The last time I posted, I mentioned breaking my big toe. It never occurred to me that something so ridiculous would derail my summer challenge the way it has. I made a half-hearted attempt to salvage things, but allowed “Pity Party” access instead. It’s been just over two weeks. Other than a Tae Kwon Do belt test, I haven’t worked out. All of the “sitting about” brought boredom, and boredom (mixed with feeling sorry for myself) brought snacking. I could at least lift weights, but I haven’t. I’ve been better about eating more raw these last two days (although not 100%), but that’s only because the Husband and I have a friendly competition going… I want to win, of course.

Other than my office (which really makes me wonder if there’s a little “hoarder” in me), my house has stayed fairly clean lately. Well, until I broke my toe that is. Today, I took a look around and thought, “my gosh, how did it get so messy so quickly?” I guess that’s what happens when the momma isn’t feeling good (on so many levels). This really has to change. I don’t do well in this environment. I’ve tried different organizational/cleaning systems over the years, but I’ve never stayed with one long enough to make it a habit. I typically go 200% overboard and burn out. My kids do help around the house, but I can’t change my their chore charts until September (there are contracts involved and that’s a blog post for another day). So, I decided to come up with my own game plan today. I say “my own”, but I’m sure it’s influenced by everything I’ve ever read on the subject. The idea is to keep things simple, with the hope that the habits will grow into something that dramatically alters my life around here.

Taking back my time, home, and health… one habit at a time.

Week One

Time: Wake Get up at 4:30 every morning – There will be no set way I should spend that extra time this week. The goal is to build the habit of waking earlier.

Home: Spend 15 minutes per day de-cluttering – Week one will focus on visible surfaces only (no insides of drawers/closets/cabinets/boxes). It will probably take me more than a week to de-clutter my office, but that is the room that needs the most attention. So, I’ll start there.

Health: Drink 2 liters of water per day – This isn’t nearly enough water for this climate, but it’s a start. I need to feel successful at something right now. Running on this toe is not a good idea, but drinking water is.

I’m going to count today as “day one” since I did wake up at 4:30 for some reason. I didn’t get up, but I was awake. I’ve also had nearly 2 liters of water today, and plan to do my fifteen minute de-clutter after dinner.

This may seem like a huge step backward in my fitness/personal goals, but I see it kind of like rebuilding base mileage when returning to running after an injury. You can’t just pick up where you left off, you must go back to a pace/time that is comfortable and build your way back up. I know this next week will be full of mental battles. I’m certain that I’ll get down on myself for something, even if it’s the slow pace. I’m positive that the enemy will try to accuse me in some way. Fortunately, the Lord is my strength, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.