Category: health and wellness

Too Many Eggs, and Way Too Many Baskets

The older I get the more I want to simplify my life. Yet here I am, with 501 things going on. I swear I’ve been busier this spring and summer than I was when I worked almost full time.

Disclaimer: Links within this post are either to my own products, or products I endorse. I may receive a small commission should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no extra cost to you. My blog is supported through commissions and sales of my products. Plus, if you like what you read you can show your support by pinning this post, sharing on social media, or buy me a coffee.  Thank you for your continued support.

Where I’ve Been

My new home has taken a lot of my time. I have had trees cut down and have been trying to cut up the huge logs into fireplace-sized ones. With the help of my boyfriend, we’ve gotten through some of the pile.

There has also been the building of trellises, raised beds, purchase of a greenhouse, rototilling a part of the lawn for fruit trees, and the mowing of the lawn itself (which seems to need doing every few days).

But in all honesty, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the space I’m creating. By the end of next summer, I should have everything the way I want it.

But that’s not what this post is about.

It’s about spreading oneself too thin, and not prioritizing the important things. Well, in a sense that’s not true because my family comes first. When I am asked by my daughter to look after her dogs or my granddaughter, I am there.

I have, however, been quite lax as far as my writing goes. Sometimes there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day. Do you ever feel that way?

Reflection

As I reflect on the first 6 months of this year (wait, make that 7), I have realized I have too many things going on in terms of websites, shops, and unfinished novels. Today I invested in myself to change that.

Instead of having my digital products scattered between Etsy, Gumroad, Ravelry, etc, I will be moving the majority of them to my products page on this site. I have often said all our eggs shouldn’t be in one basket, but sometimes we have too many (baskets that is). I’m ditching some of my baskets.

Where I Need to Be

Writing and product creation are where I want to spend my work time, not trying to update products on a dozen different platforms.

I didn’t realize just how many things I have on the go until I started a blog planner last week. As I made my notes of what I had to do I came to the conclusion my baskets are everywhere. Having 2 – 4 is okay; anything more than that and it’s chaos.

I used to have a planner with everything written down so I knew exactly what I had going on. After Ross passed away that kind of went to the wayside. I am definitely more productive and organized when I have my planner set up and open.

If you’re more of a long-term planning type of person, check out my Quarterly Planner. The Zip file includes Q3 and Q4 of 2023, and Q1-Q4 of 2024, in plain and a lavender print backgound. Plus, the PDF files can be used in GoodNotes for those of you who prefer digital planning.

More planners and planner pages will be added as I put more eggs in this basket, and they’ll be easily accessible.

Wrapping It Up

I know I rambled a bit (or maybe a lot), but my point is this: don’t be afraid to take a step back and re-evaluate what you have going on. If you feel as if you’re stretched too thin, then you probably are. Look deep within and see where changes need to be made, and use a habit tracker to gradually make those changes.

Do what works for you because you have to be happy, no matter what you do.

Why It’s Good to Think Outside the Box

Do you ever have a “Why didn’t I think of this before?” moment?

I’ve had a few of them lately, and it’s annoying. And mostly because it’s been such simple stuff.

For example, I’ve been concentrating on making printables for my Etsy Shop and just came to the conclusion the same files can be used in Goodnotes or other notetaking apps. It looks like I have some listings to revamp.

Disclaimer: Links within this post are either to my own products, or products I endorse. I may receive a small commission should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no extra cost to you. My blog is supported through commissions and sales of my products. Plus, if you like what you read you can show your support by pinning this post, sharing on social media, or buy me a coffee.  Thank you for your continued support.

Sometimes we get too set in our ways.

I’m the type of person who likes things as they were. It’s hard for me to make drastic changes in life willingly. However, those changes have happened whether I wanted them to or not.

When Ross died I kept as much the same in the house as I could. His clothes were still there, everything on his nightstand, and so forth. It took a long time before I gradually started giving away/tossing his things. When I moved, I probably kept more than I should have.

Getting settled into my new place has been an adventure to say the least. Once I wrapped my head around the fact I could change the colours of the walls, replace the flooring, and make changes as I see fit, it has been easier to do.

Me and my wanting things to stay the same is interfering with how the yard is going to change this summer. I love the grass (over an acre of it I’m sure), but the practical me knows that space can be better utilized for growing flowers, fruit, and vegetables. I even have trouble changing things other people did.

The point I’m trying to make is we all too often get in our own way. Just because something has been done a certain way for ages doesn’t mean that’s the only way. The older I get, the more I’m realizing it.

In order to improve, we have to be willing to make changes.

Improvement doesn’t miraculously just happen. We have to make it happen. Whether it’s improving our health or financial status, we’re the ones responsible. And the improvements also mean hard work on our part.

