Cramming Is No Way To Live

Most women I know are super busy.  Does not matter if they are single, married, separated, divorced, have kids or kid free it seems everyone has a lot on their plate.  We were told technology gives us more freedom.  As a kid, when a phone call was missed someone wrote the message down.  Today, the caller leaves a voice mail message.  No need for a message slip or someone forgetting to give you the message.  On the flip side, as much as I hate washing/drying clothes it sure beats trekking down to the river.  

Technology has been a blessing in some respects but where has our gained time gone?  Like everything else we gain, we fill it up with something. Cramming our lives with new stuff or demands. The simple solution is to say no but that is so hard when wonderful opportunities present themselves.  No other time in history have humans had more free time.  Look at how many charities have spouted up in the past 30 years or the number of volunteer opportunities readily available.  I do not have the solution for cramming but I have a simple process to manage my time.

To make the craziness of life work; priorities need to be laid out.  First and foremost, I am a wife and loving mother. These 4 people come before anything else.  When their needs, key word here, are met then it gives me time to look at other opportunities. 

·     Start each day with something that grounds you. For me a shower is a daily luxury.  Yes it is a necessity but a shower starts me off on the right foot.  Find what gives you grounding.  Is it a peaceful cup of Joe, kiss from someone you love or classical music?

·     Commit to a manageable written schedule that has lots of wiggle room. 

·     Create a weekly to do list and work only off the list. You will start to see daily progress on things accomplished.

·     Everyone goes to bed at a reasonable time.  My little ones go to bed at a consistent schedule, no matter when the street lights come on or what the school calendar states.  Everyone needs sleep to function, maintain weight and overall happiness.  Plus, you get up at a reasonable time.

·     Collect your thoughts mid-day.  For me it is as simple as sitting down for a few minutes in the afternoon. Sometimes I just close my eyes and let my mind process the day’s actions. The phenomenal leader John Maxwell spends 15 minutes a day with his feet up, just dreaming! Works for me!

·     Saying “no” to good things. This means knowing what is best for my family and me.  Again, my priorities are four people not someone else who wants something right now.   

I do not have the solution to the world’s cramming issue.  These are just some of the tools that help make Crazyville work.

So, instead of living a crammed life chose how you want to live your life.

What is your solution for not living a crammed life?