It was at that moment, I decided to make a change. I pulled out my planner and wrote on a post-it note the message, "SAY NO NOVEMBER," and stuck it on the monthly calendar. For the month of November, we are being super intentional with our time. We are saying no until we have prayed about it, discussed it, and decided if it's the best thing for us.
There are so many reasons why this is necessary.
... I need a mental break. As an introvert, I need alone time to refresh and clear my mind. Am I going to spend the month alone? No, but I am going to make sure that I have breathing room.
... Our marriage needs it. We've fallen into a pattern of the same kind of everyday schedule. We've become the go-to couple for someone needing something, and sometimes it feels great to be needed. But we've sacrificed time to ourselves, dates, and bonding.
... When I say yes to everything, someone else isn't getting the opportunity to say yes. When I say yes to everything, I could be missing out on what God actually wants me to do.
... With the holidays around the corner, I want the chance to spend it the way I want. I haven't had the chance to bake holiday treats, leisurely shop for gifts, or just slow down in years. This year, I want to stroll instead of rush. I want to savor the season instead of "getting it done".
By saying no to more things, we are saying yes to us more. God has laid this on my heart so heavily, that I know this time is important. He is going to teach us something awesome, and I can't wait.
original image via DeathToStockPhotos.
