This week I turned in the final chapter of my first book to my editor. The manuscript for Love the Home You Have is complete and has been sent off for edits. I can hardly believe it. Writing the book has been a long, surprising journey that began with a reluctant proposal and grew into something I’m proud of. I’m excited to share the finished book when it’s published.
Writing a book was hard, crazy and full of rewards. Along the way I had to make countless decisions about how to spend my time while keeping life at home steady. I relied on family help, support from my daughters with the blog, and learned to say no more often than I wanted to. My goal was to protect the blog so my readers would still find me present and consistent. I didn’t always get it right; there were times I needed to check out and rest. Even so, the blog continued and the book was written without a complete breakdown—especially considering I was juggling two other books at the same time.
More than the work itself, I’m relieved that my home life stayed intact. I’m far from superwoman, but I made small, daily choices to keep priorities straight and to maintain productive rhythms in a season that demanded a lot emotionally, physically and mentally.
Every yes meant an automatic no somewhere else. I had to pass on many opportunities I wanted, while still saying yes to the things that mattered most. I aimed to find a balance between productivity and rest that worked for me.
My husband and I still went on dates, I didn’t miss Sundays at church, and I continued serving in the nursery. I kept spending time with family, though there were many things I couldn’t do. To meet deadlines I had to make tough choices and stay focused.
Years before I started The Inspired Room, I read a book that changed my perspective. When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst came at a time when I wanted to do more with my life. Her encouragement helped me step beyond my comfort zone, seek purpose, and say yes to opportunities that followed.
Whenever fear tempted me to stay safe, I remembered Lysa’s message and offered my brave yes. Those yesses led me to run this blog for seven years and to write multiple books. I don’t regret those choices; they opened doors and changed life in countless good ways.
Recently I received Lysa’s newest book, The Best Yes. I read it with a mix of excitement and nervousness—her earlier book had influenced many of my big steps. Her new book reinforced important lessons about discerning where to invest your yes and where to offer a small no. Many people are overwhelmed and exhausted by doing too much, and Lysa’s insights help you slow down and choose well.
She writes that she needed this message because she was tired of rushing, stressing and missing the sweet parts of life. When life is lived at the rhythm of rush, it robs the soul of nourishment and leaves us worn out and dissatisfied. That idea resonated deeply with me.
In ministry—our family started a church five years ago—hearing someone say yes to serve is both rare and beautiful. Many people want purpose and meaning but feel too busy or unsure how to begin. Learning to say yes to the right things and no to the rest is transformational.
Choosing wisely changes lives. Brave yesses propel you forward, giving you confidence to attempt even more than you thought possible. My first yes, starting The Inspired Room, required courage and led to subsequent opportunities that demanded greater bravery. Agreeing to write multiple books remains one of the scariest, most rewarding things I’ve done. Sometimes my approach is simply to say yes to the scary things and take the rest one day at a time.
I’ve found that saying yes to the right things—and no to everything else—helps me stay sane, joyful and purposeful. I still stumble, occasionally saying yes to the wrong things or regretting a no. When that happens, life gets messy. But Lysa’s guidance is practical and encouraging for anyone learning to set boundaries and follow priorities.
My intense season of book writing continues. While one manuscript is finished, I’m working on other projects and the learning process carries on. One courageous yes in the right direction can launch a life and soul adventure you might never have imagined.
What are some yesses you’re afraid of, and which nos might you offer more often?
“It’s not the activities or accomplishments we string together that make lives well lived as much as it is the hearts of wisdom we gain and use along the way.” – Lysa TerKeurst
Read more about my book-writing journey and blogging anniversary on my site, and see my post about blogging tips and lessons learned during this adventure.