Hey, hey Wednesday!
It’s always a little mix around here.
So far this week, we’ve had Trader Joe’s stuff, a big birthday, some recipes, and now, it’s the 2026 EDITION OF 10 THINGS I’M LETTING GO.
A little over a year ago, I shared 10 THINGS I’M LETTING GO, and so today, I thought I’d share ten more.
I don’t know about you, but I’m often taking inventory of my life and there are always just a few things I need to let go.
Some of them big, some of them silly, some of them stupid, some of them substantial…all of them not serving me right this minute.
I’m going to share my little list, and then I hope you share yours too!
Sound like a plan?
In no particular order, here are 10 things I’m currently letting go of right now…
1: MY TO DO LIST
Wait for it.
Wait.
For.
It.
You guys, I gave up my little “to do list” notepad that has sat on the corner of my desk for YEARS (at least 15!).
After reading SLOW PRODUCTIVITY, I decided to stop writing out my lengthy to do list each day. I took his method of only working on three “projects” at a time and have been doing that instead. I have a “task list” (per his book) where I keep a list of tasks that could bump up to a “project” when I have completed one and that’s that. Now, in my physical planner each day, I write out the three projects I’m working on and focus on those instead of making one big long list each day which…honestly contained a lot of “things” that really didn’t need to be on there. Many of the things I do automatically (so why were they on my list?) and many of them were just time sucks that were interrupting my day simply because I was putting them on my list. I am a work in progress here, but right now, today…this new system is making me SO MUCH MORE EFFICIENT. I used to think that I was the kind of person who enjoyed marking things off her list, but I actually think my list was making me a person who just continued to do, do, do so much simply because it was on her list. Only focusing on three projects at a time has freed up my brain space in ways I didn’t know I needed.
2: NOISE IN MY CAR
The older I get, the more quiet I want in my car. Of course, when I have my kids in the car, I pounce on that opportunity to chat with them…but when I’m driving around by myself (which is most of the time), I want quiet. I will listen (softly) to the sports radio station I love or a podcast or an audiobook or a station like Siriusly Sinatra…but I don’t want a lot of chatter and noise. I don’t want anything loud. I want peaceful as I drive. I want to decompress.
3: WORKING OVER THE WEEKEND
I don’t know if this is all small business owners or just me, but I often feel drawn to my desk even on the weekends. I will wake up early on Saturdays and Sundays just to give myself time to work before the family is up. There are a lot of ways I justify this but the truth is, I need to allow myself days off. My brain needs time away from my desk. I need to have faith and confidence that things won’t fall apart just because I’m not sitting there. I’m {trying} really hard to set better working boundaries so that I can sleep in and enjoy my weekend mornings instead of getting up early and going straight back up to my office.
4: BEING A HOSTAGE IN A GROUP TEXT
Hi, my name is Shay, and this year, I’ve decided to stop being a hostage in group texts. I am muting and removing myself left and right. I just reached my limit of being in these group texts and have decided that enough is enough. I don’t want or need the constant interruption of people chatting via a group text and then “hearting” or “laughing” at responses all.day.long. I’m muting or if I can, exiting them.
5: APPOINTMENTS ON MONDAY
Another very valuable lesson I took away from SLOW PRODUCTIVITY was, for me, not scheduling any appointments on Mondays. I find my whole week is set up for success if I have that one uninterrupted work day. Now, when I’m scheduling any appointments (whether work or personal), I try my hardest not to do it on a Monday. I really, really think it’s helped me so much get ahead of my week and not behind.
6: SNACKING
I used to love an afternoon snack. Or a little snack in the carpool line. Or a snack at my desk. Now, I’m really focused on eating enough at my actual meals that I am not hungry a few hours later for a snack. Part of me was snacking out of hunger but a big part was snacking out of habit. Either way, if my lunch is sufficient, I shouldn’t be hungry again until dinner. I am eating more at lunch to ensure I’m set for the rest of the day.
7: AUDIO BOOKS DON’T “COUNT”
Don’t get mad at me, but I used to be one of those people who thought “audio books don’t count”. Are they reading? No. Is it still great storytelling? Yes. I was always personally avoidant of audiobooks because I adore sitting down and opening a book, but now, I see that there is space in my life for BOTH. I still enjoy my daily reading time, but now, I can get an extra book in by listening to one while I empty the dishwasher or drive to the grocery store or lift weights. I have absolutely loved adding these into my days.
