Among the many, many things we’ve learned from being parents is a simple observation:
There’s not enough time for everything.
That may sounds obvious, yet all the options that loop endlessly through our minds suggest otherwise. Should my kids be in swimming lessons? Soccer? Dance? Are we reading enough at home? Should I find new parks to visit? New trails to hike? Am I making enough time for friends? When should we do more date nights? Are we volunteering enough? What are our summer plans?
There’s this expectation that we do all things, at all times, to keep all options open and all balls in the air. We’re pulled in different directions and our minds jump from one thought to the next to-do. And it seems like others are nailing it when we’re a jumbled mess.
We’re exhausted from trying to fit everything in and feeling like our days — and ultimately years — drive us.
So our suggestion, our resolution, for the year ahead is intention.
Being intentional starts with reflecting on what you want for yourself and your family. What fills you up and makes you excited. What you’re drawn to and passionate about. What’s necessary and important in this season of your life.
Once you have a little clarity on those priorities, work backward, thinking about the habits and routines you can begin or incorporate into your daily life to support the elements that matter most to you.
Start small and be kind to yourself, knowing that there’s limited time in the day and things don’t always go as planned. Think about what’s truly sustainable and what feels like the right balance.
And — just as crucial — consider what tasks and activities don’t make the cut. And let them go. Without guilt. Without explanation. Without worry. If you find you miss them, bring them back in, but later. Give yourself some time to live with less.
And cheer on others who make different decisions than you. Your friend whose kids are rocking swim team? Be wholeheartedly happy for them while not second-guessing your decision not to enroll your own kids to spend more time at home instead.
The reality is, your hours, your day, your life, will book up quickly. And you can’t do everything. Being intentional gives you the power to fill as many of those moments as possible with the things that honor yourself, your family and your own unique path.
Katie Vaughn is the editor and co-founder of Northerly. She is a University of Wisconsin-Madison and Stanford University-trained journalist with experience as a writer, reporter, editor, blogger and author. She lives in Madison with her husband, daughter and son, and her family is always up for an adventure.