Savoring simple daily pleasures
As the school term starts to wind up, the clocks are yet to change for spring time, and our calendars seem to start filling up on the speedy downhill to Christmas - (which, in this part of the world, is also the completion of the academic year, awards, prizegiving's, contracts ending or renewing, dance showcases, school productions, work functions and social engagements,) its all too easy to get swept up in the business and urgency. This is when stepping back, taking a deep breath and assessing priorities, clarifying expectations and reevaluating how best to balance it all, while keeping our own internal peace. Endeavoring not to over commit or ware ourselves out entirely. Its ok not to say YES to everything.
Needless to say we cannot negate and avoid the busyness in its entirety, but we can set ourselves firm boundaries, and with practice, allow a period of rest following the larger or more taxing events.
This isn't to say we cannot enjoy them, we just know in ourselves what our personal limits are. I have a friend who absolutely thrives on the go go go and multiple commitments in an evening, racing here and there and eating late and sleeping later- I know for me, that is a sure fire way to fuel my anxiety and pretty much guarantee burn out- all without really enjoying any of the fun stuff as I'll be too busy fretting about the next thing and feeling drained! Personally, I try to schedule a quiet day or evening prior to, and if possible, post, a big event or late night, as a buffer and a self-preservation technique!
I am due to play golf this afternoon- the sun is shining, and I do so enjoy it. However I have had to ensure I really pause first: By chance I have the house to myself for an hour or so - a rare thing these days- so I have taken time to make a delicious coffee, light a candle, a sit near the open French doors with the cats pottering in and out, the birds in the garden and the washing gently whirring in the laundry while I type this. There are a million things on my to do list and I know however good and enjoyable my round is later, I will return home tired, as the light fades for the day, and those things will still be looming. However, I know I will be able to tackle them a little more positively with a bit of space and organization prior to heading out. If I can get a head start on dinner, fold the dry laundry before I leave, and tick one or two little tasks off my list before I go, it will seem much more achievable and less daunting at 6pm on a Sunday night with a hectic week ahead.
For me, the pause, the reflection, and having a plan- will all help me sail through this week with less stress and less unknowns.
To do lists- with realistic goals- you wont get ALL the housework done if you want to be in bed by 9.30pm. But you might manage to water the plants and defrost the chicken for tomorrow and prepare a salad to grab for lunch the next day.
On that: Make sure on the busiest of weeks what you plan to cook for dinner are crowd pleasers- family favorites. Simple to prepare, least dishes, and you know everyone will enjoy them.
If you know you wont be home till 8.30pm how can dinner be quick and easy? - Maybe take out/slow cooker/ salad/ soup or something from the freezer.
Limit the pile of laundry for that day to just the towels- there are so much speedier to fold and pop away then a jumble of socks and endless tee shirts and school shirts.
Look though your diary for the next week and then the following- ensuring no surprises pop up that you'd forgotten about- a dental appointment at an inconvenient time, a friend's birthday you need to purchase a gift for, the car being serviced- whatever it might be, anticipate and plan for it and the stress will be hugely diminished. If needs be, reschedule what you can for a less full week.
I also need to remind myself that while planning is a very helpful tool in many respects, we mustn't get so tied to our list and schedules that we are inflexible and the slightest curve will throw us off completely. I'm a shocker for this if I'm honest. On a busy day even an extra half an hour I hadn't predicted can send me into a spin! This is when we need to re group, pause, and allow ourselves the grace to see the wood for the trees and most importantly be gentle with ourselves. We are doing our best. And that's all we can do.
Acceptance of that and letting go occasionally of ideals is all part of that journey. I wanted to have a few quite hours to peacefully sit and write, blog and potter this weekend. Its hasn't quite happened, but I have managed to tick off some productive tasks that were on the periphery, and visit with my Mother briefly, as well as a few impromptu things- like taking advantage of the weather before the rain set in later than was forecasted yesterday, and tackling the lawns and the driveway shrubbery. Not on my list per se, but a valuable and productive use of my time nevertheless.
The weekend has sped by, but It has also been wonderful and diverse and peppered with gourmet food, friends, nature and quiet time at home. And a full blissful 8 hours of sleep last night.
Now though, It is time for me to get my clubs organized, skewer some potatoes ready for the oven, and blow out the candle.
I have been pondering our wardrobes, and having a color palette that works for us uniquely- even seasonally , so next weeks post will be wardrobe based I'm thinking!
0 $type={blogger}