Instead of stressing and lamenting over everything I didn’t do this month, I decided to sit down and write down what I did do … a little month in review as it were. And I’m not going to make any apologies for my seemingly easy life … I’ve paid my dues … I’m retired. But I still have dreams, goals, and ambitions.
It was a busy month and it blasted by, and it seems all I could do was berate myself for not doing this and not doing that … I was completely down on myself.
You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked.
Try approving of yourself and see what happens
~Louise L. Hay~
So, to start with, I run a household: I shop, plan meals, cook, clean, etc. etc. with no outside help (yes I know, many of us do ;) and we should pat ourselves on the back, right?
All my meals are homemade. I also baked a cake, and tried to make Valentine cookies which was an epic fail, and into the garbage they went (can’t remember that last time that happened … but in my defence I was running up and down stairs doing laundry and at the same time trying to help the hubs with some plans we’re making ;)
As well, I:
- accompanied the hubs on a 4 day business trip (which was fab by the way)
- attended a book binding class in real life and created my very own journal
- hosted 2 separate family weekends
- hosted a friend for 2 days: visiting, shooting still life, and doing a little junque shopping
- attended two webinars and various classes (online)
- created and gave away 2 word art images
- styled, shot, and/or edited 22 images which I posted on Instagram
- wrote 11 blog posts, drafted several more
- spent at least an hour a day in the back end of my blog: cleaning, sorting, and organizing old posts
- spent a few hours researching ideas for new posts (I’m constantly trying to figure things out)
- followed up on several leads for sponsored posts
- prepared and sent out a newsletter
- started on a project that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time … it’s not going great, but I’m making progress
All in all I think it was a very successful month and I’m full to the brim with gratitude.
Thank you January, I approve!!
Whew! Now I’m the one who feels like
I didn’t accomplish much in January! I
need to make my own list, I guess : ) Kudos
to you, Barb! I want your energy!
I didn’t see exercise on your list. That’s a
serious one for me, and daily. What sorts
of exercise do you do? Give yourself credit,
my friend! (And then I’ll have to have you
knighted – “damed?” – because your list will
be so aspirational!) Dame Barb!
Thank you for your continued inspiration,
and the beautiful gifts that you so generously
share with the world.
xo Suzanne
Hello Suzanne! exercise … hmmm … yes, I’m failing a bit in that department. If I had to guess, I’d say I exercised 1.5 times per week in January. I cross-country skied, snowshoed, and walked a bit. I really must up that number ;)
It really changes a lot to actually think about what we did instead of what we didn’t, doesn’t it. I always forget that, too, so thanks so much for the reminder, Barb!
And your photos are an inspiration!
Have a wonderful week!
I can’t even believe it myself, Rosie … after I wrote this post I was quite impressed ;) but seriously, I was feeling like I hadn’t accomplished a thing … well, I see that that is so not true!
Barb,
I love the way you looked at your January with such a positive spin. That is my intention
daily to look at things what every it is with a positive spin. I am going to try that for awhile it
is going to be interesting to see the outcome.
Ann
Hi Ann! yes, I was quite surprised at how much I had accomplished when I felt like I hadn’t done a thing!!!!
Wow, Barb, just reading your list wore me out! I feel like I really didn’t do anything in January…nothing significant…but that probably isn’t true for me, either. I like the idea of doing a monthly review that might give me a more realistic picture of my life.
Yes, you should write out a list León and see for yourself! I think part of my problem was that I just wasn’t “feeling” it.
You ARE simply amazing Barb!! Those accomplishments are huge. Yes, as a retired lady also, we have paid our dues, and I sure enjoy my own time. I always love reading your blog, and I’m glad you keep sharing all things you do. Now, I’m getting the urge to make a batch of your extremely wonderful Linzer cookies!! They must be perfect for Valentine’s day. Happy February to you!! Your January was amazing!
Thank you Beverly! and I highly recommend making those cookies (they’re the BEST!)
Amazing!! Inspirational as always. I will have to follow your lead!
Thank you Jean xo
Barb, I love how you’ve focused on ALL that you’ve done vice what was planned. I think with time constraints, we’re lucky enough of we get half of what’s planned done. In my view, you’ve done amazing! Running a household is truly a full-time job in next to that you’re doing all these fun and fabulous projects. Thanks for the inspiration, always! xox
Thank you Elle … you’re so sweet!
Quite the month! When I retire (next year) I will make no apologies either…Dues are done…paid in full!
YES to that Kelly!
Thank you, Barb! :)
It’s always a great pleasure to read your posts Barb and admire your pictures, they’re such an inspiration… you can be proud of you, you’ve achieved so many things in one month! I’m sure I didn’t do half of what you’ve done!
Thank you for sharing recipes, tips and thoughts and above all your wonderful photography. Your blog is for me an invigorating and refreshing place to visit when inspiration is down and energy is at the lowest… your pictures and your words awaken and encourage the laziest person (like me!)! Have a beautiful and restful February… yes… because we need to relax and rest to give the best of ourselves and stay in good health…
Odile, I’m always thrilled when you stop by and I read and reread your lovely comments … thank you so much for your support (always) xo
Retirement is not for the tired. Hubby and I often wonder how we ever found the time for working all those years before we retired. The days are full and, for the most part, fun. Yet we still can’t it all done. That maybe because we fill the days with the stuff that 1) has to be done; 2) that we really look forward to doing or; 3) that brings us joy. For the stuff that doesn’t get done…it maybe that it just isn’t the right time to do it…or it’s something we think needs doing when in actuality it’s nothing of importance after all.
Sounds to me like you’re rocking your retirement days…so Rock On!!!
Thank you Carol! I hear it all the time … and I LOVE that retirement becomes so busy. Your words are very wise … I love your 3 points and I’ll be pondering them for a while. xo
i am impressed, and such a great idea, i will try that
great inspiration as always
Thank you Aina … I so appreciate you stopping by :)
You and Carol are so right: retirement is very busy! I do wonder how I got it all done when I ran a business, with employees, a husband who travelled and a busy young lady to raise. But we are so lucky, aren’t we? To be busy and involved and related to so many people all over the world is truly a gift!
Yes … extremely lucky!
What a very good idea. The only problem I would have is remembering what I’ve done. Although, as I write this, I just realized all I need to do is look back at my photo to do lists, in my photo journal/planner.
I love your introduction too. I also have any easy life, at the moment, but I’ve certainly paid my dues.
I’m going to start my desk Day by writing that pat on my back list. Thanks for an inspiring post xo
Thanks for stopping by Henrietta! I also looked back at my journals, notes, calendar, photos etc…
Barb, I loved this post for so many different reasons. I loved your opening statement: “I’m not going to make any apologies for my seemingly easy life … I’ve paid my dues … I’m retired. But I still have dreams, goals, and ambitions.” Good for you for openly saying what many think.