"Being Busy" is No Excuse

In the past I've used the excuse of being "too busy" for a lot of things. It is true, I am a busy person and I have a very full schedule, but it isn't that way every day. There are fluctuations, rising and falling tides of events and obligations.

Previously, on any given day, my home would not have qualified as "organized, neat and tidy" it was..... lived in {for sure!} I would go through clutter clearing spurts when I could no longer stand the mess. It would stay that way for awhile and then... it would go back to the default state.

The default state is the state we are in when we haven't aligned and integrated a certain target. It's the place of stasis where there is little effort. It's a resting point. There's nothing wrong with a resting point, it's just that nothing changes.

If we want something to change, we have to get clear on what that is, set the target(s) and then take steps toward it. I'm not goal oriented because it seems too linear for me, but I like the idea of setting a target, practicing and then adjusting the aim until I "hit" the bullseye.

One of my targets last fall was having a clean, organized and functional home. I was tired of the constant mess and more tired of continually having to clean it up every couple of months. I would clear things out, but I would be resentful because I wasn't enjoying the day or spending intentional time with my loves ones. I was clearing clutter....again. I set the target for my home to become a contribution to my body and my family.

Setting that target required a lot of observation and focus. It also meant that I had to be accountable for my choices and to become more clear when making them. If I didn't want to come home to a disaster every night, then I needed to make some different choices, on a daily basis.

If you've read the blog and/or followed instagram, you may have seen/read some examples of this particular target! My counters have remained cleared off, closet is organized, floors are clean, bed is made, items are in their places. It's taken diligence to put things away when I come in the door, especially late at night. It's taken patience and persistence to keep questioning myself about what I am keeping and what I am letting go of.

Why I am I sharing this? Because I resisted being in a routine and a routine is exactly why I've been able to hit some significant targets. Being in a routine is not a limitation, the limitation was not taking control of my life, my environment, my food intake, my possessions and even my choices. I started observing how I was spending my time, the choices I was making and how I was utilizing my talents rather than my defaults. The results have reshaped how I am operating on a daily basis and redefining what I felt limitations were.

Taking control our environments, both inner and outer, is one of the most empowering choices we can make. Rather than spin our wheels or operate on our current default programs, taking steps toward our targets can gently move us out of and beyond habits and comfort zones. Most of us really don't want to see areas where we've dropped the ball and epically failed. But what if failing is not an option? What if we release that word and just see everything in the past as a choice...because it is. It may not have been the best choice, but it was a choice and the good news about that is we can always make a different choice or a NEW choice.

Rather than being stuck and stymied by past choices, we can look at those objectively and learn a great deal about our tendencies. We can more effectively change how we do things by being awake and present in the moment. "Interesting that I do this..... what other choices do I have? What would it take to do something different here?" Engaging in authentic observation, sans judgement, is like adding rocket fuel to our forward movement and positive changes. It becomes easy and enjoyable. Like pearls coming off of a necklace we can begin to see a lot of areas that have probably been operating on auto-pilot. We can take note, continue to observe, ask questions and make conscious choices that will shift our trajectories.

I was hesitant to follow a routine and stay in a schedule. In truth, I really don't have a set schedule. I do certain activities at the same time every day, but how I do them varies. For example, I don't always wash clothes on Monday, but when I do wash them, I make sure to dry/hand them and put them away as soon as possible. I don't always cook meals, but when I do, I clean up as I go and I set the kitchen straight before I go to bed. I don't always clean the bathroom, but when it gets grungy, no matter what day it is, I wipe the surfaces and freshen up the space. My home stays organized and functional. I keep on the watch for stray objects and things I no longer love, need or will use. I put them in a box and move them out when the opportunity arrives.

Those choices are paying off. I am seeing the results this week. I have something going on every night. That is not ideal and yet, that's how it came out. Rather than saying, "I can't change it, that's just how it is," I can ask "How can I shift my attitude to have this be more enjoyable?" I can also see that not every week is going to be like this, it's not going to be a pattern for me at all. Instead of "I just have to get through this," I can remind myself of how much I am accomplishing this week, what I am experiencing, what I can learn and what I can be grateful for. Most importantly, I recognize that I am FULLY FREE to experience the activities, rather than feel scattered because my home is a disaster. 