Sure, we’d like to think things will just fall into our laps, but that does not happen. And if by some chance it does, the circumstances haven’t been the best to make it happen. (Ask me how I know.)

I’ve spent the better part of the last 2 1/2+ years taking courses, reading, and working to improve what I do and how to do it. I have also ventured into some unknown territory regarding my writing and creating, but I know better things are in store.

As we all know, everything works in theory. But in order to make it work for real we have to take chances and be willing to make changes.

No matter what we do in life we have to be willing to make changes; or at least accept that sometimes change is inevitable. Plus we have to work on being better versions of ourselves. I have a quote on my office wall that says “It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than you were yesterday.” It’s a quote I refer to often, especially when things aren’t proceeding like I think they should be.

So when you’re stuck in your thinking, or in a creative rut, take a step back and think about what you can do to make things better. Write it out, talk it out, or colour it out. You never know what will present the “aha” moment you need.

Getting Through the Holidays When You’re Not Feeling Festive

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, but can bring about mixed feelings for some.

I love Christmas, but the season seems to mess with my sleep. I don’t usually give it much thought, but I did pay better attention this year. About two weeks before Christmas my sleep went to shit; something I haven’t had much trouble with for months.

My boyfriend (Is that even a term when one is over 50?) said I should go to the doctor and see if there was an underlying issue, but I’m stubborn and didn’t. I told him I’d see how it went after Christmas, and if the horrible sleep persisted I’d make an appointment.

Here it is, the 29th of December, and I’m almost back on track for sleeping through the night (aside from the 3-4 am pee break). So the bottom line is, it most likely had everything to do with Christmas.

Disclaimer: Links within this post are either to my own products, or products I endorse. I may receive a small commission should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, at no extra cost to you. My blog is supported through commissions and sales of my products. Plus, if you like what you read you can show your support by pinning this post, sharing on social media, or buy me a coffee.  Thank you for your continued support.

I did invest in a weighted blanket, however, and that did seem to help to a degree. I also bought a box of Sleep Eze, of which I only took one. (I think taking it caused me more anxiety than the not sleeping, so I decided to just not bother taking another.)

This was the third Christmas without Ross, and I think that weighed a little heavier on my mind and heart than I realized. Holidays and special occasions are the hardest, because we spent so many together. I missed having him here to sample the baking, offer to open the presents early, and have an eggnog with. I didn’t even go for a drive to see the Christmas lights in town this year; something we did every year.

Things you can do.

If Christmas brings sadness to you, know you aren’t alone. In a time that’s supposed to be so happy, many people don’t realize that others are struggling just to get through it. It’s definitely a time of mixed emotions and feelings for so many people.

Admitting to others you’re sad isn’t a bad thing. Those who truly care will understand, and will be there with the extra hugs when you need them. It’s okay to have off days.

What isn’t okay is to think others will be better off without you. The holidays also find suicide rates increasing, because some individuals feel they have nothing to live for. If you’ve ever had suicidal thoughts, don’t keep them to yourself. Get the help you deserve, because the world just won’t be the same without you.

I’m not a doctor or trained in mental health issues, but I do know that reaching out to someone does help. Even if it’s just for company. You don’t have to talk about who you’re missing or what’s bothering you, but that does help. Chances are, the person you reach out to is missing someone too.

Journalling also helps, because it can bring thoughts and feelings into perspective. I personally have been lacking in my journalling, which I know isn’t the healthiest of things to do. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, and not take the time to write down what’s going on behind the scenes.

Finding the good in each day has more power than you might think. Whether it’s a call from a friend, seeing the sunrise (or sunset), or simply getting through the day withoput having a meltdown. (Granted, meltdowns are what makes us stronger, but that’s just my humble opinion.) Practice gratitude and you’ll feel better as the days go on. And don’t just reserve gratitude for holidays; practice it each and every day.

Turn up the tunes. I don’t know about you, but I find some upbeat music lifts my spirits. I love my country music, but sometimes the mood calls for some 80’s rock or even some techno-shit (as a former co-worker put it). Even Christmas Carols can be fun when they’re sung by Boney M or the Irish Rovers.

As we get older our lives change, and we often lose those closest to us. It’s not easy by any means, but we need to do everything in our power to carry on for our kids, grandkids, family, and friends. Humans are complicated beings, and the older I get the more I see just how complicated we really are.

If the holidays and special occasions bring you down, talk to someone about it. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or trained professional, chances are you’ll feel better. And if you can ride out the storm, then you have become stronger than you were when it started.

You are special. You are important. And most of all, you are loved.

%d bloggers like this: