Life has been a little challenging lately, in big ways and also small ways. I think the biggest change has been being a parent. You’d think that almost 20 months in, things would be getting easier. While in some ways it has, in other ways, it’s a little harder. Yes, Augustine is sleeping through the night more regularly, but he’s a busy little adventurer during the day. By the time I put him to sleep, I’m exhausted too, and a little overwhelmed thinking about the things I need to do. Over the past few months, though, I’ve been making some changes that have made a difference. I thought it might be helpful to share the 5 ways I’m making my life a little easier, in case any of you are similarly feeling caught up in a state of overwhelm. Hopefully, these tips help and inspire you!
5 Ways I’m Making my Life a Little Easier
GETTING RID OF THINGS
This has been a big one for me. Minimizing was at the top of my New Year’s Resolutions list and I’m so happy I’ve been able to make some headway. I spent all of Friday night in my closet going through items and making piles to purge, sell, and donate. I think it can be so easy to be sucked into that constant need to buy buy buy, and as a fashion blogger it can be a challenging balance to make. On one hand I know I’m sharing inspiration with you all, like this pretty yellow lace dress that would be perfect for a spring wedding guest dress, but then I also don’t want you all to think that you “need” this piece to be complete. Because you don’t! I think it’s important to buy what you truly love and will wear, and then get rid of the all the extra things that don’t fit and don’t bring you happiness. I’m so glad I’ve been making time more regularly to go through my closet because every time I opened the door I feel stressed and anxious. I love clothes but when you have too much it can make you dread the process of getting dressed each day. Now I have things much more organized so I can easily find the clothes I love and want to wear.
QUICK CLEAN UP SESSIONS
Every night Matthew and I have been challenging ourselves to clean the house for about 10 minutes. We’re not scrubbing floors, but we’re putting away Augustine’s toys, loading dirty dishes into the dishwasher, throwing away loose paper/mail cluttering our counters, and hanging up jackets/sweaters that were left throughout the house. This has been so crucial to our state of mind because we can regain a little bit of order. We enjoy our night without seeing all this extra clutter, and we can wake up in the mornings to a clean space… before Augustine gets his hands on it! 10 minutes isn’t that much time, but you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!
DON’T STRESS THE SMALL THINGS
Sometimes I can be such a worrier, stressing over little things that don’t really deserve as much attention as I’m giving them. I’m trying to recognize when I do this more, and then figure out a game plan so that I can move on. Sometimes I feel like I spend more time thinking about a problem, than actually solving them. I’m also trying to remind myself what is in and out of my control. This reminder has provided me with a lot of peace and comfort.
ALLOWING MYSELF TO SAY “NO”
I mentioned this the other week, but oftentimes saying “no” is you saying “yes” to something else. I’m trying to allow myself to say “no” to things, especially when my heart isn’t in it. I feel like allowing myself to say “no” has allowed me to accomplish other goals {like cleaning my closet for example or getting more sleep}. “No” can be a difficult thing to say, especially if “yes” comes to you more easily, but I’d encourage you to listen to your heart and be true to yourself.
BEING EASIER ON MYSELF
This one is easier said than done, but doing all of these things has naturally allowed me to be a little easier on myself. I know I’m doing the best that I can during this current stage of life. Comparing myself to others and setting unrealistic expectations will only hurt me and distract me from my goals. I’ve found that by giving myself a bit more grace when it comes to what I can and can not do, I’ve been a much happier and more content person.
SHOP THIS OUTFIT
dress . heels {in denim} . bag . sunglasses . bracelet .
OTHER PRETTY YELLOW DRESSES
I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was so so nice because I had a fun girls weekend with one of my best friend’s Pauline. Pauline and I have been best friends in high school, and she was also in our wedding as one of my bridesmaids. She’s a dear friend to me but with our move last August, and the business of juggling mom life/work/etc. we haven’t seen each other since December! That is kind of a big deal for us because we used to have monthly girls nights. I loved that she was able to spend the night though so we could get in lots of quality time. Her visit reminded me of how I need more girl time in my life! This was the kind of night/weekend I want to be able to say “yes” to!
Have a great Tuesday everyone! If you have any tricks on how you’re making your lives easier, I’d love to hear. Leave me a comment below if you have time!
xox
photos by Vanessa Lentine
