Everybody has things going on. In every house hold we hear things many things being said, some of them might include:
I've gotta run to the store.
I have to make sure I get the right stuff for the party tonight.
What are we doing this weekend?
I have to finish this book.
Man, I need to get my work-out in today.
Can you pick up the kids from Soccer? From dance? From gymnastics?
Can you take out the trash, pick up the house, make the bed, do the laundry, wash the dishes and make sure you pick the kids up at 5 and take them to piano practice?
I have to work tonight, finish this project and make a few phone calls.
I have a meeting at 7am, lunch meeting and then finish it off at 3 with a conference call.
Whew--Out of breath!
As all of you know-That is just the half of it. We have such busy lives that we never take time to enjoy it. As I look towards 2015, I am looking to Simplify my life. I have come up with 5 suggestions that have helped me in the past year begin that process and a few that I plan to explore to make life a little more enjoyable for me and my family.
1. Get rid of Cable TV.
I am a sports nut. I love my KC Chiefs and my K-State Wildcats. I love baseball and enjoying catching a St. Louis Cardinals game on Fox Sports every once in a while. It was hard to get rid of my cable-We made a family decision to take the plunge in May. Many times we would watch shows just to watch them, cartoons would be on all the time just to keep the kids busy while we could work. It has made a huge difference in our lives and changed our priorities. Yes, I do miss much of my sports, but now I get to do other things like hang out with my family and actually play games or enjoy conversations or for goodness sake- read a book.
2. Keep at least one/two days open a week.
Once your kids get older they get busier. They want to do everything-athletics, music, dance, etc. Keep one day at least a week where no activities are allowed. Don't work all week and then spend all day, every Saturday and Sunday at Volleyball/Basketball/Softball/Baseball/Dance(just to name a few) tournaments. If you have weekend tournament, keep a week night open to spend time with family where you don't work.
3. Learn to say NO
I have always been a people pleaser. I want to do a good job and many times I feel like I let people down if I tell them no. I have learned it's ok to say NO. You can't do everything-give some responsibility to others and say NO once in a while. (This one is tough-you may have to practice it a few times)
4. Eat at home
"Busy" people eat out a lot. They don't take the time to cook a meal. Cooking and eating at home with your family can be a good time to visit, ask about each others day, etc. (Another added bonus of no cable is we sit around the table to eat, not in front of the TV) Also if you eat at home, it will save you a little money!
5. Buy things for their usefulness, not their status
Do you really need that new car? Do you need the biggest truck? Did you really need that 75" TV or could you have gotten away with the 35"? Seriously-don't purchase something just so you can be "cooler" than the other guy. Make it simple.
These are just a few suggestions for making your 2015 simpler. I'm am sure there are many more that you can think of. Here's wishing you a 2015 that is better than your 2014!
Happy New Year and See you next year!
-Jarred
