evaluating.

Life feels pretty hectic right now. But even so, every Sunday night I get a little twinge of giddiness as I search for a sharp pencil, so that I can fill in our weekly calendar and make my weekly to do lists (love them) and take a few moments to evaluate life.

Tonights evaluation: I'm in need of getting some positive energy going, and most importantly, committing to being happy right now in this moment of my life, not just struggling through it.


So, here's my game plan:

1. FRESH AIR.  Tomorrow I am going to start running every weekday.  I have a troublesome knee and winter is setting in, but I feel certain it would bring my soul much needed peace and energy.  Being in the fresh air and the beauty of Gods creations would be a huge boost right now.  For a few weeks, I've been thinking I should start doing this, and after we walked out of the temple Saturday morning, Jimmy looked at me and said, "I think I need to start running everyday to improve my energy and mood."  Hello second witness.  Got it.

2. PLAN DINNER the MORNING OF.  Typically I make a weekly menu and then do my grocery list from that.  The problem is this: what sounds good on Monday morning, rarely sounds good by Thursday afternoon.  And then, since the planned meal doesn't sound very good, I procrastinate starting dinner all afternoon and evening until we end up eating grilled cheese sandwiches or going out.

I have much better luck if on Thursday morning I think "what sounds good?" and go buy the ingredients then and there.  And these days it's quite enjoyable to dash into Emigration Market to pick up a few things every morning.  
 

3. CRACK a SMILE.  Smile big at Jimmy every time he walks in the door, instead of giving him that pathetic, withered, exhausted look.  I can see myself giving it right now and it's making me shudder.  Also, smile to myself--I have done this one often and it is true that it automatically sends little brighteners into your psyche.  There is a fabulous blog written by a couple who are super inspiring about choosing to be happy.  One of their posts was called crack a smile, and I loved it. 


That's all for this week.  My sister Cristelle is really good at making lists.  And actually doing them.  Her secret is to not make your list too long.  So I think three should do it this week.  Let's not overdo it.


PHOTO BY: ashley beal

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