Reaching in and reaching out-Week 2

HEALTH

Week 2

Reaching in:

Do not work against yourself-rest more,reflect,pamper yourself

Have you ever pushed on a door to get inside a store only to read in big letters PULL.I have!When we push and push ourselves until our breaking point,we are working against ourselves.We work instead of rest.We keep ourselves busy instead of reflecting.We are caught up in a fast paced world when our bodies are saying slow down.If only we had our own STOP signs to help us know when we should stop and listen....
Listen to nature
Listen to music or create your own
Listen to deep breaths as you meditate or do some yoga
Listen to the silence and let your heart hear uplifting words to feed your spiritual appetite
Listen to your child ask"Can you play with me?"
Resist multi tasking and trying to do "one more thing"

My hope this week is to STOP when I first wake up in the morning and every night to plan to be still.After every hour I will stop and recognize my breath and stop and think about my day so far.How am I feeing?What is my body telling me.I want to notice if I am tense or stressed.What am I thinking?Who am I or am I lost somehow?What will all of rest and reflecting do?Bring is to awareness.Our body,mind and spirit are connected.They are the best of friends.They communicate all the time with eachother.If you let stress,overworking,overtired or anger come into this circle of friendship mind,body and spirit aren't happy and they are confused.Awareness is the key.I am hoping that when our body is running low on energy we can respond by repenishing what it needs.Our body needs sleep,nourishment,physical activity,communication and getting back to nature.I am slowing things down and breathing in the stillness to listen and act on what I feel.This will be chalenging and if you are at work trying to do this take a quick break stretch your legs breathe deeply and get back to work.Maybe you have been working to hard and could use a vacation day.This will be different for all of us!

Great mantra: I can, I must, I will!
~

HEART

Reaching out:

Do something for nieghbor or anyone who comes to your mind.In stollen moments of stillness see whose name(s) pop into your head.Just feel it!Then without worrying if you havr the time act on it!

HOME

Pick something on your project list that you have been wanting to do.There has got to be something you have been wanting to but keep putting it off for some reason or another.Well I am giving you a push to do it or make more definitive plans.If you haven't made a list yet here is how you do it.Walk into a room and define what you want to use it for and think of any changes you want to make.Do this to each room.

Reaching in and reaching out-Week 1 days 5-7

Day 5

Just like I promised here are our new plants!We got a Peace Lilly

 and a Red Aglaonema.

Just look at those colors!This has been something my husband and I could do together.He is very excited about it!Also Studies show that being around foliage or colorful blooms relieves stress, soothes sadness and increases calmness.

I decided to have a quote or something nearby to inspire me.I am putting it on my meal planner.So this weeks is by President Lorenzo Snow, the fifth prophet of our dispensation, taught, 

“It is our duty to try to be perfect, … to improve each day, and look upon our course last week and do things better this week; do things better today than we did them yesterday.”So the first step to becoming meek is to improve day by day. Each day we need to try to be better than the previous as we move forward through this process."

Day 6

Reaching in-Today I did some Zoomba and met some new people.I get to shake it with these fun wraps that jingle!What fun!Plus it gave me a boost of energy!

I remembered to wake up and put on my make up.I styled my hair ,a little hair gel and scrunch scrunch I felt pretty good!I have been neglecting this side of me for so long!

Reaching out-My husband and I talked about how we can spend some more time together and spend more time with the kids.There is no perfect formula for doing this but to schedule it.So we are going to do a weekly date at home or out.We are also going to take one kid out each month.There is no better way to reach out.Service,and being kind and considerate should abound in the home.

I also called or texted some friends to tell them I was thinking about them and what I like about them!

Day 7

Today was a little tough.When it is cold and the sun doesn't shine I lose motivation.I think it is important on this journey to let you guys know I am not perfect and I have bad days,where everything is a struggle.I keep trying though! I spent a lot of my time with my 2 youngest boys.We read books,played with blocks and of course cars!I kind of took a back step on doing my hair and getting dressed in something other than a T-shirt.I did rest though and since I came down with a cold this week I delegated dinner and made a phone call to my family who live in a different state.It was difficult because I lost my voice.They just got back from a trip and the airline lost their luggage so they win!

