Well I think I made a bit of a mistake. Scheduling multiple client meetings and sessions 3 weeks after having a baby was just not a good idea. It wasn’t. And there is no one to blame but myself. I have three weddings coming up in a couple of weeks and I am so excited for them! I truly am. But three weeks after having a baby comes quick, and it came quicker than I could have imagined. All of this to say, that I think I learned my lesson. Or…. am learning my lesson. I see that I have a problem with telling people no and a bit of a struggle with people pleasing. If only I could say yes to everyone and not be stressed- yes that would be wonderful! But that is just not reality. This week, I have yelled more at Leland than I ever have (if you know me in real life, you know I don’t talk that much, let alone raise my voice.) I am trying to get adjusted to two little ones, emails, client meetings, sessions, and throw into the mix we are trying to sell our house. Which also means house showings (we had six showings the week we brought Beau home- phew!!) which in turn means extra cleaning ;)
So I am saying all of this not to complain, definitely not. But I am realizing that pleasing people and being passive (especially when it comes to scheduling), in the long run, is much harder than just saying no. I have gone back and canceled sessions for this month, but it would have been much easier to have just said no in the beginning. I have’t been on the internet or social media much lately but when I opened up Facebook today I saw someone’s status that said this:
“Your fear of displeasing people puts you in bondage to them, and they become your primary focus. When you realize this has happened, whisper my Name, this tiny act of trust brings Me to the forefront of your consciousness, where I belong. As you bask in the blessing of My nearness, My life can flow through you to others. This is abundant life!” – Jesus Calling
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.” Proverbs 29:25
My eyes need to get back on Christ, and what His purpose for me is in this moment. I need to learn to say no, even if it means turning away some great opportunities. The Lord knows my heart, and right now…my two boys mean more to me than an extra session or opportunity.
I read that devotional this morning! I know I struggle with what people think of me way too much, when really, all that matters is what God thinks.
Hi Arielle :),
I can totally relate :), when I had my baby in August, I took a full wedding schedule after she was born ( and she was colic too) ….next baby I know to take like 4 months off! I always say yes to everything because I want to, but now being a mommy, I am realizing I have to do what is best for my family. Im still doing way too much but I’m learning little by little. Thank you for your kind response to my email! I feel so bad I emailed you in the midst of your craziness! You seem so put together and perfect :) and it’s encouraging to know I’m not the only one that is going through taking on too much sometimes. One thing that does help me is starting fresh everyday with a daily devotion to start my day with God. I love proverbs31.org devotional and the TGIF ( today God is first) on crosswalk.com. Thank you for sharing the post, because my personality always wants to please everyone and I need to stop feeling so pressured to do that.
Take care, I pray for balance and peace for you with your busy blessings!
Hi Holly! :) Don’t feel bad at all! I loved your email! Also, thank you for your words of encouragement. I am going to have go look up proverbs31.org now ;)
We talked a little about it today, but saying ‘no’ or ‘not right now’ is a good thing. You’ll be blessed through it, friend. Keep breathing and moving forward. You’re doing a great job with those little guys!! Even if you may not always feel that way, you are. Leland’s super sweet, even though his throwing aim needs some work. LOL ;) So glad we were able to spend some time together today, and please do feel free to say ‘yes’ to any of those little adventure cards I gave you anytime. :) You’re definitely not alone and you have so many people rooting for you, regardless of how many times you have to tell people ‘no.’ :)
Thank you so much for sharing this sweet post Arielle – I have been feeling so overwhelmed with social media and social events that I am losing focus on the all important things in life. I am running on overdrive and after every wedding, birthday, lunch or dinner – it is just too much!
I am going to take a leaf out of your book x