Monthly Archives: July 2009

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My Momma Told Me There Would Be Days Like This

Most people see me as highly organized. That’s because I love systems and writing things down in great leather books. I haven’t met a planner I don’t love. I spend far too much time getting organized and run out of steam by the time I get around to execution.  I’ll have to write a review of planners soon.  I know that September – January are peak planner purchase times – but I digress!

Today was one of those days everything has been on track.  To quote Van Morrison (and who can over quote Van the Man):

“When everything falls into place like the flick of a switch
Well my mama told me there will be days like this”

Now, it is only 10:30 a.m. but I have been up since 6.  I did a 40 minute run, read the paper, spent an hour reflecting and writing in my journal. Caught up on some reading. Prayed. Organized my week and set priorities.

I did not get on email or twitter until I had taken care of those things first.  I’ve been focused.  When I did go on email I was delighted to see that Leo Babauta has released another ebook called, The Essential Motivation Handbook. I am a big fan of ZTD (Zen to Done) and found the ebook very helpful.  If you want to work on changing habits you won’t regret the investment.

I recommend his site and ebook to so many people and I have never done it to benefit personally just to pass along some helpful information.  I know I’ll be also recommending his new book so I thought I would actually join the affiliate program.   If motivation for you and the cause of your procrastination then you’ll find this ebook worth the investment.

I would love for you to order it through me BUT I would mostly love to see you benefit from the material.  I’m just recommending it to you because I know I’m not alone and although there are days like this I am hoping to see many more!

Let me know if you like it. And let me know how you keep yourself motivated.  As David Allen says, “Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having to much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started.”  Here’s to less stress!

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Wisdom

I’ve been reading the organic God by Margaret Feinberg this week. I am enjoying her writing and have been especially challenged by her chapter on wisdom.

Last week before I met a friend for happy hour I emailed her to confirm our  meeting and I added, “please bring the wisdom of Solomon”. I am feeling completely over my head about an issue in my family. I have no idea how to parent in this situation. I’ve bounced back and forth between being full of grace and love and then being full of anger and condemnation. Both feel right at times!  I don’t know if you have ever been in situation like this.  You are watching your child (in my case a young adult) make a choice that has such enormous consequences with the potential to limit future options and alter her life.

I’m sure I’m not the first parent to cry out for wisdom.

Feinberg says, “Wisdom is more than just practical know-how. Wisdom illuminates a better way to live, and even allows us to consider the best possible way to live. Wisdom is so smart that it doesn’t travel alone. Wisdom’s companions include understanding, knowledge, counsel, discernment, discretion, justice and equity.”

She does on to remind us that “when we ask the organic God for wisdom we get so much more.  Wisdom is the gift that keeps on giving. Our amazingly wise God invites us to pray and pursue wisdom, promising that our rewards will not go unrewarded.  In the process we discover that wisdom is a treasure, and we find an even greater treasure,  God himself.”

I am asking God for wisdom in my situation. And I’m asking for wisdom for my daughter as well.  I’m also asking for wisdom for a friend who has a daughter who is grappling with some major physical challenges.  I’m asking for wisdom for many mothers I know who are facing all sorts of situations that are overwhelming.

It seems to me that wisdom is a good place to start. I’ve got so much to learn from the author of wisdom these days.