m a doer by design, but I’m learning that doing all the time isn’t always the best way.
In fact, my family often suffers when I plan too much and overcommit.
I’m trying to remember that in many respects, my schedule is not the boss of me. To a large degree (besides the obvious work and home responsibilities), I have control over how much I commit to doing. I can say no. And I should say no more often.
So one of my prayers this year is that the Lord would show me ways I can simplify our schedule.
We don’t have to say yes to the spring sports season. We don’t have to say yes to extras here and extras there . . . We can be intentional about slowing down, about leaving margin, about enjoying room to breathe. For the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual good of all of us.
And yes, I hereby give you permission to rub this post in my face in a few months when I’m in the middle of my first book launch and on the verge of hitting complete burnout. 🙂
STOP.
[Tweet “What comes to mind when you think of the word, SIMPLIFY? Share with us in five minutes or less!”]
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Kate, you’re so right. Our schedules are not the boss of us. I almost went that direction tonight too. It’s easy to SAY yes, and much more challenging (usually) to live it out without regret. I hope your year holds relaxing, restful joy-filled moments with your family.
Thank you, Jeanne! Same to you!
Aww! We’d NEVER rub your nose in a post! Balance means that we don’t live on the edge ALL the time. It’s the ebb and flow of busy and not-so-busy. Simplify now so that you’ll have the reserves to make it through the book launch!
Amen sista. Yes we will sure rub it in and keep you accountable haha!
“I can say no. And I should say no more often.” This is something many can’t bring themselves to do. My family and I committed last year to give 2018 more room to breathe, as you put it, and to relinquish graciously two particular annual commitments that exhausted our time over the span of two or three years. It’s so liberating to release the pull to remain in the same post because undoubtedly God always has another door open in its place.
Kate, I love that – I give you permission…Gentle reminders sure come in handy from time to time.
My son told me once, “Your work is obviously more important than we are, because that’s what you choose.” What a check in my spirit. With that said, simplifying is so healthy for the entire family.
Sometimes it’s so hard to rein it in when we think we’re doing good work and work that we love, isn’t it Susan! But yes, so important to keep the first things first.
I think it’s going to be quite interesting to read through this week’s posts. I plan to read most of them!
No rubbing noses but gently reminding to pull back and say “no”. Great prompt for a new year!
Please do remind me, Joanne! 😉 Thanks for being here!
Kate I don’t let my schedule be the “boss of me”. Life is so precious. Yes I have an agenda or tasks for each day, but just like today I am rushing out to take care of three grandchildren so my Dil can go to the hospital to see her Dad.
Stuff happens. We need to be available to minister to others and not tied down.
My word for 2014 was Simplify so reposting that old post. Am I there yet? No, but each year moving towards it. Thanks for the reminder this week.
It is a choice, isn’t it? Sometimes a daily one — to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Sweetheart). I’m looking forward to reading all the posts on this one!
Simplify? This has been a lifetime toughy because I’m a multi-tasker. I’m always doing several things at once, working on several book manuscripts, reading several books at the same time, going about my kitchen involved in several tasks simultaneously. When I think of simplify, as an editor I think of editing…cut the superfluous words, tighten up the syntax, change the passives to actives, slash the word count. I can do that better for the manuscript of someone else other than my own. I need God to edit my LIFE in the same way, to achieve focus, to zero in on priorities, to do the important things first, not the urgent things. If I don’t edit my own life, for sure the Lord is going to work on me to simplify it for me in His own way.
Kate, my friend, I commit to checking in on you during the coming months. Expect messages from me on Voxer. 🙂
Sign of a true friend. I appreciate you, Marie! (And please do hold me accountable! A book launch is not worth sacrificing what little sanity remains . . . ) 😉
Kate,
Thanks for running FMF. I agree totally that we need to let God take control because that is when there is power in our lives. If we take on what is not of God then it will be overwhelming for us.
Blessings
Janis
Amen! Thanks for being here, Janis!
Anita’s got it right! I have to just echo…simplify now so you have those reserves! I’m with you every step. The no is the hardest part for me, but if I am ever going to do my thing, I’m going to need to say it once in a while.
Thanks