Open Talk Mom

Mom’s Guide to Saving Time

Posted on23. Jun, 2009 by Aurelia.

One precious commodity that everyone has a problem using wisely is time. One thing is for sure – we all have the same 24 hours in a day – no more, no less. However, there are things you can do to make the most of your day so that you can accomplish a lot yet still manage to have some free time to do things that you enjoy.

Make a plan and write it down. Make it a habit to write a daily list of things to do and things you need. Life gets so busy sometimes especially if you have kids. It is going to be helpful to have those lists handy. You can easily save an extra trip to the store if you have a list of things to buy. You can also figure out how you can run all your errands so that you do not have to drive back and forth. Try to shop in the evenings when stores are less busy. There is no need to waste an hour standing in line when you can do something more productive with that time. Don’t care to stand in line? Try shopping online.

Plan your meals. You can use a blank monthly or weekly calendar to list down your meals for the upcoming week. Once you have the meals figured out, it will be easier to come up with a shopping list based on the meals. Keep your planned meals posted on the refrigerator door so you know what needs to be prepared. Even if it is tempting to sway off the planned meals, do your best to stick to it – you can save lots of money this way and keep with in your budget.

Shop in bulk. If space for groceries is not an issue, plan to shop in bulk. This will allow you to save time because you do not have to keep on going to the grocery store. You also save money because buying in bulk costs less in the long run.

Do a little housework when you can and don’t let work pile up. If you do a bit of housework each day, then you do not have to spend an entire weekend cleaning or catching up on housework. Laundry is one thing that easily piles up. Do a load or two each day and when you can, put the clean clothes away as soon as possible. Picking up around the house and making sure things have their own place will lessen the stress when it’s time to clean up. Do these and you are able to enjoy more family time.

Stay organized. Spend some time organizing your house. This will take time but will be well worth it. Give everything it’s own place and make sure that it makes sense. For example, have hooks near your front door for keys, umbrellas and hats. This way you can hang them as soon as you come in. Hold a family meeting to let everyone know where things belong.

Applying the tips mentioned above will definitely help moms save time and enjoy their family a little bit more.

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5 Easy Ways to Develop a Positive Attitude

Posted on16. Jun, 2009 by Aurelia.

You may not notice it but attitude is everything especially when it comes to your quality of life. You tend to bring into your life the things that you focus on the most. I am sure you know of at least one person who has a terrible attitude. This could be someone who is extremely negative, not fun to be around and would always complain about how her life is horrible and everything seems to go wrong. These kinds of people drain our positive energy.

Negative attitudes are contagious. They not only make you feel terrible but those around you will feel the strain as well. No one wants to hang out with a negative person.

The good thing is that positive attitudes are contagious too. The difference is that people do like to hang out with positive people because it makes everyone feel good about themselves. If you want to be the kind of person that everyone wants to be with, here are 5 easy steps to help you achieve that:

1) Figure out what you love and do it. This includes activities you enjoy doing, hobbies, things you like to do in your free time and most importantly your job or career. If you start questioning yourself about how much joy and fulfillment you get from your job and realize that you no longer are happy then perhaps it’s time to consider a new career or options you can take to move to a new career. When you do things that make you happy, you feel better about yourself, have a positive outlook at life and you begin to project a positive attitude.

2) No matter what, expect the best. Although it seems easier to see the negative in every situation, turn around and look for the positive in everything. Make it a habit to expect the best out of every circumstance. Recite an affirmation, “Everything will work out great. Everything will fall into place. Today will be a happy day!” The more often you recite affirmations, the easier it will be for you to believe that positive things do happen.

3) Boost your self-esteem. Think positive thought and speak positive words to yourself everyday. I’m sure you have at one point of time talked down on yourself. Negative self-talk makes you feel hopeless, pessimistic and frustrated. Acknowledge your good qualities and stop focusing on the negative ones. You may not be perfect but you are a work in progress and on you’re way to greatness!

4) Compliment others. Take a moment to encourage others. Try to compliment the people you meet each day – both strangers and the usual people you see. Emphasize on the positive in others and you will be more likeable. If you have more people like you, then, you will like yourself more.

5) Be strong. Think about your strengths instead on focusing on your weaknesses. Thinking about your “failures” will only make you feel negative and pessimistic. Continue to affirm your strengths and talents everyday. This will help empower yourself and you will soon feel in control of every situation around you. Being in control promotes a positive attitude.

If you’re ready to boost your self esteem and live a happier life, I recommend picking up a copy of the Journey To Joy toolkit It’s your place for instant downloadable help, day or night.

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Mommy Guilt No More

Posted on09. Jun, 2009 by Aurelia.

Do you ever feel guilty when you buy yourself a two dollar bottle of nail polish? How about when you take the long way home from a quick ride to the store just to get some extra quiet time, and when you get home the kids ask, “what took you so long?” does this make you feel like you did something wrong? I am here to tell you that you shouldn’t feel an ounce of guilt!

Moms always seem to give, give, and give some more until we’re running on empty. The truth of the matter is; if you don’t take time to yourself on a regular basis, you’re going to end up feeling deprived and downright exhausted. What good are you to yourself, friends and your family if you’re too tired and irritable to do the things you need to do each day?

Here are a few tips to help you overcome feeling guilty for setting aside time for yourself:

• When your family is getting too demanding and starts questioning you as to why you aren’t at their beckon call every second of the day; simply explain to them that you’re taking time out for a bit and that mom’s need time to themselves too. You can do this by setting a day and time do to something nice for yourself and simply explain to your family what your plans are. Let them know when you are leaving and when they can expect you to be back. They will be so happy to have a relaxed, happy mom upon your return.

• Ask your husband, significant other, friend or a trusted sitter to watch your kids for a while ant then schedule a time to go meet call your friend for an afternoon of window shopping, lunch or perhaps a movie. Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty while you’re doing this. Keep in mind that you deserve the time. When you arrive back at home, don’t get all tense and think, “Maybe I should have stayed home and cleaned the toilet instead.” Let your children see how happy you are that you took time out for yourself then reward your children for their behavior while you were away.

• The next time you find yourself feeling guilty when you haven’t done anything wrong, ask yourself, “is this illegal?” or “is this going to hurt someone else?” If the answer is no, then just don’t worry about it and try to enjoy yourself. You’re more than just a mom, you’re still Y-O-U; and you deserve attention too.

• Don’t think you’re being selfish. This is the number one thing that sidetracks a lot of moms. We have no problem going out and getting a little something for the kids, husband, or friends, but when it comes to making a purchase for ourselves, as small as a shirt on the clearance rack for a few dollars, we hesitate and put it back. If you can afford to get yourself a little something then go ahead and do it. Even if all you can purchase is a new tube of lip stick, a new book or a small accessory, it will make you feel better about yourself.

• Be sure you are expressing your true thoughts and feelings to your loved ones. For instance, if you are asked what you want for your birthday and you say, “Well, I don’t really need anything” and secretly, you are expecting your family to read your mind, 9 times out of 10 you’ll end up feeling disappointed in the outcome. When your family is really trying to be nice and do something kind for you, let them! Don’t feel guilty for asking for that shiny new bracelet you saw in the mall, or a trip to a day spa for that massage that you’ve always wanted. You deserve it!

The most important things in a mother’s life, her children, are also the most influential. Children are just like sponges and everything Mom does they will, at some point in time in their lives, mimic and/or reflect upon. If your children see you constantly suppressing your needs and not speaking out and taking the time that you deserve, they will be more inclined to follow those patterns as they grown into adulthood. What you do today can determine the kind of life your child will lead tomorrow.

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