Goals! Attainable Goals, realistic goals. What does it take to accomplish your goals?

Goals, everywhere in the world people set goals for themselves. If you could make two categories which one would you fit in? How do you move from one category that is dissatisfied to one whom is thrilled by his success of accomplishment?

Two categories really? Yes, each category has their own identity. I know which one I am, you decide which one you are. I will only number each one, yet later I will name them .

Group #1. Usually hard working, positive to be around, their home and cars are spotless, they have time to go on trips and can afford it, they read books, they go running or biking most days, their family life seems happy, they can afford what ever they do yet seem a bit frugal. Whatever projects this person has they have no problem seeing it thru almost effortlessly and they are happy.

Group #2. Their brain is hopping, no end to the great ideas they come up with. If you could harness some of what they come up with we would all be rich. They are definately on to new horizons with this weeks ideas. The ones from last week have evaporated, it doesn’t matter they already purchased the supplies for the project because this stuff is pushed to the corner because something new, different, exciting is occupying their mind now. Drawings, lists, and numbers written down, this is a thrill, the best thing they have come up with, everyone gets excited, it looks like a real Go, they buy all they need,then suddenly it all comes to a Stop!. The depression hits, no money for bills, the house and garage are a mess. It is over, time to recover a bit. The money gone, the disappointment, the clutter and the half-dones. In a couple weeks a new charge of energy, sketches, lists, numbers and we are on a new wave. Do not touch my stuff for my other projects, I know what they are and I know where they are and someday I will do them.

Both types of people are fun to be around. You likely know both types. If your a little of both or a lot of one and a little of the other you can imagine the internal struggle it can be.

The Group #1, wins the prize, is #1!! The Doers. Satisfaction guaranteed. They know whom they are, they know what they want, they know how much money they have, they stick to budgets, they know how much time they have.
To be in group one you know it takes consistency to attain all your desires. To be fit you must be consistent w your exercise routine. To have a clean home we must pick up after selves, put things away, wipe surfaces daily, sweep and Vaccume regularly. If we want our car kept nice we cannot keep leaving stuff in the car, keep the car empty and tidy. Do a weekly clean an wash of car, I am working on this.
And if we want money then we don’t just keep buying or keep getting credit. We have a budget and mind our budget. If we want to take trips maybe we don’t eat out for a few months an save money for our trip. (This savings includes not just the travel, food, sights, hotel etc. it includes the amount of lost week of work, plus the amount for bills that would be due for the first couple weeks on return, this way you won’t be knocking on someone’s door because you cannot afford your rent or buy groceries. Keep yourself covered w proper planning).

Group #1 is a group of doers, they consider a project, set up their space, purchase their supplies and have their time planned out to work on the project and if they can work on it a few hours a couple nights a week until done that is how it gets done. Our friend Bob wanted to make a cutting board for his wife using many types of wood. It came out nice. It took a bit. He and his wife loved the finished project.

Group #2, are definately the Dreamers. If they could hire a full time staff to follow the dreamer about to pick up after them, to assist in the projects to finish the projects, to support the dreams it would be a wonderful world. Unless your rich already, we have to stop, focus, plan and be committed to see a project thru. It is a wonderful way to earn self respect by working thru the steps. It is challenging especially when the excitement is gone it is time to exercize commitment, loyalty, and continue even if almost bored. If our minds have already started a new project then we can invest in a project planner an give ourselves a half hour a day to develop our projects yet this does not interfere with our completion of projects we are already on board with. The dedication, follow thru, and daily doing what is required to accomplish the goal. These are qualities like skills that are rewarding. It can get boring, I am working on a tiny necklate scarf. It is boring I want to be working on this an that. Yet each night before bed I do a couple rows, each morning if possible I do a couple rows. Of course I started it with excitement believing it would be wonderful and beautiful. The fact that my mind wants to be knitting a sweater or socks is just normal. I will be so happy when the necklate is done then I can start the sweater knowing at some point I will be perfectly bored ready to be knitting something else. You see, I know this about myself, and I know I have given in to these treacherous feelings before. We know feelings can be misleading. By practicing commitment to our obligations we will be happier in life. If we practice followthru we will have satisfaction from achieving our goals.

For us dreamers, living within our means and not freely purchasing will give us peace of mind and a manageable budget.

It is a good practice to look at half starts of projects, work on them and finish. It makes you feel good and accomplished. It clears clutter and shows self respect.

It takes faith to finish what you start, if your mind is leaping about and leaving a path of half starts how can others take you serious and how can you take yourself serious. I understand, this has been me my whole life. Throughout my life I have started many, discarded many, and it brings grief. Do not allow your children to do this. They need expectations that where if reasonable without pain or degradation that they are encouraged to finish what they start. It builds qualities that will help them their whole life.
There are many projects I started and finished over the years that I was rewarded with joy and satisfaction because it was a worthy project.

By seeing the worth of our project, respecting the investment of time, money, and optimism we initially had we can go from being Just a Dreamer to a Doer! Keep doing, and fulfillment will be your reward! Plan it! Do it! Finish it!

September, All is not at a Loss! Goalsetters, Get Ready!

September, the beginning of fall, where will it take thee’, where can I go…?

September is the fourth to the last month of the year. The ninth month of the year, we still have time. Time is still on our side, if we get busy now.

What goals did you have for 2022? We can still amp it up a bit and get good results. Take time to consider what you thought was important. Are those things still important? Here are a few to improve all aspects of life.

