Speedy Gonzales

Most mornings, I make a to-do list and at the end of the day, I’m thrilled if everything gets checked off. Because of this habit, I confess I’m rarely overwhelmed and my home is usually pretty tidy. I feel a little guilty even saying this when so many people tell me they’re overwhelmed by the chaos in their homes and would feel embarrassed if unexpected company dropped in. I truly wish that I could be more empathetic.

Be careful what you wish for.

We returned from our vacation in Portugal and the 5 hour time difference hit my body like a ton of bricks. It wasn’t a case of jet lag but of jet paralysis.

I didn’t feel like making my bed or doing the dishes and the thought of having 19 people over for Easter dinner in 3 days turned my legs to lead and my mind to mush. I was definitely cured from my ‘chop-chop, get ‘er done, hop to it’ mind set.

So I followed some advise that I’ve so glibly in the past, handed out to my clients. They are total cliches. Many of them you’ve probably heard before but now I can say from experience - THEY WORK!

• Put your phone down.

• Set a timer for 15 minutes and get off the couch.

• The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step- Lao Tzu

• Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today- Ben Franklin

• The secret for getting ahead is getting started- Mark Twain

• It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful- Myquillyn Smith

• Later is not a time

• There is a time to allow yourself grace - cleaning with kids in the house is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos. But you CAN work your butt off for 15 minutes.

By the way…

When our kids were little and the house needed a quick tidy, we’d play a game called “Speedy Gonzales”. We’d join hands in a circle; I’d say one. two, three then we’d all throw our hands into the air yelling “Speedy Gonzales”. They’d run around like little tornados, for 1 minute, picking up and putting away their stuff. I sometimes use that tactic when I’m by myself, though it’s not nearly as much fun and I do feel a tad foolish saying “Speedy Gonzales” to an empty room. But you do what you have to do!