TIME and Making the Most of It

In spite of the common saying "We all have the same 24 hours" it is simply not true. Some are younger, some healthier, some work out of the home, some work in the home, and many do both! I could go on and on about our different circumstances but I think I've made my point.

What is important, is that we each make the most of        whatever amount of  time we do have. 


Here are some tricks that worked for me over the years. Some worked better than others however. Hopefully you can find one or two that will help you when you find yourself dragging or just plain procrastinating.

My mother always washed dishes immediately after the meal. I hated to wash dishes and was happy to find reasons for putting them off, only to find the food hardened . . .the job harder . . . the chore longer. One day I mentioned it to her and she told me she hated washing dishes so she always did them right away to get it over with.

• Time unpleasant tasks --- you will be more willing to do them when you see how little time they actually take.  
• Pretend you just got a phone call and someone you haven't seen in a long time will be arriving in 30 minutes. It is amazing how much you can accomplish!
• Plan your work and then work your plan (but you rule the plan and don't let the plan rule you!)
• Look at your accomplishments at the end of the day, not your "un-accomplishments."
• Make lists: They may clutter the refrigerator but they un-clutter your mind. But don't make them so detailed you don't leave yourself a minute to sneeze, or to take time to smell a rose, or to give your full attention to what your child is saying to you. That kind of list is overwhelming!
• Set goals.  Then break these goals down into realistic sub-goals and start working towards their accomplishment. No successful business is run haphazardly. Be patient and stick to it.
• Remember: Life is a journey ---- not a destination. Take it one step at a time and don't overlook the wonder and beauty around you.

I really believe in the following sayings. They help me keep putting one foot in front of the other.

SELF-DISCIPLINE IS THE ABILITY TO CARRY OUT A RESOLUTION----

AFTER THE ENTHUSIASM IS GONE!

HARD WORK IS AN ACCUMULATION OF EASY THINGS YOU DIDN'T DO WHEN YOU SHOULD HAVE!

Consistency is important in child-rearing. In homemaking and everyday life, don't be afraid to experiment, incorporate, eliminate and alter, as necessary. Needs and methods change as do the seasons of our lives. Be flexible and open to new ideas. Roll with the punches.

One of the saddest epitaphs on the pages of time is "but I have always done it that way."

An admission: At this time in our life, our favorite clock has all its numbers laying haphazardly at its bottom and across the top it simply states "Who Cares"

I am Simply, Gail