what I don't do

I read the other day about a woman accused of "doing it all" and how she responded to that statement. She emphasized how she makes a choice to do a lot, but in that choice, she also chooses to not do something else.

I've thought a lot about this concept - and sometimes my life seems paralyzed on the brink because I'm too afraid to make that choice. Nevertheless, I decided to make my own list of things I am choosing to do and not to do. I do this not to sound demoralizing toward myself or others, nor do I want to say that by choosing (and not choosing) these options it somehow makes me better than other women out there. I will be the first to admit that I am far from being better than anyone!! We all make our own choices and therefore live our decisions.There are many women out there who do all these things and more - more power to them! Hopefully we are happy with our lives no matter what we choose.

For instance:

I try to live a simple life doing things that make me happy:

• play on the floor with L a lot
• take regular care of my home
• grow a few flowers in my front yard
• keep a personal history through scrapbooks
• try to plan menus and cook from home more often than not (although I LOVE eating out)
• keep in touch with family/friends through a blog
• sing, dance, and play with R & L
• go on walks/jogs for exercise
• try to build a short-term food storage supply
• read a good book here or there

I also try to keep it simple and not do the following:

• grow a vegetable garden - maybe next spring
• sew / quilt - would love to learn someday
• knit/crochet - same as above
• make elaborate, gourmet meals - I love food, but I like to spend my time doing something else
• long-term food storage - financially not possible yet
• work outside the home - working inside the home in enough for me!
• go shopping a lot - reasons attributed to time and money
• keep an emaculately clean house - I personally like seeing our home be lived in!
• read on a regular basis - my personality type simply wouldn't let me accomplish anything else if I did this
• play team sports - wish I could, but family is #1 right now
• geneology work - I need to focus my time on the present family work for now

After thinking about this list for a while, it really gave me the courage to be happy with who I am rather than comparing myself to other women. I'm glad there's so many women out there who do garden, sew, clean, and work on geneology -- there more there are for me to learn from when the time comes! In the meantime, however, I feel stronger in who I am based on what I do and don't do. Both define me as a person. It helps me want to make those few things that I choose to spend my time on that much better and worthwhile; to get the job done right. Reminds me of a favorite quote of mine:

"Think about your particular assignment at this time in your life. It may be to get an education, it may be to rear children, it maybe to be a grandparent, it may be to care for and relieve the suffering of someone you love, it may be to do a job in the most excellent way possible, it may be to support someone who has a difficult assignment of their own. Our assignments are varied and they change from time to time. Don't take them lightly. Give them you full heart and energy. Do them with enthusiasm. Do whatever you ahve to do this week with your whole heart and soul. To do less than this will leave you with an empty feeling."

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley "Small and Simple Things"

There are many seasons to our lives, and I am determined to give this season my full heart and energy!