B Systematic: Work / Life Balance
It's become very obvious...balance has become my life's purpose. With two small children, a young business, and relationships to maintain, this is no small feat. On top of everything, the household chores can become overwhelming and admittedly have come close to sending me over the edge. I've learned that a defeatist attitude breeds chaos, and that even the most daunting of tasks can become pleasurable with the right attitude. Here are a few systematic things that keep the cogs moving...
The grocery store is my least favorite shopping experience. So, I make a list and my husband goes for me over the weekend. The list is a very important part of the system. Inspired by what we have in the refrigerator I'll choose three entrees. Entrees that can be prepped in advance, freeze well, and provide leftovers make sense for our family. Everyday Food magazine makes this system easy to apply. In fact, it's my savior. Just when I'm burnt out and threatening strike, a new issue arrives filled with great options and helpful techniques.
Mondays are marked as my domestic days. Our weekends are usually pretty busy, so Monday has become the new Sunday. I'll wash the laundry and prep food for the week. One of the best things I've applied to our system is to prepare a fritata of the week. This is a great way to use up vegetables and have a nutritious breakfast/lunch on hand.
On Tuesday nights, Caroline Myss has a radio program that broadcasts on Hay House Radio. I look forward to listening to this program while I fold all of Monday's laundry. It's just a great way to spend an hour in the evening. There are a lot of great hosts on this program. Sometimes the new agey stuff can be a little painful, but Myss's program is down to earth and insightful. Of course, NPR offers great programs as well and are easily downloaded into your computer via itunes. My favorites being This American Life and Planet Money.
Fridays are kept light and usually left open for a little adventure. I do however, try to clean the bathroom(s) and the kitchen. One of my latest additions to the household is the steamer mop. My floors and the environment prefer the vinegar/water mixture to the Murphy's oil, and these days I prefer it over the all-consuming hands and knees method.
The most important aspect to this system is the realization that all of the household chores will remain as they are. The kids on the other hand will not. First things first.