The wheel looked easy! I can do this. Little did I know coming up what went around the outside of the wheel and then assigning a number to how well I'm doing in that area wasn't as easy as it sounded on paper.
The Simplify Your Life Challenge for week 4 was a challenge. It was one that challenged one of the those core values I have already identified! Honesty. I couldn't lie to myself or anyone that might actually read my post or blog. (Every comment I get makes my day!) So to be very honest my Wheel of Life would never have been able to roll!
The following is just a quick breakdown of what I put on the wheel and some of the reasons for my scores.
1. Family Score 3/5
This year we are trying to do more things together and at the moment we can all be home but not actually doing anything together. I want to make sure they are my first priority especially when I am offered work and then have other commitments. I love to catch up with people but do need to say no sometimes.
2. Home Score 3/5
I am aiming to try and get simple housework tasks completed each day so that I don't end up with piles of washing and avoid that ..."Oh no, someone just knocked on the door and the place looks like a bomb went off!" feeling. I also have some jobs like painting and sorting and organising I would like to get completed instead of putting it off.
3. Finances 2/5
This year we have some extra costs and I am going to have to try and work more when I can to cover them. Trying to stick to a budget so that we don't feel overwhelmed will be important....and NO Mikala doesn't really need more clothes!!!!
4. Community 3/5
I like to be involved in community groups especially if they benefit my children or local town. I do think I need to make sure I follow through on commitments but also ask for help when I have spread myself too thin.
5. Garden 3/5
We are working on a small budget and slowly building a garden. We have lots of space to develop, but really need to think this through. I need to commit time to do this so that it doesn't become a burden.
6. Creativity 3/5
I have this plan to be more creative this year. Whether it is writing my blog, completing a project life album or doing some embroidery. Making time for this and setting up work areas to make it easier to access.
7. Relationship 4/5
We are doing great most of the time. We really do need to make time to actually go out for dinner occasionally and have some time without the kids.
8. Health 2/5
Last year I did have an operation that made me feel better about myself. Basically had my pelvic floor fixed. Now I need to take it one step further and do more exercise, eat better and listen to my body when I'm tired.
Lastly to make all of this work the computer may have to go off earlier in the evening and not be the first thing I do in the morning. A friend of mine who has 3 small children and works part-time posted on her Facebook that she had set her alarm for 5am and set out her workout clothes....I think she is inspirational and if I could do this just one day a week I would have one day, start the way I wanted!
So to end I hope to start with small changes that will make big differences. And I plan on starting with Family and Health!
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Lol - I thought I was the only one who sometimes feels like hiding when unexpected guests knock on the door! Home organization is a priority for me also this year! You've set some clear goals here & I really enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteToday I started cleaning out my bedroom. Think if I can get MY space sorted then maybe the rest might follow more easily. Although when I turned around and saw what my kids had done to the lounge room while I was busy I was thinking if someone knocks on the door we will have a cuppa on my bed! Thanks for reading and commenting, I really do appreciate the feedback!
Delete2012 must be the year of decluttering. LOL! Cause that is my main area of concern for this year as well. Well it has been for a couple of years, but actually getting it done is happening this year. Annaleis have you heard of FlyLady? She is a lovely lady who has an amazing system of helping you get organised, by using baby steps. I have been working through her baby steps since before Chrissie and have already seen a big improvement in our house. One of the best things is it is completely free. Also, it helps me to stop thinking about what 'should' be done and just focus on what I can get done. I found her crisis cleaning routine amazing for getting the house visitor ready before Christmas. If you get the chance, check her out, you may find it helps. Hope you are having a wonderful day. Cheers, Deb
ReplyDeleteThanks for heading me to Flylady I think she might be just what I need! I think a well run house will make me a happier person...lol and I hate housework but do need to make it work for our family! Really enjoying the challenges Deb it is helping me personally and really feel positive about 2012.
DeleteI use FlyLady as a guide, if it works I use it if what is suggested doesn't work for me I don't use it. I don't check the messages in the mornings, I like to keep going on the house once I start, so I check them at night.
DeleteI have found the slow building of routines a great thing for me. I do the daily things set out by FlyLady and then I find I just continue on from there, doing what I can. I find the more I do, the tidier the house becomes, the more I want to do. And, with the house tidier, it is easier to keep tidy.
My hubby gives me alot of encouragemnt and is really loving me FLYing everyday. Cheers, Deb
Thanks Deb, I think the routine building is what I need! Especially now the school year has started and work will start happening as well. (I'm a relief teacher at the moment!) My husband is great at noticing when the place is messy, so it will be nice for him to notice when the house is tidy!
DeleteI thought it was funny when I was reading that the first task was the kitchen sink! I dont mind dishes but hate drying! lol
Enjoy whats left of your day, Annaleis
I love the way you wrote this article - I haven't done this task yet (falling a bit behind!) all the way through it reminded me of the quote "start with the end in mind" which this makes me want to do. Good luck! Sooz.
ReplyDeleteThankyou...I tried to tackle it a number of ways but this way seemed to make sense and gave me some direction. Just read through the next task properly and we have a week off! I'm actually a little relieved! Looking forward to reading what you come up with! Have a lovely day, Annaleis
DeleteHi
ReplyDeleteFunny reading this I can identify with everything you wrote some things rather strongly. I was doing my own little scores as I was reading. I did have a chuckle out load when I read NO Mikala doesn't need more clothes! I am the same with both girls.
Have a great day!
It's soooo easy to buy for little girls isn't it! Especially mine that loves skirts and dresses and pretty things!Doing these challenges really makes you realise we have different lives but many of us face similar challenges! Enjoy your week! Ax
DeleteI can relate to the washing pile that is being avoided and the girl who doesn't need more clothes!! haha
ReplyDeleteMy goal for this week is to get the kids back to school and get in to a routine. I want to be able to get those household chores done every day as well. I am so much happier in a clean house!
I love finding similar people in this process. It sounds like a lot of us Mums are needing guidance for the same sorts of situations
I've just read your blog post for this week! Many of us wish our Home was better...and probably they just need some routines to help make things more achievable. Your washing pile must be bigger than mine with 4 kids, that makes me want to go and fold mine NOW! Have a lovely week, Ax
DeleteI am guilty of mopping floors at 11.30pm at night if I am expecting visitors in the morning and I definitely need to improve in this area - I am too much of an 'all or nothing' girl and I want to think that if people knock on the door, then I can confidently say, 'come in' - doesn't mean things have to be perfect.... My daughter starts school tomorrow so I won't know myself with one gone (and the busy, messy one at that!!!) so I'm also hoping to get on top of a few household things this year...
ReplyDeleteGoodluck with start of school. We start Thursday! I'm worried what I am going to do with Mikala to keep her entertained! Hope it goes well for your daughter and for you! Ax
DeleteSubstitute books and art supplies for clothes and you got me on my money issue - i am really good with money but for some reason I don't hesitate in those areas and have no idea what I spend on them each year. This year I aim to use what we have as much as possible. baby steps though.
ReplyDeleteMy pelvic floor is horrible - glad to hear the operation was helpful.
Op was great for me! But it wouldn't be for everyone! But fitness wise its allowed me to exercise with confidence again...I'm not allowed to run but am slowly getting back into things even playing pennants Tennis!
DeleteIt is going to be different for us this year financially with a child away at University. So it means we HAVE to be more aware and able to take control financially!
Hope your having a lovely day, Ax
I so need to work on my pelvic floor.
ReplyDeleteI wish for me it was as easy as actually doing the exercises! And it really is one of those problems that we dont talk about enough! Hope your having a lovely weekend! Ax
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