There are nights -especially those insomnia steeped nights- when I use therapy tricks on myself to get to Slumberland Street- or at least to keep my mind busy until daylight.
I recently shared the Lists of Ten exercise with a friend: Think of ten things you've accomplished today. You should start as small as you need - especially on those most challenging days - give yourself some credit.
Did you wake up? Count it. Did you get fully dressed? That counts, too. Try to make it to ten, but if not? On to Round 2: List ten things you'd like to accomplish tomorrow. Start with waking up (or getting to sleep) if you need to.
Rounds 3 through Infinity include: Gratitude, Prayers & Grocery Lists, et al
As I close the door on Twenty-One and peek at the dawn of Twenty-Two, I'll occupy my mind with Lists of Ten while we wait on our company and food.
Challenges This Year:
1.) Withdrawing from School
2.) Unemployment
3.) Resigning a good job to prioritize role as mom
4.) More people, less space
5.) Forgiving
6.) Health problems affecting my vision
7.) Custody concerns
8.) Chores/Work balance
9.) Hobbit sized girl, matchbox-sized car, Paul Bunyan sized projects
10.) Financial Uncertainty
Successes This Year:
1.) Wrote the letter - Received reply
2.) Cleaned out the back shed
3.) Built that fire pit
4.) Passed Remote Worker Exam
5.) Started NannyGo
6.) Enrolled In School
7.) Bible Read Through
8.) Connected w/ JTE (mystery protagonist)
9.) Bought A Domain, Slightly Built It
10.) Spoke Unpopular Boundaries & Truths
Highlight Reel:
1.) Fisher Graduated
2.) Road Trips (Mitford, Beaufort, Woodruff, New Smyrna)
3.) New friends, Quality time with old friends
4.) Riley Made Percussion
5.) Provision (IRS decision, Rye's bed, more)
6.) Providence (eye doctor in my group, more)
7.) Four Filled Chairs at Cair Parvel
8.) Waffle House Nights w/ Bold Coffee & Convo
9.) Blueberry Muffin Latte, add shots
10.) Spontaneous Kindness Received
Blooper Reel:
1.) Air B&B Wallpaper
2.) Vegas Show Girl cataracts
3.) Scenic Route to Young Frankenstein Tent
4.) Nanna, Nanna, Banana Puddin! (Macie)
5.) Rafter Cats
6.) Halloween RickRoll
7.) DJ @ Fisher's Prom
8.) Anna's Quinceanera (where are the cords?)
9.) Heath Shower (Josh's beautiful dress)
10.) Cookie Cigars & Bunco Night
Goals For This Coming Year:
1.) Use Fire Pit
2.) House Repairs (roof, outlets)
3.) Landscaping/Trees
4.) Complete Life Coach Cert.
5.) Finish 'Greater Than A Tourist: Augusta'
6.) Welcome Spring (nourish, plant, allow, clean)
7.) More Forgiveness
8.) Back Porch
9.) Use More Art Supplies
10.) Don't Panic
Here's to "...tea and toast and being thrown from the train of time..." ~Billy Collins
Happy 2022!
