No TV?

I am sad. Do you want to know why? I have realized that I watch too much TV. I can record shows and movies anytime, and I take full advantage of that. If anything on TV looks interesting, I record it! Once I see ALL the shows I have recorded, I feel determined to watch all of them. I can't leave one show out, because it might feel neglected. Who wants to feel neglected? Not me, that's for sure. Listen, I know I have personified TV shows, but hey it's my prerogative.

The other day I was reading my daily devotional by David Wilkerson, he mentioned that he stopped watching TV so that he could focus his energy on what was most important to him. It struck me like a lightning bolt! Maybe the reason I can't get some of the stuff done is because I am addicted to the Real Housewives of Where Ever!  Duh... I'm not going cold turkey now, that would just be horrendous. Let me tell you, you would not like to be around me if I did. I am giving myself a limit. I'm thinking maybe an hour and a half a day? We will see. I am also making this part of Aiden's days as well. He watches more TV than me! Since we all know that TV rots your brain, it is best that we back off. At least that is what I keep telling myself.

If this is the product of no TV, or not a ton of TV I'll take it! She loooooves her brother. He is her hero, and that is just the cutest thing in the world!

What will do I do with all this free time? I will invest in myself, my kids, my husband, my faith, my friends! This is the next step to living a more purposeful life. When we get old and gray, are we going to talk about our relationships with each other and the fun times we had, or about episode 1043 of Reality Crazy Mess show?

The next task on my list (yes, I am a list maker) is to look up some fun art and science activities to do at home.

Till then my peeps :)

Life With Purpose

Like I have mentioned before, I am great at starting things, but not so good at finishing them. I don't do this on purpose, despite what you may think. I have the full intention on seeing my new adventures through.

I love the idea of living a life of purpose. However, I have a problem being able to do that every single day. I get caught up in the everyday activities. I have a hard time finding the time to do everything that I want and need to do everyday.

I definitely believe in goals per se. I think it is great to write down what you want out of life, and how you plan on getting it. To have a life with a purpose, you definitely HAVE to write down what you are wanting to achieve. As much fun as being spontaneous sounds, spontaneity is not the best characteristic for a purposeful life.

What kind of dreams do you have? What would you like to achieve? Don't be afraid to dream BIG, for God gives you the desires of your heart, and He wants you to have them. Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

For instance, I want to learn French. Why? Because I want to, that's why.

I also want to make sure I am an active participant in Aiden's education. I don't think I am equipped at the moment to home school. Quite frankly, I don't think my patience is where it needs to be for such a task. I can make sure that when he comes home that I am completely available for him, and I think it's important for him to do hands-on activities as well.

While I was pregnant with Ava I was taking Physics I at a state college. It was hard no doubt, but I loved it. I mean I LOVED it! So much that I want to continue to learn physics whether I continue with my degree or not.

If you love and have a passion for something, that is a sign. Take note! I definitely believe in living my life for the Lord, but I do know that God wants us happy as well. He delights in our prosperity. Psalms 35:27 Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; and let them say continually, "The Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant."

I think that being a stay-at-home mom you need to approach your day like you would an office job. First, prioritize what is the most important task to the least important task. If you are like me, do the most important things first thing in the morning. My brain has a great tendency to procrastinate and find excuses for important tasks. Next, I plan out my days. I have a cleaning list so that I clean what needs to be cleaned, so I won't overwhelm myself with it. For some reason I am less stressed, more patient, and  just an overall better person if I have a clean house. Don't judge.

My cleaning list looks like this:

Monday: Dust, Vacuum

Tuesday: Yard work/ wash car, vacuum

Wednesday: Master bathroom, sheets every other week, vacuum

Thursday: Guest bathroom, vacuum

Friday: Extra to-dos, grocery store

Saturday: Yard work/ wash car

Now let me just say that I hardly adhere completely to this list. It is rather more of a suggestion, but it really helps me keep an idea of what I did, and what needs to be done. On another note, I realize it says that I vacuum six days out of the week. With a crawling baby, and a Golden Retriever, it has to be done.

My son goes to school so I make sure and get these tasks done before he comes home, remember, I want to be available for him and his learning after school.

When Hubby is home it is a little harder to get done what I want to get done. He likes to go, go, go, so we are not home nearly as much.

Once I have everything mapped out, I give it to God. I know the Holy Spirit will help me manage my time and my resources. If I can't get something done, then it's no big deal. God will help me take care of it.

Last, start living a purposeful life! Make sure you put time away for yourself to do those things that you want, like learn French, or physics! Don't be hard on yourself for not going right along with what you had planned, because you know what? Life happens!

We have to  make time for ourselves. Life will be over before we know it.