Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Finding Balance

When I have days where I start feeling overwhelmed it helps to do a few things.

  1. Take a deep breathe
  2. Workout
  3. Make lists
Yes. Lists as in plural.

The new house has me feeling a little overwhelmed. Partially because the flooring guys aren't done so there are things. EVERYWHERE. Dust - everywhere. I went from being settled to unsettled. I just want it wrapped up so that I can go on with my life.

So there is that to deal with.

Oh and I have a hot tub I don't know how to run.

Every room in the house is a project. Whether I just want to paint or if I want to do a complete overhaul. Overhaul as in paint, new light fixtures, window treatments etc.

This gets my brain cranked into overdrive.

And then I stress.

So I made a spreadsheet that lists every room in my house and everything I want to do to it.

The best part is that now it isn't rattling around in my brain. Its on paper. Its a plan. It also helps me see that I have a lot to do but that I don't have to do it all right now. It will come. With time.

Its okay.

Take it day by day.

Step by Step.

Light fixture by light fixture.

It doesn't hurt if you physically exhaust yourself by throwing in a double workout. Just sayin.

8 comments:

  1. I know the kind of stress you are talking about, I've remodeled a house or two in my day. If you need help, I'm really good with a paintbrush or a roller, I can hang light fixtures, cut trim, tile floors and much more! I'd happily spend a few days helping you if you needed it.

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  2. I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed with all the plans too! It is sort of how I'm feeling now living at my mom's amongst all her STUFF. I just can't wait to settle in to my own space again. It is hard to keep sane amongst the chaos, I understand. But I can't wait to see finished pics of the kitchen! I am kind of a foodie, and I just love kitchens, so bring on the pics as soon as its done!

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  3. I hear ya! When we renovated our home several years ago, I found this great journal/book for home repairs. I can't remember the name of it and I gave it to the people we sold the house to for historical purposes, but it was basically a journal for each room of the house, with space to note paint color names, costs, locations to purchase, plus, grid lines for layouts, room for dimensions, measurements and various notes. Each room had a pocket to hold inspiration photos, paint chips, etc. It was a great book for me because I initially did the spreadsheet and project pages.. which finally overwhelmed me having everything all on one page! I'd look at it and my eyes would just start to cross. Having it all in front of me was too overwhelming, but breaking it into a page per room helped significantly!

    Good luck! Sounds like fun!

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  4. Lists are awesome. "They" say you should always keep a pad of paper and pen with you so you can write down to-dos, ideas, and such. That way it's out of your head immediately. Good luck on the remodel! Sounds like it's going to be great!

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  5. I can imagine how overwhelming it can be with all the work your'e doing on the house but definitely, one step at a time. Tackle it one room at a time and you will get through it :)

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  6. TOTALLY agree with you...and I totally get this, obviously, as I hit a new job and a new routine all at once. Hellllo balance. HAng in there.

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  7. I wish you all the best with the home renovations. It's good to have goals like this and to tackle them piece by piece. With every improvement you make and item you check off, you'll feel good about what you've accomplished and it'll fuel you to continue.

    This almost motivates me to hang up the shelves in the living room. Can you send me some of your go-get-'em attitude, please? :)

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  8. Double work out? Whoa! Do you sleep much?

    But, you've handled it well by making a list. I live by lists! You're right, step by step, room by room. Maybe one thing in one room, and then another in another room. Can't get it all done in a week. And a step by step approach helps you to appreciate the effort and time.

    I'm off to the treadmill.

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