We still have four Fridays and Four Sundays. No, we really only have three Saturdays. Confounding really! This is Monday, September 5th, 2022.

We can put our time to good use. Here are twenty things we can do in September that will help make the next few months go smoother. Make life more enjoyable. We can improve family life and become more satisfied if we just try a few of these or all of them. I would love to hear if someone tries them all consistently til end of the year. Is anyone willing to try all twenty? Yea!!! We can do this!

1. Any outside special cleanup and repairs for our home, property And vehicles. You can make that punch list. Weatherizing before cooler weather. Mulching, glazing, window washing, pressure washing, minor repairs or major. Getting them done will just feel good. It is cool enough to paint the house or trip to improve overall look of the place.

2. Maintenance to lawnmower, bicycles, other equipment. Wash, pump up tires, check the belts, chains, and fluids.

3. Put a check mark on our calendar each day when we get a 20 min or better walk or workout done. A smiley face if you like.

4. Weigh once a week like Tuesday and put that number on your monthly calendar each week. A record to reflect on helps quarterly, or sooner if need be.

5. Plan a trip, a short close by one for a long weekend. Or visit local zoos and museums.

6. Plan a couple Fridays or Mondays off to get some big domestic projects done over a long weekend.

7. Consider a totally new hairstyle, a new refreshing look. Do we still look like we did ten years ago? Can we grow our hair longer or cut it shorter? Go to a stylist and get some professional input. Just nothing high maintenance please. If your hair is already high maintenance can we simplify things and stop doing something that makes it high maintenance? Keep it nice, just try something new.

8. Is there something you can tweak about your diet that could help you feel an look better? A small thing. Cut down on the soda, or increase the water. Have smaller meals and include at least one or two veggie salads per day.

9. A reading goal, read some poetry or even the Bible five minutes a day. Something refreshing each day.

10. Call family weekly, you know the family that you rarely talk to, and you never hear from them. Just call! Say hi! It has been a tough couple years for everyone. Sorry for my neglect., what is going on with you? How is everyone holding up? Then listen. Express care and concern.

11. Time to pull out a hobby or craft, how about finishing that one you started a few years ago. I like doing little quicker projects while I have a bigger project. Keeps it mixed up so I don’t get bored. I do get bored, jump around, get nothing done. You should see all my wonderful drafts of articles I have written and not published. Boo Haw! I will! I really will honor them and finish them.

12. A basketball, tennis ball, or football? Take your pick, they can do nothing without you. Oh, really has it been years…it is not the balls fault. Your not crawling yet. Get busy with it, get active.

13. New recipes please, the food has gotten boring. I will elaborate in a different article. Challenge: Use a real cookbook you own and find a couple recipes to enjoy making.

14. Clean the car, go get it detailed unless your good at detailing it yourself. I am not good at detailing let alone anything else other than keeping gas in the car sometimes. I do respect those w clean cars. Maybe my self respect will improve as I improve. Imagine that equivalent to self esteem. Good decisions, good actions, good results, good esteem.

15. Look at the body, yea, the one in the mirror. Take measurements quarterly and keep track of improvements and the need to improve. I lost 8 inches just w tiny little exercises since last September with no weightloss. Amazing! Don’t obsess! Just do toning exercises. Weightloss, another subject as I have a lot to lose. Always trying, never denying, and one will never lose. Made up by me just now. Some of us could afford to deny less or more.

16. Driving, how is your driving? Do you speed, do you get impatient? Do you get up close to the vehicle in front of you? Do you mess with your phone while driving? We know what we do, distracted driving and accidents are real. Aggressive driving is happening all around us, we do not have an excuse even if the other driver is inconsiderate and rude. We are responsible for what we do. Tickets, accidents, all cost money and time. Keep a good record and you will feel blessed.

17. Gifts anyone? Whom doesn’t like a gift? A gift is nice to give or recieve especially without expectation. A loved one we reside with, can we pick up something not expensive yet meaningful they may like? Or, the gift of time, have they been nagging we get something done that we just almost refuse to do, just do it with a smile and love to bless them and yourself. Don’t make them ask again. They will appreciate what you do even more! Can you arrange with them a long lunch and meet for a light lunch or a coffee? How much does eye contact and a smile cost? Can we try to stop a moment each day and look at each member while they are talking, really see them, really hear them and w a thoughtful response of positivity to validate their concerns or expressions.

18. Board games anyone? I am game, I really love playing cards or a board game w my favorite people. You know whom you are. No phones at table it is rude! Relax, have fun together.

19. It is still early enough in season if you like to go boating or camping or kyacking. It is fun! I do not do those things but my friends whom do are always happy they plan the time.

20. The final Big One! Mathew 5:3 say Happy is the one concerned w their spiritual needs. Include time to Pray to the most High at Psalms 83:18 about all these matters to improve your life in all ways. He really will help you. As you know principles are the backbone of structure. Nothing good can stand without it. As we learn his principles and apply them in daily life we will see the good results.

This is September, we have 17 weeks until the end of the years. Let us finish strong and achieving much so we can gain the esteem that comes with good results. Good results come from consistent efforts.

We can Do It! Finish Well, improve our health, wealth, family life, friendships, environment, spiritual health and esteem. Joy will come, satisfaction will be our gift.

Your Author, Gina Rydin from Fat fit an Fab . Com

fatfitanfab.com

Checking In

We are sailing thru the third quarter of the year. How smooth is your sailing?

