Open, shut them.

I sing a lot of kid songs to Malone (my son, 23 months). So many, that my husband is frequently annoyed by them and by me singing them- probably because I can't carry a tune in a bucket.

The one that I have stuck in my head most frequently right now is from a Music Together cd (which one, no clue.. we have a bunch of them on our iTunes).

It is a finger play that is about hands and appropriate ways to use them.

It goes:

Open, shut them.
Open, shut them.
Give a little clap, clap clap.

Open, shut them.
Open, shut them.
Fold them in your lap.

I've been thinking about how this song is actually applies to my life in general. Maybe it's a stretch but see if you can follow along with me.

There is that saying right? When God (the universe, or whoever you may or may not believe in) closes a door, another one opens.

Doors open and close all the time. Sometimes it works in my favor (hence the clap clap clap).

Sometimes it doesn't. However, instead of questioning the why? and stressing myself for no tangible reason I am going to work on being content (fold them in your lap).

The simplicity of being content with closed doors while chasing what I want is no small task. The what ifs, would haves, should haves, and could haves creep in easily. Too easily in fact. It means shifting, reprioritizing, and working hard to MAKE the life I want so that doors open.

Or don't open.

I'm still trying to figure it all out. Maybe I never will.

I do know this, I if I want to get it all, I need to stay focused....

At least some of the time.

Time- because no means yes.

I've realized lately that I have started to become really protective of my time.

I work from home in a customer service based client facing position. Without going into too many details, I'll tell you this. I work for a brick and mortar legit company in a team based role. What does this mean exactly? That I work for an awesome company and my department is full of awesome people- we truly function as a team, helping to pick out each others slack. I have set working hours, however there are sometimes where work has to occur outside of those business hours.

Can you see where this is going yet?

I had a light bulb moment recently.

Saying no is actually saying yes.

Saying no to picking up extra work on Saturday is saying yes to spending time with my son at the park that day.

Saying no to a friend who wants to meet in the early evening is saying yes having dinner with my family and putting my son to bed.

Saying no (or refraining from) purchasing a new pair of jeans is saying yes to more time to do other things (one less thing to wash).

Saying no watching tv too late is saying yes to a well rested night of sleep.

I could go on and on. But I won't. I am getting into this mindset more. It is so easy to say yes. I think that as I figure out and pursue some life goals this will get easier.

But for now, I'll have to take life one no at a time.

What have you said no to lately?

An Introduction.

My life is full of clutter. I am surrounded by it everyday, and I don't just mean my house. There are so many things that clutter my mind- media, marketing, what to make for dinner, parenting advice, the list goes on and on.

My goal for this blog is to have be a space where I can share what I am doing to clear the clutter out and chase a simpler life. I will strive to be transparent, open, and honest with myself and my readers.

This journey towards a simpler life will not be easy, but it will be worth it!