Hello everyone! The beginning of a new year is a time of transition when many of us are taking a fresh look at things and considering what works and what must change. So today, we’re diving into time and general chaos management.
I will share my thoughts on routines and discuss several practical tools that have made a big difference in my home. While this episode is aimed more toward households with children, and even though most of my kids are no longer at home, I still use many of these tools because they are so helpful.
Remember, what works for me might not be a perfect fit for you. So take whatever works for you, and leave the rest behind.
Taming the Chaos
Taming the chaos is a perpetual task we all face. While researching for episodes, I often come across ideas that make me wonder why I have not written certain books or given Ted talks. Then the realization struck – perhaps the strategies I have shaped over the past thirty years are universal truths about chaos management.
Self Awareness
My starting point is always self-awareness because it is an unwavering principle, even when taming chaos. Before seeking external advice, look within your home and heart and identify what is not working or causing you the most stress. This introspection is crucial before venturing into external solutions. For me, with three children under five, the chaos was always around the feeling of being buried. I solved that by creating a simple, budget-friendly system in the foyer to set the stage for effective chaos management in my home.
Space Management
Understanding your space, budget, and family dynamics is the key to chaos management. If you are dealing with limited resources, you can do as I did. I opted for practical solutions. Assigning three inexpensive wicker baskets to each child became the organizational backbone of my home. I created a system aligned with my capabilities, taught the kids responsibility, and ensured easy accessibility. That awareness of self and space laid the foundation for a more orderly home.
Time Management
Similar to space management, time management hinges on knowing yourself. After investing countless dollars in planners that promised me transformation, the breakthrough finally came when I embraced my strengths and aligned my daily routine with my preferences. By involving my children in time-related activities, I could share the responsibilities while instilling a sense of structure.
Chaos Management
Chaos management is a deeply personal journey that requires understanding your unique needs and strengths.
Navigating Time and Space
When looking for ways to manage my time and space, I understood that aligning my personal needs with my environment was crucial. While I could not control every aspect, I discovered that managing my time and space was a helpful way to handle my expectations and needs effectively.
Calm Amidst the Chaos
Finding what makes me feel calm in the chaos of life has been part of my journey. A weekly planner played a pivotal role, offering me a structured view of my schedules, meal plans, and activities. The lesson here is the importance of personalization, whether utilizing digital tools or traditional paper calendars, to establish a system that resonates with your needs.
Finding Peace Amid Uncertainties
Self-awareness is the foundation for finding peace amid uncertainties. While external tools and advice can be valuable, the answer is to understand your personal needs. Employing a consistent weekly planning ritual and using digital and paper tools allowed me to manage my family schedules and tasks effectively. That brought me a sense of control and peace.
Me Time: Leisure Activities for Mental Well-being
In our Me Time segment today, we are shifting our focus to leisure activities.
To reduce my screen time and curb my addictive use of social media, I discovered the joy of puzzle games. That transition has led to a healthier digital lifestyle, creating space for activities that contribute positively to my mental well-being. I have found solace in the New York Times games app, engaging in puzzles like Wordle and Connections. Beyond entertainment, those activities have become a bonding experience for my family, fostering communication and connection.
Exploring the world of cozy comfort during the winter season, I stumbled upon Quince, a brand offering affordable alternatives to the popular Ugg slippers. While I have not tried them myself, I have received a lot of positive feedback from others, explaining how they add a touch of warmth and comfort to the colder months.
Remember that, no matter how often you ask, I will always answer no to the question, Am I a bad mom?
Until next time!
Links and resources:
Women of Wonder (W.o.W) Founding Members
Information for Women of Wonder (W.o.W) Community
Erin Condren Weekly Planner Pad
Savor Beauty Quarterly Planner
