Real Chat: The Noble Art of leaving things undone

June 2, 2012

Posted 09/12

So thankful to Madeline for being a guest here today, and sharing her take on balancing life and motherhood. She blogs at Uber Chic for Cheap (head over if you aren’t familiar!) and also is a writer for Babble. Thrilled to have her here today on IHOD…

I am so excited to be contributing to this series! As I was reading Anna’s Real Chat post from last week, I found myself nodding along with everything she said and am honored to be included.

Before I had my son, Tate, I naively thought that my life would be so much easier. All I would have to worry about was making dinner and taking care of a baby. Ha! I’ve never been busier (and I’ve never been more fulfilled!) I write for two blogs, do architectural work from home and head up the women’s organization at my church. And of course, I take care of Tate, the house, and all the other incidentals that fall to the homemakes. I do a lot. But I don’t do it all.

We have frozen pizza for dinner at least once a week. I only do laundry on a “crap, I’m out of underwear again” basis. The shower is covered with soap scum and my garage is full of unpacked boxes and unfinished projects. And that is just fine by me.

In my early married life, I went through some pretty pressing problems with my health that made it impossible for me to do much of anything. During that incredibly trying time in my life I read this mantra. “Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is a nobler art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.” I clung to this idea with everything I had. If I let myself get bogged down in doing things that are not fulfilling or important, I found myself a grumpy mess.

By letting myself not feel guilty for having messy closets and sticky floors, I leave more of myself for my husband and son:)

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Debby Steele says:

June 2, 2012 at 1:11 pm

Very wise. LOVE the quote. So true and we should all take notice so that we can enjoy our lives and the people in it a bit more!! xo

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Becca - {extra}ordinary wonders says:

June 2, 2012 at 1:31 pm

I love Madeline’s outlook. I’ll definitely be checking out her blog. Thank you for the introduction.

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Christina Elaine says:

June 2, 2012 at 1:33 pm

This prety much sums it up… I love this series so much….

xxx
Christina

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- Loryn says:
  
  May 20, 2014 at 7:38 am
  
  That’s not even 10 mienuts well spent!
  
  Reply
KK says:

June 2, 2012 at 2:57 pm

YES!! Thanks for the outlook Madeline! Sometimes my husband has to ask me when we’re hanging out at night “where are you going?” because I have the habit of getting up to – change the laundry – fill the dishwasher, put something away – etc…the true art is to leave it undone and not stress! Guess I will have to practice my new art form!

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Emily Lynne {The Best of this Life} says:

June 2, 2012 at 5:41 pm

This is an art I am still learning. Having my house cleaned and organized brings me clarity, room to breathe, and more creativity. Having a husband and a son who are totally carefree and easy going about the messes has stretched me and made me work to be OK with leaving things undone. But we’ve also come to a compromise. Part of playtime, is clean up time! 🙂 And my hubby is on the ball with helping me get done what he knows will make our living atmosphere happier and not bogged down. Now things don’t have to be spotless, but in the course of the day, there is tidiness.

As for projects and lists, they will always be there – and I’ve let go of the deadlines in my head. The time allowance and prioritizing has definitely changed with being married and having a Little One. We set realistic timelines for the goals//dreams we have!

Great Real Chat!! 🙂

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Ana says:

June 2, 2012 at 6:10 pm

Wow, did I need to hear this today or what? So wonderful, thank you!!

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Janssen says:

June 2, 2012 at 7:19 pm

What a great post. I love Madeline!

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Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says:

June 2, 2012 at 8:33 pm

What a fabulous quote, love it!

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Eva Silviana says:

June 3, 2012 at 9:13 am

Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂

xx
http://www.crunchycheeseme.blogspot.com

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Angie says:

June 3, 2012 at 10:58 am

I love your blog so much, just found it through Modern Buttercup. Hopefully you’d like to check out mine and maybe we can follow each other, I just followed you via GFC. xx

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Heather J says:

June 3, 2012 at 3:23 pm

Loved your thoughts Madeline! I’m still learning to leave things undone. 🙂

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Jackie B. says:

June 4, 2012 at 1:54 am

I love the quote! And I can relate to the self imposed guilt when not finishing everything I assign myself to do. It’s hard but I’m learning not to feel guilty when I can’t do it all or need to ask for help. -JB.

http://madewithlovebyjackieb.blogspot.co.uk/

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Jenna says:

June 4, 2012 at 12:04 pm

I love that quote! In fact, I think I’m going to make it into my life motto 🙂

xxx
Jenna

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Laura {a spoonful of joy} says:

June 4, 2012 at 1:32 pm

such a great perspective. my mom gave me similar advice when my son was first born and it helped me immensely! thank you for sharing!

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Nancy says:

June 4, 2012 at 2:54 pm

That’s wonderful! I’m posting it on my bulletin board above my desk where I can see it.

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