8: BEING MY OLDER KIDS’ CALENDAR KEEPERS
This year, I decided not to be on top of my older two kids’ calendars. Their employers, teachers, coaches and booster club parents, etc. send out so many messages about where to be and when and I could get lost in the weeds of those details when it finally hit me one day that my kids can probably do that on their own. And they have.
When they were younger, I knew I needed to be on top of these things because I was their ride and they were not responsible enough, etc. Then last year, I found myself doing it because I didn’t want them to forget/to miss/to not show up and “get in trouble”. But then it hit me one day…if the coach tells my kid to be somewhere and my kid doesn’t show up, they’re going to be held accountable and that’s a good lesson for them. And it probably won’t happen again. How are they going to learn to be organized, on time, scheduled adults if I’m over here micromanaging things? So, I told them they needed to really start paying attention because I was going to stop reminding them to be at SAT tutoring and thus far, it’s been really really good for them AND it’s been so freeing for me too.
9: DIRTY HAIR
In my old age, I have found the secret to life…it’s just easier to wash your hair.
I used to do anything and everything to circumvent washing my hair. I would use dry shampoos and not get sweaty on certain days and style it to cover up dirty hair or whatever…but you know what’s actually easier than all of that? Just washing it. I have a ton of hair, and if I blow dry it, it takes a while, but goodness, it’s just easier than all of that scheduling/maneuvering/fussing I did to maintain dirty hair. At the end of the day, I was either maintaining dirty hair or clean hair…but they’re both maintenance.
10: OTHER PEOPLES’ HOBBIES
I have decided to let go of other peoples’ hobbies. Would I probably enjoy playing pickleball or mahjong or knitting with friends/neighbors/groups in my area? Yes. Do I have time in this season of life? No. I have to let their hobbies go and focus on what’s on my plate.
And those are 10 things I’m letting go of right now.
Okaaaaaaaaay…I would love to hear the things that YOU are letting go of this year! Please, please, please comment and share! If you missed last year’s list, you can catch it HERE.
Before you leave today, this is the perfect time of year to re-share the MOST POPULAR BLOG POST OF 2025. Make sure you catch that today too!
I can’t wait to read the comment section today! I’ll see you tomorrow. 😉
Susan Jeffries says
This is a really good post. I need to sit down and write out what I need to give up. We are also self employed and after almost 25 years, we seem to be working more than ever. It’s very overwhelming. I like to use the analogy of putting things on a plate and handing them to God to handle. I haven’t been good at this lately. Thanks for encouraging me to work on this. I also love audio books! I drive a lot and it’s so calming to listen to a great book.
Jodi says
Yes! I have been putting things on a plate too and handing it to God, so my mind doesn’t even spend time on it!!
Kara says
Dirty hair! I love this one bc I wash my hair daily and have always TRIED to be someone who managed “dirty” hair bc others do.. but it’s just not in the cards for me haha! It’s so much easier to just wash it and be done. Great list!!
Kara says
Oh, and mine is packing the perfect kids lunch.. I had to let that go! If my kids want Oreos, go for it! They are eating healthy stuff with it so why not?!
Elspeth Mizner says
I love the idea of evaluating where you are at and what works and what doesn’t. One thing i want to leave behind is constantly being busy and on the go, it’s going to be a challenge but I’m ready for it
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Debbie Hibbert says
I’m going to try the “three tasks”. When I worked I always had a daily to do list, but since retirement that definitely hasn’t worked for me. There are always too many things on the list and, as I’ve gotten older, the long list overwhelms me. And a loud YES to no Monday appointments … that’s not how I like to start my week at all! Thanks for this great list, Shay.
Emilee says
Sometimes there is nothing more fatiguing than a group chat. I’m a big fan of muting them when necessary!
Celeste says
I totally agree about group texts sometimes the group has already commented & I just don’t have time. I am giving up a set dinner meal every night. Empty nesters here so dinner can be something I want to make, leftovers, fried egg, popcorn or you get the idea.
Molly Summers says
Thank you Shay, excellent blog today. I’m going to carry these three quotes with me.
Dawn Timmons says
Great post! I just started listening to the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. How timely! God is speaking to me in stereo this morning.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve done a Bible study with that exact name (many many many years ago!). I am SUCH a Martha!
