I just can't seem to catch up lately. Everywhere I look I feel like I'm falling behind. The laundry, groceries, messes, projects, etc. Since Christmas I can't regain control of my house or life. I feel like I make a little headway (take the tree down, move furniture, etc) only to have the rest of the house go to complete tornado mode. I'm beyond frustrated and I'm super unmotivated to keep trying. Right now, I just want to light a match and go back to sleep.
I keep thinking I'm going to get caught up and then we'll be fine. I'm not giving up completely but I just need to say, how the heck are you all doing this? How do your houses look like model homes and your businesses are just thriving, and you can pay all your bills, and keep feeding and providing deodorant for all your kids? I know no one is perfect, and if you've read any of my posts then you know full well I'm so far off the mark it's down right ridiculous. Typically, I feel like I'm keeping up for the most part. I'm only two days behind. Right now, I feel like I'm two months behind. The only thing I can think of that sounds appealing is a free vacation to somewhere warm.
Those last two paragraphs, sadly, sum up my mood currently. I'd like to think I'm not the only one (misery does love company). So I've come up with a couple of ideas to help pull me out of the January, winter blues, overwhelming funk state of mind I'm in. Hope they help you too because I know if I'm not alone and we can feel comfort in knowing we have a sisterhood who can relate, offer advice, and just listen, that will make a difference.
Here's what I hope/think should help.
1. Clean Something- I don't know why but lately the one thing that is sure to put me in a bad mood is a mess. I can't relax, I'm anxious, I am irritable. I've set up some new chore systems but we haven't quite caught up and it's bugging me! Adding all the new Christmas toys, clothes etc have tipped the tables and there's just way to much stuff crammed into our small house. I just took a little break and went and cleaned my bedroom. I cleared everything off the dresser, vacuumed, and made my bed. I feel so much happier and whenever I start feeling grumpy I go and sit in my room and take some deep breaths.
2.Inspiration- I know there's a lot of amazing people out there who post a lot of lovely pictures of their lovely lives/homes and let me just say, "Thank You!" It is super helpful for me to have a goal to reach for. I love the inspiration and it honestly motivates me to try and be like them. Try to spend time with my kids doing fun activities, and look cute everyday, and have a pretty home, maybe even plan a vacation. The point I'm trying to make is that when I'm feeling down and out, sometimes it helps to see someone who doesn't look all that down out. It motivates me to try harder, to work at improving just one thing. I know you can go too far on this, and you can start comparing yourself to others who are only posting their best moments. But for me, it helps me. It motivates me and it inspires me to create a few of my own best moments!
3. Read a Book- Sometimes we just need a little escape from our own worries. The cheapest way to do that is to delve into a good book. I'm going to go ahead and just recommend THE BEST BOOK I've read in such a long time. I'm a fairly avid reader; picky, but I love to read. My good friend Kati Jo recommend this to me and let me just say it was fascinating, horrifying, inspiring, and incredibly well written! It's called The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. If you don't love it, then we can't be friends.
4. Do Something for Someone Else- The best way to stop feeling sorry for yourself is to start looking for ways to help other people stop feeling sorry for themselves. I love getting a package together in the mail for someone. It completely distracts me from my own problems to start planning something fun to give or do with someone else. I'm going to start a collection of fun things to share with one of my readers. I'll post more about it as I further develop my plan but it's going to be a collection of some of my favorite things. Or maybe I'll do a favorite things swap where each of you get an anonymous swapping buddy and we all swap one of our favorite things. OK I need your feedback. Comment below which you would be more interested in, swapping favorite things with each other or entering a giveaway of my favorite things?
I feel the same way right now. Actually, I've felt this way for years . . . and more years. I know that I like things done so "right" that I can't move on until it's "right" and in the meantime leaving so much undone. Even though I recognize my problem I have no clue how to get over it. Maybe some of your above ideas could help me. Thanks Kellie.
ReplyDeleteBen, you're doing a great job! It's hard when you feel like no one recognizes all the effort and energy you're putting into everything but I know that you would never settle for mediocrity. Everyone in the family can see what a solid job you're doing! You've got 5 awesome kids who love you. That's really all you need. :) Keep up the good work!
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