Balance...

This week was busy and lots of "things" around the house got left until there is time to get them done. Well today had space in it and as time went on I found myself overwhelmed with so much rushing. I know I can't get it all accomplished today and I will have some time tomorrow but I decided to stop doing the " to do" list and find something I enjoy - and DO IT! I'm feeling better and now have a better attitude to get back to my list. I have always struggled with this balance of work and pleasure. Always waiting to do the thing that gives me pleasure till after I'm done with the work. And that never happens because the work is never done and then I'm going to bed unhappy knowing I just did the same thing I've always done. So I caught the feeling today and decided to do something different. 

Choose...

"It doesn't matter what you didn't accomplish. It doesn't matter that you haven't looked at your goal for over a month or abandoned it like a piece of fruit in the back of the refrigerator and it has now grown spores. Choose again today."

Tama J. Kieves

Reading this makes me feel a little better. Today I was overwhelmed with my to-do list and all the different areas in my life I'm trying to accomplish things in. When I feel like this. it reminds me of a book called "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamont ( I think the title came from Anne's brother had a report to do on birds and didn't know where to start and she said to him, bird by bird. You can probable google the exact story). I can accomplish each task, one at a time and love myself for each thing done and forgive myself for those I abandoned. I can choose again today.

Lists...

I'm a list person, plain and simple. No matter how many electronical devices there are for making list and keep track of things, I just need my scrap of paper and I'm good ( of course if I loose it I'm completely lost!) It's the little things you realize about yourself that you finally come to accept. I'm not sure if I will every embrace the "new age" way of writing things down, but that's okay. It's all GOOD!

My Favorite...

AHHHHHH... It's my favorite time of year again ~ FALL! 

I saw yesterday on http://happsters.com/ an idea called the "Fall Bucket list" ~ how cool it that!  I do love making "lists", so why not make one for one of my favorite things ~ . So here it is, and as any list, to be continued...

Nancy's Fall Bucket List

Picnic

Collect leaves

Take more hikes

Make warm soups

Make/Bake all things pumpkin

Wrap myself in a handmade shaw 

Open all the windows and invite Fall in

Pick out a pumpkin... 

A "ME" list...

I have been thinking lately about "the little things in life" and how they contribute to my life as a whole. So I came up with an idea to start a list of those little things just for ME! It helps to actually see a list when I just need that extra reminder to treat myself in the present moment with a little more tender loving care.

A starting list ~ 

soothing bath

a warm cup of tea

a walk among the trees

enjoying more time to read

dark chocolate covered cashews

 to be continued...

Rest...

Today's day of rest was not planned, it was just necessary! My body woke up and needed the down time and I am grateful I did not HAVE to do anything so I could listen and allow my body what it desperately wanted. There are always a million and one things I have on my list but today they would just have to wait until tomorrow. 

Happy...

Thought I would borrow (again) another idea from my beautiful niece. On her blog today she just had the word happy and a list of what made her happy. I like the word "happy". It seems to say so much with only five letters. Here is my list of what makes me happy today...

quiet

my three children

family and friends

christmas lights

my car

money

our computer

good food to eat

four cats who are loved

my bathrobe to keep me warm

the sunshine

a comfy bed

hot tea

GF cookies

TV

a good book

a warm bath...

Perception......

Every Minus is Half of a Plus

Its time to consider the possibility that what I thought was "wrong" with me may actually be what's "right" with me. I placed judgement upon myself and that is easy to correct - a change in perception. Here is a list to help you ponder "what's RIGHT with you"

NEGATIVE POSITIVE

apprehensive - cautious, vigilant, reasonable

class clown - tension reliever, lighten-upper

controlling - leadership, take charge, stay on purpose

daredevil - risk taker, over comer if fear

dark past - preparation for higher service,

advocate for downtrodden

demanding - claiming rights based on worthiness

disabled - over comer, shift focus to unusual

areas of ability, inspire others

dreamer - visionary, poet, mystic

judgemental/critical - discerning, discriminating

miserly - prudence, self control, wise

misfit - independent, inner-directed

naive - innocent, virginal, pure heart

non-committal - willing to live the truth in the

moment, adaptable to change

obsessive - thorough, detail-oriented

reclusive - inner-directed, contemplative

rebellious/argumentative - challenger of status quo

stubborn - persistent, demands rights

I hope this list will help you see yourself in a different light and celebrate with me!