Baby steps

Well, I think we can officially say that here in good ‘ole Pennsylvania we are in the Dog Days, which, by the way, refers to the hottest days of summer.

Did you know that the name “Dog Days” comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, was responsible for hot weather? Sirius is actually called the “Dog Star” and is believed to be the closest to the sun … I know, I know … I’m a wealth of knowledge. Siriusly 🙂

Any-hoo, it’s HOT here … It’s also a great time to pick up a good beach book and head to the lake for some chill out time with the fam.

One of the books I’m reading right now is called “Sink Reflections” and, I am not exaggerating when I write this, it is changing my life!

It’s written by Marla Cilley (aka The FlyLady) and is chock full of helpful ideas on how to get organized and better manage your home and life. Yep. You’re perking up now, aren’t you?

Marla offers practical “Baby Steps” on how to develop routines that will help keep us from feeling constantly overwhelmed by our housework and daily responsibilities.

These are the “Baby Steps” I have chosen for myself and have already incorporated into my life this week.

1. Get up at 5:15 a.m. OK. This is a huge change from my typical 6:15 a.m. wake up routine which gave me a half hour to get ready and leave for work! Getting out of bed has been the biggest challenge for me because — you must believe me when I tell you this — rising early in the morning has been a form of torture for me all my life and I have never been successful at doing it! I’ve always dreamed of being one of those “morning people” … bright and chipper, makeup and hair immaculate, coffee cup in hand, prepared for the day, NOT RUSHED AND FRAZZLED. But I have always been seemingly velcro-ed fast to my bed, relishing those last few minutes of blissful slumber. All you who share my plight … holla! Well, I have been successfully getting out of bed at 5:15 a.m. for the past three days. What’s making it work this time? Frankly, I just don’t think about it too long. I just put my feet on the floor and head for the shower. Thinking about it too long with my head on that sweet pillow is a dangerous, dangerous thing, people. I have to get my tail in gear before I have time to talk myself out of it.

2. Get dressed to the shoes with makeup and hair done. Granted, this is much easier for me to do now that I’ve given myself ENOUGH TIME TO GET READY IN THE MORNING. So, this just kind of fell into place after I incorporated Step 1. Feeling like I’m dressed well and looking my very best allows me to face the world with a confidence I don’t usually possess. It works, people. It really works. According to Marla, getting dressed to the shoes is important particularly for those who work at home because “you act different when you have proper clothing and shoes on.” (For the record, I have to be at my office at 7 a.m.)

3. Make my bed and keep the kitchen sink clean. Marla has a whole philosophy about how a clean, organized, peaceful home starts with a shiny sink. She writes, “I don’t why, but a beautiful sink to greet you each morning starts your day with a smile.” She’s right.

4. Fuel up by spending at least 15 minutes in prayer and meditation. I started doing this faithfully each morning this week. I read a passage of scripture, pray and, most importantly, thank God for the breath in my lungs and for my beautiful, blessed life. I also ask for help with my weaknesses — gossiping, paralyzing perfectionism, anger/bitterness, lack of faith, lack of energy, lack of self-control, etc. This time of prayer and self-reflection has rocked my world! For those of you who practice this regular “quiet time,” I’m sure you’d agree that the influence it has on your life is profound.

Well. These are the first “Baby Steps” I’ve incorporated so far and I have already noticed a HUGE difference. What “Baby Steps” can you commit to today? Remember, your life did not get chaotic overnight and it won’t get fixed overnight.

Don’t forget to check out Marla Cilly and her book “Sink Reflections.”