Week one's challenge has been tough to do.It is hard to put yourself first but you want to feel great and enjoy things too!You don't want to feel pulled at and torn like my poor new peace Lilly,when it met my crawling and curious baby!We are really loving our new plant!

What have you been doing with this challenge.Please share and brighten mine and other people's day!

We start week 2 Tomorrow! Check out the introduction page if you just started or want to look back and see what each week is all about!

Meditation Monday-3 ways to beat the post holiday blues

Christmas has gone so fast!New years went in a blink. Most of us made goals.In just a weeks time that resolve to work on our goals already starts to diminish.Why?Is it burn out?Did we set our goals too high or make to many?

This let down after the holidays affects a lot of us.It creeps up on us or gets ahold of us all at once.If you are feeling the blues already you are not alone!Why not make your own holiday!I am calling mine Jollyday.I am going to have a party and celebrate being happy!What I love about this is it can be when I want.I can build up anticipation for it and decorate.Being creative at least once a month is a good cure for those pot holiday blues!If you have made a resolution to de-clutter this can give you a deadline to be done by.

Look at your goals again?Why did you make these goals?Could you change the way they are worded?Maybe your goals need to be broken up into smaller ones.Maybe you need to examine your happiness blueprint and only do things that make you happy!Find a buddy to help you with your goal.This is a good one for losing weight or de-cluttering.Why does the New Year have to be the only time we make resolutions?What about a now. Month,or week or even a new day!

For so many years because of the cold I would hibernate like a grumpy old mama bear.I was in a dark place because I put me there!I let my dark thoughts and my dark attitude surround me!Have you ever notice when you step outside and get some rays your mood is lifted?If you are stuck in doors you are going to go crazy! There aren't just scrooges during Christmas.There are scrooges of time,talent,appearance,health and o much more.We may not realize how unhappy we are so my suggestion is to try these 3 ways

1.GIVE
There are so many ways to give.Give a smile,a hug,a call or a visit.Give some time to take care of yourself.I never realized until I was examining my daily routines that I rarely got dressed up or put on make up!
2.CHANGE
Change something!Anything!Just pick one thing!Get up earlier tomorrow, try a new dinner,or change your to do list and add some fun.
3.TRY
Try something new!Jump out of your comfort zone.Try a new exercise routine,make a new friend. What are you waiting for?

GIVE CHANGE A TRY!You never know what is waiting for you at the top!

Reaching in and reaching out-How is week 1 going?

Day 2

Got dressed and tried on clothes in a new way and did my make up.

Spent time with my husband.We lit candles and planned meals together and talked.

Day 3

Select a plant.Here is a list of great ones to purify indoor air:

15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality

Here is another fun read:
10-plants-to-attract-love-joy-and-prosperity

Do you believe in Feng Shui?Certain plants create more energy.This concept has always been interesting to me.Check out this site to educate and inspire
http://www.easy-feng-shui.com

I do not have a green thumb at all!This will be a new experience for me!

Day 3

After doing some research we picked our plants!See which ones on the next post!I can't believe I haven't put plants in my house before!I did some more clothing match up with a T-shirt and over shirt.It feels so good to take care of myself. I also got a much needed haircut!Short and sassy!

Before 

After

Day 4

I have been thinking a lot about plants lately.There are so many different kinds.They need different light exposure and watering.This is not unlike children.Each of them are individuals.They need different nurturing to grow and bloom.So how do we find out what they need?If they are old enough you could just ask them,but most children we just learn by trial and error. Just like all plants need the sun, children need to hear about the son,Jesus Christ.It is our responsibility.They also need water.This could be compared to our time.I bet you all spend time with your kids, but they need MORE!Pray to understand your kids.Talk with your spouse about your kids and what they might need.

