Monday

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health and home, and how I will step up for the Natural Living Challenge.

Agenda:

1. Read "How to Keep House While Drowning"

2. Giving Each Thing a Home

3. 

1. Read "How to Keep House While Drowning":

I got this little book by KC Davis (2020) from the library a couple of years ago and thought I'd like to review it this month. Her philosophy is "You don't exist to serve your space; your space exists to serve you. ... There is a big difference between being on a journey of worthiness and being on a journey of care."

Chapter 10 is Kick starting motivation, about the difference between motivation (a desire to do something) and task initiation (getting started). She describes all the conditions that cause problems with "executive functioning"; ADHD, autism, depression, stress, grief, etc.

Task initiation barriers present as difficulties with transitions. I just need momentum and an on-ramp. (That's part of why I've been able to keep up with the Standing Strong exercises, because of getting up to let the ducks out. The other part is the numbers being dates - I don't want to miss a date.)

The things I have task initiation problems with right now are art projects, camp prep, and cleaning, all scheduled at low energy times of the day. If I move art projects to after lunch that might help, but I really do need to define an on-ramp for each.

She gives a bunch of ideas for how to widen the entry point, like creating movement momentum with music, doing the least threatening amount, "moving towards" the task, using wait time (like the coffee brewing), and use the visual timer - set it for 5 minutes!

2. Giving Each Thing a Home:

My house care theme for the month is Basic Care and Zen Order. This means do the basics each week (sweeping, dusting, etc.) and find a zen balance of order that feels good. I have asked myself "Why am I holding on to so much stuff - how can I make letting go super easy? How can I make sorting fun again?"

My New Order Plan:

1. Simplicity Time: Each day before my nap take 10 minutes to tidy one area or box; gather all Homeless Items on the kitchen table.
2. Reset Time: Each afternoon, find homes for homeless items and craft supplies - make sure to leave abundant roominess!

This week I plan to:

• Clear the driveway - move big fence section
• Sort and put away old craft projects
• Sort big toys in the studio and under the table and donate some
• Clean up my potting shed area