Melissa says
I read this book nineteen years ago and loved it so much we named our first child Bethany (who I was pregnant with at the time) because of it!
Bethany says
I love these! Thank you for sharing. I would really struggle with remembering things each day if I got rid of my to-do list but maybe I’ll try on the weekend lol
Some of mine would be
-letting go of always having the house tidy (I have a 5,3,1 yr old)
-needing to have a main dish, carb, and veggie at every dinner. Sometimes we just have a main dish or sometimes we just have carbs 😂
-productivity looks different every day with little kids at home and that’s okay
Bek says
Thank you for this. I have a 3yr old and 5 month old. And my biggest stress is trying to keep my house clean. I am trying to let that go more and just enjoy this season! If I let it, it just brings so much stress to my day! The kids are gonna play! Toys are gonna be out! And its gonna be okay! Also, agreed on the productivity. I also stress trying to be as productive as I was before children. At this time, it just isn’t happening! Thanks for your comment and good reminders!
Karen says
Avoiding the hair washing…..same, same! It’s so ridiculous ~~ then doing alllll the things to not look like I didn’t wash my hair! Glad I am not the only one! Another biggie for me is having an opinion about everything, if it isn’t something I have to do for myself or my people, I don’t need to have an opinion! Thanks for being a bright spot to all of us! {that’s a fact, not an opinion,)😀
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love that, Karen! “I don’t need to have an opinion.” That is so wise!
Beth says
Oh I really appreciate this thought…not needing to have an opinion on everything is a really good one. Thanks for sharing!
Amber says
I also don’t have an opinion on things and it has been life changing! My husband and I used to like share our opinions on topics and at times would cause disagreements. I felt like I needed to have an opinion on everything like news stories I wasn’t informed about but now I just don’t have enough information or time to get all the information so I don’t have an opinion! It is so freeing!
Lois says
At 82 yrs. I need to continually remind myself it’s not necessary or helpful to always have an opinion. So freeing! Thank you so much, Karen, for mentioning this.
Cass P says
Shay, I love your blog! This is such a good topic. I am leaving behind being a people pleaser. For far too long it has ruled my life.
Bonnie says
I’m letting go of how others in my family complete chores. Are their clothes wrinkled…but clean? Are the sheets all crazy and not made to perfection…but the bed is made? I have given more chores to my kids and I’m not watching them like a hawk anymore. It’s not good for them or me. I simply check at the end and will make them do it again if it’s not acceptable, but if their clothes are wrinkled but they washed and put them away, I’m good with that!!! It has given me a mental breather.
Nicole says
I agree with the managing kids calendars. I used to put my kids test days on my calendar and then one day it hit me…I’ve already passed these grades. I took them off and guess what, they still passed the tests!! I love the hobby one too. Great post!!
Bonnie says
Yes! All the teacher emails with all the school reminders, tests, schedules! I let that go. Mine are old enough. School is their job and responsibility, not mine.
Beth says
What a great list, Shay! When I was in your season with kids and was solo in the car I started driving in silence. Sometimes sports talk radio or an audiobook, but mainly silence. Music was overstimulating, for sure. My brain just needed space from all the fun/chaos of a house & schedule full of teenagers. And you are doing your kids a huge favor to prepare them for the independence of college to allow them to navigate their own schedules. Well done!
This year I gave up the small DIY…I loved feeling that I was saving money and enjoyed being creative, and even now that we’re empty nesters and I have the opportunity, I realize there are other ways I want to spend my time rather than going all the way to a craft store to buy supplies to make something that probably ends up costing almost as much as just buying it. Its been surprisingly very freeing to just scroll right on by those projects on social media…
Jennibell says
You are the rare and smartest mom to give up managing your older kids’ schedules! Let them learn now, when the stakes are small (although they seem BIG among teenage hormones and such) the consequences of not listening to directions, checking texts, or getting someplace on time. Will they forget? Yes. Have you forgotten something in the past? Yes. Will the sun still rise tomorrow? If the Lord wills it will 🙂
I’m going to ponder this question today – I’m sure there are things I’ve changed my mind about or given up or need to give up…thanks for the prompt and inspiration!
Jeanie H says
Well I admit to having FOMO when it comes to hobbies that sound fun. New book club, mahjong, watercolors, crochet…they all sound awesome. Only problem is that when it’s time to actually do those things, I don’t really want to. I just want to stick with my old hobby of reading for pleasure and not to be accountable to anyone for that and be happy.
I absolutely agree with you about the noise in the car. I love just riding in silence.
Kristin says
Oh my gosh, other peoples’ hobbies!! I am happy to have people tell me what they love, but don’t need them trying to convince me that I need to pick up their hobbies as well. The same goes with books. Tell me what you’ve loved, and I will check it out if it aligns with my interests. I have also given up on not DNFing books. I work in a library, and there are too many good books to waste time finishing books I hate. I am trying hard to give up on other peoples’ drama too. I will sympathize and empathize and help if I can, but I don’t always need to participate fully in their drama. I feel like this all makes me sound cold and remote, but really it’s about protecting yourself so you can take care of yourself and have the energy to be there when you really need to be.
Robin says
Shay, I love this post!! And Kristin, I second everything you just said! Especially the last part. It is a real emotional drain to be taking on other’s drama when I work hard to minimize chaos in my own life.
Jeanie H says
Kristin, I’m a rabid DNF’er. Life’s too short. It has to catch me in the first few chapters.
Lori Bittenbender says
I just Googled, “how to mute a group chat on android” and I thank you. I didn’t know this was an option.
Mix and Match Mama says
Your day just got a whole lot more peaceful 🙂 .
Desiree says
I’m with you on the group text Shay! I’ve left so many in the past. The only group text I don’t mute is the one with my husband and kids. All the others are on mute 24/7 and they’re extended family. Lol!
Penny says
I was visiting a friend last year and was going on a hike on my way back home and invited him to join me. He kindly said that didn’t fall in line with his Sabbath convictions. He truly rests on Sundays. I was challenged by this and since last June I do not work on Sundays -ever! I work from home and getting in an hour or two on Sunday would help me feel better prepared for the week when in reality- NOT working at all on Sundays prepares me jus as much! < 3
Kristine G. says
These are all so good! I’ve also recently discovered I need to wash my hair every other day. I don’t know why I was thinking I could go 3-4 days. lol
I’m in a season of change rn. I just lost my dad. I’m not returning to work as a teacher this year with everything going on. My mom passed 9 years ago and my brother has bipolar. He couldn’t even make it to the funeral yesterday. I’m letting go of how I thought my life would look at 48 and accepting things for how they are. Easier said than done but I’m trying my best.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I wish I could give you a hug right now. Sending you so so so much love, Kristine. I am so sorry for the loss of both of your parents. xx
Paula Hobbs says
I agree 100% with the hair washing! I literally used to stress over this! Then I took up golf about a year ago and we just moved to our local country club community, so we literally play all the time which has resulted in daily hair washing and it’s SOOOO much easier than “NOT” washing daily. I also rarely ever use my hair dryer anymore. My hair is so much better because of this (and Nutrafol)
Sheaffer Sims says
I’m sorry. You got rid of your TO DO list? I’m adding “convincing shay to start a TO DO list again” on to my TO DO list.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol!
Arika says
Oh I’d love to scream #8 from the rooftops! I work in higher ed, and the number of students I see come to college without these types of skills is staggering. I know they have very well-intentioned, loving parents but my goodness, we’re not setting them up for success by doing everything for them or “saving them” by never letting them experience consequences. College is certainly a place to learn a lot of these things but you have great ideas about small, safe things we can do to help prepare them for an easier transition to adulthood!
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I have let go of NOT washing my hair every day. 😄 I started this years ago. I have very thick hair and I find my hair is healthier the less I wash it. However my hair doesn’t get greasy quickly either. Great topic!!
Angela says
I love number ten. Many times, I tend to be a people pleaser and think I have to join people and their hobbies. Nope. I don’t need to! Thank you for validating this, Shay! It’s OK that I don’t join in on their hobbies or except their invite to do something that they think sounds fun. If it’s not how I want to fill up my calendar, I’m learning to say ‘thank you, but it won’t work for me’. And wow, is that freeing!!
SS says
Shay,
Letting go is hard… but I have been trying to move to just let it go or I don’t need it. One that I did many moons ago is how people load and unload a dishwasher. I had to remind myself they are helping and it’s ok. FYI…we went on a trip and our twenty ish old kiddo stayed at the house unloaded the dishes (which he has done since he was young) put some little plates in the wrong spot… I was like not a big deal it is what it is. Our youngest how did he not know where those go. LOL!
