I’m here with some Monday tools because I want us to have a week that is equal parts productive and not totally sucky. We’re writing lists, we’re being considerate to ourselves and people around us, and we’re going to tackle the big and the daunting. Essentially, I want us not to pull our hair out.
We need a team high-five. Let’s fight the good fight!
โข I write a daily to-do list but on Mondays it’s nice to write a more broad list in addition to the daily deal. Write a list of goals for the week. This could include larger projects you have on your plate, a home task (why is folding laundry so so so hard!? ), or a self-care treats. (How about a face mask whiiiiile folding laundry? Boom boom pow.)
โข WATER! Drink more water, but make it interesting! Coconut water powder, add cucumber, add fresh basil, add a splash of aloe vera juice (hardcore).
โข Have fun making dinner one night. Yea… even if it’s just for you. How about The Best Weeknight Chicken Dinner? There’s buttery rice and peas involved, plus leftovers for lunch.
โข Try something fresh. Even if it’s Facebook Live and even though that seems terrifying.
โข Do the thing you don’t want to do. For me that means calling my health insurance company. I’m SO GOOD at NOT doing this. I need to change my game and really… just do it. Do the daunting things first thing and relish in the glory of crossing it off the list.
โข In conflict, think of the other perspective. See someone’s frustration as where they might need support and what you can offer. And then, if you do this successfully… eat an ice cream sandwich because that business is hard sometimes.
โข Call someone you love. On the phone. With your voice. It’s all about nurturing relationships which, apparently, don’t nurture themselves.
โข Give someone a pep talk. My maj Tracy has gotten me on the pep talk bandwagon this week. It feels good to encourage people because it’s basically like encouraging yourself at the same time. Positivity breeds.
โข Think ahead for yourself. This post , The Beauty Products I Always Run Out Of and Rebuy, got me thinking about the things I need to restock just so my future self can be less frazzled before running out the door to something or other.
โข Be in love with your life, every bit, even Mondays. This can be challenging too. It’s all about perspective and ice cream sandwich rewards.
Let’s go get it!
xo Joy
53 Responses
I make this at least once a week. It is so easy and my family devours it! Once again Joy, you are amazing. Thank you.
“Call someone you love. On the phone. With your voice. Itโs all about nurturing relationships which, apparently, donโt nurture themselves.” WITH YOUR VOICE made me laugh! Good advice, Joy – and I’d tell you that, with my voice, if I had your phone number. :-)
Great post – thank you!
This was so very needed today. Thank you :-)
I definitely should have read this on Monday. Still good on a Thursday!
I loved this post! Such nice reminders :)
Inspiring! And I made the chicken for supper last night. My family was in heaven! My 13 year old wanted a portion saved so she could have it for breakfast this morning!
this makes me so happy Theresa! you’re doin’ it!
You give the best advice Joy. I always look forward to reading what you have to say, especially on Let it be Sunday :) love your positive outlook :)
JOY, love love LOVE your blog posts! The Sunday posts keep me informed and, yes is true, add a “cool factor” to my world because: you/Joy = way more hip/in-the-know than me! And, this post? THIS is exactly how I need to start my weeks. I especially like your suggestions to write down weekly goals, give pep talks and try to see others’ perspectives. Thank you for being super-awesome!!
i’m so glad you’re here!
Love this post!! I enjoyed the read!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Thanks Joy for such an amazing list of reminders! I’m a big fan of coconut water as it replenishes the electrolytes but never heard of coconut water powder. How does it compare to actual coconut water?
Oh I love this. Yes! It’s so good to start off the working week with positive good vibes. That chicken looks like the perfect thing to make one day during this rainy/cloudy week too.
What a great and helpful post to get us all motivated. A needed addition to my week!
Late to the Monday pep talk — but will try it next week! You’re a great writer who tells it like it is, ice cream sandwich and all. Thanks!
This was a great post and perfect for a Monday, when I think we all need a pep talk. I completely agree with being considerate to ourselves and those around us. Love your words of encouragement!
wonderful blog. I like your post Thanks for sharing :)
I took your Monday challenge by the horns and conquered my fear of piping โฆ.thanks to you. I ordered the Layered cookbook you recommended and baked her Riesling rhubarb crisp cake. I made fire! It turned out. I give you a shout-out in my blog. Thanks for the courage and the cookbook recommendation!
https://naramatablendblog.wordpress.com/2016/05/10/love-is-like-a-good-cake-you-never-know-when-its-coming-but-youd-better-eat-it-when-it-does-joybell-c/
I often come here on a Monday for an inspiring Monday-based post because you’re SO good at them! Thanks :-)
Such a great post – thanks a lot. Especially the “Do the thing you don’t want to do” – I definitely have one of those and I’m going to tackle it this week. Going on the list!