My home is by no means perfect. It likely isn't going to show up in a Country Living Magazine in this lifetime, but I've realized I operate much more efficiently when there are fewer items in my home and it is organized. I don't consider myself to be extremely environmentally sensitive, but I do know that I feel more present and focused. I am not spending large chunks of time sorting, organizing and decluttering. This is a stark contrast from walking into a space where the table is buried unde mail and papers, counters are covered and clothes, coats, and shoes are scattered about. I feels really GOOD to walk into a tidy space. Clearing out excess items and  streamlining my routine are two significant contributions in my life. 

This comes from someone who resisted a routine/schedule because it felt like such a damper to my free style way of spontaneous adventure. Letting go of unnecessary items and then following a more intuitive routine have helped me become more present and engaged in my life. I'm making shifts, changes and choices in other areas too, ones that I never thought I would even consider. This has brought through both curiosity and excitement. There are still plenty of areas and aspects of my life that are not yet congruent with my targets, but I have the confidence, motivation and insight to keep moving toward them. I no longer ask "when" I'm just keeping my eyes on the target.

We are all very busy and with being busy comes the tendency to be distracted. I know this because I've lived it. I will probably continue to have busy days, the difference has become how I utilize my time, talents and resources when things are a bit less chaotic. Being busy is a choice. I had a hard time allowing that viewpoint, but it is true. When we become aware of choices like that, we can truly create changes we never thought were possible. 

Weekly Weeding:
No physical items got weeded this week, I wasn't home long enough to do that! 

Mental Weeding: I'm pulling out the phrase, "I'm too busy to __________." I'm planting these new "seeds" 

• looking ahead, creating a plan
• daily check-in with targets
• participating/ being fully engaged
• taking time-outs when opportunity arises
• recognizing rise and fall of schedule, tending to small tasks daily

Creative Growth Step:



Confession: I'm not much of a water drinker. I knew I need to be drinking more water but it's just boring and I just didn't crave it....I've been asking for creative ways to up my water intake. Here's what came through:

*Grabbed my old, beat up Nalgene water bottle {it survived the purge!} I'm pretty sure that it is 32 oz., although the markings are gone.  

*Added Amazing Grass: helps me get more vegetable intake.  I've have three different flavors in my cupboard so it wasn't something I had to buy, I just had to remember to USE it. 

*Added Dr. Berg's Electrolytes (great source of energy!) 

My target is to drink one bottle in the morning and another by evening. I start drinking water as soon as I get up. I have bulletproof coffee and then I go back to my water concoction. 

Disclaimer: I may not do the same thing tomorrow or the next day. I reserve the right to change my mind, thoughts and beliefs as often and necessary as I feel like. I truly enjoy sharing my words, thoughts, inspirations and experiences, but in no way will I promise to keep doing what I'm currently doing now. I am experiencing the benefits and challenge of consistency and when it stops working for me, I'll give it up and try something else. I avoid painting myself into any corners. As always it is my hope what comes through can be a wonderful contribution to your life and living. 

The Need to Rest, Recognize and Appreciate Accomplishments and... taste the Salsa Verde

This past weekend I didn't do any weeding or working. I'm learning the value of incorporating "recovery" days. My week days are highly structured so on weekends, I do my best to deviate from that norm. 

On Saturday, Joe changed the wipers on my Jeep. It wasn't something I thought about doing and WOW, what a difference it has made in my vision. I think I'll keep him around! We grabbed groceries and went out for dinner at Pryce's favorite spot, Tempura.  

I took some time Sunday afternoon to do some journaling, set my schedule for the week and took inventory of my progress. It's easy for me to be in perpetual work and clearing mode. What is not easy is for me to rest, turn my brain off and just BE. Changing environments helps with that. I was feeling somewhat restless and pretty unmotivated. When that comes through, one of the remedies I apply is to move, even when I don't want to. I walked for an hour, Parker lifted weighs and we all shot hoops. It's been awhile since I've had a basketball in my mind. I'll just say both kids outshot me (not difficult), but they were also able to tell where my power spot was, back in the day (no #Uncle Rico stories, promise!)

When I walked back in our house, I had to smile. The kitchen was clean, neat and tidy. All I had to do was start making dinner... in the past, I would have had to clean up the kitchen before I could start cooking! Certainly one of the benefits of creating a less cluttered kitchen is the ease of making meals. (Thanks to this week's Creative Action Step, it was delicious!) 

