It always seems to be worse after a major holiday. I've got a mixture of Christmas stuff (who seemed to miss the Christmas bucket express), Valentine's Day bits and baubles that I've freed from their basement holding cell and things I just don't know what to do with.
And why must everyone in my house use the coffee table as a holding place for video games, books, dirty buttermilk glasses and open jars of peanut butter?
I don't know what it is about the New Year, but it allows me to look with fresh eyes at my environment and decide what needs to be retired to that great home decor/possession tool called the giveaway box.
This year is a little different. We only moved to this house in September. I also have been under the added stress of poor health. I'm still taking pleasure in my little house. It took me weeks to put up all my Christmas decorations the way I wanted them. It also has taken a week for me to take everything down.
You don't understand.
My Momma, Baby Sister and I don't let the grass grow under our feet concerning Christmas decorations and the removal of. If I am home the day after Christmas...everything goes back in the tub! We are over it....and on to the next thing.
Shew!
It gets even worse with those of us who homeschool. There seems to be too many wheels (on the bus) going at once. Then you add a fruity gal who likes to dabble in a creative project once in a while (I might relate)...
AND to top it off, this pastor's wife has just a few things going on. Where do I fit in those things?
It's easy to get overwhelmed with unfinished projects and a life that seems to swirl about you. Or maybe I'm the only one who would like to have clean underwear, a finished lesson plan and a dishless sink IN THE SAME DAY!
My advice (to myself mostly) to those who find themselves with a long list of projects, activities and commitments is to do one thing at a time.
I personally am a big fan of The List.
Here is where I am going to SET YOU FREE! Your list making will never be the same again.
Only put 3 things on your list initially. Sure. You can have a master list. Master list to your heart's content. In fact, I always have a couple of Master Lists running for different projects. BUT for this minute. ONLY PUT 3 THINGS TO DO ON A LIST.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
DON'T take the time to decorate your list with doddles of hearts and flowers with a motivational scripture scribbled in your best handwriting at the top. Or is this just me.
DON'T put the list aside for another project, trip to Hobby Lobby or afternoon of mindless reading. Or is this just me.
DO make yourself a hot cup of tea.
DO put on your favorite pair of fuzzy slippers and put your favorite essential oil blend in the diffuser. Or at least light a candle.
DO start at #1 and continue on. After you get done with those 3 things on that list...add 3 more things to the list.
Another great piece of advice (if I do say so myself) is to use a timer. Set your timer for 15 minutes and do everything you can on the list for 15 minutes. You can add more time if needed. I'm certainly not going to come over and start scolding you on proper time management. But, I have found that a timer keeps us focused and on task.
I use it for Josiah ALL THE TIME.
That boy can drag out putting away the dishes like nobody's business.
Here are the first 3 things I have already tackled today.
1. I put on a load of laundry. Yes, I did!
2. I put supper in the crockpot (with enough servings to make up some individual meals for me next week).
3. I gave The Muffin that haircut he's been asking for (for far too long).
Already, I am winning the day. The next 3 things on my list?
1. I am going to do another load of laundry.
2. I am going to dye and dry a batch of coffee filters to make flowers (this project I will share soon!)
3. I am going to make 2 social media graphics for our church Facebook page for our prayer emphasis for the month of January.
You see how I am working it out?
I do have a little secret. Because of my "lack of energy" issues, I make sure to pace myself. I will take a break every hour or so if I have a lot to do. It's during those break times that I can work on tasks that allow me to sit on my little corner of the couch and sip my tea. I MIGHT read, but most likely I will work on those social media graphics or a blog post.
My next few things are going to be projects that I can do to work towards the "Clutter."
1. Put up some of Josiah's clothing that is clogging his drawers. He has some summer clothes that need to be put in a tub.
2. Clear out the stack of non-essential items beside my bed.
3. Put away 10 things in our office that don't belong there.
Do you see the method to my madness? Or just the madness....😜
On days that involve more rigorous schooling, I evaluate what needs to be a priority and tackle those things first. For example, Josiah has been struggling with math. I make sure that I prioritize time that we can sit down together and work through it.
I also prioritize our read alouds together. There have been days that I've barely had the energy to feed my guys...But if we can read a great book together...I know that I am still pouring something of value into Josiah's life. I want to write a post about some of my current methods soon. I need to add it to my list!
We can do this, my friends! Go conquer that list!
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