One of the first questions I asked her when we started talking was what she wanted from this. Here's what she said:
Simplify to achieve:
1. Accountability through a manageable, sustainable, actionable weekly schedule
2. Dedicated quiet time at least five days per week
3. Dedicated time for relaxation and creativity weekly
4. Dedicated time to exercise consistently three days per week
5. Dedicated time for friends and family (invite friends/family over for a monthly Sunday dinner or evening dinner?)
6. Here is the subjective one...decrease feeling of overwhelmedness (is that a word?!) that has come with a really hectic schedule and a life that feels like it spins uncontrollably from one thing to the next
With that in mind, here's my question for today for Lisa (and for you, if you'd like to play along):
What does a typical week look like for you now?
Think about what really goes on in your life--not what you wish your life was like! Think first about your own self--and then expand it to include your family.
A great way to approach this is to keep a log for a week. Write down what you do and how long it takes. And don't feel guilty if you forget something, just go back and plug it in later. And if you spent 45 minutes reading blogs when you should have been folding laundry, put that down too. We've all done it!
Be sure to make note of when you get up and when you go to sleep. And go ahead and note if something is a weekly thing (like soccer practice) or a once-in-a-while thing (like a birthday party).
What chores/tasks do you do and when? (Again, not that you'd like to change the sheets every Tuesday--only put that down if you actually do it!) How long does it take? If you do a load of laundry every day, or have to run to the grocery store for something you forgot to buy for dinner, make note of that too.
We've all sat down at the end of a week and wondered, Where did the week go? We've all had days that were full and busy, yet we've gone to bed thinking, What did I do all day? Keeping a log for a week is a great way to find out where our time goes.
Need something to write on? Visit Pocket Mod and print out a daily calendar for the week. It folds up small and fits in your pocket so you can keep track of what you're up to.
Or, if you'd rather use something more detailed, you can print a blank calendar PDF here.
And, yes, in case you're wondering, I'm going to keep a log too!
Simplify was the key word God gave me to describe 2008. So far...not so good. This will be PERFECT for me!
And thanks, Lisa, for boldly going where the rest of us (okay, me especially) needs to go but were too chicken (too overwhelmed?) to go!
Let's get this party (to simplify) started!
Susan
Posted by: Susan | October 04, 2008 at 05:39 AM
I'll be following!
Posted by: Dawn W | October 04, 2008 at 07:20 AM
You know I've been pursuing peace & simplicity in 2008. I still have so much room for improvement. This is a great idea!
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | October 04, 2008 at 07:24 AM
I think if overwhelmedness is not a word, it certainly could be...it's definatly understandable.
My life has changed so much in the past month and a half, it is difficult to define it. I think this will be good for me when things start changing...then I can make sure life doesn't overwhelm me along the way.
Posted by: Kathryn Stoker (Kate) | October 04, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Such a wonderful idea, looking forward to it!
Posted by: Org Junkie | October 04, 2008 at 08:09 PM
I like the icon (:
Posted by: Puva | October 04, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Wow...such wonderful timing...I feel a bit at loose ends right now...one child living at home going to college and working, one in high school, and one just now going to school daily half days...so many different schedules...so many different needs...I really feel like I am spinning my wheels and not getting a lot accomplished...the log seems like such a great idea...count me in today and beyond!
Although...we have made progress in our Sabbath taking...so that is good and probably the best way to start!
Posted by: Helen at A Work of Heart | October 04, 2008 at 09:41 PM
I hadn't read blogs in a while -- it's been crazy around here. But I love your new header and what a great post to come back to! Thanks.
Posted by: Jen @ I should be cleaning & myladybuggs | October 05, 2008 at 05:40 AM
What a great great idea! And all that stuff she said about you is so true! Thanks for letting us in on the deal.
Posted by: Jessica | October 05, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Hey Joanne,
Wondering if you all would have a look over here and see what YOU can DO.
blessings,
tammy
Posted by: tammy | October 05, 2008 at 11:16 PM