Free printable available here.
I’ve been resisting it for a quite awhile but the time has come. I’m going to have to bite the bullet and make a daily schedule for myself. I’ve done it in the past during busy seasons of life:
- attending nursing school when I had a toddler and kindergartner
- working as a nurse, first part-time and then full-time
- while homeschooling my kids
During those times it was necessary but not exactly my favorite thing to do. I’ve quite enjoyed this past 8 years or so of allowing daily life to unfold in a more organic, natural way. That’s not to say I’ve not kept busy or had plenty to do. But my time has mostly been my own and the deadlines have been relatively few.
That’s changing, however. I’ll tell you the details soon – probably next week – but suffice it to say that I’m about to get much busier. I’m excited about it but also a little nervous. Can I get everything done and still have time for the things I enjoy doing? Sometimes when I think back to the days when I worked full-time and had two young children I’m not entirely certain how I did it all. And then I remember that I was taking diet pills and eventually came close to a nervous breakdown. I certainly don’t want to relive that experience. Besides, my doctor won’t give me diet pills…I asked.
I don’t have the schedule all figured out just yet but I decided to start by making a list of daily and weekly tasks.
Daily:
- general housekeeping (bed made, dishes, laundry, vacuuming, bathrooms)
- meals
- exercise
- meditation
- piano practice
- writing (my blogs, newsletter, freelance articles, book)
- work (our new business, editing)
Weekly:
- piano lesson
- choir rehearsal
- volunteer activities
- board meetings
- business meetings
- deep cleaning/household organization
- baking bread
- gardening
Those are the basics…the things which have to be fit in somehow. I’m not quite sure how just yet. I’m sure it will take some trial and error. I’ve started looking for advice online and if you have any suggestions leave me a comment. Please! I am going to need all the help I can get.
Please tell me you are kidding.
Why? What do you mean?
1. You are a bright, intelligent grown woman. Surely you do not need advice from strangers as to how to organize your life. Do you want people picking it apart telling you what you might leave off or be more efficient?
2. Why do you need affirmations from others that you are busy and do meaningful work even though you may not work outside the home?
3. Instead of worrying about how to do things, just do them. It is your life after all.
Perhaps because some of us enjoy discussion, collaboration and the sharing of helpful hints. Why do *you* feel the need to disparage that?
I only recently began allowing anonymous comments but quite frankly yours have me questioning that decision. For starters, how about including your name?
Hi Deanna,
I just found your site yesterday amd I’m hooked! I feel like I have a found a wise and caring sister, and have found your ideas and resources practical, motivating and inspiring.
Your topics, questions, and self-exploration mirror my concerns and thoughts, even about the 1950’s housewives waists! I’ve googled that subject intensively.
I’m loving your thoughts about time management, schedules eetc. I agree with you that doing our research and selecting the ideas that make sense for us to try/incorporate is a logical and practical process, and one I admire.
I too, love all things French, and I love all the sections for books, etc.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I am honored to walk with you every day, as looking at your site and newsletter will be part of my morning routine.
You are a blessing.
You just made my day! I’m always happy to “meet” someone who shares my interests. You mention that you love “all things French”. If you are on Facebook and are interested, let me know if you’d like to join my group, “French Chic”. It is the loveliest group of women with a passion for France and anything French.
I am so grateful for your sharing your ideas, and summarizing the ideas of others you find useful, as we well as the results of your own experimentation with routines, and tips. I just found your site yesterday, and am hooked! The issues you raise are the very ones I’m concerned with–how wonderful to have a like-minded “sister” who so generously shares your time, thoughts and results. You add so much value to my life in just the 24 hours I’ve mined your site, signed up for your newsletter, and feel better about my world knowing I can share in yours.
Thank you, Deanna
He likes to go by Jack on my blog. I prefer the name troll.
Yes, the negativity and judgement from the person hiding behind anonomous is palpable.
We’ve got you, Deanna!
Thank you!
Well, that does have a nice ring to it.
Or maybe he likes to go by James?