It is important in these tough times to maintain joykeepers in our routine.

The worldscene is in a devastating place right now and although we do not want to be obsessed we must be aware of what is going on globally. It seems we may feel hopeless at times when we see what’s going on yet we can pray for others in difficult situations.

The fact that we have our own situations can be challenging. There are those that are near and dear that we worry about. It is true we have our own responsibilities we have to care for. And sometimes our own situations can consume most of our time whether it’s financial responsibilities, life‘s responsibilities, shortage of time, funds or energy. It is hard to keep up, however we still have to make time to go out and get that walk to enjoy a little sunshine or read a bit in a book or listen to some good music. We can call someone that needs to hear from us. We can express love and care now. There are many things we can do to enrich our life.
We still have five months, approximately 23 weeks to accomplish self improvement goals. what goals have you set? To save a little, or to establish a new routine for improved rest, or to replAce one meal a day with a healthy salad, or organizing our paperwork so we can be ready for tax time early. There are many things we can do in this 23 weeks to be more organized and more healthy. Join me in this, I believe I will do this Eight Minute exercise routine every morning from today on. I found it on you tube. Now onto the joy keepers…

We could get a massage if you can afford it or a pedicure. It is vital to take good care of yourself. Giving more attention to our personal care routine like our hair, skin and nails once a week. Before bed I rub a nice jelly like lotion into my nail beds of fingers and toes, it is a way to acknowledge them each day for working so hard for me.

I enjoy being able to watch some PBS music shows. A great channel is JW Broadcasting on the Roku with some really positive and encouraging talks, movies, and beautiful music always free.

The walks can help take care of your physical health. Bible reading helps with my spiritual, emotional and mental health. Going out in the sunshine a bit always cheers me up.

Each month I try to find a couple new recipes to try. I want to make simple soups and not alot of it. A friend just recommended I try to go to bed earlier in the evening and I thought I would give it a try.
I am dealing with the exhausting effects of chronic illness. I have to rest more than I want. It is a joy buster having something interfere with your regular routine. Yet, I still try to include good things in my daily life. I want you to do that too.

I really want to know how you are you doing. Any new routine are you trying? Is anything new and different? Life is unpredictable and the sailing may experience much turbulence as the stormy winds and waves of life interfere with us maintaining our route. The problem is we must accept there will be storms for now, yet our efforts to Stay The Course will be blessed in due time. Keep up the joy with much prayer.

Written by Gina Rydin

Life is full of uncertainties, yet, we must find joy keepers to endure the trip and stay the course. This article helps us to consider some possibilities.

Endurance with Joy is a challenge. Let us consider a few possibilities.

July 2022

July, July, what can I say good about you?

The good news is that July has five three-day weekends. If it is possible to take a Friday and Monday off for a mini-vacation or staycatIon how wonderful would that be!

There are five long weekends either way if one wants to employ them.

If a household has school-age children then it’s a perfect time to go through the children’s room. The closets, drawers, etc. and see if they have age-appropriate things. Our children grow up in front of us yet we do not always see it happening. All too often their drawers an closets have things they can no longer wear. It is time to get rid of some stuff they no longer need or use. It us good to keep in mind that we have to exercise consideration and not get rid of things that might be important to them.

Yet by going through the closets and drawers seeing how many clothes they have that fits. This is the perfect time to make the list and take them shopping. A controlled shopping trip, is it possible? By having a list of what they need we can afford to get a couple things they really would like without blowing the budget. Then this is a good learning experience for them, purposeful fun w structure, control, yet a bit of freedom. Imagine that we can pair down, clean up, and be refreshed.

We can see it’s a good time to go through our closets, drawers and rooms. We can also see what we are no longer interested in or what we might need that’s new. We might need some new white blouses and some clothes have gotten dingy can get tossed or recycled.

Can we make time to clean the windows, baseboards and the doors. The furniture can be wiped down, do we need new bedding and can we change around the room? Time to consider is there any painting that needs to be done in these rooms.

Is there a room in the house that has become blaa? It is time to really look at this room, what do you see? Is there anything in the room that technically should be put away elsewhere? Is the rooms purpose obvious and utilized? Can the room be repurposed?

If you decide to repurpose the room or use it for its original purpose you need to plan an action. The first thing could be start with one corner and just pull everything out of that corner. Three things are handy like a trashcan, a box and a basket. Throw away everything that you just no longer have a use for. To put items in a box for what you can donate or sell. Anything in a basket to put the things that you’re gonna put away later when you leave the room. Set a timer and see how fast you can clear out this corner then proceed to the next one. See how much you can do and without stressing yourself out but feel a measure of accomplishment it may be an afternoon job or a job that may take you all week. I have areas like this and it’s overwhelming I didn’t see it happening at the time I don’t know how messes like that occur.

Although I’m not a big believer in ME time I do feel that getting some R&R is really important. If possible can you can plan a few days to go somewhere nice that’s not far away just to get some quiet time. Consider seeing some beautiful sites without expending a lot of money. Be refreshed!

