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Sanctuary: Have We Succeeded?
We are now 8 1/2 months into 2014, getting ready to bid farewell to summer and work our way into the fall. Seems like a good time to do a check in on our goals for the year.
Do you even remember the goals or resolutions you set? I can remember the gist, but even so I had to go back and read my 2014 word for the year post to jog my memory a bit!
So this year was supposed to be all about creating sanctuaries. Not talking about building a religious space, but rather intentionally creating personal space that feels good. That means a lot of different things for us, and I’ll break down how it’s going in each area.
Area #1: Decluttering
MAJOR WIN. We are getting rid of stuff that we don’t use, don’t wear, don’t like, or just don’t have the space for left and right. I take a trunk full of stuff to my favorite thrift store every single month. Our house is still FAR from being clutter-free, but we can feel the difference. The house is more calm and peaceful, even with all those LEGOs and My Little Ponies all over the floor.
Area #2: Organization
Fail/Win: We hired a professional organizer who gave us AWESOME ideas. And then we struggled to actually implement those ideas. If you want my advice about getting really and truly organized, it’s this: set aside the money so that you can pay the professional organizer to do it with you. We just couldn’t swing more than the first session (and doing one session is better than doing no sessions, so don’t misunderstand me! Go for one if that’s all you can afford!), but in hindsight, I wish we had saved a bit more so that we could have had more hand-holding. Focused, ruthless organizing is hard to do and easy to put off for another day.
With that said, we are making progress in this area. It’s just slower than we’d like it to be. Decluttering is a big part of that, as you can’t really organize clutter. We are also slowly but surely making some larger purchases that our home needs to help it be more comfortable, more grown up, and more spacious. This year we bought an outdoor storage shed, a more comfortable couch (total game changer…we all hang out in the living room together much more now that there’s somewhere comfy to sit!), a new bed, a new mattress (we are sleeping better!), a new dresser for our youngest who was outgrowing her old one, and we have a new dining room table and chairs on the horizon. Perhaps those items don’t really fall into the organized category, but I do see them as relevant to helping us find the right homes for things, by having the right containers (even if what they are containing are our selves!).
I still haven’t hired a housekeeper, though it is my goal to have that piece in place by the end of the year. Sometimes it can just be really hard to take that leap, you know?
Area #3 Taking Care of Our Bodies
Still in pre-launch: I’m not calling this a fail by any stretch. But I am going to be honest and say that we are still in pre-launch mode on this one. We HAVE done some really important things that are helping us all, physically, such as replacing many of our medicines with essential oils. I have also developed the habit of having iced water first thing in the morning (it’s what I have to do to earn my first iced coffee, so I’m dedicated to the pursuit!). I’m also all stocked up on ZonePerfect bars (my very favorites being the Perfectly Simple bars…they taste AWESOME and have limited ingredients. I used to be awake for 2-3 hours before having breakfast; that was SO TERRIBLE for my body and for my metabolism! I’m pleased that I have made that change, and I do feel the difference in my energy level early in the morning.
But the trips to the gym still elude me. I do have a plan, though! My girls will both be in school 5 days a week by the end of this month, and I’ll be headed straight from their drop off over to the gym (it’s on my route home…perfect!). It is being incorporated into my work schedule as part of my job. While I won’t get paid for my time in the gym in income, I have realized that the benefits to being in better shape will be worth more than whatever I could have earned in that extra 45 minutes. I’m excited to get started and to invest more in myself, because when mom feels good, everybody wins!
How are your goals for the year coming along? Take a moment to revisit them and see what you can nudge along. It’s never too late to get started!
Win it!: Let me help you get motivated with a little giveaway! One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win this fun gift set (pictured above) full of fun items, including some yummy ZonePerfect bars (and I’m totally jealous of that tumbler!)!
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Trisha McKee says
I have been getting outside and hiking and being more active. Also simply enjoying each moment rather than waiting for something to enjoy.
kara kjellman says
Finding a 1/2 hour of “Mommy” time everyday. I run on the treadmill or do some Yoga.
Jessica Ruggiero says
I recently joined the gym and have been working on toning up and getting healthy!
Brittney House says
I started cleaning out the basement.
Fiona N says
I just started the yoga class last week and I loved it!!
Thank You for the chance
Stephanie O'Day says
I’ve been trying to stop biting my nails!!
Rebecca Lock says
I have working on our landscape and overall yard appearance.
karen says
I have been working on sticking to my clothing budget.
Birdiebee says
I have been working on eating more healthy.
wen budro says
I really enjoyed that post. I love the idea of working towards creating a sanctuary. This year, I’ve pretty successfully learned to practice more self-care including eating better and taking walks on the beach with my dog.
Danielle says
I am trying to get together a group of girls to start a kickboxing class as a way to help manage weight.
Miz Vickik says
I’m trying to eat more vegetables!
Claire says
i am working on balancing healthy meals better
Taryn T. says
I am working on staying organized. With three kids, it is so important. Making sure to have healthy snacks and lunches that will be easy to put together, and that all backpacks are packed, and clothes are laid out.
