I love the days when I just know things are going to go well, that I will plunk into bed at night with a sense of accomplishment, good family memories and a peaceful heart. I wish I had a day like that every day. Yesterday, I knew it was going to be one of those days and I thought about what circumstances or decisions set up a day to be 'good'. These will be different for everyone, I know. For me, three things stood out.
- Being in a good mood. What makes me in a good mood? Of course, the number one thing is to make a choice to be in a good mood. God tells us to take every thought captive. When I choose not to complain and argue, it goes a long way to boosting my mood. I am also in a good mood when: I don't have to go anywhere that day, my home is relatively under control (we know where the homeschool stuff is, the kitchen is tidy, we have clean clothes, surfaces aren't full of clutter), and Steve and I are in our groove together.
- Beginning early. When I hang around in my pj's knitting and going on the internet until 9am or later I am not left feeling energized. I think both of these things can be reasonable uses of time, but spending a couple of hours of prime morning time pursuing them does not set me up for a 'good' day. The kids know exactly what is expected of them in the morning, but they won't get started on it with me setting a bad example.
- Having a clear plan. I am terrible at menu planning, (I really need to start working on this. I used to be great at it.) but when I do have at least that day's worth of meals all planned out in my mind, I am free to think of other things. I find when I don't know what we are going to eat that day, I am burdened all day long. As well, when my household tasks are planned and written down and the kids homeschooling assignments are well spelled-out, there is less to think about and we can just do.
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Hi Christine.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to introduce myself for a while to let you know how much I love reading your posts. I'm seeking to make some changes in my life regarding healthy living, familylife etc. and your blog really inspires my in that regard.
I'm the mother of two, dd who is 2½ and ds who is 8 month old. I have my own webblog and you are very welcome to visit although i write in danish.
I know about your blog from your siggy on TBW.
Kind regards
Maria, Denmark.
I totally agree with the menu planning, even if just for the day. Not knowing what I'll make for supper really is a burden. It's like a heavy weight. Weird.
ReplyDeleteAlso, being well rested. I know it's hard with a newborn and a toddler who still don't sleep well, but I find it very, VERY difficult to chose joy when I'm tired and cranky.
Great post, again, Christine.
Making sure I don't just feed the kids, but get my OWN food on time is a big factor for me.
ReplyDeleteJust ask my husband, if he comes home and sees me grumping or in a complete dither (the latter is more common) he will look at me and say, 'You need to eat, you're actiing stoned.' Lol Ah, the comments true love can get away with. :-)
Amy and Sally: Great points about eating and sleeping. Why is it that we have to remember to EAT and SLEEP? LOL! I always have a few times around the time a baby is 5-6 months and nursing a lot, when I realize I have not eaten enough and my blood sugar is very low causing me to shake...and also to be very crabby!
ReplyDeleteMaria: It is wonderful to 'meet' you! I'm so glad to have you join us. :) I will go over and have a look at your blog -- though I won't be able to read anything! :)
Christine
I love this post! I have a tendency to linger on the computer in the morning since my toddler is very happy when she wakes up and loves to run around and self-entertain. This morning, I instead have actively played with my toddler, and I feel like I've accomplished so much more!
ReplyDeleteMeal planning - when I first got married, I made a month long menu and a computerized grocery list. It is sorely in need of updating as we are on a much healthier diet. I know returning to it would bring so much more peace and order to our home and souls!
Eleri,
ReplyDeleteWhoops! I'm sorry. I don't know why your comment sat for several days in my 'needs to be moderated' folder.
I did exactly the same thing with the menu plan and grocery list a few years ago! It did work very well and definitely brought us peace and order, too. Terrific idea.
Christine