What if there is a hobby you’ve ever wanted to explore doing. There are many reasons we put off personal interests you didn’t feel you had the room for it. Whether your limited with your time, space or finances. Maybe your life has changed or your circumstances different now. Has some children moved out or you have a little more room than you used to have? Or consider is there a possibility you really don’t need the guestroom and you can turn it into your activity room like your workout area with a desk in there for your office and if you like to maybe a sewing area. Really consider your interests and even if all you can do is make a corner of the room to suit your new interest your life will be enriched. July is a good time to reconsider the goals you had for 2022 that you came up with in January . Are you making headway on those original goals? If those goals were important to you? Is there anything more you can do to progress on the original goals? Are you watching your diet and getting your exercise that you intended? Some people have spiritual goals and wanted to read the Bible daily, are you picking your Bible up even if it’s only for five minutes or three minutes a day ? You can create a variety of things to do that’s different on each weekend to enrich your life you can plan it ahead of time even market on your calendar. The first week can be looking through your drawers and closets the second week can be some deep cleaning of those rooms and any necessary shopping. The third week could be a mini vacation. The fourth week could be repurposing a room or any other project that has been sitting to the side that you have wanted to make headway on. The fifth weekend it can be a joyful weekend having fun with family and friends . So whatever you choose to do with your month, look ahead and see how you can purposely plan it out to be rewarding where you feel accomplished and it makes the next few months a little easier by getting these things done and out-of-the-way. From your author Gina Rydin

2022 Not Just Another Year

Written By: Gina Rydin

Years come an go all the time. Where does time go? History is all about time gone by.

We have an opportunity to look back at the last few years, our family, health, spirituality, domestic, mental and financial health. Are we satisfied or dissatisfied? Can we improve our situation?

We can moan an blame. Life is complicated and we are victims to so much we cannot control. Proverbs 21:4 says If you become discouraged in the day of distress your power will be meager. So true! Sometimes I see a person obsessing about things as they are blind to the good, incapable of seeing past their problems while making more bad choices.

Time is considered a milestone in life, we make goals for a week, month, six weeks etc. We love the optimism of TIME and how we can be benefitted. The opportunity to make adjustments in our schedule, routine, and daily habits can fulfill many desires if we dedicate ourself to the practice.

What kinds of things could be on our shortterm/longterm goal schedule?

Family: Looking at our family situation and thinking about something that might destress the family and bring us closer together.
Could our health be improved by this or that? You know exactly what you need to do. Quit researching and spending, just get started and be consistent.
Spirituality, it is a real need many ignore or replace with other vices. Mathew 5:3 says “Happy is the man conscious of his spiritual needs.” I feel so offtract and off center if I am not consistent. I love the aids, music, videos and talks on jw.org. All free, and it is in over 1000 languages. International I feel better no matter what, try it and see.
Domestic, Why mention domestic? It is not an issue to obsess over, yet, if we can neaten as we go why not make tomorrow better with an environment that is managed. Personally I struggle in this department yet each year I do see improvement. A clean tidy environment I desire and function best in. My mind is fast forward and I am somewhere else before you know it and I do not know where the mess came from. Now as I try to slow down and practice a pattern of behavior it is helping. My friend Vickie moves so fast and takes care of many. Watching her clean a kitchen is pure entertainment as one movement flows into the next at high speed. She doesn’t want your help as you are in the way. Just back up and keep talking with her. She has things to do and places to go, in a micro-minute she will be done. Observing others has really helped me to figure out how I want to be. Do I really have to take forever to make these changes? Hope not! For now I will settle for improvement at a good rate. How about you?
Mental, I am not a psychologist or doctor. Do all these points and see if it doesn’t help some.
Financial, I have no advice. Double check the needs, some spend enough in drivethru each month they could pay all their utility bills. I personally am seeing the need to cut back on that. There are things to check and adjust. Times are tough we have some choices.

There are choices in daily life we can make. I have to pray alot so I can make good choices. I am always adjusting how I do things and I see improvement. Trying to make improvements and I love results.

The Power is all about consistency. Practice it! Do it again!

TIME can be our friend, we can make good use of our time. It is vital to consider our options. Only then can we have a measure of control which should and can improve our overall situation.
Written By Gina Rydin

Disclaimer: I am not a professional, these expressions are meant to be tried at your discretion. If you consider it beneficial then try at your own risk. It is your life not mine. Your choice based on your circumstances. May you be blessed and well.

February is not just any February

It is not just another year, it is still the beginning of a year. The first quarter of a year. We have an opportunity to make some positive goals and plans. Is there anything you have been wanting to do to improve your life?

I am thinking of not just immediate things that must be taken care of, or long term goals and things we must do to achieve them or even short term goals. How about little not so important things you have always wanted to do but never get around to doing… .

This February I am trying to focus more on my immediate responsibilities, however … stop, let’s catch our breath a little.

What point am I taking my sweet time to get to?

For example let me see if you can guess:

I was doing a zoom ministry with a friend this morning. Her husband came home from work. He took the kids to the zoo, What?! During these Covid times???!!!. Yes, Hurray! The young mother was able to stay home for a little R&R. The husband got a break from work and was able to enjoy a happy time with his kids. The Zoo’s are still open and need support. This world is breaking an falling apart and here this little family made time for a sensible happy time. I am impressed!

This evening, I walked with a teenager to her home because I did not want her walking home at dusk alone. (I forgot to wear my ankle supporters! How painful. However visiting with a young person on a walk was healthful and enjoyable). As I neared my home a couple neighbors I had not previously met came out an visited with me on the street. They mentioned how they see me going for Occasional walks and how delighted they are that usually have a friend on the phone on the speaker and I am gabbing an laughing. She said that it makes them so happy to see. She told me she would like to walk with me gabbing and laughing. I said, “let’s do! It’s a sanity keeper.”

