On days when I am grumpy, it usually comes down to one of three reasons: I didn't sleep enough, I didn't eat or drink enough, or my house is out of control. Yet, when my house is not out of control, the first two reasons alone rarely cause me to have a grumpy day. Something about a clean house gives me peace and allows me to enjoy my day, sleep deprived and all. I can get out of my grumpy mood by playing with my kids, baking something yummy, or getting outside in the fresh air.
When my house is a disaster, no such luck. No matter where we escape to or how much I ignore it, I can't get rid of the sinking feeling that it's there waiting for me. Sometimes the thought of the mess even makes my skin crawl. (Not good, I know, but you might not realize how big of a disaster I'm talking here.) It's frustrating, overwhelming at times, to try to keep a clean house when it's being lived in, played in, eaten in, all day, every day.
I'm not looking for perfection (ha!). I'm only looking for at least one clean countertop to prepare the next meal, a bathroom acceptable to an unannounced guest, and somewhere without so much clutter that I can actually focus on reading, prayer, or an important conversation. I'd like to throw in a clean master bedroom for an added bonus - it's so nice to fall asleep at night in a clean room, and even better to wake up in one!
Over the next month, I'm going to embark on a mission of simplifying our home, by decluttering, organizing, deep cleaning, and maintaining. In that order, I'll share my plans, tips, and real-life before and after photos of the rooms I tackle (yikes!). My goal for the month is to simplify, both in terms of the amount of stuff and in how I keep the stuff under control. By the end of the month, I know I'll be smiling. How about you?
Monday, August 20, 2012
10 Goals 8.20.12
What better way to find more joy in my life than to set concrete goals each week? I divide my goals into three categories: Prayerful, Practical, and Playful.
Prayerful:
1) Start waking up before the boys to have time to read and pray. (This is so hard for me!)
2) Decide on and commit to a fall Bible study.
3) Start a new prayer journal.
Practical:
4) Set up haircut and doctor appointments.
5) Shred and freeze zucchini from the garden.
6) Buy cards and gifts for upcoming weddings and babies.
7) Finish the laundry room overhaul.
Playful:
8) Finish reading Flunking Sainthood and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
9) Plan a surprise date night at home.
10) Enjoy my 28th birthday on Wednesday!
Read more goals every week over at Money Saving Mom.
Prayerful:
1) Start waking up before the boys to have time to read and pray. (This is so hard for me!)
2) Decide on and commit to a fall Bible study.
3) Start a new prayer journal.
Practical:
4) Set up haircut and doctor appointments.
5) Shred and freeze zucchini from the garden.
6) Buy cards and gifts for upcoming weddings and babies.
7) Finish the laundry room overhaul.
Playful:
8) Finish reading Flunking Sainthood and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
9) Plan a surprise date night at home.
10) Enjoy my 28th birthday on Wednesday!
Read more goals every week over at Money Saving Mom.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Beginning
Today I am beginning this blog in hopes that it will lead myself and others to "A More Joyful Life." I'll be blogging about marriage, motherhood, and homemaking through the lens of my Catholic faith. These are the things that make me who I am - a daughter of God living out my vocation with love and joy. I welcome readers, though I may not have any. Perhaps in time this will grow. For now, it is my space to write and reflect on this blessed life God has given me.
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