The Homesteading Cottage: Printables

Showing posts with label Printables. Show all posts

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Embrace the Simple Act of Gratitude {Day 5}

Today I wanted to share how embracing the simple act of gratitude can set the tone for your entire day. Simple living is really about making mindful decisions. It means letting go of the complicated and focusing on what matters most.

Yesterday we talked about how routines can simplify our schedule by keeping things running smoothly and, as an example, I listed several elements that I include in my daily morning routine. One of those elements includes writing in a gratitude journal.

Ever had those times when you just wished you could go back to bed and begin all over again? Getting started on the right foot is so important and focusing on thankfulness is the key. Keeping a gratitude journal could be the easy "add" to get things moving in the right direction.

Keeping a Gratitude Journal...

Keeping a Gratitude Journal is quite simple...each morning I make a list of 10 things for which I'm thankful. It can be something as small as a great parking space to a biggy like healing. The depth of content really doesn't matter. The important thing is to begin noticing all of the good in your life, because we all have it. I know sometimes it feels like there isn't much to be thankful for, but oh, what a misconception (;

By training our eyes to look for the light in life, we begin to see more of it. We all know that focal points are important in design, but they also matter in life. That center of attraction pulls everything together. If you're focused on blessings, then you'll see more blessings. If you're tuned in to lack and what you don't have, then that's exactly what you'll see.

When I first started keeping a gratitude journal many moons ago, it felt a little odd and sometimes I kept writing the same things over and over again. Then one day I decided to look for new blessings during the day so I would have something different to write about in my journal the following morning...Seek and ye shall find (;

When we open our hearts to being thankful, we begin to catch sight of the good that is sometimes hidden in the everyday. We begin to notice the small gestures made by others. We begin to witness the touches of grace that were so woefully neglected before. It's easy to spot the irritating, aggravating and annoying and it doesn't require much spiritual fortitude to express our disdain for these things once discovered.

People love to complain. Why? Because it doesn't require anything of us. It's easy. But when we're surrounded by the uncomfortable things of life and choose to be thankful anyway, ah...now that requires a part of the soul that digs deep. By excavating and using our thankful muscles, it trains our spirit to keep the lacks away and we naturally begin to see our days in a blessed way.

So, if your days seem to be filled with more dark than light, try starting a gratitude journal. This simple act of thankfulness will center your days and keep you focused on what truly matters.

Today's Challenge...

For today's challenge I'd like for you to begin keeping a gratitude journal and incorporating this into your morning routine. We want to get your day moving in a direction of being blessed and joyful and you can't help but be joyful when you're looking at 10 blessings each day (;

1) Grab you favorite journal (or print out the free goodies we have for you
below) and begin writing down 10 things for which you're thankful.

2) Make sure to include this in your morning routine.

3) Give it time to become a habit - if you're not used to seeing all the good
around you, it might take some time. Begin to notice the little things...a
call from a friend offering encouragement, a hug from your child, snuggles
with a pet, finding a coupon for the last day of a sale, helping a neighbor, etc.

4) Review your gratitude journal at the end of the day. It's the perfect boost
to send your thoughts in a positive direction as you drift off to sleep.

Tools for the Journey...

I've included some printable Gratitude Journal Cards to make sure you had the tools to get started. There are two sheets. You can download the first one HERE, which includes a cover with 3 journal cards and the second sheet HERE, which has 4 journal cards.

I've left space at the top of each card to punch holes. Cut the cards apart, punch holes, insert metal hinge rings and you have an instant booklet that can grow with you. Print more cards and add to your booklet for an endless supply of gratitude (;

Come back tomorrow for Day 6 of our 31 Days of Simple Living series as we begin to tackle the distraction of clutter.

Join Our Pinterest Group Board to Share Your Progress...

I've created a group board specifically for the 31 Days of Simple Living series. Each day I'll be pinning our posts along with other pins that relate to the daily challenge.

If you'd like to pin your progress or helpful posts related to the daily focus, email me and I'll be happy to add you to the group. The neat thing about this new board is that it can provide a continual supply of encouragement even after the 31 Days is over.

Don't miss a single post by subscribing to our RSS Feed or enter your email below to automatically receive posts in your inbox. You can also share your progress or questions below in the comments section and feel free to join us on Facebook and #31SimpleDays on Twitter.

Ÿ Intro Ÿ Day 6 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 17 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day 27

Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 7 Ÿ Day 13 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 23 Ÿ Day 28

Ÿ Day 2 Ÿ Day 8 Ÿ Day 14 Ÿ Day 19 Ÿ Day 24 Ÿ Day 29

Ÿ Day 3 Ÿ Day 9 Ÿ Day 15 Ÿ Day 20 Ÿ Day 25 Ÿ Day 30

Ÿ Day 4 Ÿ Day 10 Ÿ Day 16 Ÿ Day 21 Ÿ Day 26 Ÿ Day 31

Ÿ Day 5 Ÿ Day 11 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day33

In Gratitude,

New to The Homesteading Cottage? Don't miss a post and subscribe here...

