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

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

Covid-20

Written by Gina Rydin

Covid-20 May be a new epidemic. This year of 2020 has seen more isolation, social distancing, stress, anxiety, loneliness and economic pressure than previously experienced world wide.

The news daily giving daunting details of an illness most do not understand. The dangers that affect all countries, people, and ethnic backgrounds. This virus is bringing about such dread and fear that people are experiencing a stress. Comfort sought sometimes in unhealthy ways.

Some people are gaining weight due to stress and isolation. Being home is new for many, the stress is compounded by boredom. Due to the need for comfort some are eating more, unaware of grazing-like activities. They nervously grab a handful of cereal, some candy, some chips. Never quite satisfied wanting more, eating more. Continually, greedily, stressfully looking for more to eat. Feeling so stressed searching for something as the hand meets the mouth with longed for comfort that eludes… .
The Covid-20 may not be everyone’s reality. Yet, it will affect many, only time will reveal how mankind has been affected by this epidemic.
Gaining weight is unhealthy for most. It should be noted once the habits that contribute to weight gain go on blindly practiced it just compounds an already unhealthy situation.
Good News! I am aware of many that are still mindful of making healthy food choices. People whom are still taking walks or going for bike rides. Are these people the same ones whom have maintained healthy diet and exercise routines for years? I am not sure, yet, there are many I know that do not want to gain weight whom do strive to eat a healthful diet and they make an effort to exercise most days.

With many children and young people being restricted from normal activities they may be potential candidates for weight gain. As parents we have the responsibility to find ways to get our children out in the fresh air and to get exercise. For growth, brain health and immunity children need sunshine, fresh air, exercise, and stimulating challenges. This also helps maintain a healthy esteem despite all the world’s present dangers and circumstances.
Parents, Adults and caregivers with responsibilities are under an inhumane amount of duress. There is very little time to care for personal needs. Their situation merits much compassion. Small choices add up to big dividends. Making good food choices for self, healthy portion sizes and making time for exercize may help maintain a degree of sanity. As many depend on you a parent or caregiver your not expendable. Involve others in your exercise and healthy eating.
One trick that helps me in two ways is when I am almost done with my meal I set the timer on my phone for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

1. This helps me to finish my meal w satisfaction and know that I am done eating. Yes, done eating.

2. The second way it helps is that my sugar is not apt to go too low by then. Therefore I can have a healthy snack and reset the timer for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Breakfast 2:25 min a snack 2:25 min lunch 2:25 min afternoon snack 2:25 min supper and if you choose another 2:25 min a light snack in evening. Amazingly this trick let’s me know I will not starve to death. No nervous grazing like a cow. No nibbling out of boredom, I have things I need to do. Food should not be an obsession or a compulsion. This timer method I use helps me not think of food. It is very freeing. By the way, I am losing weight and I have a lot of weight to lose.
Remember: There was a time when hobbies,…clean hands keep the puzzles clean while we could be putting Them together. Clean hands keep our knitting, crochet, or sewing projects respectfully clean. Go ahead, make a rug or a quilt or do a woodworking project.
Children thrive with projects to work on why not make some time to get them busy. Remember coloring books, word find books and crossword puzzles? The workbooks of a child’s grade curriculum are great to have them do a couple pages each morning. It keeps their mind sharp and ready for school. I would get these workbooks at a bookstore and sometimes at wal mart. Every summer my sons had these workbooks to do.
We live in historic times, let us not respond like victims. We can be survivors by making healthful choices.
Previously people did not have time to pursue hobbies. During these uncertain times make time for hobbies. They can keep our minds and bodies healthy.
A few things I am exploring is of course developing spiritual interests as Mathew 5:3 says Happy are those aware of their spiritual needs. I read the Bible and look at the jw.org website which is always encouraging. Another thing I am trying is a new Domestic routine. Looking at small maintenance things that need done while I try to spring clean a room each month. I want to make a dress and finish a few small projects. My challenge is always health, energy and stamina. We all have challenges of sorts. That is why it is imperative that we have interests and goals we strive to practice and achieve. All this is stimulating and satisfying. Why not see what you can accomplish with joy!

