Spring is in the air; time to play. Yet, for many, caring for family and home is a never-ending job with nothing left for self or friends. Let these easy, workable solutions for time management encourage you.

Has this happened to you recently?
A friend invited you to coffee on a beautiful spring day; you declined–no time for such frivolity. As you hang up, anger builds and you are ready for a private pity-party while the work continues to mount.

It happened to me, this very week; the results may surprise you.    
Instead of a pity-party, I chose to follow the instruction from St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible.”

1. Make a plan and stick to it.
Armed with a pad, pen, and determination, I listed my tasks. First things that were absolutely necessary to get done today. Secondly, those things that could be done in steps—bite-sized chunks instead of the entire project at once. Lastly, I listed those things that someone else could do for me (if they would) or things that could be left undone.

2. Avoid a trip to the store if possible; adjust the recipe, use what you have already.
I was on a mission. In record time I made a casserole for dinner using items in the pantry and freezer instead of going to the store. While the casserole baked, I quickly chopped up a salad and washed what dishes I had used. Then I cleaned the kitchen and finished what was necessary in the bedroom and bathrooms and even swept the front porch.

3. Shake the habit of piddling with papers; put them away as you come to them.
I saw that I had time now to clear off the papers and “stuff” that had made a home on the dining table. Here is where I often get bogged down; I feel I must read every piece of paper on the table. Today my priority was to accomplish my goal and clear the table. Anything not needing immediate attention was put in a small box to sort later as I sat to rest or TV.

4. Choose only one or two books to leave out to read; put the rest away.
For me, time had come to keep a few and pass others on to be used. And, I only left out two or three to browse or read; others put neatly on a shelf and off the tables.

5. There is truth in the statement: A woman’s work is never done; you never catch up!
I discovered much of my concern was projects that I would not get done anyway; there will always be something left undone. On my third list dusting the blades on the ceiling fans, some mending, and washing the quilts could wait until a more opportune time. I could add mending to tomorrow’s list and make sure to include it in my schedule.

6 Take time to reward yourself for a day well spent.
Wow! It’s still early in the afternoon and I am through with today’s chores. Where is my telephone? I could go for coffee after all; or, I might reward myself with a short nap!
“To everything there is a season, and a time for everything under the sun … “Ecclesiastes

Hugs,

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