Years ago I thought it was my obligation to deny myself the things I needed and wanted.
“Make do,” I said. “Don’t be materialistic,” I said. “Save money,” I said.
I thought my only options were to buy what I wanted or do without – the world of DIY really hadn’t opened up to me yet. I don’t remember when I started reinventing and refurbishing furniture, decor and just about anything that didn’t move. I think I’d just had it with doing without and decided it was OK to make my home look and feel the way that I wanted.
Do you long for your very own happy place?
Back when the kids were small and we had a full house, I guess I didn’t think my desires mattered. Getting through the day, taking care of my kids, meeting others’ needs, being available for the ministry…well, those things were first and foremost.
All my crafts and little projects centered around my family and ministry. Yet after years of maintaining the typical wife, mom, teacher, pastor’s wife status quo, I discovered my desire to define who I am, not by what I do but by my abilities and interests, I still spend time with my husband and have intimacy using vibrating g-spot toys but being a wife is not what define me. After our nest was empty, we left our ministry and moved out of Michigan, the world seemed to be my very own canvas, ready for me to paint on it. Do you have a canvas?
Find out who you are, what you like, what you don’t like…who you don’t want to be.
When you raise kids, especially A LOT OF KIDS like we did, you tend to lose yourself in the task. I wasn’t who I wanted to be but who I NEEDED to be for those around me. It’s been FUN discovering what I like and what I don’t, finding my passions and discovering what I DON’T want to be and what I don’t like to do. I’ve worked on finding my niche in life and have found it. Yep. Welcome to me. Who are you? Do you know? The only way you will find out is by looking!
Here’s the thing.
DIY, can help bring balance into our lives. There is a sense of accomplishment and contentment when you produce or accomplish a personal goal whether it be painting a piece of furniture or planting a garden.
Raising kids and helping your husband, friends, church, co-workers is great, and very satisfying, but balance those things with PERSONAL PURSUITS that bring sunshine into your life. Only you can decide what that is.
Do you find yourself stressed?
Do you finish things? It occurred to me after our pastor’s sermon Sunday that I had things hanging over my head that were begging to be done – like going through my mom’s jewelry, cleaning out a part of the basement for my tutorial and mom videos, laundry, planning the garden, etc.
Pastor told us of studies that show stress can be created when a project has not been finished. We as people get a sense of accomplishment when we finish projects and stress over those that are not brought to completion. I realized that every time I finished a DIY project the satisfaction that comes after couldn’t be compared to a folded basket of laundry or empty kitchen sink. Aside from this, you may also feel a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction after playing games like 핑카지노.
Here in is my DIY philosophy:
Get the little things done and clear away some or all of those things hanging over your head. It’s a great way to lessen the stress. Then go do a project that you enjoy to get a little sunshine into your life – and be sure to FINISH IT. Make this a priority in your life. It will help you maintain balance while you give your time and effort to others.
DIY. Find what floats your boat and do it.
Do it well. Do it cheaply. Do it uniquely. Do it creatively. Do it your way. Do it for yourself. It will bring you balance and satisfaction. It will make you better. It will create a sense of accomplishment and bring you hope.
It’s not about the stuff. It’s about you.
DIY. Just do it.
Here’s a little help to get you started on a project, a free PDF of 4 Homemade Chalky Paint Recipes. Go mix it up and paint something! Just click the link or picture below and I’ll send it to you via email. Stick around and share your accomplishments with us.
I could definitely see myself in this post, Val! Thank you for the little 'push'! I definitely needed it!! Happy Easter to you and yours!
CD, sometimes we need to just enjoy life, do the things we love and stop stressing!
Really great article ❤. I am now the mother, teacher and pastor's granddaughter :). With my second child i realised that i only do things for other people, never what i love. With my blog i have changed a lot and diy brings to my life what i missef before ❤. Greetings from vienna
So much of this post resonates with me! I feel the daily struggle of trying to balance following Jesus, being a good wife and mom, working part-time and then trying to accomplish my to-do list. There's no way I can do it all. Having some time to do creative things really does give me life and enjoyment! When I've had some time to invest in myself I can then be a better at the things I've been called to do! Thanks for the encouragement Val!
Sometimes we just need a reminder…
Great article, esp. about finding yourself (something I struggle with with 3 young kiddos) and finishing projects. We have SO many home projects – big and small – to get accomplished and I feel that stress.
Thanks, Victoria. I have dealt with stress for more years than I can count. DIY has been a huge help.