The Gift of a Simple Morning

It's really rainy, gray, and gloomy here today . . . so I decided that I need to focus on the beauty and joy of the simple things around me. Waiting for the sunshine to pop out, but that might not happen today. So, what to do on a rainy day when your're trying to keep life simple and take every opportunity to find joy in everyday circumstances?

So many of us are feeling overwhelmed with everything that is going on around us in the world. Today would be the perfect time to stop for a minute (I know, your are busy! Me, too, but I can't breathe at the minute so I need to slow down long enough to catch my breath) just take five or ten minutes to refocus on your priorities. 

Write them down. Then, in the midst of all the other things that are calling your name, make progress on just ONE of your priorities, even for a few minutes.

For me, that looks like this (in no particular order, just what pops up in my brain right now):

* Write down 5 things I want to accomplish this week.

* Number 1: Take time to focus on my writing. (Write a post on the blog that I have ignored for the past 6 months)

* Number 2: Schedule time to go to the YMCA to exercise / swim / steam room. I always feel better when I can fit this in a couple of times a week.

* Number 3: 20 - 30 minutes each day to practice piano. I did not have the opportunity to learn this as a child, so I guess better late than never!

Number 4: Read the Bible as well as at least a few minutes on the book I started last month. 15 minutes is better than not at all!

Number 5: Work on my creative projects. I have so many that it is hard to figure out where to start, but the most important part is just to START!

I remember when I had a house full of young kids . . . this actually seems impossible . . . so I feel successful if I even accomplish ONE of my goals each week. 15 - 20 minutes is a place to start.

One more thing that always helped me when I feel overwhelmed - pull out my trusty daily planner. There are so many beautiful ones available these days, but if you don't want to invest money in a pretty planner, make your own! I used to just have a three-ring binder where I wrote down daily goals, and I promise you, it helps.

Progress not perfection is the actual goal here. On this rainy day here at my house I'm working for a few minutes on Goal Number 1, as I am writing this blog post. I'm still not convinced anyone actually reads blogs these days, but that's OK, I'm still moving toward my own goals. 

So, if you are reading this (thank you!), just START. One baby step at a time, and you will feel more productive than we all feel on the days we just kind of survive that day. Take control of your day, and even in the midst of family busyness, do ONE THING just for YOU! 

Have a great day, even if it is raining where you are.  <3

Nina

The "Rebel Homemaker"

As the whole world seems to be filled with anxiety, fear, and confusion, it is no wonder we are all searching for a place of peace and tranquility. That place used to be, for many of us, our home and family. These days, however, people find themselves alone in the midst of a chaotic world, questioning if there is a better way of living.

Those of us who have experienced the simpler things in life (by choice or necessity) search for ways to return to those days of baking bread, hanging the laundry out to dry on a sunny day, planting a garden, sewing our own clothing and making outfits for our children. It is not easy these days, being a "rebel homemaker"!

The social pressures on young women, single, married, children, or no children . . . are incredibly heavy. We've been convinced by the world around us that our value lies in how "important" we are, or in our job description, or our career choices. 

All of those things are important, but for many there is a longing for a quieter, peaceful, less stressful (and maybe even "boring") lifestyle.

That is why I believe "simplicity" is trending among young women. Even the whole "Trad Wife" movement seems to be seeking to recapture some of the traditional values and lifestyle of years gone by. 

If you have been contemplating the journey to simplicity, I encourage you to join me as I revisit some of the "old fashioned" homemaking and family living skills that just might give you a bit of inspiration to begin to simplify your life.