Happy “crossing off the list” and enjoy the ice cream! Sina
I so enjoy reading all of your posts. Thank You. D.D.
I’d say you’re already killing it this week! Posts on Sunday AND Monday – boom pow! Must be all that new Drake inspo!
This is a great post and so timely. While I’m not sure of the water mix you proposed, I got inspired and have created my own -that I’m going to head to the store on the way home to concocted – plus weekday chicken – bam… dinner decided. So enjoy your blog. – TAF theappreciationfactor.worpdress.com
i’m so glad you’re here! high-five to you!
I always add Aloe to my water during the summer. Sun healing starts from within!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I am such a procrastinator with the stuff I don’t want to do, too! I have come to realize life is so much better when you just get it over with and can move on to better stuff. Thank you for the tips!
One piece of advice that my best friend continues to tell me in her pep-talks is “love begets love”. This feels very similar to “positivity breeds”. :)
it’s true! and amen!
I’m waking up at basically 11:30 on a Tuesday after finals week. Thank you for this Joy – you’re the best!
Your website is very quickly becoming my favorite corner of the internet. :)
i really do appreciate you!
Thanks for a gentle reminder that to do lists need to be about more than just things.
The link for a Weeknight Chicken Dinner actually took me to Shutterbean and a fabulous Spinach Egg Breakfast
Sandwich that I raided the ingredients for tonight’s dinner to make this morning …..yummy.
Lots of great ideas that can carry over into daily lists also.
Thanks again Joy, not only did I get great ideas and a great breakfast, I found another great blog to follow.
JD
“In conflict, think of the other perspective: See someoneโs frustration as where they might need support and what you can offer. And then, if you do this successfullyโฆ eat an ice cream sandwich because that business is hard sometimes.”
This is SO hard, but so beneficial to any and all relationships.
โIn conflict, think of the other perspective: See someoneโs frustration as where they might need support and what you can offer. And then, if you do this successfullyโฆ eat an ice cream sandwich because that business is hard sometimes.โ
“This is SO hard, but so beneficial to any and all relationships.”
Especially if you share the ice cream sandwiches!
Loved this wonderful Monday post!
Positivity Breeds.
Perfect, thanks Joy!
it does it does!
This is so timely! I just had my regular monthly team meeting and told everyone that my pledge to them is that no matter what happens, I am going to do my best to keep a positive attitude at work every day! I also have two friends that live in the US( I am in Canada) and I text them once or twice a week just to let them know I am thinking about them. I think I might call them today instead.
Reading this and drinking water. It is amazing how difficult I find it to keep up a simple habit that makes me look and feel better!
Great post for a Monday morning! Question about Best Weekday Chicken. I was directed to a Spring Minestrone?
all fixed up! thank you kandy!
Yay! So inspiring! I’m guessing your pep talk goal is the reason you texted me the sweetest message yesterday. I really appreciated it! I thought about it all day :)
Let’s go get Monday! Let’s also be super nice to all those around us–cashiers, clerks, strangers we walk by. I swear it makes a difference :) <3 XO
well i was just thinking about you!! and yes- let’s be nice!
I agree about the phone call. Too often now people use text or other social media to talk to people without having to talk to them! Last week felt a bad week for me so I’m dusting off my to do list this week again. ;)
https://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
Wow Joy! You really shared some good stuff here. These little tips really got me thinking of the little things, how much they matter, and what I can do to make this week great. The small things truly add up. Keep doing what you do and being your wonderful self! Sending love, Jess
I needed this! So much so, I wrote it out word for word in my phone notes. Come at me week!
you’re serious! you totally got this!
Monday is time to reboot. I always think, “Anything can happen week!” And it usually does. I hope you have an exciting, surprising week!
What a great way to start Monday morning! Water is definitely my struggle. Not sure why it’s so hard to remember to stay hydrated. I know it would make me feel better!
Thank you Joy! Just what I needed this week! Off to write that list of goals including time for ice cream! ;)
I can relate to pretty much anything on that list – no, I don’t want to make that call! Something we all should listen to, love this post.
This was a really great post! Just what I needed to hear this Monday morning! :)
Karina xx
http://www.thekazlightanthem.blogspot.com
love! great reminders. thank you :) Have a wonderful Monday