Let's Look - Things I've Changed My Mind About

Happy Wednesday! I thought I would jump on board with today's blog link-up and well, Pierce would tell you this post could be about almost everything we buy and hence why we have so many returns to make hahaha but I thought I'd share just a few thoughts and a few things that I think about differently now too. So, without further-ado, here are a few things I've "changed my mind about." 

1. Returns. 

This really is a whole category, and I'm not quite sure why. I think it's because usually a smaller purchase doesn't fall into the "big decisions that feel permanent" category in my brain, so it's ok to "try" it and if it doesn't work I can send or take it back. Once I have something in our home and can tangibly feel and see and think about it, oftentimes I realize we don't actually need it or love it and end up thinking about returning it. I'm also more of a simplicity type of person and not really a "spender," so sometimes those two collide and hence, we have returns to make. It's something I'm working on 😂, but the kids and I have gotten into a little routine with a few errands for returns every so often and it seems to work out ok hahaha 

2. Big Decisions. 

Things that feel "permanent" are harder for me... Like, where in the yard should our swing set go or changing something in the house renovation wise or the name you choose for your baby. They all can feel overwhelming to me at times. 

I have started recently reading "The Next Right Thing" by Emily P. Freeman, and it's been a sweet little refresh for some strategies on when "decision making" is a little harder. 

Prayer, seeking wisdom, and remaining confident in a decision made are all things that help as well. And trusting the Lord with the big "life decisions" puts a whole lot less pressure on me as well, which I am so grateful for... 

So, returns and big decisions are mainly what feels like my brain is mostly going "back and forth" on, but there are also a handful of things that I feel like I view a little differently right now in life, whether that's just the season we're in or the fact that we have two littles, but here are a few things that came to mind...

Things I View Differently:

Early mornings 

I have always loved a good nap or a good Saturday morning to sleep in and I still do love sleep a whole lot, but in this season, there is something super special about early mornings. It's quiet, it feels like my brain can think a little bit more without all of the noise to come or decisions to make that are on the list for later 😉, I can read or exercise without feeling the need to "multitask." My view on early mornings has definitely changed throughout life, and right now, I am a fan of them! 

Healthy eating 

This is something that used to feel daunting and a little overwhelming, but now feels like a part of our rhythms and routines and life, and it's made a big difference. My view has differently shifted to feeling like I'm "missing out" on things, to really being thankful to be feeling better with the food that we are eating. A mindset shift for sure. 

"New" doesn't necessarily mean "bad." 

This is something that has really shifted over the years. I used to always have a hard time when something changed its design or shape or size or updated to a different version or was "new and improved." I liked those things before they changed, so it was always was a bit sad when that change would happen. But I've begun to try to shift my mindset to see the "good" in the change. Why did this thing change, is the new part/update something I could use in a better way now, what can I appreciate about the old but come to love in the new? It's still a work-in progress, but it's a helpful small mindset shift in a world where things are always changing... 

"Change"

Which brings me to, change. I'm still working on this one. As a middle child and a nine on the enneagram as well, I don't *love* change, BUT like the "new" up above, I'm beginning to see the good. A "study" in our house becoming the "play room." Our "guest room" becoming "Jane's room." Our backseat going from having a newborn carseat to two toddler carseats. With kids, there is constant change, and each time, I try to be thankful for the season, for the reason for the change, and try to appreciate the sweetness that comes along with the "new." Like I said, a work in progress, but a mindset shift for sure. 

Quality Over Quantity. 

And lastly, quality over quantity. Not being much of a "spender," this has been a bit of a shift, but something that has changed is starting to value investing in something that feels a little more like it's going to last. I've noticed it's actually kept our house and home and budget a little more simple. Saving up for something instead of buying lots of little things or having "one" nicer thing that we love or wear or use that I know is going to last has helped in many areas over these past few seasons. I'm sure it will continue to change and shift as the kids get older and our seasons continue to change, but it has been helpful in thinking through what and where we spend and what fills our home and life and seasons. 

And there's just a look at a few things that come to mind as things that I change my mind about, decisions that are hard to make, and mindset shifts that I've noticed have happened. I'm sure there are many, many more, but those are just a handful that came mind. Thanks as always for following along, and thanks Shay and Erika for the fun blog link-up! You can also find all of my "Let's Look" posts here.

I'll plan on seeing you back here tomorrow!
Sending lots of love!
XO
Tab