Friday, October 4, 2013

Morning & Evening Routines for Simple Living {Day 4}

Establishing a morning and evening routine is one of my favorite tips for simple living. Routines simplify our schedule and ensure that important things get done. It reduces stress, helps us to focus and provides a stability for the times when we just can't think another thought (;

Having routines sets up a cadence for our days so we naturally know what comes next. This is so important for children. A morning routine can reduce fussiness at the beginning of the day and an evening routine of a bath followed by story time and prayers naturally slows their pace so they're ready for bed without the struggle.

Growing up, our lives were quite busy. My father was a pastor, my mother was a teacher (she also worked in the church and led local & national conferences) and we were involved in almost every activity imaginable. Even within that chaos of continual activity, we had morning and evening routines. They were simple, but provided a constant in a harried world of over scheduled lives.

I got out of this practice after college and then wondered why little was getting done (; Setting up a morning and evening routine got things back on track for a while, but it quickly faded and I couldn't figure out why.

Then it hit me...it was too constraining. Creatives tend to like a more relaxed schedule...one that allows the flow of creativity to move. Waking up at a certain time, getting ready by a certain time, exercising at a certain time, eating at a certain time...oh my, it was all too much!!

Now I use a list...you know I LOVE lists (; There are certain things I do each morning and evening, but instead of scheduling a specific time for each activity, I use blocks of time for the entire routine. Here's an example:

Morning Routine (9:00 am - 11:00 am)

Wake up
Walk the dog
Exercise
Eat breakfast
Get ready for the day
Meditation, prayer and scripture study
Write in Gratitude Journal
Review 7 Daily Do's and today's schedule
Check orders/emails

Evening Routine (11:00 pm - 1:00 am)

Review the day's work, glance at goals (long and short term), plan tomorrow's schedule
Prep for the next day - do things to make the following day easier
Exercise - stretching, toning
Get ready for bed
Walk the dog
Meditation, prayer and devotional

This kind of flexible routine is one that feels natural to me. Each task isn't set to a specific time. It offers options. I'm free to take more time to walk the dog and then shorten my regular exercise routine. If the spirit moves and more focus is needed during meditation, I just move things about so everything fits.

Giving yourself blocks of time will keep you focused and still allow an openness that a more scheduled or restrictive routine will not. This flexibility then establishes a flowing structure so there are no feelings of frustration if more time is needed for a particular task.

Tools for the Journey...

We wanted to make sure you had some tools for the journey so we've included our free printable - Morning & Evening Routines. Download it HERE.

Do you have a morning and evening routine? How has it simplified your life? Do you notice a difference on those days when the morning and evening routines are followed versus the days that have no routine at all?

I hope you'll continue to join us for our 31 Days of Simple Living. Tomorrow we'll be discussing gratitude and how the simple act of being thankful can set the tone for the entire day.

Join Our Pinterest Group Board to Share Your Progress...

I've created a group board specifically for the 31 Days of Simple Living series. Each day I'll be pinning our posts along with other pins that relate to the daily challenge.

If you'd like to pin your progress or helpful posts related to the daily focus, email me and I'll be happy to add you to the group. The neat thing about this new board is that it can provide a continual supply of encouragement even after the 31 Days is over.

Don't miss a single post by subscribing to our RSS Feed or enter your email below to automatically receive posts in your inbox. You can also note your progress and questions below in the comments section and feel free to join us on Facebook and #31SimpleDays on Twitter.

Ÿ Intro Ÿ Day 6 Ÿ Day 12 Ÿ Day 17 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day 27

Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 7 Ÿ Day 13 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 23 Ÿ Day 28

Ÿ Day 2 Ÿ Day 8 Ÿ Day 14 Ÿ Day 19 Ÿ Day 24 Ÿ Day 29

Ÿ Day 3 Ÿ Day 9 Ÿ Day 15 Ÿ Day 20 Ÿ Day 25 Ÿ Day 30

Ÿ Day 4 Ÿ Day 10 Ÿ Day 16 Ÿ Day 21 Ÿ Day 26 Ÿ Day 31

Ÿ Day 5 Ÿ Day 11 Ÿ Day 18 Ÿ Day 1 Ÿ Day 22 Ÿ Day33

In Gratitude,

New to The Homesteading Cottage? Don't miss a post and subscribe here...