Why is this significant? Because before, I would have skipped right over my previous actions and efforts and just gone with what I still had to do for the day, 1. make dinner 2. fold and put away laundry 3. get things ready for the week. I would have been hard on myself for not getting those things done earlier in the day (even though "resting" was beneficial!) I was not upset with myself.  On the contrary, taking some time to reflect and recognize what I've accomplished was an important realization. Yes, there's always more to do, but just for today, I was content to recognize what has been created, instituted and established...and then enjoy it.  

In the past when I've succeeded, I just keep working toward the next target. I'm learning to tune into what feels right for me/my body, I'm not adhering to a {rigid} schedule, but I am staying consistent with my targets. Instead of  powering through projects, checking them off and moving to the next target.I am pausing and taking time to see and enjoy what I am creating. I find it strange that this hasn't come naturally to me.

Weekly Weeding: This wasn't a huge weeding weekend, but I did find a few items that I haven't used. This was a fun hat, I wore it once. I did found a hat I like better, but I likely won't purchase it. After deleting things on a continual basis, I am very hesitant about shopping for anything other than consumables right now. 

I also let this dress go. I love the color and style. It was a deal too (I saved $95 dollars on this one!) I kept it because I thought I would have some fun event to wear it to. I've had fun invitations, but I never remembered to wear the dress. Out it goes. 



Creative Growth Steps: 

My growth steps this week was totally unexpected and very YUMMY! Joe mentioned something about picking up Salsa Verde, to which I replied that I had not tried it. Not really sure why or how I missed it, but for whatever reason, it never found me, until this weekend. We picked some up on Saturday night and I had my first taste, on an omelette! Oh.My.Goodness!!!!! DELICIOUS!!!! I had some on my enchiladas last night too. The jar was completely full and now it's 1/2 full (or 1/2 empty?)At any rate, I'm glad I was willing to try it. 

Sometimes growth steps are about reaching beyond ourselves, working, pushing and making things happen. Sometimes those steps arrive in the unexpected, ease-filled ways! I am wondering what other tastes and flavors are waiting for me to try? 

Creative Action Step: Try new things! 

Word Up: Growth

Around four years ago I started the practice of selecting my Word of the Year. In 2015, the word was VIBRANT. I wasn't feeling that way at all, in fact most of the time I wanted to crawl into cave and hide there. I purposely selected a word that would assist in helping me come out of a self-imposed shell. I also wanted to be more aware of how I carry myself and my presence in the world. Self-observation, done without judgment and honesty can really open one's view points. I'm not always vibrant, but I've learned the essence of the word means, how intoxicating it can feel and how it has absolutely nothing to do with how one looks.

In 2016, I sat in a very uncomfortable chair at Nebraska Medicine, while Pake was recovering from his fifth surgery. I was just starting the last of two graduate classes, one of the hardest I'd ever taken. I felt heavy, burdened, and totally unmotivated. With so many things up in the air, so many tasks that were needing to get done, The word COMPLETION came to me. (It actually took longer than a year for that to manifest; the final "achievement" came through last summer!)

In 2017, with a very broken heart, I selected the word Next-Level. Nothing in my life made sense or fit and I knew it would take my focus to move through the grief and loss I was feeling. Where I had been, was no longer going to be a fit for, where I needed to go. When you are at the bottom of a deep hole, the only way to go is up. There is not a way to minimize grief, numb it out or remove it. It's here, it's there, it's wherever I go/wherever I went. I don't expect that it will leave anytime soon, and I've learned to stop fighting it. Some days are better than others, and the other days, I do my best to find positive ways to move through them. One day, at a time, and somedays it's one hour or one minute at a time.

This year, my word is GROWTH. I don’t have any fixed visions or images of how this will come through. I’ve thought a lot about the word, what it means and how it feels. Lately I have realized that in order to grow, I have to cultivate the space to do so, both within my being and within my environment. To do this, the logical action step is to weed out what has previously blocked my growth. Like any good gardener, I have to cultivate the soil if I want to grow a healthy crop.

I've written about the benefits of clutter clearing. I sometimes post my purge details on social media. It feels GOOD to let go of things I no longer want/need/use. I keep a "release" list in my journal. When an item comes to mind, I write it down, thank it, ask it to find a new home and then I let go. Rather than seasonally clearing clutter, I am now doing this as a continual process. I am curious to see what all will be weeded out this year? I wonder what wonderful invitations and opportunities will come into my space/world/reality?

