Build in Spaciousness

8.  I had a great visit with my friend Mattie yesterday, and as we caught up we discussed the spaciousness of summer (her term and I love it!).  Summer can feel different-if we let it.  There can be times when it is OK to watch a few more minutes of a movie, sleep a bit later, stay at the pool longer, skip the bath....etc, but we have to make having those times a priority.  If we don't, it is too easy for summer to feel as hectic as every other time--and the whole family needs a break from that franticness of the school year.

On a Bounce

7.  People always ask, "how do you do it all?"  From the outside there is an illusion that I have it all together--you know fabulous husband, rewarding career, lovely children--my life is wonderful-but it isn't simple.  I love all I do, but it is hard and I always feel pulled between the dimensions of my life.  If I'm at work--what am I missing at home?  If I'm at home, will I ever catch up when I get to work?  It's a never ending tug of war.  I have learned one thing-when you juggle (aka too many balls in the air) sometimes you have to catch one on a bounce.  And you know what? It's Ok!

Make Your Bed!

6.  Get up early and make your bed!  Because the day really does go better when you do!

Be Nice to Yourself!

5.  Talk nicely to and about your body.  Go to yoga and listen to your body! So you don't look like you did in college.  But what marvelous things your body has done including birthing and feeding 3 babies!  Talking about how you wish it was different just showcases your vanity and communicates to your children that appearances are your focus.  Focus on the gifts your body has given you and maybe you will naturally want to take better care of it!

Free Time--Keep dreaming

4. Stop waiting for a free HOUR to scrapbook, write thank you notes, exercise, work on that letter of recommendation, nap, or whatever.  Free hours happen once a decade when you're on a kids free vacation with your husband.  Instead, try to be industrious with just a few minutes. 10 minutes of exercise is better than none, a 5 minute cat nap can change your outlook, and getting one note done a day is better than waiting to do them all in the mythical free hour. There is that saying, "life happens when you're making other plans."  There should be another saying, "The to do list just gets longer as you wait for the RIGHT hour to get started."  Jump right in, be productive, and feel better.

Grandmommy Says

3.  Remember, Grandmommy who is 91 and still going strong says, "Take it one day at the time."  Internalize that and realize it is not just about days.  Losing weight? One pound at a time. Paying down debt? One dollar at the time. Struggling to handle work, marriage, nursing a baby, parenting 2 older children, and keeping a house? One task at the time.  When you look at the franticness of life--it is enough to make anyone feel anxious, defeated, and overwhelmed.  Focus on what you can do--and what you are doing that moment and leave the big picture to God.  And remember the Scripture:

30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God* above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.


Matthew 6:30-34

Mama Rule

2.  Remember when you got so sick after Katie was born?  Remember all the orphans you see in Haiti?  When the kids are driving you nuts...take 3 deep breaths and remember that every moment with them is a gift, and that you are lucky to be alive and able to Mother them!

This gal's simple Rules to Being Better

1.  Stop and realize how good you have got it.  In other words, count your blessings.  You can't reach your full fabulousness if you are stuck in "poor, pitiful me" mode.  If this is hard for you to do think SERVICE--go and find someone who needs help.  Get outside of yourself and you will gain perspective.

Check out my gratitude journey at Blessings 365