Keeping With The Times

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Month in Review at Keeping With the Times

January 31, 2017 by Barb 28 Comments

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~

January 2017 Month in Review, Keeping With the Times

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!!

Filed Under: THIS 'N THAT Tagged With: gratitude, month-in-review

Comments

  1. Suzanne says

    February 1, 2017 at 9:39 am

    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

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 1, 2017 at 10:54 am

      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 ;)

      Reply
  2. Rosie Grey says

    February 1, 2017 at 11:31 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 1, 2017 at 3:09 pm

      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!

      Reply
  3. Ann Davis says

    February 1, 2017 at 2:58 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 1, 2017 at 3:13 pm

      Hi Ann! yes, I was quite surprised at how much I had accomplished when I felt like I hadn’t done a thing!!!!

      Reply
  4. León says

    February 2, 2017 at 8:09 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 2, 2017 at 8:39 am

      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.

      Reply
  5. Beverly says

    February 3, 2017 at 5:16 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 3, 2017 at 7:37 am

      Thank you Beverly! and I highly recommend making those cookies (they’re the BEST!)

      Reply
  6. Jean says

    February 3, 2017 at 10:44 am

    Amazing!! Inspirational as always. I will have to follow your lead!

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 6, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      Thank you Jean xo

      Reply
  7. Elle says

    February 3, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 6, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      Thank you Elle … you’re so sweet!

      Reply
  8. Kelly Kardos says

    February 4, 2017 at 7:01 am

    Quite the month! When I retire (next year) I will make no apologies either…Dues are done…paid in full!

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 8, 2017 at 5:54 am

      YES to that Kelly!

      Reply
  9. Elle says

    February 4, 2017 at 9:05 pm

    Thank you, Barb! :)

    Reply
  10. odile lm says

    February 6, 2017 at 10:05 am

    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…

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 6, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      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

      Reply
  11. Carol says

    February 6, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 6, 2017 at 5:25 pm

      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

      Reply
  12. Aina Apelthun says

    February 7, 2017 at 3:15 am

    i am impressed, and such a great idea, i will try that
    great inspiration as always

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 8, 2017 at 5:55 am

      Thank you Aina … I so appreciate you stopping by :)

      Reply
  13. Libby Wilkie says

    February 7, 2017 at 9:39 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 8, 2017 at 5:55 am

      Yes … extremely lucky!

      Reply
  14. Henrietta Richer says

    February 8, 2017 at 1:05 am

    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

    Reply
    • Barb Brookbank says

      February 8, 2017 at 5:56 am

      Thanks for stopping by Henrietta! I also looked back at my journals, notes, calendar, photos etc…

      Reply
  15. Susie Lessard says

    February 20, 2017 at 8:17 am

    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.

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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