Today my main focus was to set goals and look at my routines to see what is working and what is not!I think my biggest hang up is delegating,finding where the bad habits are and helping my young kids see the value of jobs and self care.No pressure right?;-)

My nights have been so crazy so this is where I need to get lunches,outfits and everything ready for the next day!

WENDY ULRICH, PH.D., AND CHRISTINE PACKARD, M.C., L.P.C. said it best that "Goals and routines help people prevent depression and temptation and navigate between the opposing quicksands of boredom and excessive stress. As we learn to stick with a difficult task, we have the pleasure of getting the things we want most, not just the things we want now."(Ensign February 2010)

We made a family goal to work on our night routine.Then we talked about the kids individual goals.We are not giving up on our goals and will check in as a family how we are all doing.

My 8 year old wants to keep his room clean.We talked about how he was doing and what he could do better.He is going to clean up when he is done and not throw his clothes on the floor.

My 6 year old wants to not fight with her brothers.We talked about what she could do when she is mad at her brothers.

My 3 year old wants to work on being potty trained.He gets a treat when he sits on the potty.It has been hard for him to be interested.

During quiet time I try to use it for a break.I usually can't get the baby to sleep so its not a full break.Today my husband took the baby to the store.I did some yoga,which I have not done in a long time!My daughter even joined me.It was just 10 minutes but it felt great,but I am sooo out of shape!lol

What is great about this week is that each time of reaching inward or out to someone I am doing something new!I learned what my style is and tried switching things up in my closet.I know I want to take a little time with my appearance each day.I also learned more about feng shui and cleaned the air in my home.I also realized my husband needs more of my time and service.I have felt very involved in my life this week and not like it just is passing by.If I could sum it up in one word it would be 

Active

Be an active part of your life!Be present in those moments of you time.Soak it up and let it energize you!

File it Friday-What is next for 2014?

File this week under:What is next?

There is so many possibilities for this New Year!Who else has a lot of goals for 2014?Who want it to be the best and most productive year EVER!! I have so many people to thank for helping me through this year! My parents and sister helped out so much when the baby came.So many people watched our kids so we could go on dates.I am thankful to the Lord for all he has blessed me with!

3 things I accomplished this week
Spending tine with family and making memories has been so great this week.I managed to make meal plans and my husband went grocery shopping.I was able to help a sick friend by taking her kids and bringing dinner. It made me feel really good so I had to share.I also was able to get a hair cut!I haven't had one since May!

What didn't work this week:
I didn't get very much sleep because of a sick baby.I didn't have much energy to clean. There is next week right?;-)

3 goals
1.Start cleaning one cabinet in the kitchen at a time and paint.
2.Try to put me first a little each day.
3.Find a new hobby :-)
4.Read scriptures and pray every day.(This one should be first!)

Take back your Turf Thursday

Here are a few things I am doing this week.There is a lot of catch up to do because of the Holidays!Here we go.....

1.Created cooking and baking zone
2.Put up my calendar.I love this calendar because every person in the house has a different color for them.It is bigger than my other calendar too!The other weekly board is where I will write that days activity,just as a point of reference since my Calendar is behind a closed door.I can also write my meals on there.My husband wrote fish,fillet Mignon and Lobster on there.Do you think he was trying to give me a hint?lol

3.Put up shelves in kids room using rain gutter!I know so cool right?I wonder who came up with this idea?

4.Put away Christmas decorations.Looking into buying some flowers or a plant to brighten up the place.See First post of Reaching in and reaching out for why I did this.
5.Remember all those neighbor gifts or leftover pie?This week its time to get rid of them or put them away.Most likely everything is getting stale.

6.Don't forget to write thank you cards for the gifts. We are doing ours a little different this year.I wrote down what the kids got this year.I have been taking pictures of them playing all week.Now I am going to to take a picture of a child with presents from someone and send picture with a thank you card.I think this is good for the kids to teach them gratitude.

