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Maggie Whitley Designs

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / How to make a freedom change.

How to make a freedom change.

June 3, 2016 · 14 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, lifestyle, mamahood

zack maggie whitley

A couple of weeks ago I made a big change in my life. It wasn’t big in a visual way, but it more so big for my Maggie heart:

I took control of the “out of season” messages that were flooding my inbox and social media feeds, especially those making me feel less than.

FOR SURE, I love posts and emails and updates and products that support a variety of work, but right now my work is primarily focused on being at home with our babies. Yes, I have dreams about re-joining the handmade community, yes I love podcasts and how-to posts and webinars and other creative/challenging projects, but right now I’m pretty much at my capacity. I have reserved room for a few things, but I definitely don’t have room for all that was coming my way.

Every once in a while I enjoy branching out and engaging in something new. This is so healthy! But one day I realized most of the anxiety I have been feeling isn’t because I have a newborn at home, it’s because the Internet was making me feel like I needed to be doing more. And guess what, I am (happily) doing enough — I don’t need to add any more.

It was such a freeing task to either unsubscribe, unfollow, or auto-file the things that were causing me to doubt who I am. Note I’m not totally closing the door on these things, but rather reminding myself I am choosing to keep my focus on other things (and people) while preserving a little bit of margin for extra. It’s a great feeling, for sure :)

Do you need to make a freedom change? What would that look like?

Happy Friday, loves!

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14 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, lifestyle, mamahood

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Comments

  1. Katy Reitz says

    June 3, 2016 at 9:28 am

    YES!!!! I am at the other end of motherhood! I have 2 years before my oldest graduates, next year is his last summer with us as a family. After that he will be a senior and that summer he will be preparing for college and he may not be able to travel with us etc.

    I have shut down my Etsy shop. Big step. I have pulled away from social media. My time is running out. And I do feel such a need to unsubscribe and unfollow things on my feed and inboxes.

    Thank you for sharing your heart. It speaks volumes to me.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      It is SO encouraging to me that we can relate to each other so much, despite the differences in our kids ages. You are so right — your time with your “original” family is about to change, so proud of you for recognizing this!

      Reply
  2. Cali says

    June 3, 2016 at 10:32 am

    I couldn’t agree more. I started getting anxious about all the things that I saw others doing that I wasn’t. I had to step back and realize that I was comparing myself to people from all other walks of life. I stopped following a couple of blogs, dropped a few Facebook and Twitter pages, and cleaned out an email. Just trying to live in the moment and be the best for my family and myself. Good job mama!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      YES! That’s exactly how I felt. Especially comparing myself to other women who were doing totally different things! Or, they had a totally different daily plan than me. And what I realized is pulling back from all of the noise was actually giving me more. Thanks for your comment, Cali! xx

      Reply
  3. Franchesca says

    June 3, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    I commend you for doing this. I had to do the same thing a few years ago when our youngest was born. It wasn’t her that was stressing me out, it was the noise of the internet, and the pull I felt to be more. Good on you for putting in on hold to enjoy these precious moments. I have no doubt you’ll take the creative communities by storm when the time is right for you.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      June 3, 2016 at 11:25 pm

      You have no idea just how life-giving your comment is to me, thank you friend!

      Reply
  4. Betsy Durant says

    June 3, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    Not only can you take the creative community by storm when you return, but it seems that because you’ve unsubscribed and stepped back in such a clear way when you return it will be with a fresh new vision! You won’t be the same person, you know, having enjoyed pouring out in this season of littles and with your hubby and so you may find new places for creativity that you couldn’t have if you were hanging on to the old. Oh praise God for seasons and change, newness, and the courage to step forward into all that He has for us! Thanks for sharing the ways you are leaning into your season!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      June 3, 2016 at 11:28 pm

      Betsy, thank you so much for taking the time to comment :) I love the insight you shared when you spoke of “hanging on to the old,” I think that’s exactly what I had been doing, and turns out it wasn’t helping me in any way! I appreciate you so much :)

      Reply
  5. Sarah says

    June 3, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    This is great! I’ve also been thinking about clearing out the mental/emotional/physical clutter that makes me spread myself too thin, or feel overwhelmed. I am a work-at-work mom (I work full time and take care of my 1 year old at my office M-F), which is both wonderful and stressful. With trying to figure out how to keep up with all the awesome stuff stay at home moms do, or the productivity of moms who have a peaceful work environment while their kids are in daycare, I recently realized that maybe I can set myself up for excellence and success if I focus only on the things I want to do well, and not worry about the rest–no matter who else I know does this or that really cool thing. We all only have so much time! I’m excited about really investing in the top “big things” I really want to do well: my work, being a mom, corresponding with family, working on a novel, preparing healthy meals, and enjoying nature. Ahhh, I can let the rest go and be okay! :) It was a bright confirmation for me when I read your post!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      June 3, 2016 at 11:25 pm

      Yes! You are so right! And I was thinking recently, part of why we only have 24 hours in a day is so we prioritize how we spend our days. There’s a limit each day for a reason! Be encouraged :):)

      Reply
  6. Erin says

    June 4, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    I get this feeling periodically, that I’m hearing too many “voices”, getting too much input. I’m reading too many books, getting inspired in too many directions. When that happens I take a break from blogs, put down all the books, and go organize my linen closet or do a craft project with my son. Something real, something tangible, something right in front of me that I already know I want to do. Then, after a while, I’m ready to go be inspired again. :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      June 4, 2016 at 4:42 pm

      I’ve thought about taking a week-long break from some habits, and honestly I wouldn’t miss anything important :) I love your idea to organize something as a personal reset. So good!

      Reply
  7. Rachel says

    June 10, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    I love this. I read your post a few days ago and have not stopped thinking about it. I am beyond the baby/toddler phase and am now working full time with both my girls in school. It is a balance, one that I am trying desperately to maintain. Every once in a while I feel like I need to step back and remind myself about what is important for me, what my priorities are…and then shut out and/or put aside all the voices that tell me that I should be doing something else, something different, or something more. I am doing what I need to do right now – for myself and for my family – recognizing that and accepting that is so freeing. Thank you for your encouraging words.

    Reply

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  1. What to focus on when you “stay at home”. says:
    June 7, 2016 at 8:30 am

    […] And speaking of freedom, make sure you read this post if you struggle with feeling overwhelmed and out of season hobbies. […]

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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recent posts:

  • On writing regular letters. January 19, 2021
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
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Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

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I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
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