Saying: No.

I am learning to say, no.

In fact, I am always learning to say, no.

Why is it so hard?

Saying no is part of how I am setting boundaries for myself.

Saying no is how I am taking care of myself.

Saying no is how I am preserving my sanity.

Tomorrow I have two events at the same time: my son’s virtual parent-teacher conferences and a math professional session for families. The latter is not led by me, but I was going to host it online for parents and guardians. It is an easy decision, really. My son comes first. Yet, I was trying to figure out how to do both. I was thinking that I could have two devices running – one with the math livestream and the other for my son’s conferences.

I know. I know.

Fortunately, I stopped myself before doing anything I would regret.

I let it go. It feels good.

Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. A weight I placed there to begin with!

I will focus on my son’s conferences with his teachers.

The fact that I was even considering doing both simultaneously is why I have felt constant overwhelm and frustration.

As I examine my choices and priorities, I am forcing myself to make decisions that privilege what’s important to me. What matters. What keeps me from tearing my hair out. What keeps me on a joyful path.

It’s really a no brainer, but I am embarrassed to admit that it has taken me years to realize this and then many more years to act on it.

I am a work in progress.

Cross posted to the Two Writing Teachers March Slice of Life Story Challenge.