Setting Realistic Goals and Summertime


I set a goal earlier this week on tackling the filthy windows in my house (yes, you read that correctly).  I live by the golden rule, if the blinds are down then the dirt doesn't exist.  Simple really!  Day after day, I fixated on those windows and their dirt and those dusty miniblinds that are quite aged.

The thought of that massive task depressed me, especially since I'm physically limited and knew I could not do that job in a single day.  Don't get me wrong, I'm doing great!  My wrist is the best ever and I'm still continuing to see daily progress.  So after a mild pouting session, I changed my thoughts and my expectations.


I decided to replace all the miniblinds in the house - that eliminated washing all the miniblinds in the house (they were over 10 years old....).  My next stage in changing my thinking was to focus on what CAN I do!!  Well, I can work for one hour a day.  Seriously, I can do that.


I set off to protect my wrist by wearing my splint and buying large rubber gloves to protect the splint.  I started up a podcast, you know for company and amusement and worked for one hour a day for the past few days.  I can do an entire window in about 20 minutes, nerdy people like to time themselves.

I'm over half way done with my job and I feel so great about what I'm accomplishing.  Switching my focus and my intentions helped me solve a perceived problem.  I've learned something about myself and how I can achieve anything I set my mind to it, if I switch my focus and expectations.


Summer feels like it's in full swing and yet we have had only five days.  Early in the morning, I listen to the birds sing as I write in my journal and drink my coffee.  It's bliss!  Journal writing is the key to happiness, at least for me.  I take those jumbled thoughts and iron them out and string them out into a coherent paragraph.


I'm brewing gallons of iced tea for my husband and we're still on our eating healthy kick.  I'm doing yoga every morning (and seeing some positive progress in my flexibility) and going for daily walks with Frodo.  I'm embracing the summer season and all it has to offer to me.


Comments

  1. Juliann in WAJune 24, 2016 at 9:03 AM

    I am tackling closets and cupboards this summer and use the podcast as timer method too. Makes the task seem less like a chore. Enjoy the view!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 24, 2016 at 10:50 AM

    That is EXACTLY the right way to approach your limitations. I have similar limitations and for years it got me down. Then I met you online and another blogging friend with limitations and I didn't feel so alone.

    We do what we can and then we reward ourselves with a little knit time, podcast time or something that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

    Your knitting is GORGEOUS!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AsKatKnitsJune 24, 2016 at 12:27 PM

    Beautiful photos! And, I love the outlook you have. It is something I need to put to use in my life! Truly beautiful, Karen!

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  4. elizabethJune 24, 2016 at 1:13 PM

    how wonderful! YES! this is how to do it and have beauty and meaning in our lives, no matter at what pace! have a great day! loved this post!

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  5. kathy bJune 24, 2016 at 1:47 PM

    I love the tiny turtle stitch marker! Stay postitive!

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  6. AnonymousJune 24, 2016 at 2:41 PM

    The cables in your moss piece is lovely. Do you just Windex the inside and outside of your windows. I need to do that and especially disinfect-wipe the window wells.

    ReplyDelete
  7. BridgetJune 24, 2016 at 5:39 PM

    What a great way to adjust your thinking, and then actually feel great about the things you can do! Plus you will have clean windows. :-)

    I think finding the way to deal with physical limitations when you haven't had many before is the key - at least it was for me.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Melissa June 24, 2016 at 11:56 PM

    Congrats on the improvement in your wrist and finding a way to do something that needs to be done without re-injuring yourself. Adjusting your minds ideas to what the body can actually accomplish (without a 3 day recover time where nothing is done) is one of the hardest things. I still don't always get it right, but I'm going to try and follow your example on some planting I still need to do.

    ReplyDelete
  9. stephJune 25, 2016 at 8:24 AM

    that's how i eat my elephant, too....just one bite at a time!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Andi GJune 26, 2016 at 10:42 AM

    So happy to hear that your wrist is doing better. You are such an inspiration, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  11. the habit of beingJune 26, 2016 at 11:56 AM

    Love reading this. And I am so happy to hear you are feeling better.

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  12. JaneJune 26, 2016 at 12:22 PM

    So great that you are achieving what you want to this summer, Karen. Also, so pleased that your health is improving daily xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kim June 26, 2016 at 9:24 PM

    I always find breaking down a project into smaller chunks makes it so much easier to get the job done :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. mamasmercantileJune 27, 2016 at 8:06 AM

    You are a breath of fresh air, focus on what you can do rather than what you can't. I am thrilled to hear you are doing a little better.

    ReplyDelete
  15. sustainablemumJune 28, 2016 at 2:55 AM

    You are so right that breaking the job down into small chunks is a good way to get it done. It took me a long time to realise that too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. All Knit Up DesignsJuly 18, 2016 at 5:05 PM

    The color and stitch pattern in your knitting speaks to me! What a lovely project to work on. I'm glad that you were able to change your perspective into something productive.

    ReplyDelete

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