I don’t let the logistical extra-ness of going somewhere stop me from getting out at least once a day. Whether it’s a quick grocery store run or a trip to the nearby greenhouses for Anna to feed saltines to the goats or to the post office or simply to ride around and let Julia nap… we get out. It’s quiet-er time for me and it’s 95% enjoyable for all.

I don’t feel lonely. Mostly this is a Holy Spirit thing. After I had Anna and decided to stay at home full time months after she was born, this new understanding of God changed everything. I am never alone. I talk to God as if He’s in the room with me, because I believe He is. I consider Him a constant companion in my day, and it makes all the difference in my contentment levels.

I don’t let weeks go by without at least 1 visit with a friend. Usually it’s more like 2-3, but it’s important to me for a regular rhythm of hanging out with friends. We host play dates at our house, we meet a friend to walk at the park, we visit others, we have families over for dinner, etc.

I don’t pick up toys all day every day. Sometimes I do (see the room reset), because it helps me sanity, sometimes I leave them where they are as long as I’m not going to step on them as I walk around.

I don’t respond to every message, Vox or Marco Polo right away. Mostly because I don’t want my first priorities — my connection to Jesus, John, the girls, our home — to suffer because I’m overwhelmed with things not vital to the function of my day. I love keeping up with friends and I am grateful for the technology to do so easily, but I want to make sure my main things stay the main things. And I want to keep mental breathing room and unnecessary anxiety at bay by keeping things simple when I can.

I don’t leave dishes in the sink unless it absolutely can’t be helped. I used to not be like this, but now I am. Certain spaces have to stay clean or I’m a bit bothered.

I don’t usually respond the best when Julia only naps for 30 minutes. Especially if I’ve just sat down to do something creative or have gone for a walk and have yet to shower. In that moment I pray for lots of supernatural help.

There’s a little about me. :)