In looking at the meaning of GROW, I'm seeing that soil (space) is needed to cultivate a healthy garden (life). It is essential that we take the time to get rid of plants/species that take up space, leach nutrients and generally don't contribute anything. (Remind you of any people and/or life situations?) In order to raise a robust garden we have to * clear the space and *til the soil *plant the seeds *tend and nurture seed growth. I'm sure you get the metaphors here.

In my quest to raise my own life's garden, it's become very apparent that I've needed to make some changes. These are by no means drastic shifts, but they are different. They are small, and the key is being consistent, which is a a bit different than what I have practiced before.

Before anything is planted, it is necessary to let go of things that are not bearing fruit. Why waste time on causes, practices, habits, choices and relationships that are not going to contribute me/my life? This does require me to question, observe, and be vigilant on what and where I place my focus. Getting really clear on my priorities and taking daily action steps daily is how I move closer to my targets.

Growth comes in various stages and forms. At times it doesn't require taking steps at all. Our bodies/beings may ask for time to contemplate and rest. Growth happens even if we are sleeping (just look at hair, nails and other cells). Sometimes growth isn't about adding things to our lives. At times, growth may require us to let go of people and situations that stunt and suffocate our upward movements. Cultivating our soil is about pushing through old beliefs, stagnant habits and challenging long-held points of view. Growth happens continually, with and without our conscious interaction. How much could we grow by making the choice to do so, working in conjunction with our time, traits and talents? What shifts would we experience if we co-created with growth, rather than leave it to auto-pilot? What would our lives be like if we took conscious ownership of our growth and took better aim at our targets?

One of the fastest ways for me to change is to do some heavy weeding. Just like clearing out a space in my garden, I need to clear out the spaces in my life for growing the goodness I am asking to experience. I’ll be sharing some thoughts on Letting Go In Order to Grow. I don’t know how long the series will go, I do hope that it can be a contribution to those of you who are ready to create a life that is more congruent with who you are and what you are asking for.

Weekly Weeding:
It's really eye-opening when we become aware of the weeds in our personal spaces. One of the pesky ones for me has been the thought "I'll use it in the future." While it may be true, it is very likely that I will get that future point and forget about the item.

*Vases: I have kept these thinking I will fill them up with cool rocks or shells or found objects. I kept one and let the others go. I think they are neat and fun, and... they feel like clutter. I can replace them if I choose to.

*Scentsy pot and smelly bars: There aren’t hurting anything, but I don’t use them.
I made it a point to use these and then the light burned out. I didn't replace it.
I boxed these up and let them go.

*Tiny lotions, shampoos, conditioners: I kept these because they are handy for travel.

*Water bottles: One of my former obsessions. I have a kept a few for the kids to use and/or
to send with a guest. Like clothing items and shoes, I am only using my favorites
so I'm sending these babies down the road.

*Books: It’s good to purge from time to time. I will likely always buy books
but I'm not keeping ones that I haven't read and know that I won't read.
I have digital copies and those are handy when traveling but I truly enjoy holding a physical
copy and I find it is better on my eyes.

In keeping with recycling tradition, I am happy to gift these items. That said, I don’t want it

to cost me anymore time, money, attention, energy or awareness. What I’ve posted here and
on social media is up for grabs. If you are interested, please come and get these things. ) In fact,
there are probably a lot more that I don't post about, but am ready to release). If you see or
see a particular items and it would be a contribution to you (clothing, shoes,
decorations, books, etc) please let me know! If you are willing to pay for shipping and handling,
I'll happily gift you the item(s). My target is to streamline my life and possessions and if, in the letting go,
those items can be useful to someone, that would make me very happy!

Creative Growth Step:
One of the choices I've made recently was to move from several journals to one. I have abandoned calendars/planners/organizers (hard to do as I LOVED starting new ones!)  I am down to just this journal. It is coffee stained, tattered, and random. It contains my navigation notes, ideas, and actions plans. I have a running list of daily, monthly and yearly steps. I have let go of all other organization systems and just started using and creating what works for me. (I have some really cool, leather, journal covers if anyone is interested in them. I don’t see myself going back to them.) This may seem like a really simple step, but I've found that is very freeing.  I'm not flipping from journal to journal. This one goes with me everywhere. It's big enough, but not too big (I've tried larger and smaller sizes).  I'm a visual person so seeing my thoughts, ideas and schedules is helpful. I use Google Calendars for reminders and appointments. 


Has a word of the year found you? What are your priorities? What are your targets? What actions steps can you take today/this week to move you closer? Please share in the comments below.