Lessons learned

It's 10:15pm on a Friday night and I've already had a 2 hr nap. That's kind of sad but ... I'm at peace with it.

I feel like I've learned quite a few lessons in the past few days so I thought I'd share them in point form tonight. Maybe there's a tidbit of something that can be beneficial to someone reading, who knows?

* I am super duper cranky when I wake up from naps much of the time. (Who am I kidding? I've known that for a long time).

* Accomplishing goals (or striking items off your 'To do list') often happens in little steps.

Most of the time we just need to do step one and the rest will follow. I learned this through priming some much avoided trim, now I only have one coat left to go and I just started last weekend - not bad for me.

* When you find ways to make your avoided task fun, you don't notice that it is an 'avoided task'.

I decided that the only way I'd actually complete painting the trim in a timely manner was to invite someone to keep me company while I worked. I posted my need for a friend on facebook - of course, and sure enough someone offered to come and I actually enjoyed myself!.

* Only have one pair of slippers on the go at a time.

You are more likely to keep track of that one pair rather than having 4 pairs on the go and never knowing where any of them are.

* Cooking meals at the beginning of the week makes a week of on the go eating so much yummier, healthier and easier.

I realize this may not be all that helpful for moms with kids but it's great for Wally and I.

* If you don't like a piece of furniture and are thinking of giving it away, don't be afraid to paint it, cover it or redefine it's use.

I repainted a little table that didn't fit with the decor of our living room anymore and before deciding to get rid of it I figured I'd trying painting it first. Now I love it!.

* Do small tasks now.

Like just washing the dishes, sending a meaningful e-mail, or throwing a load of laundry in. Instead of waiting to do 500 things 'tomorrow' do one of them now that you know will give you some ease (I love waking up to an empty sink - we don't have a dishwasher). I've been doing this for the past week or so and I have felt much less stressed about the nest day's 'To do' list.

* When you are open and ready, the right opportunity will come along.

Wally and a friend of mine have been prompting me to take a writing course of some kind. I contacted a relative of mine who writes for a living on any thoughts on a good writing course. She sent me back some info but I was still unsure of what kind of course I wanted so I did nothing and thought on it some more. The other day she e-mailed me again with a one day writing seminar teaching people how to write the story of their lives and those of others which is EXACTLY what I am wanting to do! I signed up for the course and am anticipating learning lots! (I seriously plan on writing a book someday - I already have an idea of what I want to do).

* Grief heals slowly, teaches deeply and deserves to be acknowledged.

The loss of Bee and the circumstances around her disappearance and what may or may not have happened to her are all things I am allowed to grieve and learn from. (Her funeral is on Sunday by the way, feel free to pray for her family especially).

* The right people come into your life at the right time, once again, when you are ready to accept who they are and why they may be there.

I am so thankful for several friendships I have enjoyed and deepened over the past couple of years as we've changed our lives. It's only happened AFTER I had grown and opened myself up in different ways. I am so thankful for the people I have met.

* If you are unsure about something and have questions, earnestly ask for the answers, they will come.

I was wondering what to do about having children so I let go and waited. Now I feel peace about our decision (though I haven't shared with you all yet what that is). I was unsure of what made me happy, I was given a great hint yesterday. (I plan to go back and write through my answers to the list of questions I was pondering a few blog posts ago).

* Often when you are struggling NOT to do something, the struggle is really in the indecisiveness to do it.

You have not actually committed yourself to do it, you are still unsure and you won't do anything different until you are sure.

* To achieve what you want to achieve in life, whether it's an attitude, a physical goal, or any other accomplishment, you MUST surround yourself with people that will encourage you.

Not that it's impossible otherwise, but it's MUCH easier with that support system (and networking).

* Don't ever feel guilty for experiencing joy.

Soon enough life will happen to challenge your feelings. Share the joy you have while you have it.

* Do stuff you love.

Why not if it makes you happy?

* Facebook is much more enjoyable when it's used on a limited basis (even though it's friggin' hard to detox from it!)

Well I think I could go on but I really should stop.

Hope you learned something with me.