I have been trying to let go of things that I don’t need anymore, but when you grew up with hand me downs and not having a lot it is hard to let go…because someone may need it. We are trying to move out of that to just we don’t need it. LOL!!!
Also, when you buy something for something “special” and never where it. It’s like I am wearing it and if it gets stained or whatever…just get another. LOL
K.K. says
YES to just washing your hair. I tried for a minute with the dry shampoo, and the avoiding hard workouts, trying to find the right products, not feeling super clean as far as my scalp! It wasn’t worth it to me. Everyone saying.. You have to give it time… Well, yes, or I can just keep washing it. Glad it’s been as freeing for you as it has for me!
Robyn Beers says
Yes! I love to have clean hair and I totally fell into the using dry shampoo phase and I hated it! Ha! Clean hair is a must for me – it just makes my day better. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I love the no appointments on Monday…I’m adding that to my own list of things.
Jen Jenkins says
This is one of my favorite posts (and love the quotes you added!)! One of my friends likes to say
“for who, for what?” and asking myself that has helped me with my list. I’ll definitely be adding some of your list to things I’m letting go of.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love that!
Laura Holmes says
The group chats… brilliant idea. My phone dinging for every heart, thumbs up or short comment can drive me crazy. I also love the dirty hair option! You are 100% correct. It just might be easier to wash than to deal with it unwashed. I need to contemplate more of these for myself. I think this is a good year for me to give up things that do not serve me. I don’t naturally think of making myself stronger by letting go.
Erin Howe says
That last one is so hard for me but oh so necessary! As always a great post today!
Lynn says
I good pair of noise canceling ear buds so you can listen to an audiobook while drying your hair is life changing. Makes getting ready so much more pleasant with a good book.
Mix and Match Mama says
MY MIND IS BLOWN. What a fabulous idea!!
sandi says
#8 My kids (18, 21, 22, 24) have friends that don’t know this skill. Starting in middle school they took over their own calendars, I stopped looking at the homework, tests, everything that needed to be done and they did just fine. Also let them make appointments… hair cuts, dental appts, physicals… stand beside them with the calendar and nod yes or no if they date doesn’t exactly work, but let them talk on the phone to the scheduler.
When everyone was little, I craved silence… now they they are (mostly) gone I like music or TV on in the background. The complete silence is not my favorite. I joke with my married daughter who lives out of state that I still pretend she is in college :-).
Until this past year, I just could not leave a book unfinished. Four have been returned without finishing these last few months since they have just not drawn me in. With joy, I added them to the new DNF feature in Goodreads.
I wash my hair on Sundays for Jesus… not sure how or why, but it doesn’t get dirty looking (my husband would tell me!!). No dry shampoo, I just curl it and use a little bit of hairspray and it’s fine.
Mix and Match Mama says
You wash it for Jesus…Sandi, I will chuckle over that line all day. 😉
Dawn Scheurich says
I am almost old enough to be your mom, so lists are one thing I did give up years ago. It simply made me more stressed!
Good for you on giving up keeping up with all the scheduling things of your two oldest! That is one of THE BEST things as a parent you can do to help prepare them for life!! They need to be responsible to get places on their own without the micromanaging—you are setting them up for success. I see too many parents way over involved and we have a generation of kids who can’t do anything for themselves or cope! Bravo!!
Denise says
Love these ideas. I am the opposite with washing my hair. I only like to fix it once a week and the rest of time no one can tell a difference with dry shampoo. It’s so think and takes so long to fix. I need to adopt the 3 things rule, but I love my lists.
Nicole says
I always love getting inspired by you! One of the biggest things I’m letting go of right now is alcohol. I’ve tried my very hardest to be a girl of moderation, but the truth is – none is always easier than one for me. My dad was an alcoholic, and while I never used it like him – for me it was always social and to add enhancement to a meal or gathering, you know, make it feel fun and celebratory…but the truth is, the peace I have with stepping away and letting it go is all the affirmation I need to keep going! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Good for you for knowing yourself well enough to make the best choice for YOU before it (could) become a problem! I love this, friend!
