Here are several reminders on why it’s okay to stop the hustle and take time off. It’s a good thing to slow down and eat dessert first… because life is short!

Stop the hustle and take time off because life is short!

I have been thinking about the meaning of the phrase “Life is short. Eat dessert first” all summer long. I had something tragic happen in my life this year, so my outlook on the way I live has changed in many ways.

If you follow me on social media, you will know that I’m alive, but there haven’t been many blog posts from me here on Living Locurto lately. Around this time I usually have a whole week devoted to back to school goodies, tips for getting organized and new items in my shop. But not this year. This is just because I made the choice to take a break from blogging.

As a blogger or small business owner who is working to build a thriving business, you might gasp at this. If you’re a busy mom running around like crazy trying to finish your to-do list, or working late to make ends meet or a blogger killing yourself to create content, this article is for you. I hope you take a few moments to read it.

NOTE: Before you read this article, I wanted you to know that I have a special gift just for you. Just because! See details at the end of this article:-)

I’m back to work now, but took a break this summer JUST BECAUSE…

Losing my mind was not an option.

Mentally, I needed a break. When life goes out of control, or something bad happens to you or a family member, a dark cloud can loom over your mind. That cloud is depression and often exhaustion. I’m a very positive person, but have never in my life been to the point of breaking down in tears anytime or anywhere for no reason. This year that happened to me. It was scary! If you have ever been depressed, my heart goes out to you!

My medicine to beating depression and getting over things I can’t control was to take a break from the pressures of life when I could. I did fun things and spent time with people that make me happy. Since my mom passed away, I have no time to waste on drama or frivolous things. It often takes something traumatic to happen to make you change.

Nobody can do it all.

To be the best mom, best wife, best friend, best blogger, best graphic designer, best boss, I have to make myself do only a few things at a time. This summer, I couldn’t move on with new things in my life without catching up on the things that needed to be done from the past. Can this really be achieved? I don’t know, but I have sure tried!

Kids grow fast.

Seriously, I don’t know when my kids got so big? It won’t be long before they are going to college!! After losing both of my parents at a young age, I want to enjoy my family as much as I can. I am holding on tight to my children while they let me!

This summer we have traveled together and enjoyed just being together. As a business owner it’s hard to say no to awesome new client jobs, turn down invites to cool events, or jumping on the latest social media craze… but that’s what I did this year and you know what? It has totally been worth it.

It doesn’t really matter.

Driving the best car, wearing the latest trends, having the best body at the pool, being the volunteer of the month, or being on CBS This Morning (which I actually did this summer!) doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

You can’t take your fancy car with you when you die. Nobody in heaven will care about your love handles and double chin. In another day or so, someone new in your world will be the beloved mom that everyone wants to have playdates with, they’ll be the business guru launching a new product, a friend invited to a popular event or a blogger writing a new book. That’s fine and dandy, but does any of that really matter?

I’m so happy if amazing things happen to you! If you win a gold medal or gain a million followers, I’m cheering you on! But as for myself, I’m thankful for what I have, even if all of my goals haven’t been achieved yet. It’s all good and I’m fine taking time off to enjoy life even if my dreams get delayed. It only took me about 40 years to figure this out!!

Life is Short… Eat Dessert First

In the last few months of my mom’s life, she couldn’t eat much at all. It was hard getting calories in her to keep her alive.

Just because I wanted to enjoy my summer not glued to my computer, I took some time off to enjoy dessert. I drank sangria and ate chocolate with friends by the pool without worrying about how fat my booty looked. I went on some awesome trips with my family, read books, went to movies, slept late and snuggled with my kids and cat.

Yes, I worked, I cleaned, and I parented, but not everything got done such as updating this blog. Life goes on and it’s all okay. I knew the blog and social media would still be here and waiting for me!

This break gave me a chance to store up creative DIY ideas that I can now make when I’m less stressed so both you and I can enjoy them better! I started this website because I wanted to share the things I LOVE making to inspire others to live a more creative life. Managing a blog as a business is a lot of work, but now I will enjoy it even more, and plan to take more breaks when I can.

If you are burned out, I highly recommend taking a break. Mine was so worth it!

—> Don’t miss out on a FUN GIVEAWAY coming soon! I can’t wait to share it with you! If you are reading from an email, look in the right sidebar for a new free gift.

Just Because… FREE GIFT!

Thanks for reading one of my very few blog posts of the summer! Please enjoy a few free printable gifts from me! If you subscribe to my Free Newsletter, you’ll get my Life is Short, Eat Dessert print and a thank you gift. Hang the print up in your closet, bathroom or kitchen where you can be reminded to enjoy life everyday!

Subscribe to the FREE Living Locurto Fun Club to receive recipes, creative party ideas, exclusive freebies, plus a couple of great printable Thank You Gifts!

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