As I see I have some piles here and there…where do they come from? I have no one to blame. Having a busy mind and life with many interests you can only imagine. Mindfulness, something that has eluded me for half a century.
My husband has deteriorating health and I am trying to maintain some mental health during these trying times.
I find doing little activities like a game, Pick a Pile. That is the name of my game. It is helpful and the situation domestically is slowly improving. Put away, throw away. You cannot believe how much needs to be put away or thrown away.
One such little pile had a antique fold up chair with no seat or back. I have owned it most of my adult life and it has needed repair most of that. I decided that I need to do what I have been needing to do for a long time, if I have appreciation for the chair I need to just finish it. Now, while sitting with my husband I am doing some stapling an hot glueing in hope to have a sturdy sit worthy chair. As I am a good sum heAvier than my husband I had him sit on the chair to make sure the seat I put together would hold. It held him just fine. My seat may be too much for this little chair to bear so I am putting that on hold as I try to lighten up a good sum.
In conclusion I would just like to say, we have our lists of things we never get around to. Making just a little time for something refreshing is good for our state of mind and well being. This little list has rediculous unnessessary things that I have always on the back of my mind. There are scriptures that say Make sure of the more important things and I believe we should do that 95% of the time. However, the Bible also says we need to sing, dance and laugh that these things are important too.

If you would like a few suggestions:

Go to a zoo on an day that it may not be busy. Be cautious. Your discretion.
Take a walk
Practice the piano or an old instrument that is gathering dust.
A hobby you may have let go of, give yourself a couple afternoons a month to enjoy.
Bible reading and prayer, Mathew 5:3 says Happy is the person conscious of their spiritual needs. This deserves a more important role in our routine.
Getting some light exercize more regularly
Making time for fresh air and sunshine improves our outlook.
Take a break from the computer, phone and tv one night a week, what would a person really do without those? How did mankind live these thousands of years?!😂
Making time to interact with our loved ones talking and listening with eye contact. Of course no phones. Light conversation with words of appreciation. Relationships with our mate, parents, children and siblings need and deserve the investment. ( A side note: people in loneliness go out looking for new relationships instead of taking care of those right there already needing and wanting them. Isn’t that interesting.).

It is my hope you are encouraged. Be blessed.
written by Gina Rydin

Feeling Blue

Blue in the sky is most inspiring, everyone loves a blue sky associated with happiness. Yet, a cloudy day can cause some to feel uninspired, tired or depressed.

Why is blue when associated feelings commonly associated with being in the dumps, depressed or almost grieving?

I do not have the answers yet I wondered why a beautiful bright blue sky and or a mournful type of mood could be associated with the same color.

Blue can be a complementary color for most people to wear. Midnight blue is a different hue than navy blue which is different than bright blue or light blue.
Some are born with blue eyes, blue green eyes, light blue eyes or grey blue eyes. Elizabeth Taylor was said to have had a violet type of blue eyes.

Yet, feeling blue is a true blue we feel that most understand. A very wide variety of emotions, or circumstances, can create this. Understanding the difference between feeling a little blue compared to true depression is important to consider.

Physically under the weather, a bad day at work, or some temporary feelings of loss or loneliness are experiences most people occasionally have.

Longterm distress, loss, physical pain, financial duress, health problems, stress, feelings of failure, painful experiences and the list goes on. This can bring on a form of situational depression. And if we cannot figure out solutions to our problems than this brings on a greater form of depression.
Understanding our situation, have we a total loss of control of our situation? Depression is inescapable making us incapable, the cycle goes on.
When hit with all types of problems at once we can be devastated. It seems there are no answers and it is hard to discern the best answers. One thing I am trying is a new list. Do you like making lists? They can help us identify, and accomplish.
The list I am working on is my top ten stressors now in my life. What seems out of control? What three things can I do for each thing on my list?
Yet, something to consider is the control offered by striving to practice these few things can remedy much. The reality is we must strive to practice a simplified daily routine

Eat regular healthy meals an snacks

Get daily walks or exercise

Make time for your spiritual needs, as Mathew 5:3 days, Happy is the man conscious of his spiritual needs. Of course, reading our Bible daily can greatly nourish our mind an heart an give us direction.

Try to pick up after ourselves daily. This is not an easy one for me but it makes me happy when I do.

Keep up with our daily chores another thing I am always seeking to improve on.

Oh, how I yearn to make good choices, responsible decisions, educated conclusions. There are so many opinions, faulty guides that do not always care about the consequences we must endure.

Personally I am between feeling blue and a deep depression. Some situations feel forced upon me yet I am unable to find valid solutions. The situation causes me to feel rather helpless an hopeless.

Prayer and Principle are my only valid options right now. I am praying a lot, and seeking to maintain principles of integrity and always wanting to bring honor to my God. Therefore, my current circumstances are distressing as I am trying to make the most honorable choices.
Just as Job an David in the Bible felt distress at times, we seek to, despite our problems, we want to make beneficial decisions and sometimes only Jehovah God can help us when we have tried to make decisions, only he can bless us.

How is that for a long sentence that breaks all the rules with sentence structure? I am a writer, not an editor.

