mommyoffive Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 What is something that you stopped doing that has made your life better? And What is something that you started doing that has made your life better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Worrying at all about the opinion of others. 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth86 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Basically I quit burning my candle at both ends. I used to wake up before the kids to get work done and stay up past the kids to get work done. Now I just wake up early and I go to sleep when they do. I just leave unfinished work until the morning and dont stress about. I get to it when I can. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Worrying at all about the opinion of others. Yes, this answers both question. About a year ago I started doing yoga daily at home before I start my day. It has made a difference in how I feel and inner peace with the things I can't control. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Critterfixer Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Deep cleaning to the first. Spring cleaning? Never again. Writing every day to the second. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solascriptura Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I stopped putting my health last. I started working out and weight training. Honestly, this has improved almost every aspect of my life. 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I stopped ironing. I started being a little more selfish (which is not really selfishness, but ya know...mom guilt and all that). 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Stopped watching the news. I don't walk in ignorance; I just choose not to be bombarded with news and what some outlets consider news. Stopped divulging in so many sweets. I have less "power surges" and better health w/o so much sugar. Stopped ignoring my hypertension. Started taking an Rx for my bp. I would exercise more but have been nursing a back injury for 2+ months. Started seeing a DO instead of my chiro. One visit brought more relief to my back than 6 weeks of chiro care. That man's hands! Started purging more. Retiring from homeschooling made that easier. ;) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Watching TV. Eating breakfast. Answering my phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Watching television. I still watch a movie on occasion with my family, and I can't miss Game of Thrones, but for the most part, I don't watch tv. I should stop spending so much time on the internet. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Stopped needing to give my oldest rides everywhere, my husband has started doing more of it! I have started working (last school year) and I love being back at work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Stopped sugar. Stopped eating excessive carbs. Stopped ignoring my needs. Starting exercising. Started prioritizing my time to myself - for me, this means I get an hour to work out every day, and a shower after that. At 8:00 pm , or as close as possible, kids are asleep or in bed reading and I hit the tub. DH and I have wine, and hang out time. I need that time to recharge and reconnect with him. All of this means I'm a happier, better, more compassionate, effective mom, and I actually get more done. So it's really a win-win. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Stopped watching TV years ago. Stopped drinking a lot of milk. Stopped discussing politics with friends. Stopped feeling guilty because I can't do everything. Started walking most days. Started yoga. Started chiropractic. Started Vitamin D. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosika Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 I stopped falling prey to the pressure (expectations?) of being the brain for our family. By that, I mean that I started to re-direct people when they would ask me something that they could easily enough (though less easy than just asking me) figure out for themselves. Example: "Do we have soccer practice today?" Instead of answering, I now re-direct them to the 24" x 36" calendar that's hanging on the wall - usually no more than two steps away from us. Example 2: "Do I have to do ___ assignment for history? Really?" Instead of getting annoyed, I now re-direct them to the syllabus I spent the summer working on - outlining every assignment and due date and even an addendum that YES you REALLY have to do all of this work even if you don't want to. Example 3: "What's there to snack on?" Instead of dropping what I'm doing to look in the cupboards of able-bodied teenagers, I now ignore the question completely. If I'm in a decent mood I'll re-direct them with "I don't know, why don't you look in the pantry?" Things that were small and easy enough to answer when they were younger grew into a mental laziness on their parts, and was beginning to wear on me. I couldn't get through a single thought of my own for the constant interruptions of things they didn't actually need me to THINK for them. I was growing resentful, but it's all good now ... and getting better! Something I've started doing since having my last baby is to attend Mass by myself. My older kids are 12-adult and do a great job of managing the baby and chores so that I can have that hour to really participate fully in the Mass and to meet up with friends for brunch afterwards. I couldn't do that when they were younger because they were all so close in age. Also I'd have felt more guilty back then. I'm liking this larger age gap and being a more 'mature' mother; my caboose baby is bound to be my easiest yet. :D 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeriJ Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 (edited) Stopped: Facebook. High carb breakfast. Saying yes to things out of guilt or perceived obligation. Staying up late. Christmas cards. Too much cleaning. Feeling responsible for everyone's feelings. Started: Multivitamin. Mandatory quiet time every afternoon. Going outside even when I don't feel like it. Edited October 19, 2017 by KeriJ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmith Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Stopped eating processed foods, white sugar and most sweeteners, gluten, dairy and eggs, started eating healthier and lost 40 pounds now in the process. I do indulge in the occasional dark chocolate bar though! :drool: Started a few good quality supplements which have had a positive effect on my health. Started walking daily. Quiet time every day for contemplation. I love to turn off TVs and other electronics. There is always one on somewhere in this house! Why doesn't anyone enjoy the quiet anymore? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Dropped a volunteer gig that was about 20 hours a month and physically exhausting. It just got too much to handle. I gave them a month notice and walked away and have never regretted it. My life is less stressful and I have fewer injuries these days. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Stopped: mindless eating; assuming I had all necessary information to form an opinion about something (snap judgements). Started: loom knitting; joining book club; food journaling; signing up for Stitch Fix. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Deep cleaning to the first. Spring cleaning? Never again. Writing every day to the second. I always say I need to do this... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Stopped volunteering and basically giving a crap to certain organization I was apart of. So nice to not have to deal with completely petty/middle school behavior crap. Kids are happier because I am happier and don't dread having to go to it. Started- taking care of myself more. Getting into better shape and taking time for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Stopped (a long time ago): - Worrying about what the house looked like (aka "is it clean enough???") - Worrying about what I looked like Both caused way too much stress and quite honestly, most people just don't care. Those few who do, I don't worry about. Started (also a long time ago) - Traveling, preferring the back roads to really explore a place This (for me) is great stress relief and mental stimulation both at the same time. I love filling in my own personal map about what things look like and the various people and culture all around. One learns a lot and overcomes a lot by travel - if they truly travel with an open mind instead of looking critically at everything that differs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I stopped saying yes to every request. I’m proud now of how well I say, ‘no’. I stopped cleaning like crazy one day a week. Now I clean as I can, when I can fit it in. Although the dog hair still drives me bonkers. 🙄 Roomba??? I never thought I'd want one, but I've seen a friend's in action and now I'm intrigued. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I stopped smoking just before my 40th (I'll be 43 next year). I had been smoking since I was a teenager. I didn't realize how compromised my lungs/breathing were. I've started eating healthier. Soon after I quit smoking I developed diabetes and high blood pressure, they were probably there already but weight gain pushed me over the edge. While I immediately cut out 90% junk carbs from my diet I only recently started to pay attention to the my diet as a whole. About 2 months ago Dh and I started eating what's often referred to as a "flexitarian" diet. Minimal animal products and significantly less fat. While I've not been as good about sticking to it as DH (watching some Documentaries recently has helped get me back on track) I do feel better and I expect that to continue even more so as we go along. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Making school lunches. I handed the job off to the school lunch eaters. Such a simple little thing saves me WAY more stress than would probably seem reasonable to other people, but that job seriously stressed me out. I hated it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertstrawberry5 Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I stopped beating myself up for being late and forgetting things. I do try my best, and apologize when I forget. I have strategies to minimize the damage. But having a poor sense of time does not make me a lesser human being. Letting go of that has lifted a huge burden off of my shoulders. I started dressing better, and using more and better makeup and beauty products. I am finding aging much easier now that I feel pretty and stylish. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Roomba??? I never thought I'd want one, but I've seen a friend's in action and now I'm intrigued. I've had one for quite a while now, probably 8 years. I love it! I use it almost daily. Recommend. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandwalker Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I stopped cutting my hair when my father died (not sure why, started out from the depression then, I suppose). My sister or I trim the ends; it's straight and easy to braid or bun. I stopped wearing mascara, it always bothered my eyes. Stopped eating meat and dairy ten or so years ago. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjzimmer1 Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 stopped visiting my ILs. Seriously. It was so nerve wracking for me because things I said would get taken out of context or they would be upset at something I said/did but not say anything for months or years later. Their family culture is just so different than mine and I don't follow the unspoken rules because I don't know what they are and then I get in trouble for it. I never felt like I could just be me. So much better for DH if he visits them alone than take me with because I always manage to upset them even when I'm trying really hard (and just being me had even worse results) Thing I started, purging, letting go, realizing it's just stuff. I've always been a "hold on to it just in case" kind of person, but now that I decided to get rid of things not needed right now, my house is so much easier to maintain. Still working on training kids where things go (like all the kitchen dishes that have been rearranged) and to pick up after themselves but my house is so much lighter and the workload is too. I'll be happy when the deep purging is over (I haven't made it through everything yet) but I'm far enough into it that everyone can tell the difference. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I love this thread. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Stopped spending much time on the internet. Stopped eating sugar. Started reading a book a week (thanks Robin!). Started running. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Stopped spending much time on the internet. Stopped eating sugar. Started reading a book a week (thanks Robin!). Started running. Do most of you actually read a book a week? I just can't imagine. I'd love to, but sheesh! I have 3 small children! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I am down to hsing only 2 children now (though hsing a high schooler is pretty time-consuming), but I understand the time crunch. I found converting internet time to book time makes it easier. YMMV. When I started, I committed to just a book a month, and managed 26 that year, to my surprise. There’s no minimum book requirement; we’re an easygoing bunch. Give it a try! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopskipjump Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 (edited) What is something that you stopped doing that has made your life better? Stopped leading co-op classes and wrangling other homeschoolers/herds of cats. What is something that you started doing that has made your life better? Made it a point of life to start teaching my kids to not give a da#n what anyone else thinks. The relief this has brought me has been exponential. My kids are fantastic kids and people-pleasers and we ALL used to give and give and give - and worry too much about making sure that other people were happy, content, pleased. Now my kids are learning to put themselves first when it's important and to NOT bleed themselves dry for people who won't bother to lift a finger to help them in return. Because there are a lot of lazy, selfish takers out there in the world. And now my kids have learned at a YOUNG age the importance of identifying those people. We all have so much more "free" time now to get on with life. :cheers2: Edited October 20, 2017 by hopskipjump 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 (edited) I started having my hair colored. I don't have it cut. The last time I had it cut was before DD was born, and she is 21. I feel like I look like my real self. The grey/white is covered up, and it looks very natural. I love it. Edited October 20, 2017 by Carol in Cal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Bunny Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Watching/reading the news regularly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I stopped eating yeast. it makes me feel like i hit a brick wall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAJinBE Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 I could have answered the same as many of the above responses. If I had to pick two things I guess it would be I've let go of some of the responsibilities in the house that teens should be doing for themselves ( their laundry, being the family brain as said above, and letting them clean when their friends are coming over). And I've started taking responsibility for my health by nordic walking, doing Pilates, and eating better to lose weight. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 (edited) We’ve actually talked about getting one, but I’m too cheap. I just can’t justify the cost. But, gosh, I’d love to have one. Our old neighbor had one and she had three dogs. It worked really well for them. This friend got hers on Black Friday, I believe from Kohl's for ~$200, IIRC. Another got theirs at an open box store and saved a ton. I've seen a huge model at Costco. Not sure I need one that big, but their return policy makes me think about it. It won't happen soon as we have other financial goals and more pressing things right now. I've had one for quite a while now, probably 8 years. I love it! I use it almost daily. Recommend. Quill, any problems on hardwood floors? Another friend had one many years ago and said it scratched her hardwood floors. That would be a deal breaker. Perhaps they've improved since then? Edited October 20, 2017 by Angie in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Stopped Facebook. Started running. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Stopped worrying about peer pressure, or the expectations of others. Started learning how to say No, and resist guilt trips from others. Stopped expecting my aging Dad to stay the same. Started letting go of resentments of past behaviors and accepting him at face value on each occasion. Years ago I found I will choose people over place or profession or anything else in my life every single time. Once I did I dropped a lot of expectations I had been externally programmed to hold, and started to accept the true basis of the choices I make. This significantly decreased the stress I felt at the direction my life was taking. Stopped waiting for having something clear or decided to say before writing. Started insisting on my NaNoWriMo time every November. It is cathartic. It is freeing. I just write whatever, and use the 50K word goal as a driver to get my writing time in. When I turned 50 I stopped dying my hair back to its natural very dark brown (or as close as coloring could get). When I finally let my gray shine through I ended up with some really pretty hair that makes my face look younger again. It's also a lot less cost and very low maintenance. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Several years ago I stopped watching TV news. They are hysterical about every. little. thing. Now whenever I am exposed, I feel my stress and anxiety rising. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 a few years back I stopped putting on makeup every day. I've definitely saved time, and money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 a few years back I stopped putting on makeup every day. I've definitely saved time, and money! I never did get the hang of make-up. The last time I needed it I hired someone to air-brush me. It was great! I didn't even feel the make-up so I was less likely to rub at it, and if I did rub my eyes or anything it didn't smudge or budge! If I ever feel I must be made up again I'm hiring an air-brush artist again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Getting rid of cable made our family life better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 This friend got hers on Black Friday, I believe from Kohl's for ~$200, IIRC. Another got theirs at an open box store and saved a ton. I've seen a huge model at Costco. Not sure I need one that big, but their return policy makes me think about it. It won't happen soon as we have other financial goals and more pressing things right now. Quill, any problems on hardwood floors? Another friend had one many years ago and said it scratched her hardwood floors. That would be a deal breaker. Perhaps they've improved since then? Mine has not scratched my hardwood floors. It could possibly depend on the type of wood and the finish? The one thing I can say is that years of having it bump into my baseboard trim has given my white trim a bit of a worn look, but it's time I repainted that trim anyway. Mine is several years old, so I would say they are of better quality now than they were. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Stopped doing any volunteer work. Any. Started catching myself when I am arguing with people or over-explaining myself. If we're so out of synch with each other that we're arguing (even politely) or I'm having to go to great lengths to explain what I mean...then never mind. Let's move on to a new topic. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 This phrase has served me well "I volunteered frequently in my younger years but for the foreseeable future my ministry is in my home." 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Stopped doing any volunteer work. Any. Started catching myself when I am arguing with people or over-explaining myself. If we're so out of synch with each other that we're arguing (even politely) or I'm having to go to great lengths to explain what I mean...then never mind. Let's move on to a new topic. "To those who would understand, no explanation is necessary. To those would not, none would suffice." 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Stopped: Watching television - I don't miss it at all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 (edited) Stopped: Watching television - I don't miss it at all. Also stopped attending a church that drained my joy. Stopped worrying about keeping a perfect house. Started: Taking classes in things I was interested in. Started working a small seasonal job that was completely different from anything I had done before. Edited October 20, 2017 by Denise in Florida Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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