Something’s Gotta Give!

Have you had those days, or weeks, where you thought, “I don’t have enough time or energy to do it all?”

I’ve had those moments. And I usually say, “Something’s gotta give.”

After taking a breath and realizing there are no bombs going off around me and I have much to grateful for, I sit down. With pen and paper in hand, I make a list of priorities. The mind and body can only take so much. And if you’ve got little ones nipping at your heels, you’ve really got it bad…

So what on earth is the answer?!

Well, I wish I could say it were easy. Actually, it is, but maybe not at first.

Comes down to two things. Priorities and Time Management. Or as I often say, “triage, or worst first.” And if you don’t manage your time, time will manage you and I’m sure you know it’s not pretty.

Now, if a video game, your afternoon soap, or other distraction is taking you away from stuff you really want to accomplish, you’ve got a problem.

If you find you have too much on your plate, then you’ve got to look at your plate and start cutting back on the portions. Ask yourself, "What are my priorities?"

Some of us do best with structure. I make lists; daily, weekly, monthly, and semi-annual tasks like cleaning behind the fridge. if you haven’t read my article about You & Your Fridge, check it out. Do whatever it takes to get things accomplished. Short term lists can be written each day. Weekly and monthly tasks you can chart on your kitchen calendar.

Get an erasable board or cork board. Think I’m crazy? Try it. Once you get into the habit of being organized you’ll be hooked. (I hope.) I don’t want you to think I’m a neat freak or anything. God knows I’ve tried. It just isn’t in me. But I do love clean. Clean sinks, clean counters and just an overall feel of “organization.”

When I get real busy around here and things go to hell in a handcart downstairs I start to feel a little crazy. You know, off, not quite together. That’s when I say, “Whoa, something’s gotta give!” I know it's time to look at my list or make one!

This is how I start my day…

After I have thanked God for my blessings and the beautiful day before me, I remember my priorities:

1. I feed and hydrate my body well. I know if I don’t, I won’t function optimally and concentration will be difficult at best.

2.I pray/meditate to free my mind. Almost every day I am rewarded with something I needed to know or was praying on. It’s amazing. It still blows my mind. Even if you’re an atheist, this I know, if you ignore your spirit you’ll experience a constant urging; the burden of potential. When I have that feeling I ask God, “What do I need to know?” The answer comes. You’ve got to feed and nurture your spirit. This is where your “inspiration” comes. The stuff of fantastic ideas, and unrealized gifts and potential the world is just waiting for…

3. I do my yoga. It connects me to my spirit, and it’s easy, especially since I don’t much care for exercise. I’m not the sweating type. Some type of exercise is crucial to your health and well-being.

4. Intend Your Day

Tell yourself, " This is my best day ever." You’re here for much more than washing dishes, doing laundry, and cleaning floors. However, daily household chores are necessary. When you shift your perspective from drudgery to blessing and gratitude, your whole life will change. Put on some of your favorite music, an inspiring video or movie, make a cup of herb tea, breathe, and know you are a beautiful spirit having a human experience.

There will always be a day when “something’s gotta give,” it’s inevitable. When you’re prepared you won’t freak out, cause it’s never “about” dishes in the sink, or laundry or anything else that didn’t get done.

Take a breath, resign yourself to the fact that you will never get it all done. And that's okay.

Train yourself to see the blessings in everything, and you and your life will miraculously change before your eyes…

Change your thoughts, and your life will change.