Do you have a word to guide you throughout 2018? It seems to be the new trend. Instead of New Year’s Resolutions, people are finding words to focus on throughout the year.

 

This is the first year I’m doing it.

 

My word is simplify.

 

Seems simple, right?

 

Ha!

 

I realize there’s a lot of stuff in my life that I need to simplify. My house, for one. My hubby and I are in the process of going through everything and getting rid of what’s not important, loved, or needed. I’m certainly not a minimalist, but there’s too much junk. It needs to go, but it’s absolutely overwhelming for me.

 

If you’re anything like me, you understand trying to hold onto things because you think you might need them one day. I’m tired of it. It weighs me down.

 

Having uncluttered spaces makes me feel better. I’m realizing that. It’s less to take care of and maintain, which frees up time that I desperately need.

 

I’m a busy mom of two young girls. In the course of my week, I work about 25 hours a week on top of being a stay-at-home mom. Crazy, right? Work is squeezed in during the early morning hours before the girls are awake, when I get a chance to slip away to the YMCA for a couple hours, and then at naptime.

 

Trying to balance motherhood, working, and taking care of a house is difficult. Rest seems to allude me, but I know I need it. This year, it’s time to simplify the schedule. It’s time to find what works for our family so I can JOYFULLY serve those in my care and get rid of everything else that’s a distraction.

 

Maybe you’ve already walked this journey. I’d love to hear how you’ve simplified your life.

 

Maybe you’re walking this journey now. Let’s do it together.

 

What’s your focus for this year? What are you doing to lead a more purposeful life?