Why It’s Time To Reclaim Your Time And Priorities

As a single mother or a woman navigating life post-divorce, it can feel like you’re constantly juggling endless responsibilities – parenting, work, finances, relationships, and more. Amid all this, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Often, we find ourselves overwhelmed, running on autopilot, and struggling to carve out time for the things that bring us joy or fulfilment.

The truth is, the life you desire doesn’t require you to do more; it often requires you to do less. Simplifying your life by reflecting on your priorities and decluttering your physical and mental space can give you more time for what truly matters – whether that’s self-care, quality time with your children, or personal growth.

1. Reflect on What Truly Matters

The first step in simplifying your life is to pause and reflect on your priorities. What are the things that matter most to you? What activities, people, or goals align with your values and long-term vision? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose track of these essentials, but taking time to reflect can help you realign your life with your true desires.

Consider the following questions:

What brings me the most joy and fulfilment?
What activities or obligations drain my energy?
What goals or dreams have I set aside that I’d like to revisit?
How do I want to spend my time, and with whom?

By getting clear on your priorities, you can begin to assess which aspects of your life align with them – and which ones don’t. This reflection is the foundation for simplifying your life in a meaningful way.

2. Decluttering: Creating Physical Space for What Matters

Physical clutter often mirrors mental clutter. The more stuff we accumulate, the more overwhelmed we feel. Decluttering your home isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about creating space for peace, relaxation, and the things that truly matter. Imagine walking into a room that feels spacious, organised, and inviting – it immediately creates a sense of calm and focus.

Here’s how to begin decluttering your physical space:

Start Small: Decluttering your entire home at once can feel overwhelming, so start with one area – whether it’s a closet, a desk, or your kitchen. Once you tackle one space, you’ll gain momentum and motivation to continue.
Assess Your Belongings: As you go through your items, ask yourself: Does this add value to my life? Does it bring me joy or serve a purpose? If the answer is no, let it go. Donate, recycle, or sell what no longer serves you.
Create Systems: Once you’ve decluttered, establish organisational systems that help you maintain the simplicity you’ve created. Designate spaces for important items and adopt routines that help keep clutter at bay.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing event. Small, consistent steps can lead to big changes in how your home – and, by extension, your life – feels. The goal isn’t perfection but rather creating an environment that supports your well-being.

3. Decluttering Your Mind: Freeing Mental Space

Physical clutter may be more visible, but mental clutter can be just as overwhelming. As single mothers and women managing the complexities of life after divorce, our minds can easily become overloaded with to-do lists, worries, and responsibilities. Simplifying your mental load is essential to making more time for what matters.

Here are strategies to declutter your mind:

Write It Down: When your mind is racing with thoughts and tasks, write them down. A journal, planner, or even a simple to-do list can help you release the mental clutter and prioritise what needs to be done.
Set Boundaries: Boundaries are essential for mental well-being. Say no to commitments or people that don’t align with your priorities. You don’t have to be everything to everyone – focus on what truly matters.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can help you stay grounded and present. Even just a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation can reduce stress and give your mind the break it needs to recharge.
Delegate and Outsource: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to your children (if age-appropriate) or outsource chores like cleaning or grocery shopping if possible. Freeing up mental and physical energy can give you more time for meaningful activities.

By decluttering your mind, you create space for clarity, and creativity, and focus on the things that bring you joy and fulfilment.

4. Simplifying Routines: Finding Time for What Matters

Once you’ve reflected on your priorities and decluttered your physical and mental space, it’s time to simplify your routines. Simplification isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about streamlining your life so you can make time for the things that truly matter.

Here’s how to simplify your daily routines:

Prioritise What Matters Most: Focus on the activities that align with your priorities. Do you need to check your emails multiple times a day, or can you set aside specific times to handle them? By eliminating time-wasters and focusing on what’s truly important, you’ll free up more time for meaningful activities.
Create a Flexible Schedule: Having structure in your day can help simplify decision-making and reduce stress. However, don’t overwhelm yourself with a rigid schedule – build in flexibility to adjust for life’s inevitable surprises. Structure the non-negotiables, like work or family time, while leaving room for spontaneity or self-care.
Simplify Mealtimes: Streamline mealtimes by meal prepping, planning simple, nutritious meals, or using shortcuts like batch cooking. This can save you time and mental energy during busy weeks.

The goal of simplifying routines is to create more space and time for yourself, your children, and the things that truly bring you happiness.

5. Embracing Quality Over Quantity

When we simplify our lives, we often discover that less is truly more. Rather than trying to do it all or accumulate more, we begin to value quality – whether that’s quality time with loved ones, quality moments of self-care, or quality experiences that enrich our lives.

Embracing simplicity allows us to focus on deepening connections, enjoying meaningful activities, and spending time in ways that fulfil us. Instead of saying yes to every opportunity or invitation, pause and reflect: Does this align with my priorities? Does it bring me joy or peace?

Simplifying isn’t about limiting your life – it’s about enriching it by focusing on what’s truly important.

Creating Space for What Truly Matters

Simplifying your life isn’t about perfection, and it’s not something that happens overnight. It’s about making intentional choices that align with your values and priorities. By reflecting on what truly matters, decluttering your space and mind, and simplifying routines, you’ll create more time for the meaningful aspects of life.

As a single mother rebuilding your life after divorce, your time is precious. By simplifying, you reclaim control of how you spend that time, ensuring that it’s used in ways that nurture your well-being, your children, and your dreams. Less clutter = less stress more time, more fulfilment.

P.S. DID YOU KNOW?

Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.

PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!

Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?

Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.

The purpose of the Clarity Call is:

For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
To see if we are both comfortable working together.