I am very motivated for Take back my Kitchen
Week 1-Create a baking zone.Clear out cupboards and take off doors to sand and paint them.Move all baking stuff into this area.Items used in this area are sugar,flour,measuring cups,measuring  spoons,mixer,baking pans and bowls.I have already started moving things.
Week 2-finish painting lower cabinets
Week 3-Clean out upper cabinets and sand and remove doors.
Week 4-finish upper cabinets and clear out closet for command center

Join me as we take back our house!
                ONE room
                                   ONE spot.....
                                                      ONE step at a time

What are you doing to organize or clean this week?

Reaching in and reaching out-Week 1(Don't live behind the scenes in your life)

 Love Yourself!

 Take care of yourself so you can take care of your little ones! 

Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be?If not would you like to?There are three places I believe we have the most impact for our happiness.These are our what I call the 3 h's of happiness.If we are in good health,we know our heart and make our home a heaven on earth;then we will be happy!.Health can be exercising,mental,Heart can be spiritual,service.Home is family,kids,homemaking,teaching.There are 2 ways we can achieve balance in these 3 areas, and that is Reaching inside ourselves and reaching out to others.

As I write our new years resolution I will include a goal each week for reaching inward toward a better you and reaching outside of our comfort zones.Reaching inwards to see who we are or what we could be.It will require being honest with ourselves 100%. Reaching out to a hand in need.We can pray to be led to opportunities to serve.Think outside the box.I will also include something to do for our homes.I don't want anyone to feel like this is just one more thing they need to do.I want it to be simple,a breath of fresh air and insightful!

HEALTH

Week 1-
Reaching in:
Don't live behind the scenes of our life-

Do you feel like your life is just passing by and you are watching it happen.As Moms it can feel like we do the same things over and over.Before we in know it the day is over and feel like we have so much to do still.We are lucky if we get a shower,or have time to do our make up and hair.

What if we could instead get a behind the scenes look by trusting God and following his plan.What does he want us to do as mothers?We can see the pieces of our lives come together by God's design.We can become women who know and love the Lord.We can find times to teach and bear testimony of Him.We need to be strong women who do not give up during difficult times.We need to be nurturing, and protect our families.Your life does not have to feel like a major production every day!Close curtain and we do it all again.Pick an area in your life to do more for you, so you can be strong, nurturing and a better Mom.Here are some ideas:

~Schedule time to relax(I will talk about this in week 2)
~Go to bed early
~Take some time to go through your clothes and plan some cute outfits!
~Go out once a week with friends
~Make plans and routines each day
~Go back to an old hobby or start a new one
~take a day off from the normal
~let go of the guilt to be a perfect Mom=less stress:-)
~Plan quality time with family
~Say no to anything not important to you
~See your time as precious and use it wisely
~Take mini breaks throughout the day
~Just break up your routine into smaller, and more achievable chunks.(found idea here)

Tip:Do a little each day!

TODAY I made sure I got a shower and I dressed up my t-shirt with a scarf and a blazer and put on make up!It is easy to let my appearance go.

HEART

Reaching out:

See who needs your time and give it without interruption.Use this week to think of your husband or kids and spend time with them with no interruption.Maybe you want to visit someone who is lonely.

HOME

Bring in flowers or plants.Think of yourself and your family as these flowers.They are ready to bloom and it is your job to help them.How can you help yourself and children bloom this week?

~Here is a sneak peek of the rest of the month~

Week 2
Reaching in:
Do not work against yourself-rest more,reflect,pamper yourself
Reaching out:
Do something for a neighbor or friend
Home:

Pick something on your project list that you have been wanting to do.

Week 3
Reaching in:
Get over mental blocks
Reaching out:
Write love notes to kids and husband this week.
Home:Take this week to make your room more restful.Get the clutter,laundry or whatever out!

Week 4
Reaching in
Let yourself shine through and unlock your true potential
Reaching out:
Write a monthly update to family in a letter,or email.Hand written is better.
Home:

Bring light in.Start by opening the blinds to let in natural light.I will discuss different ways to bring in more light and do before and after pictures of my living room.We might add mirrors and a new lamp.We shall see. :)Most importantly we need to bring in God's light and love into our homes.

It is about YOU,
                     FAMILY and making your HOME a heaven on earth.