Gosh, there are so many things I managed to leave off that goal list I shared in my last post….. and, besides that, isn’t it true that each of those goals also contain so many steps that the simplicity starts to get complex.

One of the main ones I forgot is my longing and urge to have an office in New York. Not necessarily because I need one but because I want one. This week, I added to my collection of little things that reminds me of this goal – this amazing big apple in porcelain which was a mere €8.48 in Heaton’s sale. I love a bargain of any sort!!

So my first post got some mixed feedback, which I found interesting. It ranged from questions as to what impact it would have on others in my surroundings; if I am really ready to bear my heart in this way (I thought I kept it quite light…. So far); if I am really willing to share the full truth and……some comments which filled my eyes with tears, in a good way:

1. “You really are a truly wonderful person”
2. This statement is probably my favourite –  “If I could just dig into your brain and see what else you are hiding in there!!”
3. “This will work as a true inspiration to other women in business and motherhood” Cool – not sure about that one…
4. My 9 year old son – one of the truly best critics read it more by accident than purpose and his spontaneous response – “You’re so funny Mammy” was truly heartfelt.
5. “You are one in a million……….”

Thank you to all those who took time to read and feedback on the first post!

So, as promised, this blog will share the main reason I started it – 2017 – with some, wait for it, pause….. SIMPLE tips on what I did to start getting myself back on track and, of course, why I think they worked. The blog will also share my 2018 journey!!!

The reason it all fell apart…..

So in order for you to understand what caused me to have to hit the wall in early 2017 I need to explain the main reason behind why it all fell apart.

In September 2016, I was signed up to take part in a Strictly Come Dancing competition for our local GAA Club; a challenge I had wanted to take on for years. My initial instinct when volunteered was that I won’t have time, I have too much work to do, I will miss time with my kids but….HELL YEA, finally someone has pushed me into doing it!!

So I dived right in and juggled work, family, diet (as I had to be swung around a man’s neck this piece was important), exercise, outside of dancing, and, of course, dancing for hours on end, 3-4 days a week for a 3 month period. But I managed; outside of a knee injury, a car crash and a few bruises, that is! Overall, it is one of the best experiences of my life, not just because to that myself and my partner WON but also to the fact that I found myself again, my confidence, my smile and laughter and my ability to be part of a something!!! I had a ball, rejuvenated myself for some much needed ‘me’ time, exercised and ate well, for the first time in years, and had a purpose, a goal to reach….. which was to go in front of 800 people to show them what we got!!

However, once the competition was over and the Christmas break had come and gone….. I woke up in January 2017 and said – “What now”???? What is my ‘me’ purpose….?????

So on a positive, I can say that the excuse of “I don’t have the time” – that doesn’t cut it. When we really do want something badly enough, we will make the time. It is possible to do more… to find time….. and to make it work, when we really set our mind to it.

Starting it out with gusto…….

So one of the techniques I applied in 2017, to start salvaging the lost me, was the application of a “To Do List”. A to do list encompassing not just the workload, but also the family load (sorry guys not meaning to call you a load), the ‘me load’ and the house and home load.

So every day I would make a list of 12 items, 3 for each category, which I was to do that very day. No more, no less.

Starting off 2018 has been no different and, although it does fall by the wayside sometimes, I still start each day with making a To Do List for the day ahead. I do this in a To Do List Book.

The main lesson I have learned out of my To Do List, is not to overestimate what I can get done, so I am breaking it down into smaller portions making sure that I can ultimately get the list done within the day, as the list now allows for distractions…….The second main lesson is that, all of what makes me up needs to be part of the plan, not just work.