The fluctuation of feeling great, motivated and on top of the world then immediately crash into the next day feeling defeated, bloated and hopeless is a reality of my world. Who knows, maybe it is something you could relate to as well. The smallest of defeats, like getting your kid to school just a couple minutes late, seems to kick off a heightened awareness of “how I have failed”  spinning into a wheel of many more misfortunes that get interpreted into “I’m a failure”. Gah!

I should know by now how my emotions effect my thinking the week before, during after my period. Okay, maybe we should just say all the time. When are we NOT affected by our freaking hormones. It just sucks because we get swollen, crave all the things and feel like everything is not awesome. Then we eat the wrong thing and beat ourselves up over that too. We can’t forget about the sickness too. My three kids, as do all kids, love to spread the love of germy plagues that either keep them up all night and moody or they pass to me and I just can’t see past the headache. Our schedules are packed, the birthday parties, recitals, volunteer requirements  and meetings are in abundance.

Hold on. I need to take a sip of coffee and just breathe for a second. Man, just typing all of that reminded me I really do need a nap.

Okay, so we get it. We are hormonal, over booked, fatigued octopuses on roller skates. A crazy (scary looking really) amount of activity and not moving forward in any way. But does this have to be our reality? From all the books and planners what is going to actually help?

My best advice…

Write down ALL the tasks and goals you want to do and or accomplish. Then from that list just choose one to focus on. JUST ONE! With this one task take one small action that brings you closer to accomplishing that goal. Something so small that 5 or 10 min is all it takes to make it happen. No big deal, no major finish line. Just something small, and doable. Then do that again and again and again and so forth.

This little tiny task is your spark. It magically is just what you need to ignite that flame and find other tasks to burn while you’re at it. Amazingly, your brain and body will see that you were able to accomplish that small task so why not something else to make happen.

For example, I find that when I fill my water before bed the very first thing I do when I wake up is start the day with my water…it is tiny but important. I keep that cup with me all day and keep filling up. When I feel myself choosing to stay hydrated I feel aware of my choices for the day, I feel more intentional. It’s not a cup of coffee but it sure tastes good and makes me feel good! (Until I drink too much and feel my post 3 births abdomen swell…lmao)

When I don’t fill my water cup I feel the days are in a rush, I am exhausted and bloated. I have discovered other little tasks that lead to similar results. Like packing an afternoon snack for the car ride home that has blueberries, pecans and maybe some snap peas or peppers. This simple and tasty snack on the way home is just enough to keep me from indulging in a crazy amount of cheesy nachos when I get home. When I avoid the tasty nachos my self talk acknowledges the day as a good day.

These are tiny little tasks the are just the ripple effect I need. The even crazier part is when I remember to make these tasks happen my mindset is better. I think in a different zone (offense instead of defense maybe). I am working on these tasks and want to keep my awareness open to what small steps affect me in  a positive way.

Again, we are all  a working progress. Our ups and downs are real and that is the reality. Our best trick up the sleeve is to focus on the little things while we care for our little things.

What small tasks do you focus on that make all the difference to you?