Disclaimer: Some people will succumb to Covid 19 and this is a very sad loss. I am not a physician or healthcare practitioner.
Please consider your own situation because only you know your situation and I hesitate to advise. Please talk to your physician or other responsible person before you change your situation. This article is meant for healthful consideration. May you and yours be safe and healthy.
I, Gina Rydin decided to title the article Covid 20 as we are living in 2020 and 20 may be an unhealthful weightgain for most. It may be a reality for some. Let’s work together to be healthful with good choices.

Pattern Hoarding, Oh, My! Sewing patterns, how many hundreds of them do I need?

Vogue, Butterick, McCalls, the time I have spent dreaming through your pattern books an displays. Something I will always enjoy doing.

Yet, I have thousands of patterns. Do I need more? When does it stop?
How do I have more control? How can I actually use my patterns and reuse them? When do you say…I have all I need?

Getting educated is a fine place to start.
We sewist know more than we realize. It can aid us in our quest to avoid stockpiles of unnecessary hoarding. Hoarding, something many of us do yet because it might be in just one area we feel it is not hoarding. It is all part of our craft having materials and tools to work with.

Do you like YouTuber utube educational videos regarding your interests? Most of us do enjoy them. I was enjoying them when I realized that the influence was no longer about utilizing what I already owned, instead the influence was about acquiring more patterns and ordering more fabric. I felt greatly pressured to Spend time I do not have browsing sites shopping for fabrics and patterns. I felt encouraged to spend money I do not have. To acquire more of what I do not need.
Time! Money! Things! No ThAnkyou!!!

I have what I want and need. If I happen to be in a fabric store I am sure I will browse and purchase. It is natural really. However, what I long for is to be productive with what I have. Do you want to be productive with what you already have? That is the true thrill and satisfaction of any hobby.

A hundred years ago likely acquiring to the degree that we do in the last few decades was unheard of. People were truly productive and clutter was a rarity. People planned out their project, acquired necessary supplies and proceeded to produce. They were more accomplished then than we are now with less stuff and supplies.

I have no intention of paring down my fabric and patterns, however I have made the choice months ago that I no longer care to regularly visit sites to browse merchandise. I do not need it and do not want it! Yea! That is an accomplishment.

Now we hear of hoarding, and clutter etc. some people like a lot around them and some people like the minimalist approach. I am absolutely ignorant to the minimalist approach however the few I know may be actually more productive than our hoarder friends because they can focus on the project at hand. They may purchase just what they need for intended project then make the project without all this distracting stuff around. That is the purpose to a craft to be productive and have something to show for your anticipated dream work. Not just housing a bunch of supplies like we are a store or junk shop.

Some are so obsessed with this thing called clutter and purging that creative endeavors are put on hold never to be happening. Cluttering their lives obsessing over new ways to handle all their supposed clutter. Spending money and time on a bunch of methods and courses to manage stuff instead of living life to the full. Either way it is sad some still are not gaining meaningful productivity or satisfaction.

Personally I am a stuff kind of person, dreams and projects always floating around in my mind as I work out details to accomplish what I rarely see thru to the finish. I view myself as an accomplished person. I make and do many things with the goal of being less a dreamer and more of a producer. It is satisfying blending the two, for me, I cannot have one without the other and I love it.

Please do not put off your dream like…I do not have the work space…are you kidding where haven’t I cut out fabric and pattern. Are you punishing yourself like a child? Are you self imposing that until my work area is cleaned up I cannot do my craft? You will never get to do your craft! Until my home is organized I will not gift myself the time…your home will never be organized and you will never get to. Do not use your art, craft as leverage to get yourself to do something else, that is not decent. Make the time for your obligations to be fulfilled. Make the time for your crafts.
Warning: They may conflict at times, yet being balanced is not being obsessed or overly restrictive with one compared to the other. We must practice good habits so we can make time for those we love and make time to do the things we love to do. I am striving to be more tidy by practicing better daily habits and routines. A program helping me is Kathy Roberts “Tidy Tutor”. Kathy is helping me practice more mindfulness regarding managing my home. I have a long way to go as I strive to practice routines and habits that create an environment more conducive to my goals of greater creativity. I also serve Jehovah the God of creation and order. Psalm 83:18. I desire to please Jehovah by reflecting his standards. I know he will definitely open the door of creativity with productivity even more so. This motivation and purpose fuels my efforts more so, something God can bless.

