I used to believe that the busier we were, the better life was going to be. I believed that the busier I was or the bigger my business looked, the better. Busier, bigger, or chaotic may look really great on the outside but it feels overwhelming on the inside. We are constantly shoveled the idea that busy is better, more is better. Through some tough lessons I soon realized that less is more. When we quiet the extra noise and have less to focus on we have more time to be really present and do things well.
After having kids, I further realized how simple is better…in all areas. After having two kids, I really got this on an even deeper level. The simpler a plan is, the better. The simpler my expectations are, the better. I keep our schedule open and low stress. If we have errands to run or appointments to make I plan accordingly but aside from doctor appointments or places we have to be at a set time, I like taking a deep breath and letting things work at their own rhythm. It feels like I’m fighting a current when I don’t plan days this way. Sometimes Most times, when juggling life and kids – less is more. When I keep our schedule lucrative my stress level stays lower and my patience is higher. I don’t know about you but it seems when I attempt an unnecessarily structured schedule something always happens. I leave something at home, we can’t find someone’s favorite shirt or one of the kiddos is inevitably hungry.
Just like I like my schedule uncluttered from unnecessary items, the same goes with the food I bring into our home. The simpler the ingredients are in something I’m feeding myself and my family – the better I feel about. I check labels now more than ever. We thrive to find food that has good ingredients and aren’t cluttered with unnecessary things I can’t pronounce and can’t feel good about feeding my family. A bunch of unnecessary fillers that aren’t wholesome and crazy preservatives? No thanks. Again, less is more.
I like having quick on-the-go snacks that are healthy, full of protein and packed with some good nutrition for all of us because sometimes things are hectic around here with having two little ones. Having something I can grab and feel good about eating in quick fashion, makes me feel more at ease and makes sure I eat something on those chaotic days. Sometimes A is a picky eater or has a low appetite because she’s a busy toddler and I need a go-to variety of foods that I can give her. Some mornings Ryan is flying out the door a few moments late and needs something to fill him up so he can be at his best at work. Simple, accessible foods are a must in this house. Usually that associates with foods filled with things that aren’t great for our bodies – empty calories, fillers and things that don’t keep you full for very long – all of which we don’t have in our house. We are extremely intentional with what we put in our bodies. Protein bars are something we keep in our pantry for a quick grab and go in our snack box. Perfectly Simple bars by Zone Perfect bars are something we really feel good about. They taste great, have 10 grams of protein in one bar and all of the ingredients consist of good, quality items and we know what all of them are.
Our Perfectly Simple bars make for a quick snack for any occasion and are super easy to toss in my bag for a quick snack on the go, because someone always ends up hungry for a snack while we are out and about. Snacks or a quick breakfast are one less thing for me to stress over on those days we have to be somewhere at a set time because I can grab and go knowing it’s something that all of my family enjoys.
Do yourself a favor and head over to ZonePerfect’s website to learn more about their Perfectly Simple Products and while you are at it, save $1 on their products to make your busy, on the go days a little less stressful so you can focus on the important stuff. You won’t regret it and I know you’ll find something everyone in your family will love!
In what ways do you exercise the “less is more” approach?