If your depressed, feeling lonely or blue, hurt, defeated or depressed try praying to Jehovah about it. Talk to a close friend, relative, or even your doctor about it.
I hope you will be seeing sunshine and blue skies again. I desperately need that too.
Let’s work on our lists an see what we can accomplish while we clear the clouds away.
Written by: Gina Rydin

Perplexing Times

Uncertainty arises in all aspects of life. It is hard to make decisions. While hard pressed in so many ways it can be easy to jump to the wrong conclusion. Consequences come so better decisions can bring better consequences. Many experience this, and can deal with a form of chronic anxiety. What can help us be more decisive?

Sometimes we want to make the right decision, but the right decision is not always so apparent.

Remember, we do not have control of all things, nor of people, and sometimes we can be a victim. Ecclesiastes 9:11 says “…time an unforeseen occurrence befalls all.” Anything can happen to anyone.

In other ways we have much more control than we realize. We can choose to eat in moderation, spend in moderation, clean in moderation, exercise more, be more attentive to our loved ones, watch less television, enjoy being out in creation more, eat out less, go to bed earlier. Practicing good daily habits can increase our peace and joy.

I have a friend whom is suffering great abuse in many ways from her mate. She believes in forgiveness yet the abuse has only escalated over the last couple years. He manipulates her into allowing the abuse. Her affections are then misconstrued into something unhealthy because she is subjecting herself to stress and sadness. She has many children whom have to witness this which is a form of abuse too. This leaves them with unwarranted stress and guilt. When you have children you cannot protect them and expose them to badness at the same time. We are responsible to our children, the governmental authorities, Jehovah and his son, and even to ourselves. Children grow and go. We must have a safe secure environment for them.

In a situation of abuse, the other party, the one whom does the gross wrongdoing is responsible for their actions. Blaming ourselves and others only supports their bad ways. The one in a bad way never sees their own responsibility. Thus, they continue in their bad way, nursing themself along and others nursing them too. Freedom and peace comes with decisive action when motivated by Godly principles.

In our situation we just do not know, what appears to be the right way may not be. When we think we are simplifying we could unwittingly be complicating. When others are well meaning and tell us, “you need to simplify!” they do not always know what they are talking about. The reasons a life is complicated must be considered. After my mother in law died, she had been living with us and was 101. My husband had a stroke before she died and he had been in a care facility for a while. I was in distress and could not seem to get it together. My two friends Olivia and Courtney came over and kindly helped me neaten and clean the kitchen an living room. That was such a healing. They did not criticize or counsel, they just helped. I felt they really understood with love. Because I have been practicing good habits, I have been able to keep it all up since. It just is difficult to gain the extra ground. Last week on a day I was tired and felt a little useless I decided to just pull one of my kitchen drawers open and take a few things out that I just do not care to use. Then I went to the next drawer and quickly did that one. In less than ten minutes I did all of them. Then the next day I asked someone if they could use these things and they were happy to get them. When I do laundry, I look for things I do not care about and toss. It feels good. I am not being pushed or rushed, and I can do it. Slowly acquiring a healthy esteem.

We are not well and we are trying to simplify. While we have reduced some monthly expenses others seem to have simultaneously gone up. We went an changed up our car insurance to bring expenses down, two weeks later it went right back up and yet one less car to cover. Other things are less and this makes us very happy. We are still trying to work on this because it is always beneficial to reassess our budget.

My husband has a complicated medical situation that has him down. Today he was having a neurological attack and fell over into a rose bush When I tried to pull him out he was leaning just as hard into the rose bush. I had already sprained my right shoulder an arm and as I was trying to pull him out of the bush it was very difficult. He fell back into the rose bush. He does not want to admit it hurt yet I am sure it did. Feeling sad for him and I love him very much. Just want to help him to feel good about things.

We have cucumbers growing up the lattice and we look forward to picking the first one. Looking for the sunny side helps a lot.

Good friends are the greatest blessing. A good friend is not judgmental, instead aids you when you express a desire to improve. Tonight a couple friends said they noticed I have been losing weight. I feel encouraged. I still have a lot of weight to lose but they did not mention that, so I need not focus on that, just keep going in the right direction.

Naturally, genetically haphazard and unorganized it is very difficult to be organized. All the criticism meant with love only causes me to feel incapable.

The conclusion I have come to is that if my calf muscles are small naturally, I may not be able to change that. Yet, with regular exercise I can develop them. They may always be small but they can become stronger and appear nicer. Yet, unrealistic expectations of them being rounder and fuller, would be disappointing.

By acknowledging that I have many interests and that I tend to be a homebody means I tend to have many things around me. I like being able to putter with this and that.

There are some truths I have identified about myself, such as: excessive clutter makes me feel uncomfortable. I do like seeing all surfaces wiped down and clean. The mother whom raised me took great pride in keeping her windows, cabinets, appliances and floors clean. In fact she had a system for being clean everyday. I really liked that, yet I was unsuccessful at implementing any system myself. Knowing I like cleanliness and that our creator requires it, is the best motivation. I have a long way to go to be like I want to be. Improvement is slow in coming yet, I have been working on it a long time while dealing with one unusual situation after another. A friend of mine whom was visiting last week said she has seen our home get nicer and more organized. She did not criticize me for still having a lot of clutter and disorganization. She commended me for the progress and left it at that. That made me feel so good, because like weight loss, change and results can take a lot longer than we like. It does not happen overnight. I cannot be thin just because I want to be, I cannot be organized just because I want to be. Yet, I can practice thin habits and I can practice organized habits. In time, the results will be evident and I can feel I reflect well on my creator in all things. This keeps me motivated and it is its own reward.

