For the last few years life has been in a kind of limbo state. I never felt I was moving forward and things were just, stuck. Besides working and exercising there was no kind of structure in place at all. As of late it's been driving me nuts especially when I try to make goals and am somehow shocked when they don't work out.

For a little over a month I've been implementing journaling into my day for weekly to do lists, daily to do lists, wish lists, blog posts, mood charts, and generally to see where I'm at during the day emotionally and mentally. It's been working for me in the sense that I'm not at a loss during the day of what needs to get done, I can dump all of my thoughts onto pages, write poems and be able to recollect what has happened over the course of time and what has helped me and what doesn't work. (It also helps that I'm a bit of a journal junkie, I LOVE pretty journals)



Now that I know its a process that works for me I want to implement it in long term plans. For example:

• College Enrollment. A long and tedious process. The amount of work I need to get done before even starting can get a bit jumbled. Transcripts, class registration, talking to school representatives and all of the financial aid hoopla like getting grants, loans and scholarships. I need to make sure I can afford all of my tuition with financial aid.
• Getting Healthy. One of the most important long term changes I need to make. Since going into a very bad depression for over a year I gained around 70 lbs. In my spare time I slept and ate like shit most of the time, I can admit that. What really helped me when initially losing most of the pregnancy weight was writing everything down that I ate, what work outs I did and how many reps I did, taking progress photos, and writing down a lot of research. Doing that again may help me in the long run.
• Classes. Once starting school I'll have to keep track of my assignments, deadlines, ideas and even more research. I'm super excited to be starting school in the Spring semester but I know I'll be needing a journal with me to keep track of everything.
• Blog Posts/Videos. I love blogging, as nerdy as that sounds to some people. Being able to write about what I want and having the possibility of receiving feedback is an amazing thing to me. I like writing my posts down in a book and working it in there before typing it up. I like writing lists of blog ideas and scheduling what will be uploaded when. In the future I want to have dedicated art posts and tutorials since that is a  subject I am really passionate about and would love to see that grow. Also, I would like to start posting videos as well about art and life and just whatever makes me excited, y'know? 

These are just a few of the long terms plans I have been writing through, there are more bouncing around my head. What are some ways you like to keep organized? Do you have any long term goals? Let me know!

x

Today is one of those days where you had to be productive, made plans and then none of it ends up working out. To say it was annoying would be an understatement or maybe I'm just grumpy. My daughter got sent home from school today so it kind of changed things.

I didn't want to waste the whole day so here are some things that you can do to make up for the plans!

1. Do something nice for yourself. Why not? If your schedule finally frees up and you have the time you can have a nice meal, make yourself look super nice for yourself, or any number of things that make you feel good.
2. Make lists. Some of the plans for the day may have been pretty important and had to be postponed, so make a list of what you have to get done and break it down by importance, see what can be done in relation to those events. Or make a list of things you would like to do later in the week for fun. I love being able to organize my thoughts when things seem out of whack and lists really help me with that.
3. More organization. Personally, there is always something in my house that needs organized, especially with a rambunctious little five year old. I hate cleaning but I love organizing our things and make them a new home. Usually, that means me rotating my art supplies around my desk and shelf to what I use most at the time. It always leaves me feeling accomplished.
4. Reschedule. If first you don't succeed... See when you'll be able to do it again. I was supposed to see a few friends this morning and wasn't able to push it with what was going on, but I was able to reschedule for later today at their place. If that didn't work we made plans to meet up tomorrow. Just because something doesn't happen now, doesn't mean it can't later. Be proactive.
5. Relax. When there are big changes in my day I don't know about I get REALLY bad anxiety. I know its like that for quite a few people, so do something to relax and get you in a good state of mind. Read a good book, go to the park, or get some coffee or tea. A guilty pleasure of mine is watching art videos on YouTube.

What are something's you like to do when plans change? Let me know!

x