My office is a mess. Over the last couple of months, it’s been:
- A greenhouse (because I bought plants too early)
- A reading nook (complete with dirty socks from my bonus daughter)
- A workspace (until a resigned from my FT remote job in March)
- A wrestling room for the dogs (because no one else is using it).
- A temporary spot for the Easter stuff.
“I’ve had it with this dump!” In my best Lloyd Christmas voice.
OK, OK….it’s not really a dump, but those of you who know me, know I pride myself on being organized and decluttered.
Today was the day! I decided enough was enough and it was time declutter and organize.
During this process, I found a 1/2 sheet of notebook paper with a list of best habits for happiness and success. I honestly cannot remember when I made this list and if I made it or found it (getting older sucks)!
Regardless, it’s a great list, especially if I made it myself, that I hope you get some use out of too.
Here we go! These are not in a particular order.
- Wake up early. This is easier said than done. If you’re like me, you get up early anyway. The saying “the early bird gets the worm” is the key to starting your day off right, IMO.
- Start a journaling habit. Mine evolves around scripture. I get up before the rest of the house every day so I can have quiet time first thing. My late grandma used to say, “Start your day with scripture,” and it wasn’t until I was in my 30s did I really understand/appreciate this.
- Read every day. My daughter and my husband’s kids (most of them) love to read. It’s so fun to watch my 7-year-old bonus son read now vs. the beginning of the school year. Reading isn’t just essential for kids, but all of us. I try and go back and forth between something that’s good for me and something mindless, like James Patterson.
- Develop an exercise habit. For me, that’s walking. I DO NOT like to run, so I walk. When the weather is nasty, I get on the treadmill. When it’s nice and I have the chance, I go for a walk around the property. I’ve mowed walking paths in the pasture around our place for almost 2 years. When we all can go, the kids love grabbing their bikes and racing around it. It’s also a great chance for the hubby and I to spend time together. I sometimes like to go alone for “me time,” too. It’s also important to adopt healthy eating habits. This will make you feel better, too.
- Make time for mastery. This is why I think I didn’t make ALL of this list, because that’s not a word I use in my daily vocab. I really want to learn how to sew more than just basic hems and buttons. Learning a new skill is so important for your brain, especially as we age.
- Connect with people you love. I got to FaceTime with my daughter today. It was so wonderful. We probably talked for close to an hour. Whether it’s a lunch date with an old friend (Hi, Kate!) or a phone call with family, there’s nothing better than connecting with people you love.
- Review the day. How was your day? Don’t say “Fine” or “Meh” or “It was OK.” Seek out the positive. Leave the negative behind. What can you do differently tomorrow? Do you need to make a list to feel more prepared heading into the day.
Dryer’s done. I need to go pull clothes before they start to wrinkle.
I hope this list was helpful! If I’m missing something, comment below what you do every day to be success.
Aunt Bubba
Bubba & Co. 