I recently read a blog post about what to do when you're discouraged, uninspired, overwhelmed, tired, or just in a rut with life. When the excitement of everyday life turns into an attitude of just surviving, getting through, even wishing the days away. We've all been in this place before; a place where all we do is wishfully dream of brighter days while losing the treasure that TODAY brings; where we just feel like we're in a rut, probably for no particular reason (which makes it even more frustrating); a place where we're just overwhelmed with life, where we're more focused on our to do list and the joy and happiness is lost in the action of being able to check things off our list. I've been in all of these places countless time. I felt like I was wishing my days away and anxiously waiting for my life to return to normal before I received my new heart, I've had those days when all I wanted to do was nothing except stay home and do nothing; I've had those days when I felt like all creativity had escaped from me leaving me unmotivated and frustrated with myself. I'm pretty sure that stay at home moms/dads feel discouraged and overwhelmed frequently.
Well I think I have a good solution to get through those days when we're feeling all of these things. Here you go: I love this idea and think it holds a lot of promise of quickly washing away the frustration we feel.
Take a few moments to create a list of 10 things that energize you, make you feel more confident, bring joy to you, encourage you. And then when you're having one of those days do something from the list for yourself. Here's the beginning of my list. I know I'll add to it, but it's a start.
1. Taking photographs of things that are special to me. Playing with my camera settings to experiment with all of the results I get on the manual mode.
2. Having lunch/dinner with a girlfriend who inspires me, challenges me, encourages me.
3. Going to a park and journaling and reading. If I can be by water it's that much better.
4. Scrapbooking.
5. Buying fresh flowers for my home. Placing little vases of flowers in my bathroom, by my kitchen sink, in my office
6. Having a date night/day in the city with Brian. Going to fun restaurant, shopping, visiting a museum, etc.
7. Playing fun music while I organize and clean out closets, drawers, my scrapbook room, etc. Yes, I'm one of those people who enjoys cleaning and all things that deal with organizing.
8. Spending time with my family....talking to my mom and dad.
9. Shopping at Central Market and Farmer's Markets... Buying fresh herbs, fruit, and veggies
10. Studying God's word, reading my bible, journaling. Although this is number 10 it is truly the #1 thing that gives me perspective and focuses me on who is in control.
honorable mentions: reading blogs, looking at the creativity on 2 Peas in a Bucket, writing letters (not emails) to friends and mailing them, eating at La Madeleine, taking a nap (this should me number 1...seriously!), taking a walk, cooking and planning meals.
So what would be on your list?
Here are some photos from Easter....
I LOVE this picture!!!
me, Jessica, and Chelsea (my cutie cousins)
aunts, cousins, nieces, daughters, sisters, moms
I'm so aggravated with myself for not getting a photo of my mom and dad with brian and i....what was I thinking...next time I won't forget!! Have a happy day!!!
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