FLY

Today is New Year's Day 2022...Happy New Year!  Have you ever read the book "One Word that will Change Your Life?"  It is easily found on Amazon both in paper and digital.  It is really a thought provoking book.

I've been thinking the past couple of weeks what my word this year will be.  I struggled because it seemed as though the word would need to encompass so much.  I thought of building better relationships in my family, time management, finding joy in the small things, and taking care of myself.  Then it came to me, FLY!  I know to some of you this word may not have anything to do with the list above, but actually it is all encompassing.  I've been following the Flylady system (flylady.net) since 2002 and the premise of the system is to FLY (Finally Loving Yourself).  It came to me one day that if I FLY all the important things will naturally fall into line.  

Areas I have been struggling in is: keeping my house clean and organized, taking care of my body, putting my relationship with God first, and building up my relationships.  I have a solid plan for the first 3 but still need to plan and implement the last.

I've always managed to keep a fairly neat house but I have struggled with deep cleaning and being able to do anything on the weekends because I'm always working on housework, laundry, and meal prep.  Which of course brings out the martyr in me and no one likes that me, not even me.  Did I mention I have 4 kids, 6 dogs, 1 cat, and live in the middle of dusty, windy fields and work 50 plus hours a week?  I think I have come up with a solution to lessen my weekend exhaustion and give me back some time which should help me work toward spending more quality time with family and friends.  

As I've said I have spent the past 20ish years loosely following Flylady's system, which is most excellent.  I learned to make meal plans from her and what it means to be okay with imperfect.  But I have had trouble with house upkeep not to mention deep cleaning.  Enter Stephanie from the Secret Slob (youtuber and blogger).  She introduced me to the 5X5 method.  This is when you pick 5 rooms/to do's you need to work on and set your timer for 5 minutes for each.  You work on it for ONLY the 5 minutes and move to the the next.  If you finish a room or to do in less than 5 minutes you can return to a room you need to continue to work on till that time is up.  See the link below to watch Stephanie explain it!  I just love her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smXBzOq8c5c

I figure I can work on my house 25 minutes at a time a few times a week and even hit some deep cleaning while I do this.  Also, I use an app called Tody to hep me manage when things around my house should be completed.  I did pay a small amount for this app but it was totally worth it to me.

As I mentioned I also intend to work on taking care of me.  This means my health.  I have been following the keto lifestyle for a bit but since COVID began, I have found it hard to be consistent.  I am ready to not only work on being committed to my healthy eating but also work on strengthening my body 15 minutes at a time.  

I have scheduled time with God each morning for twenty minutes each morning.

I am using a daily planner to help track my progress and to keep me on track.  I will go into much more depth on each subject, and show you the planner, what I'm using to exercise, share how I meal plan, how I'm using the 5X5's, my plans for family quality time, and the resources I use to help me in my journey.  

Continue to follow me on my journey!  Post below to share if you have a word for this year or areas of your life you'd like to concentrate on.

Taking Care of You

Okay, we are all guilty of taking care of everyone around us, but not ourselves.  We easily spend money on sports programs for our kids or agree on money being spent on our husband's hobbies, such as fishing...but what about us?  It is time to challenge ourselves to some self care.  What is self care?  Well when was the last time you had a hair cut or trim?  A pedicure/manicure?  How about finding time to excercise?  Yep, I don't remember the last time either.
Everyone has different needs and likes.  Some find the time for self maintenance but neglect their creative side.  While others manage to get out for their evening walk, but never seem to have the time to have time with the girls.  Below is a list of ideas to inspire you to take a little time out for yourself.  If you don't find the time no one will find it for you.
Appearance
-make yourself an appointment (finally) for your summer cut and/or color.  If money is tight check into cosmetology schools, they often give really good rates.  Also, you and a friend can help each other by taking turns coloring each others hair.
-put a movie on for the kids and hubby then lock yourself in your bedroom for a pedicure and manicure.  Soak your feet, dry them really well, lotion them up, and put a pretty nail polish on your toes.  The 99C Store has a good selection of manicure and pedicure goodies.
Health
-Join a mom's walking group.  You'd be surprised by the amount of moms that meet at parks and malls each morning to walk.  Many of them toting young ones and strollers.  Great opportunity to walk off calories and chat with some friends.
-Join a fitness club or class.  Fitness clubs offer lots of fun ways to exercise including the Zumba dance.  Some city recreation centers offer free fitness classes free or for really low prices.
-Join a sport you enjoy.  There are lots of softball, soccer, and volleyball leagues out there, its a fun way to exercise.
Social
-Look on social networks for groups with your interests to join locally.  In my area there is a mommies group which I enjoy.  We schedule meet-ups a couple of times a week.  The kids play and we chat.
-Check the library for a book club to join.
-I know this doesn't sound like much of a "me" thing but volunteer for your child's school or join their PTA.  This is a great opportunity to meet other women close to your age and helping others really can make you feel good.
Creative
-If you love to scrapbook but don't have the time, try registering online for digital scrap booking, like snapfish.com.  You can use your creativity to scrapbook, but you don't have to develop film or take the time to pull out all the scrapbooking stuff and then worry about the clean up.
-Register for an art class or photography at your local community college.  Its a chance for you to get away from the house and do something you enjoy at least once a week.
-Join a creative women's group (sometimes you can find a local one online on social networks).  These groups meet up a couple of times a week and craft together. 

Make it your goal to cut some time out for yourself.  If you don't take care of yourself who will.  I think by taking care of yourself, you are better able to care for those around you.