Small, Achievable Goals

 Life doesn't stop or slow down, especially when we physically need to. Things still need to be done, and sometimes, that can be overwhelming. Something I am trying, is to make small, achievable goals for each day. This is how I do it: 

I get my weekly planner out. Immediately I think of everything I want or need to do that week. I want to downsize my Google Photos (because I'm running out of space), so on that list is to go through a year of photos each week. I need to homeschool my son, so on that list is each individual subject for him. I need to make appointments and cancel appointments, and on the list that goes. I want to go to a library crafting event, so I add that on there. Sometimes, if I end of thinking of a lot of stuff I want to get done, I will add some stuff onto the next week. There are some journaling things I want to try, and some minor decluttering projects I want to do, and I know those will go on next week's schedule, so I have plenty of white space on my calendar this week for rest. 

I divide it up and first distribute the school, since that is a "Need To Do" thing. Every day I list out what subjects I'll have Liam work on. Then I say, "Oh, Wednesday looks a little quiet. Maybe that day I'll work on my Google Photos. And Thursday I'll call and set up that doctor's appointment." I try to make it so only three things are on each day, including my "Need to Do" of homeschooling. 

I also make a "Chore of the Day" and set aside some time to do that. That is something I don't add to my planner, but I try to keep it up as a part of my daily rhythm.  It's not vital that I do that chore that day, but I try to make sure I am consistent enough that if I have to skip it that week, it won't greatly affect our lives. Last week, I did not one of the Chores of the Day, and I see no crawling bugs or mice trying to live off our home. :) 

Here's My List of Chores of the Day:

* Monday: Gather Trash

* Tuesday: Downstairs Floors, Sweep and Swiffer Wet Mop

* Wednesday: Dust Main Areas of Home, and Bedroom

* Thursday: Upstairs Floors, Sweep and Swiffer Wet Mop

* Friday: Clean Bathroom

(My list doesn't include laundry, as I only wash my own clothes and towels when the basket is full, and dishes, as my husband and I tag team them usually. Your list will look different and reflect how you run your home, so don't feel bad if they look different. Each one of us is unique in our walks of life and our recovery.) 

All of these chores take less than ten minutes, but I don't have the energy to do them all at once, and that is okay. Do what you can, and it will all get done. 

Finally, this is something I am trying to do. It's new, but it's needed. 

Make My Bed.  Every. Single. Day. 

Ok, so don't mistake, when I make my bed, for me, that looks different.... I'm not talking military corners and crisp new sheets. Mainly, "Are my blankets straightened enough for my sanity? Ok, good." So every day, I straighten my blanket, put my pillow back on the top of the bed, and put my chair pillow behind it. I open my curtains and let the natural sunlight in. I'll explain why I do this (or plan to do this) every day, in another blog post. 

Until next time, I hope you embrace your slowed down life!

Maria