Before kids I had a basket full of nail polish with all my favorite bright, bold, and neutral colors.

But at some point after baby number 2 or 3 (I can't remember), when I had thrown away gloppy bottle after bottle from sitting unused for too long under the bathroom sink, I threw them all away.

I was tired of seeing them and being reminded of what I no longer had time for.

And I just decided that this was not the season of my life for colorful nails and polished manicures.

Less was more and keeping things simple was best.

And, if I ever found myself desiring a manicure, I would gladly pay to have it done professionally so I could sit in a comfy chair without a child hanging onto me or needing me.

As that season of my life continued to be a bit crazy and chaotic, I rarely regretted my decision to throw it all away.

The simplicity served me.

It worked so well that I pared back on lots of other things too so I could use my time not just to take care of kids and life, but to grow my business, care for myself, and sleep whenever I could!

But at some point over the last year, I started looking longingly at others' colorful nails.

I found myself admiring the fresh colors of each season and wondering what they would look like on me.

So I bought a bottle of nail polish, in a "safe" color and painted my nails.

But this time, unlike when the kids were younger, I didn't feel rushed.

I didn't feel like I was "stealing" time from something else that I should be doing.

I just enjoyed it.

And so I bought more nail polish, in brighter, bolder colors and I started having fun with the experimentation.

So much so that today I have more polish than I know what to do with, and I consistently paint my nails every week and enjoy the time that I get to spend on myself, doing something just for fun.

Years ago when I threw it all away, I grieved, as superficial as that sounds!

I was angry that my life had changed so much that I didn't even have time to paint my nails.

And then I felt guilty for feeling sad over something so trivial. I had healthy kids and a good life.

But what I didn't realize then, in that stage of life where the constant needs of your kids and the sleepless nights feel like they last forever, is that everything changes.

I couldn't picture a time when I would have the time and space to relish a weekly DIY manicure with my bright and crazy colors.

But of course, things change.

Kids get older and more self-sufficient.

Priorities, interests, and tastes evolve.

Things we used to love, no longer hold our interest, and things we used to find silly, are now what we love!

Never say never.

And know that every change is just a new season. And that season too will change.

If you're in a season where things have changed, where you're giving up something to create more time and space or ease in your life, remember that it doesn't have to be forever.

You're choosing what's best for you, for now.

Do you have your own "nail polish in the trash" experience?

What are you trusting is just a "for now" decision?

How to Choose What's Best For You NOW

Connect with me on Insta