There are many productive ones on utube YouTube that share their Makes videos and I appreciate it so much. They are motivating. We must spur each other on to the truly satisfying accomplishment of Making. Go ahead, think of your craft, prepare, set up your work station, get your supplies for project laid out, set up a reasonable amount of time even in short sessions if you need to. Now get busy and make something! Make yourself glad and achieve your anticipated project with satisfaction.
The example I end with sounds very hoardish yet the lady was very productive with her crafts and sewing. She knew how to stow her stash and enjoy it. However, owning over two hundred cross-stitch kits, thousands of patterns, and everything related to sewing she had it all. When and how would she do it all? I cannot say because I may be just like her.

It is just satisfying no longer being in the market for more. No Hull watching for me, let us be an encouragement to each other to use what we have and treat ourselves to a buy with a greater rarity. If I buy a pattern or piece of fabric months down the road do not be too disappointed in me. Instead ask me what have I been making lately😃👍🏾.

Here is an example…we went to an estate sale. It appeared these people walked out the door with nothing an … how sad. Upstairs, a finished attic was every sewist dream. A very productive sewing room. Everything well planned out an organized. If I had $500.00 I should have offered it for the contents of the room. I bought a body form which I had been wanting. Thousands of patterns, organized in bins an drawers. Fabric stacked so nicely. Shelves an shelves. Sadly, this is just one of many similar estate sales I have been to.

Panic, please do not panic!

It is daunting all the bad news. People are frightened and people are panicking. In some ways lives are falling apart. Times are serious, people are losing their lives, health, employment and so much more. We are living in seemingly helpless times. There are things we can do.

Please relax a moment and calm your spirits while you consider a few helpful points.

The news helps us to be aware of what is going on. It can be helpful.

A current virus sounds very threatening and many precautions are in place to keep people safe. Listen to the governmental authorities.

Some things you can do while there may be some caous such as taking a walk getting fresh air and sunshine. Breathe deep. Use our lungs.

Catch up on some rest or take a nap. If you have a yard, work in the yard get it looking extra good.

309D8D3B-0FC4-4335-8014-8A194F0BAFFC Go thru last seasons clothes. Give away what did not work for you.

It is a great time to start reading again. Psalm Chapter 94 is very comforting.

Learn to cook a new ethnic food.

Grow your own vegetables. Growing vegetables is satisfying.

Start doing wood crafts or sewing. You will be happy. Really happy. Knit a top or take up painting landscapes. It is time to be refreshed. C5344D09-3B75-444F-AC2B-5D77C1FD8BC4

Practicing good clean up after yourself habits and routines can give us a measure of control.

I actually am trying to get well after pneumonia and everything has fallen behind. Still working on recovery so the exhaustion is discouraging. Thankfully it is not covid. I was under general anesthesia and got pnomonia. It almost killed me just the same. A very scary painful ordeal. Thankfully I have a great doctor whom is helping me get better.

Small jobs done every little bit is making a difference. I am literally way behind in everything and wonder how I will ever catch up. Today I went into the smallest room and cleaned the bathroom. A clean bathroom just makes you feel good.

There is so much we can not control in this world, yet, being safe, following guidelines, practicing habits and routines we can possibly get thru this with our mind in tact.

There is much to be concerned about In this world. Practical suggestions employed will give you a measure of protection and peace. What I am suggesting is including joyous activies in your daily life How much more incontrol you will be and with joy.

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

Friends make life more tolerable and bring joy.

Friendships definately stimulate joy in our lives. How do we make friends in the cyber world? How about an old fashioned face to face contact, conversations and good times.

Loniliness is an actual problem for many. Life’s responsibilities keep most so busy they only have time to carry out their domestic duties and get rest when the next day presents the same.

Of course some are very shy and do not know how to get the conversation ball rolling and keep it rolling and for how long.

With good things there are always limits, boundaries, and rules of respect.

Imagine if one friend works and has children she is definately going to have less time then an older semi-retired person with no children. So if you want to visit with her, invite them all over and have a meal ready with no requirements of her. Understand children have bedtimes, homework, and she may still have washing to do for the week. Do not be hurt that she must leave so soon? You did help and your friendship means a lot.