Carla D. says
I have been working on eating healthier. I cut out soda at the beginning of the year and have noticed a drastic difference in how I feel overall.
angela saver says
We have been working on getting our closets & bedrooms cleaned out & organized, & donating what we don’t need!
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
Darlene Owen says
We replaced 10 windows in our house, we replaced the roof on our shop and we cut down a tree.
Jenny says
I have been working on organizing the garage and shed.
tina reynolds says
I have been working on organizing the garage
Marcia Goss says
We are working on making a playroom for our grandson.
Brandy Williams says
I have been working on giving up pepsi it has been a week and a struggle!
Pam says
I have been working on cutting down on clothing. I have bought only one outfit this year and have given away many items. I still have a long way to go. No one needs as many items of clothing as I have.
Heather R says
I’ve been cleaning house to make MY house a home for me and my fiance – so it becomes OUR house!
I’m also trying to lose a few pounds and tone my arms for my wedding – in less than two months from today!
lauren says
I have been working on getting rid /recycling paper clutter.
alicia k (Petite Pilates Pixie) says
i am working on balancing healthy meals better
Helen says
I have been trying to organize and declutter my house
Erica B. says
We have been downsizing and donating items we don’t use.
Carolyn s says
Working on myself…being more patient with family members, eating habits, etc
julie moore says
decluttering every area of my house and life
Helga/billsn beaks says
I am improving the house outside and in because I am selling it.
laura casino says
We are turning our garage into a sun room/laundry room!
Deborah Gardner says
I have been reorganizing all our closets and cupboards and really noticed how tidy it is.
Shawna S says
Ive been working on being healthier. I quit smoking, got pregnant, exercised and ate healthy the whole pregnancy. My baby is now 6 weeks old, and I’m still working on keeping my new good habits (with a doughnut here and there lol), but I am trying. =)
Tiffany Merritt says
Way to go!!!!
Marilyn Nawara says
I’ve been working on cleaning out all of the closets in the house.
Michelle Levine says
I am repainting my walls
Nicole says
I’ve been working on many of the same things you are – decluttering, organizing, and for me, learning to manage my ADHD and not let it cause more chaos
Marija says
I’ve been learning how to do more home repairs myself.
Naomie says
Definitely working on only keeping what we really need around the house. With 4 kids we accumulate things way too quickly
Audra watts says
We have been redoing our garden and landscaping
Holli G. says
Working on decluttering the house one room at a time. I have a lot to donate this year!
Kathy Donovan-Ellis says
I have been working on creating a backyard summer retreat. I extended my cement patio using pavers and put up a pergola. I planted flowers and bought new cushions for my patio set. It’s been A LOT of work and I look forward to relaxing the entire summer……next year 🙂
Anonymous says
Iv been working on eating healthy foods and house organization
Jessica Peeling says
I’m trying to eat better and be more confident!
allyson tice says
I have been working on becoming more organized in the house. I try to put things back where they were and always clean up clutter. It makes for faster mornings and less hectic evenings!
gina says
I am working on getting more in touch with my spiritual side.
Kelli Taylor says
I’ve been working on getting up after my first alarm and not hitting snooze!!! We just got a new dog and he makes sure I get up when he hears the alarm. Walking him also forces me to exercise!
kathy f says
We have been working on eating healthier and spending more time preparing meals at home instead of eating out.
Kathy Hanley says
I have been working on having healthier food on hand in my house this past year. I keep bottled water on the counter next to the door so you can grab and go. I keep cut veggies and fresh fruit on hand and ready to go! When we went on vacation we stopped at the grocery store on the way to the beach for fruit and salads for lunch and didn’t eat out every meal.
Becky VanGinkel says
For myself, I’ve been working on trying to eat fresher, healthier foods so that I’m a role model for my children in that area! It is so easy to just throw on a box of Kraft Mac, but I have come to realize that it’s just as easy to throw some veggies in the blender and serve fresh Fruit Smoothies with some Sauteed Rice and Fresh Veggies from the garden.. and it tastes much better too!
babydjs_mom@yahoo.com
sharon says
we have been working on home renovations and hope to replace our carpet to hardwood sometime in the next year or two!
Sheila K. says
I’ve stopped drinking soda and cut way back on my salt in-take!
Donna L says
I’m am rearranging and painting my daughter’s room.
Mrs B says
We are finishing rooms in our basement and making an office area for my design work. It will be so nice to have my own space.
Wendy Pesce says
I also am trying to reorganize and declutter. It is slow going, but I am making some progress
Alyssa says
Decluttering is an ongoing project of mine. Seems like I make progress, then papers start piling up again. I have a goal of hiring a housekeeper too, so that will help keep the house clean and organized.
Dawn Hecke says
I’ve been drinking alot more water.
Diane L. says
I’ve been working to improve my diet to bring my cholesterol level down to below 200. I had it rechecked earlier this month, and it is down to 177!
