Over the past couple of weeks, and looking at what I have on my plate in the upcoming weeks, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed. With the next two weekends out of town and events almost every night, on top of many more things and people I wish I had time for, I feel like there needs to be another 4 hours or so to every day.
In other words: I’ve been spreading myself thin. I’ve been saying yes to everything and even seeking out new opportunities when in reality, I just don’t have the time.
I realize many of you reading have probably been dealing with these feelings for years, but since I’d always operated on a student schedule, I always managed to find time for the things I want to do. On top of that, I’ve never had so many opportunities and new friendships present themselves as I have in these past couple of months.
I think it’s important, whether we’re feeling overwhelmed or not, to take the time to sit down and figure out what our priorities in life are and learn to say no when we need to and learn to put things off until we have a little more time. I first made a list of everything that is going on in my life, and then rearranged it to what I felt my priorities should be.
Here’s what I came up with:
God & time in prayer: calms and centers me, and reminds me of my purpose
Time for myself: sleep, exercise, food prep, relaxing when I have the chance. Although it sounds selfish, if I don’t take care of myself I won’t be able to do anything below this on my list, or at least do any of it well
Family (& Molly): although I don’t see them often, my family is my biggest support system and should always take priority
Job Search: need I say more? Having found my temp job, I’ve relaxed a bit (and had a lot less time) but this still needs to take serious precedence in my time
Social time with friends: old friends, new friends, etc. An important aspect to this is learning which friends lift me up and making them a priority over others
Junior League: meeting all my membership requirements as well as meeting new friends through the league
Blog: As much as I love my blog and have worked so hard to grow it, I have to remember that it’s a HOBBY and not a requirement
Anything else I can’t think of: because clearly it can’t be that important?
Although unimportant things often take precedence in our mind, no matter what your priorities are, it’s important to re-evaluate them every once in a while and re-evaluate what you spend your time on.
This isn’t to say that I won’t ever spend a Sunday watching my favorite show, or accidently spend my time in the morning picking out an outfit instead of time in prayer. I’m not perfect, I’m human and I make mistakes. My point here is that when I’m feeling overwhelmed, it’s important for me to take a step back, re-think what I’m doing, and try my best to focus on what’s important.
What do you do when you’re feeling spread thin?
What are your top 5 priorities?
you have your priorities straight friend! especially number 1! wish I could be there this weekend. xxoo
Thanks, Lindsay! And we wish you could have come too, but it sounds like you needed that weekend of rest!
great post babe! i love that prayer is number 1 <3 HE is the one who gave us this beautiful life <3
Exactly – God will always, always be number one!
Looks like your priorities are right on track! I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with everything going on lately too, so I can definitely relate! Praying for you. xoxo
Thanks, and I’m praying for you and your move! I hope it all goes smoothly!
It’s so important to have your priorities in order, so this is great!
Thanks, Kammie!
AHHH you just expressed my word “courage” in a whole different way!! Let’s both let go of all expectations this weekend and just have a blast 🙂
I think it was a success – I sure had a blast! Haha I think the rain forced us to just go with it and have fun!
This is awesome! I love your honesty. 🙂 I too need to work on my priorities– such a in progress thing for me!
Thanks, Annette!
I totally know how you feel- I was spread too thin earlier this month but I intentionally did not plan anything this week. It feels great to just relax and catch up on life.
Yes, I’m hoping to do the same this week in between my trips!
Yes! I feel you… put a baby in the mix and all things go nuts!
I can’t even imagine! haha
I can definitely relate, until I moved, I was flat out, busy everyday, and it got quite overwhelming. Now, I’ve moved, I don’t know anyone here yet, so my schedule is basically empty! As much as I’m enjoying the rest, it’s made me realise that I quite like being busy, and all the things I was doing were things I wanted to do, they were all priorities, I guess. Making a list of priorities is a great way to check in with yourself, and make sure that the things you are busy doing are things that are important to you, then you know you are living a life well-lived! Thanks for this, when my schedule gets full again, I will be doing the same thing!
Definitely enjoy a little time to just focus on you right now!
I have been feeling a bit underutilized the last few weeks. That’s what happens when a job falls through. LOL.
I would say my priorities are: Husband, Friends, Family, Health, Exercise, Job Search, Blog, Me Time. The order shifts depending on what is happening.
Take care of yourself! 🙂
I agree – I feel like the order shifts around sometimes!
I have been feeling the same way lately. I have spread myself thin, and I’m letting the stress if it take over. I’m trying to find a balance, but unfortunately my blog has taken a back seat. I don’t post nearly as much as I used to, and I need to remember what you said… It’s my hobby not my job, so if I only post twice a week it’s finde.
Yes – if you’re not feeling the blog right now, put it to the side for a little bit until you’re inspired again! It’s hard to remember that it’s not an obligation, definitely something I struggle with!
Good reminders! I can totally relate.
Thanks, Lauren!
Amazing post.
I know I do this to myself, and I usually realize it after I’ve exhausted my mind, body and soul. I know I need to get on my priorities, and this will definitely help. My Five: 1) connecting with my family and Matt 2) working out {definitely helps me feel more sane during the week} 3) job searching as well…its tough! 4) taking time to relax for myself and 5) eating and sleeping well.
Yes – I never realize how over-extended I am until I’ve gone too far!
I hope you have been doing better – I know I have! Plus, I’m taking April as a ‘fresh start’ for myself, so I’ve set some goals and made life a bit more exciting for me, and putting a lot of focus on myself. I know this has helped me to feel better!
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