I love spending time with my friends. My friend Susan made lovely cards and has organized an old fashioned tea party on Sunday afternoon. Exciting.

My friend Danielle and her daughter are learning how to sew from me and are progressing quite well. We love spending time together while being productive. We are all learning new things.

Valerie is teaching me how to Garden, she is amazing. I kinda get out of the way, she moves fast and confidently as I hang around wanting to help and I am not useful. She has taught me so much and the garden is lovely. We have good times together talking and laughing. Her household goes to bed early so although we could hang out til they kick us out or make another bed, we strive to be considerate and leave not too later than their usual bedtime. 😂

I do not like to ask people how they are because it is an unfair question. The rule of thumb is to smile and say good or fine while you may be dying inside.

I like to ask what a person has coming up next week, or did they recently do anything enjoyable. Last evening I asked Danielle if she had anything fun coming up? She said she and her husband, son and daughter were going to an dinasaur exhibit. I think that is so exciting. I look forward to our conversation after they have experienced this.

We must be more interesting than the internet. Instead of watching movies, playing games on phone, internet cruising, and such. Learn to live your life! Be the heroine of your own story instead of passively letting it pass you by. Imagine how many hours are wasted on the internet or television. Add them up if you dare. Time runs out of the day, week, months and years. Yes, our life can passively pass us by.

By doing activities, we become interesting. For instance, I finally lost a couple pounds, only a couple. It was enough to wear my floral linen dress I wore it and was happy for a little bit, until I realized the side splits came up half my thigh. As soon as I got home I got my box of grommets out and while talking to my almost 26 year old son, Brock is my middle son which always has it’s advantages, and my husband. The unusual course of things is they think I do not know how to do things They cannot resist taking over and have great fun doing it. So he took everything from me and now he was setting the grommets into my dress side slits where I had marked When he was nearing finish He said, “as usual mom, you start things you do not know how to do, good thing I came around”, and he has one eyebrow up for emphasis. It took everything to keep from laughing hysterically. I then said to John, my husband, “how come you did not say it was your turn to set some grommets like when I made my striped bag you too fought over your turns like little children?!”. He just looked at me as I giggled about the both of them. If I want to set the grommets, I have to take my things and hide under a tree. Yet, these men, my husband and sons create such entertainment I think This is truly called living. Being involved in activities together. Oh, my dress looks cute with the shoe lace look, I used embroidery threads and put beads on.

I asked my husband what was one thing he noticed and liked about me. His reply was, “you were always doing something, and no matter what was going on with you or around you, you were always so chipper and happy”. I thought that was great because that is how I am.

Quit reading about others so much, live a life worth writing about in your own journal. Write down something positive someone said to you, or a good outcome of something you worried about. I like to combine my journal with my calendar and master lists for weeks and months so my accomplishments and direction or focus is all together in one place. I am thru trying to buy journals and calendars. There are none perfect and they run out of months. Living my life includes making a personal everlasting journal/calendar/masterlist binder I can add to an take away from all I like.

Set up your challenge and stick to it. Mine is Daily Bible reading, daily practice of simplified domestic schedule, sewing, gardening and painting regularly. Oh, do not forget hospitality. Invite ones to meet for coffee, or to library for a book on a place you want to vacation. Greece or Peru, I cannot afford to go but I can plan my ideal trip anyway and pray about it.

The point is, Be your own friend first, go to museums, concerts, learn to dance, learn a hobby, fill your time with wholesome activities. Friends will naturally come in time. We are not desperate for friends, that makes us vulnerable and stupid. Be discerning and do not immediately befriend anyone. Do not drop your life story on anyone the first few times you meet and do not feel the need to pull personal information from them. It all comes in time. If someone has undesirable traits that concern you, gently mention it and give them the benefit of doubt. Yet, we have no right over others. Their choices are their own to make. I like to show from the Bible how God, Jehovah and his son, Jesus feel about the matter. This way it is not my opinion or preference. People are not perfect and I am far from perfect. Allow people to be themselves. Sometimes friends come and go. Yet, some will stick with you through the years.

Living our life, being God’s friend, our own friend, a friend to our family, and others will freely draw near and it is a delightful journey.

Now, my domestics need attention, then I will stop an sew or paint later this afternoon. Live! Live! Today.

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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