Are you suffering from mom burn out? Do you struggle just to make it through each day? Moms everywhere are breaking down because they are too chicken to say, “No.”

“No” may be a tiny, two-letter word, but it can be your secret weapon. And you can say it. Here are some ways you can say “no” without feeling guilty about it:

Sorry, I’m taking a break.

The number one reason why you should say, “no” occasionally is simply that you deserve a break. You are chef, chauffeur, dish washer, and more. You job never ends on any given day of the week. You deserve a break. If you feel bad for saying “no,” say, “Sorry, I’m taking a break.”

My schedule is full.

We tend to jam-pack our schedule full of activities, leaving time for nothing. Cut back on your kids activities. Start a car pool and share driving responsibilities. Do whatever you can to free up some time in your schedule.

I don’t have time.

You’re headed out the door, rushing to the next appointment when the telephone rings. What do you do? Do you come to a screeching halt and answer the phone? Let’s say you do, and it’s a family member, calling to dump their latest woes on you. Do you stand, tapping your foot impatiently while you roll your eyes and listen to the sob story? This is a typical scene for many moms.

I have another commitment that day.

Say it and mean it. Regularly schedule in time with your family or time alone and if someone ask for your help during that time look in your planner and tell them you have another commitment.

Instead of rushing to be everything to everyone, stop. Ask yourself if you truly have time for whatever comes up. If not, say no by walking away, turning off the ringer on the phone, or not answering the knock at your door.

Always remember that you are a mom—not a super hero. When you have to say no, people will understand; if they don’t at first, they will get used to it eventually.

For more suggestions on living the life that you want to live visit Journey to Joy  (it is loaded with examples and action steps)

We have two soccer games, a “no peepee accidents” party and a potential play date this weekend.  Therefore, when I woke up at 6:00 a.m. this morning, I decided to make the best of it.  This is probably the only me-time I’m gonna see today.  So, I made myself some coffee and settled into my office chair to read email, blogs, etc.  Gotta take the me-time whenever I can find it.

One of the first emails I read this morning was regarding BlogRush.  My understanding is that it is supposed to help drive visitors to your blog by sharing links to other blogs’ posts that relate to yours.  (See widget in my sidebar.)  Only problem is, I think the site is still under construction or something.  I sent some of you the link.  I should have just posted here instead of emailing, but at 6:00 a.m., who’s thinking clearly?

I must also report that I exercised twice this week! 

And a word to the wise…  Don’t make website changes directly on the host.   Modify your local copy and upload it.  That way when your ftp doesn’t work, you still have a whole file.  This is a lesson I should have learned about 20 times by now… but… It was a long night last night.  (I know only some of my readers will understand that technical mumbo, but the ones who do are shaking their head’s at my stupidity.)

I can really ramble early in the morning, can’t I?

NEW 2008 calendars are available!  Many of them start in the months of August/September, so you can order and start using them now.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Mom’s Plan-It 2008 Magnetic Mount Wall Calendar

Mom’s Family 2008 Wall Calendar

Mom’s Ultimate Family Fridge 2008 Deluxe Wall Calendar

I like to use different color pens on my calendars to represent the schedules for each family member.  One color for each family member, one color for a family event, one more color for anniversaries and birthdays.  Helps me keep it all straight and eliminates the need to write more information.  Makes for a prettier calendar too. 

Two school supply lists and an hour later… I’m done with our school supply shopping.  Yep, all of it, in one afternoon.  And I’m not the stressed out mess I usually am after the adventure either. 

How did that happen?

I hit the store on the first day of the sale and more importantly, I went with a friend.  We tag-teamed the process.  It felt more like a scavenger hunt than a required chore.  It was almost fun. 

“I need two 24 packs of Crayola Crayons.  How many do you need?”

“Can you grab me a roll of paper towels and a box of zip-lock freezer bags while you’re over there?  Thanks.”

Then we stood at side-by-side checkouts chatting while we unloaded.  Four large bags of school supplies: $33.38.  Bonding with friends while doing getting it done.  Priceless!