Q: What are you doing to get ready for Thanksgiving?
My A: Going crazy trying to clean my house! And trying to stay focused on the things I am thankful for and the really wonderful blessings I have been given and not be distracted by other things that really don't matter.
Please leave a comment with your own answer to this question.
Ok, I'm going to add another question or two today. Where do you start when you have a huge, overwhelming task to accomplish? I am facing such a task today. Actually it's a whole bunch of smaller tasks that are all piled up into one gigantic mountain of a task. In my mind it is just about impossible. It seems so overwhelming to me that I don't know where to start, and so I'm just NOT starting. That doesn't help anything!!! Does this happen to anyone else? If so, what do you do? I know, and I tell myself, that if I will just start I'll feel better and I'll accomplish something (as opposed to nothing!), and life will be looking up. Maybe not perfect, but certainly better than it was before. How do you take that first step?
6 comments:
We're supposed to be going out of town for Thanksgiving, so technically I'm not doing a whole lot to prepare until next Tuesday when I'll be baking pies.
As for tasks, I'm a perfectionist and have issues doing something when it isn't REALLY close to perfect to begin with. I get panicky if things aren't how I think they need to be. So I'm not one who should be giving any advice on that front.
I am waiting for my sister-in-law to tell me what I am supposed to bring. I know I'm not i charge of the Turkey, so I'm not too stressed.
As for your other question, I am not sure what my advice would be, but I would love to talk to you on the phone if that would help. We could brain storm. I hope it all works out for you. Love you :)
The only comment I can make is... I'm sorry! You're just like me. But I have learned over the years that when things don't get done that you think have to get done, it's not the big deal that you think it is. The event being prepared for still happens, and everyone has a nice time anyway. The other thing is that when you're trying to prepare and feeling stressed with the kids, just forget it until they've gone to bed. I'm sure you know that you can get a lot done in just an hour, that might have taken all day. Then you can go to bed less stressed and with fewer regrets. This from the REGRET queen.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. We have been adding to our annual Thankfulness Wall every day and the number of things we are thankful for is growing. We're at the point where we really have to think about what we're thankful for. I'm hoping that Grandma will let me bring the turkey for thanksgiving dinner and maybe some pies. We'll have to see...
You know, Aimee, I have a similar problem when it comes to tackling the housework. Particularly in the winter when it is cloudy outside. Sunshine is so very vital to my happiness and well-being! That said, I do have a few things that help me. 1)I pray - as I'm sure you do - but specifically for help to accomplish what I have to do; even for the desire to do it. 2) I put on my "working" music - anything upbeat that will make the job go faster. 3) I once had someone tell me that the best thing they did for themselves was always to have an empty sink. When the kitchen sink in piled with dirty dishes, it somehow makes everything else seem dirty and overwhelming. I thought that idea was pretty stupid, actually, until I tried. You know, it really does make a big difference!! Now, I unload/load the dishwasher first thing after breakfast everyday and the rest of my day just seems to fall into place. Most of the time...And as I told Tyler the other day - getting out of bed is a huge commitment. A commitment that I'm going to work and spend my time profitably; that I'm going to care for my children and play with them and teach them and (lately) clean up their vomit. There are days that I'm sure it's a commitment I want to make, but in the end I always do.
I tell myself "Just do this area or task for 10 minutes (or whatever SMALL increment of time)" Then when I've done it for that amount of time I'm either finished with it or I decide to finish it, or I move on to something else for 10 minutes. It gets me out of the overwhelming "I have so much to do, I'll do nothing" syndrome and it gets me moving. I am totally relating to you. I've got guests coming on Tuesday night and have a ton of things to do before then. I think the advise from your mom is perfect... what you have to leave "undone" will probably only be noticed by you and all will be well. I read this quote this morning... it might help keep things in perspective. "We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same."
We're just headed out to Lancaster to spend the day with Mike's parents, so there is nothing for me to do, as she loves doing it all. I do plan to try to fill a little woven cornecopia full of yummy fruits/veggies as a thank you, though.
Two of my techniques (happy, upbeat music and setting time limits) have already been suggested. Another thing I do, is to write out a minute To Do list, and under each task I write out all the little steps required to accomplish the task (i.e. CLEAN LIVING ROOM, then a.)Remove dishes, movies, papers, etc. b.) dust furniture c.) straighten pillows and furniture d.)sweep/mop floors) I am a very visual person, so it helps my psyche to see a bunch of little check marks of progress. Another thing I do is to use the laundry basket to gather up all items that belong in another rooms or areas. It makes for less trips back and forth.
I heard a long time ago that you can gauge a person's mind by the appearance of their environments. Now, don't freak out, cus we all know you have kiddos running 24/7. :) I just mean that if you are stressed out, it is likely to show. If you want to feel more relaxed and calm, try putting one or two obvious and easy things in order, and I bet you will find motivation to take on the harder things. So much of what goes on around us effects our subconscious psyches but we can consciously fight back a little at a time...as time, kiddos and Life permit. :)
P.S. Anyone who knows you, knows how hard you work, Aimee. Do listen to everyone else (above), as I am sure you are being your hardest critic. Love you, Chica.
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