I read this awesome post from Ali Edwards at the start of the year. Be sure to check out the links as she explains it really well
My word for this year is
BREATHE
I chose it because I am focusing this year on decluttering and simplifying. I want to be enjoying life and I am certain that the process I am going through is going to enable me to do the things that I want to be doing. I realise just how important it is to stop and breathe. To think before I act and to slow down and take in all the things around me.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Present box
We were invited to birthday party on the weekend and I had the chance to use my birthday box so I thought I would share what it is. I love giving gifts even something small. While I like to personalise it for the person I am giving it to, sometimes they are on the spot invites so I thought I would get better prepared to save the stress. I have a box that I keep little gifts for different events: baby, children, female, male. I also grab a large roll of wrapping paper from office products stores that suits all including Christmas if I can. Every so often I spy bargains that I add to the box. I am also building up presents for Christmas for the boys. I do need to make a few more cards to add to it though.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Where have I been?
I have been quite absent of late. I have had several things that I have wanted to post but haven't quite got here. Then I read a blog in passing where someone had been taking a break and related the story of the rocks. You know the one? There are several variations of it.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly, picked up a very large and empty jar and start to fill it with rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up the box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends and favourite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for life. It you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm so glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
So as the blogger said "I am taking care of some of my rocks". I discovered that I needed to take out a lot of sand to do this. My main thing being clearing my space and finishing tasks that I have begun so I can do what I really want to do. It has taken alot longer than I thought it would. I am nearly there.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly, picked up a very large and empty jar and start to fill it with rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up the box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends and favourite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for life. It you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm so glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
So as the blogger said "I am taking care of some of my rocks". I discovered that I needed to take out a lot of sand to do this. My main thing being clearing my space and finishing tasks that I have begun so I can do what I really want to do. It has taken alot longer than I thought it would. I am nearly there.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Feeling guilty
I have been absent of late as I mentioned in this post I have been working mainly on clearing my pile of to do's. In doing so I have been reflecting on the big G - guilt. It has been lurking there and as I do got to thinking. Heres what I came up with.
I began thinking about guilt when I came across a video from Cheryl Richardson talking to 'supermoms' about how to say no. The number one reason we can't say no is because we feel guilty. She says that in feeling guilty we should embrace the guilt as our friend because it means we are doing something for ourselves.
Every day I make decisions about what I am going to do. And whatever I choose to do I generally end up feeling guilty because someone misses out or I do something that I could be doing better. And that is not okay. So I have made a decision. I will not feel guilty. Sounds great but is it that easy? In short no it's not. What you need to do is start small. With one step. I like to remind myself that I can do what I can with what I have. And we are so good at thinking about what we don't have and what we aren't doing. Start thinking about what you are doing and have done that is making a difference. You might be surprised at how much it boosts you.
John 10:10b 'I have come that they may have life and have it to the full'. Whatever I choose to do I want to enjoy it not be constantly thinking about what else I could or feel I should be doing.
I began thinking about guilt when I came across a video from Cheryl Richardson talking to 'supermoms' about how to say no. The number one reason we can't say no is because we feel guilty. She says that in feeling guilty we should embrace the guilt as our friend because it means we are doing something for ourselves.
Every day I make decisions about what I am going to do. And whatever I choose to do I generally end up feeling guilty because someone misses out or I do something that I could be doing better. And that is not okay. So I have made a decision. I will not feel guilty. Sounds great but is it that easy? In short no it's not. What you need to do is start small. With one step. I like to remind myself that I can do what I can with what I have. And we are so good at thinking about what we don't have and what we aren't doing. Start thinking about what you are doing and have done that is making a difference. You might be surprised at how much it boosts you.
John 10:10b 'I have come that they may have life and have it to the full'. Whatever I choose to do I want to enjoy it not be constantly thinking about what else I could or feel I should be doing.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Wardrobe sort
The weather is definitely changing and I am digging out some of my favourites from the wardrobe to keep warm. In doing so I found a few not so favourites and thought it was time I had another look at my wardrobe to see what needs to move on and what I do have to wear. I am definitely an advocate for feeling better when you look your best. While I don't have much chances to dress up and love being comfortable, dressing casually doesn't mean you can't look good I have always been a fan of Trinny and Susannah and other shows like Gok. What I love about their shows is that they deal with the real you. Loving the skin you're in so to speak. No surgery or major dieting required. Having stumbled across a book called Colour me Confident on special about dressing to suit your style and colours I put what I had seen to the test and sorted my wardrobe. Sure you can pay loads to have your own personal consultant but it gave me a start. Now I love to shop as I know what suits me. I know what I have and buy things to add to what I've got. Which is great for when there are sales. Which is exactly what I found the last couple of days. I happened to be at the right place at the right time. 30% off one top that I had seen and liked elsewhere and 25% at another store. Now if I could just find the right pair of black shoes to replace the ones the puppy chewed I will be happy. The pain about having such big feet!
