Getting Things Done

My life has been saved. I love a husband who understands where I am at and what I need. I am always amazed at how quick he can see the issue. I typically think, sure, okay. (not really seeing what he sees) Inevitably within a few days or weeks I come to the conclusion he already knew and I am thankful he was patient as I got there too.

I can't even remember when he first told me about the concept of Getting Things Done by David Allen. It was last year sometime I believe. When he first mentioned it I thought it was great but I really didn't have time to look into this. Now I am discovering that I don't have time NOT to look into it.

You see, this year has been rather difficult. I feel I have been flying by the seat of my pants, being tossed this way and that way. Everyone keeps saying it is just because of the stage of life. But I gotta say it was never this way before last year. I still had 8 kids last year, I still managed our same home and mostly same schedules. I just couldn't figure out why I couldn't stay on top of the everyday life I used to stay up with fairly well. It might NOT have looked pretty but we were there, I was on time, and I sorta new what was coming next.

But NOT this year!

I can't remember this, that, or those. I remember things a day late. I have no idea what my next step is. Things were just being dictated by the urgent. I am positive this method has frustrated my family along with myself.

Something needed to change, but WHAT?

First thought was to end all activities since we have lost all control. But you don't stop driving just because you don't know where your next turn will be. I have been praying about this all summer long as to why I can't get my act together.

THEN, yesterday, my eyes were opened to the problem.

My husband could not attend the one day workshop that was being offered and asked if I wanted to go in his place. I jumped on the chance. Even though my schedule was insane, I wasn't accomplishing anything anyways, I might as well.

Only 40 minutes into the workshop and then chatting with a friend I discovered my problem!

• our minds store a lot of information (it is great at it) by David Allen
• but our minds are NOT great at recalling that information at the optimal times (hence think of work stuff when you are at home or home stuff when you are at work) My past year was constantly thinking of things when I couldn't do anything about them! by David Allen
• as I heard about how to get that information out of your brain and how to organize it (which I used to be able to do without this system)....I saw my problem, sleep!

The discovery that I had Rheumatoid Arthritis and I need 8 hours of sleep every night is what changed! (I was used to living on about 5 hours for the past 19 years.) Once everyone was in bed, I could clear my head, organize my thoughts, and clearly see what came next.

Now that I go to bed with everyone else or before the teens. I have lost my brain so to say!

UNTIL...yesterday!

One 2 minute exercise and MOM is BACK!

Now that my brain is sorting through all that needs to be done.

• I can think more clearly
• I can think more creatively
• I can function, which means my family can function too!

It feels fantastic to feel I am one step ahead verses 10 steps behind! (or at least I know I CAN get ahead) To top it off I am leaving for a women's retreat today! The women of Family Life bless me and I am looking forward to the time of renewal with a clear mind, open heart, and ready to do the things that need to be done.

I have always figured if God allowed it then there is a way to juggle it. Doesn't mean it will always be easy. May not even mean I feel great about it. But I believe with my whole heart HE will provide a way WITH joy and peace in the process.

What has you in overload?