Alison Gibb says
Well, I just cleaned out my garage!! I still need to get rid of so much crap. Clothes is my next project!! Then the attic!!!
Lee Mckoen says
My husband was diagnosed with high blood pressure , so we have changed our diet and eat better and all workout as a family!
April Farley says
I have been going through all the old photos and separating them into a pile for each of our now grown children. I am making scrap books for each of them and going to give them as Christmas gifts this year. We have a shed out back that was heaped with stored stuff from years and years ago. Little by little I have whittled it down. You can actually see the floor ! It has been a lot of work but so worth it!
DeAnna N Keller says
I have been trying to eat healthier foods.
Samantha L says
Oddly enough, cleaning out my car has been therapeutic enough that I’m ready to tackle the basement. Since a very small percentage of the clutter down there is mine, I think I will sort it and then present it to hubby with a trash/donate/keep&use with a hope of 50/40/10…. we shall see.
Sue Hull says
I’m working on cleaning out all my cupboards in the kitchen. I have tons of stuff I haven’t used or seen for that matter in years. Instead of wasting all that cupboard space I’m going to use it for my nieces arts & crafts. I’ll also put some coffee mugs in it. Next is the hall closet. Yikes! Thank you for the awesome giveaway 🙂
Dorrie Turner says
I’m going through each room of the house. Donating and minimalizing as I can. You really accumulate things quickly, stuff you don’t use can be used by someone else instead of stored away for a rainy day!
Missy Marie says
For myself I’ve been working on dealing with stress better. For the house reducing, reusing and recycling more.
Dana says
We’ve also been decluttering a lot!
Brandy Fisk says
Walking 10000 steps a day and cutting back on junk food!
laura ari says
I’ve been working on cleaning out the spare bedroom.
Cheryl Free says
I’ve been working on lowering my blood sugar since I found out I’m diabetic Type 2 in late April.
Jane Thomas says
We have been decluttering for almost 2 weeks. Gave many bags to donation.
Jackie says
We just cleaned out the family room and gave it a fresh coat of paint. Next is the bathroom.
Jessica H. says
We have been decluttering like crazy this summer. And I was able to get to my tote of decorating items for the house that I moved up here 7 years ago and never got to unpack. It was fun going through that and actually starting to decorate my house. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
I have been walking and counting calories to get healthier.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Virginia Rowell says
I have been working on my organizational skills. I’m in such dissaray, I have been taking a bit everyday to get the house right.
Maryann D. says
For my self improvement I have been trying to eat healthier foods. For my home we worked on putting on a new bedroom door and have the ceiling fixed in our bathroom.
victoria lynch says
Once a month we go thru our rooms and donate items that we don’t need. We also have at least a bag of stuff to donate to our local shelter.
saralynns2 says
The past 2 weeks my husband and I have been ‘decluttering’ our home… so much more room and it seems more peaceful 🙂
Danielle D says
Having less and being healthy
latanya says
I am working on losing work.
Liza Vladyka says
i am trying to get everything in place for starting school i have 2 kids moving up to new school and both have IEPs so lots of work to make sure those are in place for first day of school
renee says
We are working on communicating schedules better and decluttering/cleaning the house while still leaving time for fun family stuff. Hard work but well worth it in the end!
Johannah says
Right now I am trying to “map out” my plan. Last August I embarked on a journey to lose 20 lbs. and keep them off for one year. ACCOMPLISHED!!! Yea for me! This year I want to lose 10 more and keep them off for the entire year. Issue is that I need to add something – like eat less, exercise more, etc. and I cannot nail down what it will be, despite thinking about it for over a month. The problem is that it has to easily fit into my current lifestyle, with only a small overall adjustment… and so far I am not feeling like any of the idea’s I have will pan out for a year… sure I could force myself to do any one of them for a month or two, but I want it to be easy… like the 20lbs was for me.
brandy says
We are moving tomorrow (!) and I am struggling to justify why we have most of the stuff in our 200 boxes. Lots of stuff when I would rather have great decor, etc. We purged a lot, and to be honest, many of the boxes are clothes for the baby. We don’t have photos in frames, etc. My husband is a real hoarder and I am a kitchen gadget collector. I will be looking hard at what we have. To be fair to myself, we have NO storage here so this place has been a true mess. But my happiest acquisition this year was my (also gray fabric) headboard & bed set. I had an old one I hated for about 7 years, so it’s making me really happy.
Liza Vladyka says
when i moved i throw away anything ANYTHING (unless from a deceased relative) that i had not used touched in 3 years i bet the clothing depo was happy ! hope this may help moving is hard enough without the added stress
Natalie Applewhite says
I am decluttering the house!
Sunnie says
Im working on keeping my house cleaner.
Ginal says
I am really trying to focus on a healthier me. I am totally curious if you are still taking your weight loss trio EO pills? Still love em?
Tiffany Merritt says
I wish I was better at remembering to take them consistently, but yes, I do still take them (semi-regularly) and i still feel great any time I take them! 🙂