If you are feeling like you don't have anything to wear maybe its time you had a look at what you've got. It starts with accepting what you look like and making something of it. Sometimes adding a few simple things to your wardrobe can make all the difference. And the next time you see someone looking good in something don't be jealous, get inspired. You might not be able to wear what they wear (you're not them) but what was it that caught your eye? The colour, the way they put their outfit together, the accessories. It certainly has made a difference to me. And others have noticed to. Accentuate your assets and they don't see the flaws (and yes we all have them). And remember that your biggest asset is not what you look like but what is on the inside. But that is another story I will get to another time.
I would love to hear your story. Leave a comment or email me at the address to the right.
If you are feeling like you don't have anything to wear maybe its time you had a look at what you've got. It starts with accepting what you look like and making something of it. Sometimes adding a few simple things to your wardrobe can make all the difference. And the next time you see someone looking good in something don't be jealous, get inspired. You might not be able to wear what they wear (you're not them) but what was it that caught your eye? The colour, the way they put their outfit together, the accessories. It certainly has made a difference to me. And others have noticed to. Accentuate your assets and they don't see the flaws (and yes we all have them). And remember that your biggest asset is not what you look like but what is on the inside. But that is another story I will get to another time.
I would love to hear your story. Leave a comment or email me at the address to the right.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Update on Tokens
After yesterday I was beginning to wonder just how effective our token system is. See here to read more. I thought that they would realise that its pretty great to be able to do what you want to do. You just need to get a few things done first. But it takes more than a bit of coaxing and reminding, they have to want to do something first. And of course particularly in the morning have had a reasonable sleep. I have really been noticing just how grumpy I have been with them and it sets us up for a bad day. I really don't want to send them off with a negative outlook. So this morning I made a conscious effort to think before I act and speak. Hurrying and growling just make them more frustrating. It becomes a game of who can be the most stubborn. And we did it. The boys got ready and had a bit of time to get out the lego again. Taking time with them made such a difference. The biggest thing I noticed was at the end of the day. Such an attitude change. There will always be something else to do. But what is more important? If you aren't ready to listen to the small stuff (and believe me it is a hard thing when you have all four wanting you at once) and are quick to brush them off they are less likely to want to tell you their most important things.
Monday, May 17, 2010
It seemed like a good idea at the time
Life has been somewhat crazy of late. I have so many things that I am wanting to do and have just been managing to keep up with the day to day things like cooking, dishes, washing, cleaning and the like. Each day seems to blur into the next feeling like you are on autopilot. It was about time that I had a chance to stop and reflect on what I have been up to and what I want to be doing.
What I came to realise is that I have been slowly adding things to my life that seemed like a good idea at the time. After all they were just small things I could fit into what I was already doing. E 100 series, a conference at church, helping a friend, offering to write a devotion for a mums night, starting this blog. But small things on mass turn into pretty big things. Its not usually until it starts to take its toll physically that you realise just how much you have been doing. Sure these are great things that I really wanted to do and I was good at. However they all been extras that have meant that I haven't done a number of things that were already on my to do list. I can't do it all.
So I am in the process of completing what I started. Getting myself organised. I won't feel like I have got somewhere until the pile on the floor in my bedroom is gone. It has meant pushing myself to get things done and saying no to things that I would like to do. Sometimes you have to keep going up the mountain to get to the other side. One thing at a time.
One of the biggest things on my to do list is revisiting my goals and dreams and reviewing my mission statement. It helps to keep a balance of what is important. I recently read this article about how our dreams can sometimes be on hold. It got me thinking about how much I want to have things happen now but maybe I just have to wait and remember that God has it all under control. While I may not think that what I am doing is relevant it all fits in his plan. I was reminded of this again when our family pastor shared this Sunday about her travels to conference . Family ministry starts at home at our place. I can have all the greatest ideas and dreams but what I am doing here at home counts for far more.
What I came to realise is that I have been slowly adding things to my life that seemed like a good idea at the time. After all they were just small things I could fit into what I was already doing. E 100 series, a conference at church, helping a friend, offering to write a devotion for a mums night, starting this blog. But small things on mass turn into pretty big things. Its not usually until it starts to take its toll physically that you realise just how much you have been doing. Sure these are great things that I really wanted to do and I was good at. However they all been extras that have meant that I haven't done a number of things that were already on my to do list. I can't do it all.
So I am in the process of completing what I started. Getting myself organised. I won't feel like I have got somewhere until the pile on the floor in my bedroom is gone. It has meant pushing myself to get things done and saying no to things that I would like to do. Sometimes you have to keep going up the mountain to get to the other side. One thing at a time.
One of the biggest things on my to do list is revisiting my goals and dreams and reviewing my mission statement. It helps to keep a balance of what is important. I recently read this article about how our dreams can sometimes be on hold. It got me thinking about how much I want to have things happen now but maybe I just have to wait and remember that God has it all under control. While I may not think that what I am doing is relevant it all fits in his plan. I was reminded of this again when our family pastor shared this Sunday about her travels to conference . Family ministry starts at home at our place. I can have all the greatest ideas and dreams but what I am doing here at home counts for far more.
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