Learning to Say "No"

This last week has found me pursuing many of my creative passions.I conquered the cement walls of my home and spruced up my office.I built a bookcase. Yes it was the new Kallax from Ikea. I must admit it was surprisingly easy to do. The Ikea replacement for the Expedit Shelves, made the perfect cubby for my boys back packs.I made a burlap wreath (post on that coming soon).However my last post. The one where I shared the story of how I told my son the truth about Santa, has not only renewed my passion for blogging; but my passion for having a passion.Does that make any sense?I knew I missed updating my blog daily, and now have a ton of new posts planned, but what I hadn't realized is that I missed being super passionate about something.Over the last several months I've become very involved in my Air Force community. And very uninvolved in my creative passions.Consequently I'm now trying to fit it all into my schedule. I realize I need to balance my altruism and personal passions, along with my everyday responsibilities, and as a very wise woman told me today, "learn to say no".The thing is, it wasn't just one person, it was two. Two people whom I respect, reached out and in different ways, basically said the same thing. The very thing my husband has said a thousand times, and that was, simply in trying to be everywhere and do everything in the places where I feel my talents could be used best, I wasn't using my talents for me.When the universe speaks to me. I try my best to listen.Especially when it's something I've been struggling with, and realize I've been struggling with.Saying "no" when I know there is a need is so hard for me to do.I have to learn to step back.I've got to figure out a way to have it all in balance, and the best way for me to do that is to not say yes all the time. I will, going forward make a concerted effort to not try to be everywhere and do everything.It kind of sucks, but I think my passions will be happier for it. xo