Decisions are numerous, thousand a day. In many areas like personal, medical, relationships, financial, moral, where we live and what we do.

Knowing we want to please our creator in all we do helps us to make better decisions. Praying for guidance then following thru makes a difference too. Considering long term outcomes helps us narrow down our options. This can curtail spontaneous behaviors when we contemplate the results and costs.

By knowing a few things about ourselves, honestly assessing the good and not so good helps us not be so vulnerable.

For example:

I am sensitive and emotional. This makes me vulnerable to misunderstand and be offended. The scriptural principle at Ecclesiastes 7:9 says “Do not be quick to take offense, for the taking of offense lodges in the bosom of fools.” Need I say more, I have stupidly taken offense needlessly with heavy consequences.
Emotional impulses that lead to eating or spending without control. I feel so happy I am going to have a piece of cake, or I am so depressed a little shopping will make me feel better. Feelings can be misleading and can bring on a heap of problems. Instead, I feel so good I am going to take a walk and enjoy creation. Or, I feel so depressed I will just go take a little walk and enjoy creation. It works both ways. The Bible principle I think of is, 1 Corinthians 10:31 which says “therefore whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for Gods glory”.

There are many bible principles that aid us in daily living. And when answers are not obvious a lot of prayer and decisive baby steps with patience can bring about good results.

Written by: Gina Rydin author of all fatfitanfab.com articles.

Please keep in mind, you decide and choose what you do. I speak only from my own experience as your neighbor or friend and I am not a healthcare professional.

Altogether untogether, do you ever feel this way?

At times, life’s responsibilities are so overwhelming it is hard to remember whom we are and what we like to do.

We try so hard to keep it together, then it is so easy to land onto the couch and watch an episode of Gunsmoke or something. Yet, is it becoming our thing, our habit to drop and chill? Is there any other way to reconnect with the joy of living the life?

My Dear mother in law is living with us. She is 101 years old. Overall it is going fine. My husband nor I feel well and it makes everything so challenging.

Thankfully, she does not complain much and goes with the flow.

A friend makes pound cakes and shares by showing up at bad times and gives these to encourage others. Although it has been a couple years and she is going thru so much herself. I believe she deserves some pound cakes. I asked Lisa to share her recipe and she did. I know there are thousands of poundcake recipes online, but there is nothing like one shared by a friend you know to be good. I brought Marcia into the kitchen and we visited as I put the cake together. It was a nice experience and it turned out well. This afternoon Marcia looked at me and said, where is this cake we baked?! So I brought her a big piece and she liked it. Which of course made me very happy.

Today, I just wanted to be in bed. Everything hurts and I am tired. This week there has been plans to teach a young lady how to sew pillows an insert the forms. Her mother and she picked out many nice fabrics at a fabric store and pillow forms. Marcia enjoyed watching us girls measure, cut and sew. All turned out fine and it was a joy. Her mother gave me some of the lovely fabrics. What a treat!

When I plan time w others I have to think ahead for the meals to avoid temptations of eating out. Our middle son Brock gave me a rice cooker so tonight I dropped in frozen chopped Peppers an onions, a couple packages of jumbulia ricean beans, Conecka sausage, chicken broth and pinto beans and just let it cook itself in this rice cooker It turned out very well with minimal effort. When your just tired it makes you happy when things turn out well.

We made an agreement this week to really watch how we spend and that we want to live on the leaner side. We do not always recognize how easily we live in a luxurious manner. We meaning anyone. We want to pay off any debt and live within our means more closely. Circumstances change and are we really prepared for them?

My friend Vickie, her husband is dealing with extreme health issues, she has a special needs son besides. Vickie has always managed to keep her home together, help others and go for walks. We were talking tonight and reminding each other of the importance of having little things you like to do. Making time to do these activities. Vickie is accepting help from others to take her husband for his treatments. It is humble of her to accept the help because he and she has been good to so many over the years. He gains encouragement from spending time with others and experiencing their care for him.

A family we cherish in the Panama City, Florida area that was affected by the hurricane expressed today that they are just longing for some normalcy. We really were designed to have routines and steady circumstances. Our creator designed us to be stable and that is what we yearn for. When our world is upside down we are too! They will be coming for a brief visit in a couple weeks and we look forward to it.

I am taking a course with the Tidy Tudor. It is very enjoyable. About good habits and ways of thinking that affect our life in a more healthful manner. I am not naturally organized and would like to be. Kathy Roberts is very motivating with a new step each day or concept to consider.

Right now the house seems a mess and it has only been six days that I finally got a shot to settle my asthma down. I am not up to par. My husband and I neaten up and Vaccume before bed because we like it looking nice when we get up. Somehow, it gets totally destroyed each day, I do not know how it happens.

Three points to get out of all my jibber jabber.

Remember some activity you always enjoyed doing and include that in your life. Whether it be working out, dancing, tennis, woodworking, needlework, gardening or baking etc. make the time for it. It is important! Even Daily Bible Reading is considered to be the most valuable of activities to include in our life. I know making the time for it makes a difference in my outlook and attitude.
Include people in your life no matter how crazy your life seems. People help keep our perspective healthful. I enjoy company, such a boost!
Habits and routines are sanity keepers. If it is difficult to get on track, ask for help or take a mini course. Tap into our reset button and just do the basics until recovery is bestowed on us. Choose something from each of the three on the list and see if it does not help a little.

