Red Pencils and Running Shoes

For as much as I talk about surviving busy season, I have to admit that it’s been so difficult.  While I’ve managed to survive physically, it’s really taking a toll on my mental health.  I’m grouchy, irritable, and when I’m home all I want to do is sleep.  Not to mention that my apartment was a mess until this weekend, which in turn makes me more irritable when I get home.  I haven’t talked to my grandparents since Christmas, despite any new years resolutions that I’ve made.  I am falling out of touch with my friends and family members, and I miss them!  This isn’t how anyone “survives” busy season!  Quite the opposite actually!

When I woke up this morning and realized it was March, it felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  A new Monday, a new month, a new start.  The end of busy season is near, and dammit it’s going to be the best month that I can make it.  I am going to make more time for my loved ones, make more time for myself, and I’m not going to let other people get to me the way I have in the past. 

No goals really work without a plan, so let’s give this a shot.

1)  This morning on Carrots N Cake, I read about Tina’s yoga challenge.  She’s making it a goal for herself to practice yoga at least twice per week for 20 minutes.  While she invited us to choose the schedule that worked best for us, I think that her proposed schedule is perfect for me.  I would love to incorporate a longer podcast or class at some point, but for the time being, this will help my yoga practice – in strength, flexibility, and mind.

2)  Take time every night to talk to Robert.  I spend so much time on my computer all day, but when I get home – what do I grab?  The computer.  Now that our back office is nicely straightened, I’m moving the computer out of the living room!  It would be so nice to have tea time (once a nightly tradition) back in our lives. 

3)  Try to remember that people are just doing the best they have with what they’ve got.  I get so irritated by people who don’t know they’re actually doing anything wrong.  Maybe the old lady is just scared to drive faster than 23 miles per hour on the highway.  As Heather said, “it’s not my trip.”  Who cares why she’s going slow.  Maybe I shouldn’t be in such a rush anyway. By staying mindful of this, I will stay more calm, and hopefully this will carry into all other aspects of my life as well. 

So that’s the plan.  Hopefully this will keep me sane through these last few weeks of busy season.  We are so close to the end – I can almost taste it! 

How are you all surviving this winter?