Lane says
Hi Shay! Will you please share a little more about the no appointments on Monday? Is that so you can get a lot of work done and have less to do as later in the week? Thx so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
No, it’s more that I find it easier to get behind with appointments on a Monday and then I feel like I’m playing “catch up” all week long. For example, I only need to go to the OBGYN annually for an exam. If I schedule that on a Monday, I used to think “what’s the big deal, it’s just one Monday a year” but for me, starting my week off by having to stop and go to the doctor and then come back just kind of made me feel behind all week long. Even if it’s just “once a year”, I should be more intentional and schedule that exam for a Thursday or Friday. This way, I have the week to prepare in advance for that appointment instead of playing catch up.
Kacey says
WOW these are so good!! I’m so intrigued by the projects/tasks over a to-do list. I guess I need to add “pick up a copy of Slow Productivity” to my list lol! I’m always looking for ways to be more efficient, especially as a small business owner! Also, love the idea of no appointments on a Monday.
Mix and Match Mama says
I really loved the book! I have taken so many nuggets from it. It’s all so easy to actually apply to “real life” too.
Tricia says
the blind would agree wholeheartedly, audio counts. it helps those with some type of divergency actually read and listen and comprehend and it’s always a win in my book however you digest content of those that choose to take the time to write a book, narrate a book, put a book out into the world. i stopped giving books anything but a 5 star rating for that sole reason as well. you wrote it, you did the thing that i have not. 5 stars all around for publishing, writing, spending time on a book to put out there for people you do not know to judge. now, i will say yes, i enjoyed it more than this or that or do not recommend for this or that, but 5 stars always for writing a book — any kind of book. cook book, memoir, history, fiction, non fiction, childrens, coloring, IDK. i’m all about supporting these days and it may be a take that some will totally not like about me or my decision to make and that negativity i just do not subscribe to any longer. that’s my thing i’ve stopped. no negativity. support each other. we must. we have to. we are called to. anyway……………….. love your list of things to stop. i need to stop making lists. i have too many all over the place LOL (excuse typos. i should be working lol and this was a very quick comment).
Sarah M. says
What kind of things were you adding to your to do list that don’t really need to be there? Maybe I can do some revising!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh all sorts of things! My daily list was getting outrageously long with items that I will do regardless of whether it’s on my list or not (so I don’t need it on there). I would add things on there as well that I “needed to get done” but after reading Slow Productivity and starting a “task list”, I realized (as the author said I would) that so many of those items end up not being necessary.
Christy says
This is a really great post! I need to sit down and see what I can let go of….. I loved this post, but especially two of them…. GROUP TEXTS….. Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard at that one. The ‘hearting”, the ‘laughing”. My son’s baseball group chat for his team is out of control– I seriously wonder how they have so much time. I need to get brave and leave the chat! hahahha. Also, leaving the calendar to my teenagers! I LOVE this one. It’s true… they need to be held accountable, etc. I need to get brave enough to let go of that one too! haha. Have a good day!
Sharon says
What about Christmas cards? Do you still send them out when all your friends have hundreds of pictures of you and your family from Instagram.
Mix and Match Mama says
I do, but I often question how much longer I will. I don’t know? As the years go by, fewer and fewer of my own friends and family are sending them, so maybe I don’t have to any more? It’s time consuming and expensive…but I still love receiving them. I don’t know? I think about this.
Kay says
I love this! Here are a couple things I’m giving up recently:
-Delaying reaching out to a friend/family member/loved one who’s in trouble. I used to think, so and so is having a hard time, I should call him/her or text sometime soon. Instead, the moment I have that thought, I just reach out right away. I also use part of my morning quiet time each day to think of a few people on my mind and send an encouraging text or good wishes.
-Giving 100% effort every single day. In my teens, 20s, 30s, early 40s, I could do it. I could just give and give and give. At almost 51, I get tired. I started questioning why I couldn’t “keep up” anymore and then I realized I was trying to keep up with a younger person who had more energy and stamina. So now, I expect I can give a huge productive effort most days of the week ? Or ever other day? But there are going to be a few ‘rest’ days in there where I put things off or take time to do things more slowly and get less done. And…OH WELL.
Linda says
What a great post! This has come just when I needed it most. I really have to think of ten things I can and would let go of.
I do know that carrying everyone’s load is for sure one I am letting go of right this moment. I do have FOMO, but this blog encourages me to think I will miss out on something by not being part of something. I am just one person trying to handle everything for everyone, but who is there for me.
Marisa Patel says
This is actually really deep for me right now. I am so overwhelmed with my “to do” list, my people (FAMILY) pleasing, feeling like I have to respond in the many different group chats and hoping I do not say the wrong thing on the wrong chat and of the HAIR WASHING! These are all things I know that I need to let go of, first I need to figure out how.
Jennifer says
I love this post!
I have decided to “mute” anyone in my contacts list that likes to routinely call or text after hours (10:00 pm – 2:00 am). Just because they are night owls, does not mean that I am. I am not sleeping well lately and the notifications are not helping.
Bren says
Great post! I am going to evaluate my life and see what I feel I possibly need to give up, or maybe restructure.
When our kids were in grade school, they had their “regular” grades, and then there were also their “employability basics”. Basically, helping to teach skills such as getting to places on time, turning in assignments on time, learning about being responsible (but all at their age-appropriate level). Basically, working with them on some of the basic skills we need as future employees, or the other side, employers.
All that being said…it was good for me too, to see when I needed to help and what we could work on in turns of being independent as they grew. And especially now that they are grown, I can look back and see where giving some of that up and helping them learn to manage on their own was so helpful for all. Thanks, Shay!
Leanne says
1. cream in my coffee…. just black for me…the heartburn isn’t worth it
2. being a charge nurse…. keep your extra $1.50…and stress…and extra time…etc
3. all group chats
4. women’s bible studies— I have yet to find one that doesn’t feel like a therapy session…and I prefer to leave that to the professionals
5. uncomfortable shoes
6. “decor shopping”….I have enough…. if I’m missing something, I’ll snag it, maybe…
7. collecting things… I ask myself “do I want my kids to have to declutter this?”
8. fixing other people… except when I’m nursing…and its appropriate to do so 🙂
9. feeling bad that some of the things in my life are easier than “yours” which guilts me in to volunteering for things I don’t want to do…
10. tiktok
LOVED YOUR LIST, SHAY!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I LOVE YOUR LIST, Leanne! Thank you, thank you!
Debra says
Love this list – my favorite was dirty hair – I am guilty of this too and always regret not just washing my hair instead of styling g it to cover the dirty. I have super thick long hair and it doesn’t take much longer to wash and style it than it does to make it look presentable when it is dirty. I need to remind myself of this the next time I am considering hiding the dirty hair. Another that really spoke to me is group chats – so distracting when I am trying to work on something -I need to give myself permission to mute these chats when I need to concentrate. And finally the one about keeping other people on schedule was insightful for me – I am constantly reminding my husband of his appointments, outings, birthdays or other occasions he needs to acknowledge, etc.I really just need to remind him to check the calendar more often.
One thing I have let go of recently is to stop being 100% responsible for deciding what we are having for dinner. I recently decided weekly meal planning with one idea from everyone is so much better.
Thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love this! What a great thing to let go of, Debra!
Leslie S says
For me letting go of school tardies has been life changing lol. I no longer fuss, cajole, remind, yell at kiddos in the morning. You’re late to school? Not my problem. Lunch detention for tardies? They’ll figure out how to get out the door in time. Have to run laps for being late to practice? You’ll either learn to love running or be on time in the future. I don’t mean to sound ugly but life is more peaceful and my kiddos are getting it done.
Kristy says
I love these! The dirty hair made me laugh. I love a clean head of hair and wash it most days. I’ve always been intrigued by not, but I’m still in the shower so…. Other people’s hobbies made me laugh too. So good.
The kids calendar is so good too! On a similar note, we were flying to a family wedding and the night before we were talking through a packing list with my 17 year old son. Suit, white shirt etc. He said he couldn’t find his white shirt but no worries, he has a white tuxedo shirt from his brothers orchestra tux. I found his white shirt to pack. I had apologized that I didn’t think about that and dress shoes for him. He came to me later and told me
It was more of a reflection on him than me. He’s almost a grown man.
Shannon says
Great post!
-Interest in Politics- nothing changes, it just divides us, and ultimately it’s a waste of time and energy to discuss or think of.
-Keeping up with the news – spreads fear, much of it you can’t trust and life is better when you just live locally in your own little part of the world.
-Pop music- years ago I started listening to our local classical station at Christmas because I was tired of hearing “Grandma got run over by a reindeer” and I never went back. It’s lovely to know composers now and recognize various pieces. It’s also inspired us to attend the symphony a number of times-Christmastime is the best for that!
-And I’m going to adopt giving up always having to have an opinion. My 20-something sons will appreciate that! 😀