Our lives are always changing and we must adjust or we can break under the pressure.

Written by: Gina Rydin of fatfitanfab.com

Monday, Why I love Mondays.

MONDAY, MY FAVORITE DAY!!!

Monday is a day many dread. It seems to some all falls onto their head on a Monday. Being overwhelmed, the day can be unproductive, stressful, depressing, and it does not have to be this way.

About ten years ago I met a refreshing person whose name is Annemarie. A perky blond whom looked like Meg Ryan. I invited her to do something with me for the upcoming Monday and she said no, any day but Monday. I asked her why not Monday. She told me that was her day for herself. She used Monday to get rest, to clean, do the laundry, to do gardening and lay in the sun. I was so impressed that I have reserved Monday ever since.

A DAY OFF: If you have a choice in the matter. If you can afford to work four days instead of five, why not take Monday off from your employment. Many take Friday off by choice viewing it as a vacation day. Yet, Monday may be an even better day to take off instead of Friday because it may be more fulfilling. Everyone else in household is back to work and school. Do not view your day as a day to Care Less or be carefree. By carefully considering how you will spend your time on this special day, your life can take a change for the better.

Monday at home could mean an extra hour of needed sleep, getting in a relaxing walk, a trip to the library or museum by yourself, meeting a friend for lunch, doing your bills, or yard work. For balance in my life, getting chores done in the form of a quick clean makes a difference for the whole week. I do not mean a slave day, more like a day of time blocks adhered to. Having attention deficit, time blocks help me to focus without the temptation to multitask. If I multitask then my mind is unaccountable and takes flight. The day is gone. This can still happen to me when I feel weak due to health problems. Yet, I strive to do as much as I can on Monday because for me it is a sanity keeper.

A time block for extra rest like sleeping in an extra hour, and an hour break in the middle of the day. A block for phone calls, A block for laundry which during that time while washing and drying are going on I can clean the bathrooms and or phone calls. A Block for quick clean which is 12 minutes per room. (my quick clean is ten minutes to do a quick pick up, gather what does not belong in the room including trash and set at doorway, wipe surfaces quickly, then timer goes off and I quickly sweep or vacuum. Then on to next room and set timer for ten minutes). (The Slob Sisters have a great book about this and The Fly Lady, for years I read and reread. They helped me so much. It seems so hard for me to read anymore books yet I will never forget that their programs are fantastic). Then I run and put doorway items away as fast as possible. Time for a break when all done. A block for yard work or errands. The blocks can be minutes long or a couple of hours long. Use the timer. If the timer goes off before your done then one must determine if another day of a few minutes will make a difference or if a few minutes now will make a big difference. This is not the day to get caught up in trying to get each room done as a perfectionist would. Each week of this activity will make a few weeks worth of efforts a visible accomplishment.

I like Monday because if I get my Monday work done, the whole week is much smoother.

What I like to do on Mondays. First, I sleep in as long as I need to, with chronic health problems a lack of sleep contributes to my flare-ups. Secondly, I start the laundry and make my phone calls. I do a deeper clean up in the kitchen. Monday happens to be my deeper clean kitchen day. While wash is going I clean my bathrooms. A quick pick-up and sweep-up through the house remedies the mess the weekends create. I wash towels every Monday, and if possible I may get a jump ahead by doing them on Sunday night.

Setting up my schedule for the week on Sunday night helps me to know what phone calls are vital for me to make. Doing my phone calls by 11:00a.m. really takes the pressure off the rest of the day. Over the week, I pay attention to whose anniversary, graduation, or achievement has come about that I can on Sunday nights or Monday write out these cards and send them. My husband seems to enjoy running errands, and I like being home on Monday. Emotionally, I really like being home on Monday because life seems so busy on the weekends, the downtime to get things done is precious. I rarely accept an invitation to leave my house on a Monday. Hanging my clothes out to dry is another thing I have done for decades and I like to do if the weather permits. Cooking a good meal and doing a little meal prep to make the next couple dinners for the week easier is important. Eating a little lighter during the day helps me to maintain my focus and lessen the burden on my internals. A walk or isometric exercises refreshes me.

At 1:30 pm. on Monday is a PBS station sewing show called Sew it All. I like to stop and enjoy this show and put my legs up. It is only a half hour and because I enjoy sewing it is a treat to watch. On Wednesday, Sew Easy comes on, I will tape it to watch later. If sewing or painting or something else is your interest, give yourself a 90 minutes time block to work on a project, and then that evening your free to get back to it if you can.

Filling my Monday with practical efficient activities sets up my week for greater productivity and less stress. Whether it is every Monday or only a once a month Monday, having this day to catch up on domestics, relaxing activities, yard work, gardening, and phone calls makes for a better start to the week. It also is important to avoid time wasters on this day. Unless the errands are vital for the week to go smooth try to keep most of the day to yourself at home. Beware of Time Wasters such as gabbing on the phone, texting, internet cruising, or television watching. This day is a day for yourself to reset and restore. With an extra hour of rest, getting a home in order, car cleaned, laundry done, gardening, essential phone calls and bill paying your investing in a more peaceful life. The week and month will go smoother. The evening of Monday is a good time to be refreshed by going to bed early for an extra hour of rest before resuming regular activities on Tuesday. Monday’s never get me … .

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