Trying To Get My Groove Back

It's been tough.  I have not had the desire to write.  Then when I do have inspiration, I'm at work with no time to stop and jot down my thoughts.  I haven't been reading much either.  I have six books I have yet to finish.  I'm not exercising, cleaning, organizing, and I have reminders on my phone to make sure I do these darn things.   I need to get it together.

This time last year I was trying the Ruth Soukup challenges from her books.  I failed miserably.  One day is not enough time for my clutter.  I did however donate ten boxes to Salvation Army in July and will be donating another six this week.  My plan is to donate one more time by the end of the year.

I've made an End of the Year Plan... Yay! Okay, not really.  If I would have done what I said I was going to last year, I would be buying a house and 100% organized right now.   So this is me declaring my life a mess and it needs cleaning up... again.  My dream/Goal is to become a minimalist.  I have been watching videos on Youtube.  Now, I don't want to get rid of everything I have.  I want to reduce what I have to the important things and stop buying crap I don't need.  I will never give up on my books, NEVER.  So don't dare ask me to do that.  I also need to get my health in order.  I have gained a lot of weight recently and all my pants are pretty snug.  I also look gross when I'm sitting.  While I was thinking about ways to improve my life, I realized I spend most of my off time eating and playing Facebook games. YES, I said it, I play Facebook games.  I started to make a list of things I want to work on.  So this is where I'll start, then reevaluate in 30 days.

1. Make a Budget
2. Organize home and digital files
3. Donate to Salvation Army 
4. Reduce Social media & games
5. Read more (15 books by January 1)
6. Exercise (start at 3x a week)
7. Bring lunch to work. 

Happy August!

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by and I'm sure I say that every year.  July came and went quickly, I didn't get as much organizing as I would have liked done. I did get the important stuff done though.  I organized my room and made a little meditation spot. I cleaned out my closets again and got rid of a few things.  I went out and did things alone.  I did a dating myself type thing. It was boring. I need someone to talk to, but I will learn to like being alone more. I know I will.



August is all about choices... Better Choices!!

For my Mindful Happiness Project, August will be Making Healthier Choices & starting my Financial Stability goal.  The only financial part I am starting is the non-consumerism, I will do this by using the reduce, reuse, recycle system. Using up what I have and only buying what is necessary.  This month, school supplies, clothes, and school registration are the necessities.  Recently, our toaster oven died. RIP Toasty... My kids really want me to get another one, but it will have to wait.  My kids will just have to learn to use a real oven. Though we do not have a toaster and now the waffles in the freezer will have to be tossed. Oh well.  I have books I will sell or donate, fabric that I either need to make into something or give to someone who can.  I have computer parts and what not that need to be rid of.  I was going to purchase 2 garbage bins for recycling, but I have decided to give up soda as part of my Healthy choices. I don't think I need the bins anymore.  Boom! Saving money already.

Healthier Choices are so much harder. I enjoy food so much. I'm addicted to soda, okay more like addicted to sugar and caffeine.  Both are unhealthy, I know.  So I am really trying this time.  I made tea this morning, filled my Brita pitcher, and made juice.  My plan when it comes to food is to finish off whatever is in the house, and when I shop I will make better and healthier choices.  I still have chips and popsicles in the house.  I'll be having chips with my tuna salad sandwich in a second.  I think as long as I eat within proper portions I should be okay.  We have a lot of canned fruits and boxed meals because I was trying to get the kids to cook more.  It didn't work. This time I will try a more fresh approach.  More salads, crock pot cooking and fresh fruits and veggies.  I'm also looking into a more sugar free lifestyle. I know I can't completely remove it, but if I can reduce it, I will.  Time to do some research and find recipes that will taste delicious but sugar free.

Accumulative goals for the month. 

Another healthy choice I am making is Fitness.  I made up a 90 day challenge for me to do.  I compiled a variety of fitness challenges and accounts, put them into a calendar for myself to work out to.  I have Daily, weekly and monthly goals. I didn't add arm exercises to the list on the left and a friend pointed it out.  Oopsy, I do have a plan for my arms and other body parts, I swear.  I broke the 90 day challenge down into 3 months to keep myself motivated and focused.  As time goes on, each month will become more intense, adding weights, time and exercises.  I will share more about this once I have everything set up.

Well I guess that is all for now.  Have a Happy August