Hi Ana Lynn! That is a wonderful idea. I might try that…if I can ever consistently find a planner that works for me. I think I have so much to do that I get overwhelmed with a planner. lol But maybe if I got to put more stuff like this, I would be better about using one.

Hi Angie! How are you? It really is such a better way to live, isn’t it? We keep putting things off as if life begins at some distant time in the future, but it’s here. It’s now. This is it. It’s easy to sometimes forget that.

Lana! It’s wonderful to see you! I just LOVE that this is what blogging does for you…gives you something to look forward to. I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve been nursing my hand the last month, and I felt like a huge chunk of my life…and how I process life…was completely missing. Writing/blogging is like opening a present. It is always exciting to see how it unfolds and what turns it will take along the way. Thank you so much for visiting me on my first day back, all of you. I just adore you. <3

Oh, I love what you said, Chris…

“I need to be more intentional about this- to allow myself the time and the emotional energy to get excited about doing something special for myself or my family!”

The part about allowing ourselves the time and the emotional energy to get excited really spoke to me. We have to allow space for this in our life. I totally related to what you said about how we get so busy with the “to-dos” and the pressures we are under that it takes some of the thrill away that we would normally feel. And LOVE the part about allowing the tiny thrill to become a HUGE SQUEAL. Perfect!!! I love that. Let’s fan the flame!

I am leaving out of town in one week- and it’s a big big deal. My hubs and I only… it came up unexpectedly and I am a WRECK about leaving my kiddos. BUT- I am feeling that tiny thrill of excitement amidst the ‘to do’s and the pressure and the nerves.

I need to allow that tiny thrill to become a HUGE SQUEAL!!!!

Jennifer! It is so good to see you! I’ve missed you, too! I’ve been recovering from…well, just about everything. Ha ha! I think my hand, which has been the thing keeping me from writing, is well enough to do at least one post a week right now. I can’t wait to visit everyone’s blog and see what I’ve missed.

It feels so good to look forward to something. Good for you doing this for yourself. Doesn’t it feel wonderful to look forward to something special? And self-care is important. Do you have something special planned for your time? I used to have the house all to myself on Fridays. It was my “spa” night. I soaked in the tub with a glass of wine while listening to music or the Delilah radio show, and then I would do my nails. I looked forward to Fridays all week. As time went by, I have swapped it for various other things. There’s just apparently too many things I enjoy.

It’s so wonderful to see you. I have thought about you so many times. xo

I just finished telling my husband that I would like two days and an evening away from the children. I’ve never done this before but I feel my mind and soul needs the break. Self-care is so important… and looking forward to something is wonderful.

I’m happy to see you here today. I’ve been missing you.

Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo