learning

Do you ever have so much going through your mind that you become consumed with what to do or not do?  Sidetracked by things that come up that weren’t on your list?

Well, if so, I say, “welcome to my world today (and other days, too)!”  Goodness.  Despite being on my new 3×5 card Time Management plan (with the help of my Mentor Coach), I am struggling to stay focused and on task.  I have been here there and everywhere today and back to the here.  And, can I just share that I broke my most favorite hair tool, my Paul Mitchell flat-iron.  The loss of a gals major hair tool is a big deal!

Anyway, so where is “here?”  Here is #3 on my list of majors today.  Majors are my list of three things, for the day, which I am to get done before my head hits the pillow tonight.  #3 on my list for today says “blog something.”

Blog something, ok!  To do or not to do…or just take a nap?  That is seriously what jumped into my head. And it so it goes…

Focus and Discipline.  Being focused is a good thing.  Focus helps us be productive.  Focus is part of being disciplined.  Discipline is a good thing.  Discipline helps us be productive.  Discipline is part of being focused.  Oh, the two are so connected.

I believe there is something good about being focused and disciplined that keeps me productive and on track.  I know that and you know all that.  Reality is there are those days where my best attempts to focus, be disciplined and productive battle with my thoughts, my desires and ordinary things that happen in my day.  My mind races to and fro and so do I.  Laundry, dinner, oh that webpage, email, and oh gosh my coaching homework, tennis practice, and going to the courthouse and bank, those can wait until another day.  It’s hard because I really just want to get the things checked off my 3×5 card list to feel like I really did get something accomplished.  That shows I was focused and disciplined.

It’s been a battle today with what I want to do, what I need to do and what I could do.  I am managing to get some of my minor’s done and working on my Majors too.  I committed to try this time management plan for 21 days to help my focus, discipline and movement forward.  I decided I don’t have to play this focus-discipline game on the weekends so it’s been 11 days!  I have been faithful in pondering, praying and writing down my to-do’s…majors and minors and 90 day goals; but you know what…today I just want to throw my card in the trash and take a nap!  To do or not to do? That’s the question.

Hope this brings a smile to your face and encourages you to know that I have “those” kind of days.  It has made me smile thinking about my day and my mood has shifted to a better place.  AND, I am realizing in this minute that I can cross off #3 on my card. Yes!

(PS. My first attempt at posting this got all messed up and I didn’t save it.  URGH…I will not be defeated! Re-do is done and hitting PUBLISH!)

Who doesn’t love a white elephant exchange at a family Christmas? This year, our family received some funny things. One was Soap Nuts. Laughs abounded when this gift was opened by my 13-year-old son. His bewildered look was priceless and then his response, “Soap Nuts? What are these?” And, I bet some of you just CACKLED and asked the same question.

At the end of the family gathering, we threw all of our goofy gifts in a bag and headed home. Next day, I pulled everything out and set it on the table. I was intrigued by the little brown nuts in the recycled bag, with the “how to use” instructions, which were purchased from a Christian mission organization.

After checking them out, I must admit I was pretty skeptical about throwing out my Tide and being sold out on using Soap Nuts for my detergent. I began to Google, research and learn about Soap Nuts. To my amazement, there were many sites about these little nuts and there multiple uses. I watched a couple of videos, while my husband murmured something like, “not real and won’t work.” These little coated nuts could be used for detergent, shampoo, housecleaners and more. They were said to be hypoallergenic, natural and organic. After the research, I was less skeptical, and more willing to try them in a load. I must admit, I love (really love) the smell of Tide and that was a con of Soap Nuts. All sites said “your clothes will not have that fresh smell.” Despite that and my still skeptic thinking, I followed the directions, threw a few nuts in the mesh bag and hit start on my washing machine. My willingness turned into action and my clothes actually appeared to be clean.

I am becoming a believer in the power of Soap Nuts. I have washed many loads since and periodically grab some Tide for a load just to enjoy that smell. And, I still use Downey and that appeases my senses…“april fresh” clothes, sheets and towels! Aaaahhhh….
I can’t just run to Meijer or that W-place and grab Soap Nuts, so don’t know how long I will use them. But for now, you will find my little mesh back packed and ready for the next cycle.

My 3 ah-ha moments from the Soap Nuts: Learning transforms my skeptical thinking/mindset; trying new things can be fun and empowering; and, I will be buying Soap Nuts for the next white elephant exchange!

And, final thought…there is a spiritual lesson for me too. At times, I have been skeptical and unwilling in my faith journey. But when I finally acted or stepped or obeyed into the “new thing,” it has been fun and empowering; AND, I have experienced God in a new way…just as He intended.

Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Questions: What new thing can you do or try in the next 30 days? Is there something that you want to learn? Are you being nudged to step or act? Don’t allow skepticism to hold you back. Have courage, and act…new things are part of living well!