Do You Need Permission Today?

“I know you’re juggling a lot, but Rosemary, it’s okay to let some of the balls drop.”

My hands trembled and my eyes began to water as my friend of twenty-plus years continued.

“Take care of the glass balls, like your kids, spouse, and work, but let the others go just for now. The other balls, like friends, chores, and extracurricular responsibilities will bounce back to you when you’re able to hold them again. And if they don’t, it’s okay. Sometimes God only allows us to hold things or people for a season, not forever.”

Having lived and learned this wisdom during her own season of grief, I knew she was right. My mom had died unexpectedly a few weeks earlier. I found myself drowning in a cloud of emotions while still trying to keep my head above water with my busy schedule and full plate of responsibilities.

My friend permitted me to simplify our family’s schedule without guilt.

Now, I am giving it to you. If you’re going through a season of challenge, you have permission to follow Tip #6 without guilt. Go ahead. Try it. 

Tip #6: Simplify the Structure

1. Say No Look for areas in your schedule where you can say, “no.” What can you take off your plate right now? You’re not saying no forever, just for the moment. Perhaps the grass grows a little longer, your laundry piles a little higher, or your regular coffee date with a friend gets postponed, but for the sake of your sanity, let them slide.

2. Delegate Going along with #1, sometimes saying “no” means you need to ask for help from someone else. Do you have a spouse, a child, a neighbor, or a co-worker who can help you carry the load this week? We don’t have to do all things for all people all the time.

3. Take Time to Relax I know you’re probably thinking, “if life is overwhelming, how can I make time to relax?” Use tips #1-2 to prioritize time to take care of yourself. Stressful seasons are hard on our body, mind, and soul, so it’s important to prioritize rest. While getting enough sleep is absolutely important, rest for our mind and soul can come in a variety of formats. 

Self-care can be simple and doesn’t have to take much time but can really help you stay healthy and calm when life feels overwhelming.

Finally…

4. Give Yourself Grace Grace is the act of pouring out love and kindness regardless of merit. Grace, by definition, cannot be earned.

So for this season,

It’s okay if all the things on your list don’t get done the way they usually would.

It’s okay if you have to say “no” for a season to something or someone you love.

It’s okay if you need to ask for help.

It’s okay if taking time for you needs to take priority.

Seasons of challenge don’t last forever. That’s why we call them seasons. So be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. Everything is going to be okay.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 

2 Corinthians 12:9