If you have been following my journey you know my family and I are going through a lot of changes but the two biggest ones (littler changes stem from these two) are:
1. Moving across the country back to Michigan from Florida
2. Adding our 4th baby to our family in April
Because of these changes I could feel my anxiety, stress rising which wasn't leaving me very joyful in my day...so I started to change my habits, thoughts and actions the last 10 days and so far they seem to have really helped not only my kids but myself feel more at peace, calm and joyful in the every day. So I wanted to share 10 things I have done or will do this month to help our family simplify and enjoy the season of change!
These will be great to implement even if you're not going through a season of change but the feel of our home needs a face lift ;)
- Get up early - rising an hour before the kids sets the tone for the day!
- Spend time with God - I found a short and sweet devotion I am loving to help me you can purchase here: Grouchy to Great: Finding Joy in Motherhood
- Simplify my schedule - we have stayed at home more and said no to activities or have given the kids a choice
- De-cluttter - yes we are moving so this has been easier but doing this for toys, clothes, or just random places in the house has left LESS for me to have to clean up
- Give up on perfection - know that we can't do it all and that's okay
- Meal Plan - look at your week ahead to know what nights you have social events and dinner needs t be prepared before or maybe you have a special treat and hit up Chic Fil A!
- Mom time out - I have scheduled a massage, a lunch with girlfriends or dinner or a manicure to get myself out of the house without doing a family or house task; this helps me relax and in turn my family ;)
- Play Music -- I have turned off the white noise of the TV (i have to have it on!) and have put on the Christian music station during the day, you could do toddler tunes or Christmas music -- it changes your whole mood! During my devotions, I listen to my worship play list (click HERE to see that list!) and in the car I have Christmas or Disney music to jam out with the kids!
- Give Grace to myself and others - God gives us grace of our imperfections every day; we need to do the same for ourselves and those around us.
- Memorize a scripture for the season you're in - this might be my favorite! right now my verse is John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete
I hope there is something on this list you can implement TODAY to help you bring some joy back into your day with your family --- to not hustle and shuffle through this holiday season but instead embrace the JOY it can bring to your household for the YEAR. <3