The Yes Woman.

I know you're out there because up until some time ago, I used to be you. I want to share about the woman I thrived to become and the revelation I had while on that journey.

What is it about wanting to do it all? It was as if I was afraid to miss anything going on around me. I felt the need to say yes to everything and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it all, without help. That I could accept every invite while trying to up-keep a home, work a full time job, preserve my relationship with God, keep a social status, maintain a weekly date night, be the best mom, exercise... I could list another 78 things but I think you get my drift.

I became a yes woman and honestly, it was exhausting!

My iCal was something I couldn't live without. Not having something planned instead of being a more 'spur of the moment' person seemed out of the question as well.

While saying yes to everything, I was giving less instead of my best.

It took a long time and some good people in my life to see that. Being that person, or trying to be that person, put some things in perspective.

• I couldn't be everything for everyone

• I lost my identity trying to be everything for everyone

Less instead of my best. Basically, I would hang out with you but my focus would be planning the next thing. I wasn't giving all of me to a conversation, a friend or my kids.

It's OK to not do it all. Being 'busy' all the time was truly an excuse and discovering why was part of my journey. I had to learn the difference in what was important to me and to my life and what could be left behind. I was running on empty agreeing to everything. No is truly a powerful word.

Do not mistake this for a way out of trying something new. The point is to not overwhelm yourself with things that do not bring joy to you. My 'to do list' was never ending and that was my fault. Not only did I have to learn to say no and what that would mean for me, I had to learn to ask for help (or accept it from anyone who offered it). This was the most difficult task for me personally.

Learning to protect my time and happiness without justification is the best feeling. The day I made the conscious decision to change how I did things was scary. It took time and when I did say no, I felt the need to explain myself. Realizing that was also unnecessary was so freeing. I moved away from the need of absolute certainty and went with the flow.

Then, I woke up feeling different.

I said yes to things that mattered to me, with people that were important in my life.

I started giving my best to those who wanted me to be around. The time I got back was for ME and I was at peace with my decision.

From 'yes' woman to 'enjoy the right now' woman, I encourage you to take a step back and evaluate where your time is spent. Enjoy the gift of now and let what could be- fall into place. 

xo,

lisa marie

Photo Credit: Molliner Photography