It’s been one of those swirly weeks, where I’m not sure which pairs of socks are clean and I don’t know which moving box has my favorite dinner plate in it, and I’m not entirely sure I have the right paperwork to take to the water board (because there is a water board) to ask nicely to pay for water and a trash can. Also, my accountant called and talked at me all slow and careful because it’s THAT time of year. And, I just started watching the show Survivor because 2016 seemed like as fine a time as any to get into that show for pure distraction and procrastination purposes.
It’s one of those weeks where inspiration is present but dang elusive and tasks are heavy and endless. I have a tendency to be hard on myself (about the silly television watching for starters), and while being hard on myself can sometimes serve as a motivator… more often than not it a negative pot to simmer in.
In these times of self-bumming I try my best to have patience with myself, see clearly what needs to be done, motivate myself with chocolate, and remind myself of all of the things I know how to do instead of focusing on all of the things I’m still trying to figure out.
Let’s remind ourselves of all of the adulting we do with moderate to great levels of success. It’s a momentary pat on the back and then we’ll get back to not-procrastinating… cool?
All The Things We Know, A Short List:
- We know how to pay our bills and turn the faucet off while we brush our teeth. Not related.
- We know how to apologize when we hurt someone and make cinnamon rolls (also when we hurt someone) (or want cinnamon rolls).
- We know how to communicate our feelings with reason and sanity and sometimes with pent-up yelling (the former being preferable).
- We know how to get our hair done and buy new shoes when times get serious (internally mentally serious).
- We know when to soothe ourselves with tater tots and when to soothe ourselves with yoga.
- We know when to call instead of text, and when to show up instead of call. It’s care. Also: bring either pie, doughnuts or wine.
- We know how to pet a cat, talk to a baby, hold a baby without looking freaked out externally, and make a bologna sandwich. Not at the same time. It’s hard to hold a baby, look not freaked out, and do anything else.
- We know how to hustle hard with kindness for ourselves and others. This is our reminder.
Considering all of the adulting we tackle everyday, in all of our relationships,there’s not much we can’t do (besides breathe underwater). Let’s look at our to-do list with fresh eyes and high-fives.
Karen Samford
Joy- I, too, often make ‘things I CAN do” lists—much the same way other people plan parties. Thanks for taking a time out in the middle of your own stress to remind us all we’re never totally helpless!
sue
when I feel it is is all dumping on me I go outside and look for one of the miracles that Nature has provided on that day – it might be a new shoot on a tree/plant, a flower bud beginning or starting to open, a cloud formation, whatever !
the looking around and the smile that transforms on your face when you find “it” makes the funk you thought you were in disappear leaving you with new enthusiasm :)
Works for me, hope it also works for others and costs absolutely nada to try it
enjoy
Sarah
Love this, thanks for writing – I always look forward to your blogs!
Paulette
When we were young and Dad got sick, lost his job and if I’m counting correctly, we moved fifteen times in ten years. Mom got so used to it she would pack two boxes with the essentials and mark them (way before the survivor show) the survivor kit. The basics were in there to get us through the first four nights. By then with four girls in tow and a husband who kept yelling “where did you put my stuff” the boxes were a godsend.
Spring is also a time when everyone seems to think I have to get this done NOW. Everyone on the blog is right take a deep breath, your not going anywhere right? I think when I take my time, I think slowly that is when the creativity flows. Spring is a time for me when the flowers within start to grow, slowly the blooms within open and my ideas take root and blossom. Can’t wait when your all settled to see the wonderful ideas that are going to blossom from within. Have a wonderful spring and a wonderful week. Paulette
Janabelle
I mostly sooth myself with tater tots. Ooops!
Don’t do what I did when I bought and moved into my house 7 years ago…I moved in the last week of June and offered to host the 4th of July family celebration at my house the following week. I’m still trying to recover from that madness. Unpacking and setting up an entire house in one week was insanity. lol
Enjoy this time in your life and don’t beat yourself up! You’ve got this! :)
mrsmichellegoldsmith
Take a deep breath, girlfriend! Then take another, and another, and… ahhh, that’s better ;-)
You will get through it all eventually, and if something goes wrong, then you’ll be able to handle that, too. And the silly television watching has its place in the grand scheme of things, so don’t beat yourself up for it!
One box at a time, and eventually, it will all be in place and you will be settled in to your new digs . . .
Cheers, Michelle G, Belper, UK
kim
Yes! I make myself “Did” lists sometimes when it’s all too over-whelming & scary. Love your list. The “call instead of text” one is key; total sign of graceful adulting!
Sunshine
Thank you, Joy! Sometimes adulting successes are simpler than we make them out to be. Reminders are good. Your blog is good. (One of the very few emails I actually open.) Happy moving!
Bonnie
Adulting! Love it when a noun can transform into a verb. Moving is hard but gives you a chance to re-create who you are. Good luck.
Alexis
This is so true! I love all of your posts!
Kate R
Thank you for this. Much love and best of luck in your new home!
Peggy
Joy– I just moved too. It has been great fun for me to read about your adventures as I set up my own kitchen. Best of luck in your new home????
melissa
What a beautiful writer you are Joy; you share with honesty, compassion and yes … Joy! Thank you. x.
Jess Kelley
You rock, Joy! Love this post (and all your posts for that matter). Your fun personality jumps off the pages with every single thing you right. I’m always rushing to open your new posts when they fill my in box! Take the time to get settled and be content with all the adult-ing you know how to do! I can’t wait to see your new posts that come from new inspiration and your new home!
Sending love, Jess
Kim
Keep it up! You’re gonna make it!