Difference

I have been in a bit of a fog for about two months.  I felt like one of those cartoon characters who runs in place but doesn't get anywhere.  I was overwhelmed by our busy schedule, schooling the kids, the daily tasks of running our home, running errands, training for the marathon, etc... It all just seemed like TOO much.  I was going through the motions, getting some things done but without joy or enjoyment. There just didn't seem there was enough time in the day to accomplish all that was on my to do list.  When I would go to bed at night, my mind would just swirl with what I didn't get accomplished that day and what things I needed to do the next day.  A mommy that is sleep deprived is impatient, crabby, and just not very fun. I knew I had to make some changes to pull out of this fog, but I wasn't sure what would help.

I realized that when I started my training, instead of getting up at my normal early time, I would sleep later and run when the sun rose (or as Landon puts it when the sun pops up).  Our day started later, it shortened the amount of time for schooling, and I felt completely rushed throughout the day.  When I feel rushed, my stress level rises and my patience level drops.  I would go through the entire day just on edge, knowing I was "behind" from the moment I woke up.

Last week, I decided I was going to go back to my old schedule. I was going to get up earlier to have quiet time with the Lord, workout, shower and be ready before my kids woke up in the morning. I would have time to make breakfast and get things organized for the day. It would give me time to not only be physically but mentally prepared for the day ahead.

What a difference!  Just by getting back on my "normal" schedule, I felt relaxed, I was sleeping better, and  I was getting school done with Morgan and Landon.  After the first day of getting back into my old routine, I felt the fog starting to lift. I need to get up early in the morning to get my day started right. Some people start their day with a cup (or more) of coffee, I start my day with time to do my devotional and a workout.  My attitude is better, I have more patience with my kids and with situations that come up during the day,  I have the time and energy to accomplish tasks around the house and I find more enjoyment in my kids. A bonus since going back to the old schedule - my kids have been sleeping later.  Thanks to later sunset and warmer weather, we have been spending many evenings outside biking and playing. It is just wearing the kids out!  By the time my kids are up in the morning, I am ready for the day ahead. 

In our house the equation for success is get up early+quiet time with the Lord = a more relaxed, patient, and fun mommy!