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Simplify Your To-Do List with the 7 Daily Do's {Day 2}

Yesterday we talked about how to create a Master To-Do List and today we want to build on that by incorporating the 7 Daily Do's. We humans are creatures of habit, so it's important to make mindful intentions each day to keep us moving in the right direction. We're wanting to keep things simple this month and so today's focus is how to simplify your to-do list with the 7 Daily Do's.

I struggled for the longest time with countless lists of unfinished projects. I had good intentions, but wasn't really clear on what actually needed to be done. Without clarity, we perish and so my organizing intentions were a flop! I would make a list with VERY broad topics and then wondered why nothing was ever finished.

My Mom has always been a list maker and an awesome planner so she suggested breaking down those big projects into smaller steps. I'm a creative gal and sometimes have a challenge finishing things because I get so excited about the next big idea. Henceforth, nothing is ever fully completed (; I didn't think a small list would make much of a difference...it's just a smaller version of my big list that isn't getting done. Oh boy was I wrong! Enter in the 7 Daily Do's...

What are the 7 Daily Do's?

The 7 Daily Do's is list of 7 tasks for the day that are in addition to your normal daily chores. They can be individual steps to complete a larger project, errands that aren't on your regular schedule, or a simple way to organize your routine if you aren't using a planner.

I've found that a short list of 7 things seems to be the magic number. It's small enough so it doesn't overwhelm you, but yet not too small to make you feel unproductive. In the Bible 7 represents rest and natural & divine completeness or perfection. Hum...interesting. I'm more restful because my tasks are getting completed which is perfect!! (; I've tried to have a list of more than 7 and less than 7 and neither seems to work for me. For some reason 7 seems to be the perfect balance.

How to Use the 7 Daily Do's...

In my planner I keep two 7 Daily Do lists. One for business and the other for my personal life. Each night I make a list of 7 tasks for the following day. As each one is completed, it gets marked off the list. This way I can clearly see what needs to be done and with each mark-off, a sense of accomplishment grows.

This is where our Master To-Do List comes in...we're going to pull at least 2 things from our Master List to develope our 7 Daily Do's. Of the 7 tasks for the day, include 4 things that are the most pressing and then 3 things that can be completed quickly. I like to include quick tasks because if you start your day by getting a few things done right away, then that ball usually keeps rolling and you'll find that you accomplishments will grow. Completion attracts completion (;

If all 7 tasks are done and there's still time left in the day, then I'll add one or two more, but only if everything on the list is completed. That way there's not an overwhelming daily list that never ends. If I don't complete all 7 things, no stress here...they simply carry over to be included as one of The 7 Daily Do's for tomorrow!

Works for Kids too!

We've found that this does wonders for kids too and is a great self directing tool. Use it for their chores and projects or dreams and aspirations. When kids know what to expect, they thrive and confidence abounds. Make sure to adjust the amount of daily do's based on the child's age and ability. Remember this is a tool, not a stress creator (; You may be surprised at how organized they become!

Today's Challenge...

Now, for today's challenge I'd like for you to get your Master Running List and create your first 7 Daily Do's list. Again, we're creatures of habit so it may take some time to get used to the process. Be kind to yourself, but keep at it. After a while you'll begin to rely on those 7 Daily Do's and the peace in your home will increase.

Here are the steps...

1) Try to pull at least 2 tasks from your Master Running List.

2) Of the 7 Daily Do's, include 4 things that are the most pressing

and 3 things that can be completed quickly.

3) If you complete all 7, feel free to add one or two more tasks

4) If you only complete 2 tasks, then move the unfinished 5 to the

next day - no guilt here, because we're choosing to celebrate what

we have done.

Tools For the Journey...

What would a list tutorial be without a printable? We wanted to make sure you had the tools to begin asap so I uploaded our 7 Daily Do's printable to get you started. You can download it HERE.

Each one is a little larger than an index card for ample room and there are 4 to a page. Print as many as you like. I prefer to cut them out, leaving enough white space on the top to punch a couple of holes for metal hinged rings. Voila! Instant booklet (; I also keep the back blank to jot down notes.

You'll also notice a section titled "Mindful Intention." Staying motivated is key while we're making mindful choices, so we wanted to create a spot for daily inspiration. Add a goal, Bible verse, quote, declaration or mantra. Keeping your focus on a bigger vision encourages forward movement which means that simple living lifestyle won't be far behind.

So if you feel like life is a little bit out of control, staying organized and on target can be as easy as jotting down 7 simple tasks. Before you know it, all of those perpetual to-do's will be a thing of the past (;

Join Our Pinterest Group Board to Share Your Progress...

I've set up a group board specifically for the 31 Days of Simple Living series. Each day I'll be pinning our posts along with other pins that relate to the daily challenge.

You can also post your progress and questions below in the comments section and feel free to join us on Facebook and #31SimpleDays or #31Days on Twitter.

Come back tomorrow as discuss elements for a simply organized day (; See you then!!