Raspberry Balloon: Busy as a Bee - realizing what's important

We are crazy busy at my house, just like everyone else. Please tell me that you reflect back at the end of the week and wonder where the week went like I do! Since it's not possible to request more days in a week, or hours in a day, I have to resort to the next best thing;

Plan. I have a plan, I always have a plan. Some days (ok-most days!) my plans are changed on a whim. I run around a lot, and always with the little ones in tow. I have organized lists to keep track of other lists. I love my lists! I have to keep lists in order to keep up with the conversations I have with myself in my head. I have many incredibly insightful points that include bullet points and footnotes. I can't let myself forget all of the ideas and things I need to get down as they swirl in my head if I don't write them down. If time gets away from me, it can be overwhelming. I have long term goals written down, and then a list of what I would like to accomplish that day. Lists help me to prioritize and keep important things in check (and the nagging voices at bay). Lists save time when I'm out running errands and I can go directly where I need to be or get in and out of the store quickly. Did I say that I love making lists?

Time management. I am determined to make some changes here. Blogging helps me to keep things in order also. Okay, so if you look to see the last time that I actually blogged it may be a dead-give-away that I have lost control of my orderly-self long ago. Bahaha Well, time to take charge again and make the time I'm needing for the more important things. Reassessing and finding ways to use my time more creatively is definitely a must.

Unplug and reconnect. One thing that helps me to refocus is to unplug. No cell phone. No laptop. No camera<<<the worst one for me, TV off. I can't believe how much time I spend on distractions sometimes. I never feel fulfilled after spending countless hours clicking from one site to the next, even if it is very interesting reading. I love the great ideas on Pinterest, or reading another person's blog or experience. I do. But it seems to detour me from getting my own important things sometimes. So I limit web-surfing (and Pinterest) when I am drained of all inspiration and need a little tiny push.

Multitasking. I try make good use of "wait times", like for doctor's appointments or waiting for my daughter to be released from tennis practice. I love to read. Doctor's visits and airplanes are probably the only time I get to read. I love to read almost as much as I love my lists. I recently invested in a Nook book because it's so easy to take along & fits right in to my purse. I've read four books in the past couple of months. (That's pretty amazing for me.) So I guess that was a good investment =) Sometimes I organize pictures in chronological order so it's easier to lay them down in a book when the time comes. Sometimes I see people knitting or crocheting at the doctors office - good idea. Recently, I saw a few women who were wearing "scrubs" and looking like they were on their lunch break at Panera Bread and scrap-booking. Okay, that is determination - kudos to them!!!

Finding time. I remember that years ago I used to get up before the family and use that time to myself. I think I'm going to try that again. Either get up early, or stay up a little later. Even if it's just an hour, it's a great time to re-group or throw that album together. Sometimes just being able to sit in silence watching the fire, and reflecting with gratitude for what's around me, can be satisfying to my soul. One thing I know for sure, I don't want to take any time away from the littles than absolutely necessary.

Picture albums are important. I squeeze out every bit of goodness out of family time as possible. I know these special days won't last forever, and I hope I remember every detail of how heartwarming it's been raising my family when I'm old and my mind is not as sharp. Pictures will remind me of my story and I don't want to forget any of it.

Stay connected. Women can do amazing things together. Having a solid circle of fantastic friends is probably one of the most important things in my life, along with recognizing my spiritual need. I love my daily hikes with Melissa because we brainstorm and bounce ideas off of each other. It really helps keep me sure of things and keeps me connected. Be confident and be connected.
Do the one thing that is guaranteed to make you happy. The best advice when you feel depression sneaking up on you. Figure out what that one thing, your new "go-to" kinda thing that lifts your spirits anytime. Maybe it's going to the park with the kids or just thumbing through an old photo album. Reading the Bible. Diving in to a "self-help" article. Think about it, what is your thing? I have a few "go-to" things....one of my never fail happy things is reading my Bible or related articles. Taking snap shots (successfully) is a sure fire way to put a smile on my face! Okay okay, if you really must know. Drowning something in a tub of chick-fil-a sauce. That is really my secret weapon... it's like heaven-in-a-tub!