doing what works.
My Monday really wasn't working for me. I delayed (aka procrastinated) several tasks that should have been completed over the weekend, and attempted to do them before work. Like at 5 o'clock in the morning. I am not a morning person. The thing is, even as I was setting myself up to fail…I knew that I was setting myself up to fail. I was then in a foul mood when I failed. Clearly, I thought that I'd surprise myself.
As the day came crashing down mercifully ended, I was STILL thinking about what I'd done (and not done) to create such a grumpy day. What it boils down to is that I did a few things that really just don't work for me. I know what DOES work, so I'm making a list to remind myself:
1. Early mornings are not my friend. Do not schedule/expect anything other than basic needs to happen before 7am.
2. Get enough sleep. The days of working until the wee hours are over.
3. Sometimes "good enough" is enough. Save super special cooking for dinner parties, not potlucks. (that one applies to yesterday)
4. Keep mascara in your bag.
5. Clean the kitchen before you go to bed. There is nothing more irritating in the morning than a sink full of dishes.
6. Make your bed. This is a complete 180° from the last couple of decades when I flat out refused to make my bed. Now? It calms me to come home and have a neatly made bed.
And a few that I'm working on (some might say shifting my thinking applies here. ahem.)
7. Do better next time. Trust that you're not going to be abandoned when you have an off day. (oh, this is SUCH a therapy topic for me) Second (and 3rd & 4th) chances are allowed.
8. Find a new after work ritual. Explanation – a glass of wine has been my nightly habit for longer than my mother approves of. Since I'm watching carbs a bit, that glass of wine needs to be replaced. With the weather turning cooler, I find myself reaching for a nightly cup of coffee. Not a good idea. I need an alternative. I drink hot tea all day – so that's not it. Any ideas?
9. MEDITATION. Sit. the. f. down.
10. Buy a new notebook, and make lists. Lots and lots of lists.
PS. the picture above really has nothing to do with this post – I'm just loving the super blue fall sky lately.
15 Comments
tracy
I love lists . . . I love making lists . . . I love crossing things off of lists . . . therefore #10 is my favorite on your list 🙂
Lee Currie
Brilliant! I shall just print of your list and label it my list 🙂 Enjoy your day my friend.
Kristi
Are you a milk drinker? I love milk, and I have a steamer. A cup of steamed milk is my indulgent evening treat.
josie
Lists make me feel better, getting up early to accomplish things…never..I feel for you!!
AngieOh
Love you even more on an off day my dear – just proves you are human like the rest of us. 🙂
do you need something hot to drink at night? what about a hot brandy?
Marie
Just a few thoughts re: 7 and 8. Your #7 made me think about how when I have an off day how I abandon myself — I forget my real priorities and plow forth with the agenda which simply perpetuates the problem(s). I fuss at my kids when I’m aggravated with myself; I rush around and end up doing something careless that causes more frustration; I obsess over things that Just Don’t Matter… But that’s me. (Thanks for the lightbulb moment there.) I hope/pray you’re kinder to yourself in those moments.
As for #8, I’m getting addicted to V8 Fusion (any variety – although I’m not a fan of mango) mixed with Ginger Ale. It’s almost as good as pouring a glass of margarita from the bucket – and way healthier. But I guess it’s a bit of a summery drink…
Katrina Simeck
I like lists, but I also like to just keep them in my head – I need to write them down!
Katrina Simeck
kindred spirits. 🙂
Katrina Simeck
Not a milk drinker – but do enjoy warm almond milk (perhaps with a splash of amaretto?). I need to look into a steamer!
Katrina Simeck
Just can’t do the early thing, try as I might.
Katrina Simeck
LOL…you are SUCH the alcohol influence! xoxo
Katrina Simeck
Very, very wise thoughts about abandoning ourselves. Must ponder.
colleen
Just needed to tell you when I opened to your blog the BlogHer advertisement that popped up was a large picture of Justin Bieber’s mom and her biography…nuff said
gabby
a bath???
it seems to work for winding my kiddos down at night….
i wouldn’t know, as they use all the hot water. 😉
warm coconut milk???
we got a hot chocolate maker last year (yes, totally ridiculous!)– but it makes drinks warm and fluffy and frothy.
that + coconut milk sounds like a lovely pre-bed routine, too.
xoxoxo.
justem
this is a perfect list. especially that part about the part about mascara in the bag. i always forget that part!!