From Deck the Halls to clearing the decks… and now it’s March.
You’re tired and the year has barely begun. You’ve returned to work frazzled and listening to people talk about Marie Kondo. You want her to knock on your door, spring clean your life and get you organised to within an inch of your T-shirts. You’re not alone in wanting your home and your life organised and thus (presumably) improved.
This blog series is about moving forward in a positive way when the task seems too huge. Over the next six inspiring blogs, we will be working together to achieve the impossible.
Is your life too full of too many ‘musts’ and not enough ‘wants’? Does the pantry hold the secret to that great unbaked cake, if only you could find the baking powder? This series will inspire you to tackle the Everest in your life.
Marie Kondo is not the only way. Your way is the best way.
Choose your music and your beverage and let’s get this party started.
Here we go with some basic principles for a better you, to arrive at that better life.
Every breath you take…
Breathe. It sounds so simple. When my sister had taken her last breath, and I was overcome with grief, a nurse came up to me and said: “Breathe!” I took a breath so deep I felt it in my toes. Breathing is what keeps us alive. Learn how to breathe. In through your nose and out through your mouth. You will feel different. Practise it. At least 10–20 times per minute, every hour, of every day. For the rest of your life.
Lead by example
Learn to say “no”, or “I’ll let you know”! Most of us (and our children), have too much happening. It’s costing too much money, too much time, and our peace of mind is missing in action. I have never met an adult who said: ‘I’m so glad my parents sent me to karate, piano lessons, maths/English/science tutoring, and tennis lessons when I was 7!
I am the first to support an active life, filled with music and learning, but manage it well. Every school term is a new schedule for kids and parents. Different sports, different timetables, different commitments, different venues. Every term, re-assess. If something has to give, don’t let it be your sanity.
Are social engagements becoming a chore? Are they robbing you of quality family time, or much-needed relaxation? Say no! It doesn’t matter if you don’t end up in that Instagram post, or aren’t tagged on Facebook. Your true friends and your family will respect you for taking a stance. They may even (secretly) admire you.
Life is a marathon, not a sprint
We owe it to ourselves to enjoy it as much as possible. We are also setting an example for our children. Love your job, love your kids, and love your life. If a big part of your life is a chore, change it. It will be having a negative impact on other areas of your life.
We live in a changing world. People are choosing new careers based on new technology every day. I was a stay-at-home mum for 25 years before my husband left for greener pastures. I started a business doing what I had loved being. I am now a Personal Concierge. I am the wife, the mother, the carer, the project manager for my beautiful clients. Then, as luck would have it, I began to write blogs for one of my clients. The love has come full circle. I have changed her life, and now she is changing mine, one word at a time. I’m not saying the change will be easy. I am saying it may change your life for the better. That is priceless.
Over the next few months, I will encourage you to be the best you can be. I’m not talking about reaching your ideal weight, or becoming the fittest person on the planet. I want you to be happy being you. Let’s get your kitchen organised so that your love of cooking thrives. Let’s organise your linen press so that when you get a towel out you’re not haunted all day by the impending avalanche.
As we tackle the little things, the big things will be easier.
Stay tuned for part 2 next month.