I’m a busy momma of two toddlers 19 months apart. On top of attending to their needs all day, I also keep my home clean(ish), plan out meals and go grocery shopping, do all the random domestic deeds that fall to the stay-at-home-mom, try to keep my marriage a top priority, serve in the Young Womens organization at church, and, oh yeah, I run a lifestyle blog, write here for She Teaches Fearlessly, and occasionally try to work on my other side business(es).
But over the past few months, I’ve felt the Spirit whisper to me to slow down. Did I have time to do all of the above? Well, sure, I made time. But was I doing it all well? The short answer is no. Every day something would get left out, or done in a rush. My connection with my kids was lacking, I was feeling stressed out all the time, my scripture study was not happening, and I was just so tired.
“But other people do this all the time!” I thought to myself. “I can handle it, it’s fine.”
And I could “handle it”.
But I found that if I really listened to my heart, I didn’t want to anymore.
And so this year, I’m taking a step back. I’m still pursuing my creative outlets, but in a much more relaxed and slow-paced way. I’m making the things that really matter a priority. I’m putting down my phone, and am picking up my scriptures and Ensign. I’m putting away my computer and am going for a run. I’m not paying attention to social media stats and am instead paying attention to my husband and kids. I’m turning away from the world, and turning to God.
It’s truly the little things, these “Sunday School” answers, that mean the most, that matter the most.
And I’ve found that over the last few weeks, my stress level has gone down, and my self-confidence has gone up. By doing the little things, I’m building my testimony, I’m connecting better with my kids, I’m finding time for the things that really do matter, not the things that I think matter. I’m not paying attention to my Instagram feed, but am instead paying attention to a beautiful sunset, or the feel of my 2 year old’s hand in mine. I’m not paying attention to political debates, but am instead paying attention to how my husband’s day went, or the toothy grin of my 1 year old.
The little things are the things that really matter in the long run. Don’t let them pass you by.
Wife to Kyle, and momma to Abe and Eliza. I’m a stay-at-home momma by day, and a blogger by naptime. I graduated from BYU with a degree in Human Development, and I love to read more than anything. I love my Savior, and sharing His love for others is my greatest passion.