Stress

Stress seems to be a new and constant guest in my life.  I can't seem to pinpoint all the reasons for my stress but I know some are related to my work load at home and at work.  I also know I don't make enough time for me to enjoy simple moments but instead I am working to make our home and life as good as it can be.  I am trying to change some things about my life to make things simpler in hopes the stress is reduced.

To Do:
1.  Remember the blessings in my life.  When I am under so much stress I tend to recall only the bad things and not good.  Today I found a great way to help me remember.  Check out this Blessings List How To.   We will be stopping to get a cute picture frame and I will have the girls do some artwork at the top and bottom and then I will find the pens suggested in the article so I can add our blessings. 

2.  Do more for me.  Like alot of parents, I know I don't put aside enough time for me to do something I want.  I have alot of fun with my girls but I have been ignoring me.  So, its time to make an appointment to finally get my hair styled the way I want.  Then every few weeks I will need to go back and get it touched up.  I missed the pampering that involved and stopped doing it when the girls were little and just did an easy style but its time for a change.  So Friends... I will be asking for babysitters as well as suggestions for a great place to go. 

3.  Get more exercise.  I know that exercise would sweat out some of the demons.  I will be starting that soon.  I need to get a new dvd player in the basement to use with my exercise DVDs.  I could do it in the living room but it just seems less intrusive to dance/jump/sweat in the basement without neighbors seeing me.  So, that is my goal this weekend - to get a new dvd player for the basement.

4.  Continue to pray about our future plans to make sure I let God help me with this burden.  When my shoulders feel especially tight, I stop and add an extra prayer. 

5.  Be thankful for all the lessons this is bringing to me.

6.  Declutter - we have too much stuff.  We all could be considered mini hoarders.  I can't seem to get rid of paper.  The girls keep alot of paper too.  They have a bunch of toys and have a hard time letting me give away clothes.  It's time to purge and pack away what we don't use but can't let go of yet.  It's also time for me to organize the stacks of stuff.  I find for me, when I have clear kitchen counters and dressers and desks that I can breath better and that will help my stress. 

Now I just have to find the time to do this.  :-)