Journaling For Mental Health

 

I love to make journals and I love the idea of what you can do with a journal, however, until this year I wasn't one who wrote in a journal on a regular basis.  In the past I've done journaling for events or vacations and I've also done a gratitude journal, but to write down my thoughts on a daily basis just wasn't something I did.

 

I use my dayplanner all the time

I knew this year was going to be a hard one for me.  I had been struggling with my health, my job was a major source of stress, my youngest child was going to graduate high school and head off to college and my closest friend was in the end stages of ovarian cancer.  I knew 2022 was going to be a year of a lot of changes and high emotions and let me tell you, it has not disappointed in that respect.

 

One of the things suggested to me long ago by a friend of mine who was a therapist was to write things down in order to get it out of my head.  I loved the concept, but I never did it, which is crazy as I am an avid list maker and dayplanner user.  I write those kinds of things down so I don’t forget and I don’t have to try and remember everything in my head.  It worked great and I have been doing it practically my entire adult life.  I menu plan, I map out my projects and my goals.  I've seen how writing these things down leads to success.

 

This year I decided, with all that was going on and all that was likely to happen, it would probably serve me well to write my thoughts into a journal every day.  There is not right or wrong way journal.  You just write down whatever you want.  And now that I've been doing it I can honestly say this simple exercise has been a true game changer.  It really does help.  I don't have to carry all of these thoughts, concerns, anxieties or fears around with me.  I just write it down and leave it in my journal.  I write down what I'm thankful and grateful for.  I write down quotes that inspire me, scriptures that touch me, wonderful things or sad things that happened that day.  I even doodle.

 

My new daily journal I made for 2023

Journaling declutters my mind, my soul and my heart.  It is just as freeing and liberating as when I declutter my home.  While I don't sit down and read my prior entries I can see as I flip through my pages just how much my journaling has evolved since the beginning of the year.  At first I just wrote down insignificant things like what I ate or the weather.  But as time went on I found myself really enjoying the process and letting go of a lot of emotional thinking that really weighed me down mentally.  I'm really glad I finally decided to take that step.  I've even prepared my journal for 2023 because I think it is that important.  Journaling is definitely good for my mental health.

 

Happy Mail!

 

What is Happy Mail, you might ask?  Well, it is when someone decides to bless somebody with an envelope filled with items designed to make the recipient smile.  It can be anything you would like to send them.  Stickers, die cuts, ephemera, photos, cards, post cards, a recipe, a note or a letter, some laces or ribbons, journal cards, envelopes, tags, you name it.  If it is cute and fun or pretty and sweet, it can go inside an envelope and bring a smile to somebody.

 

In 2023 I want to send out some Happy Mail throughout the year and I plan to bless my friends and some relatives with these spontaneous mailings.  I also want to bless some of you, living in the United States, as well.  If you would like to receive some happy mail all you have to do is email me (tireless.retirement@gmail.com) your US address and I will add you to my list.  I also want to challenge you to do the same thing.  Choose somebody, anybody, you think would love to receive a smile in the mail and bless them with some Happy Mail.

 

So what do you do with this Happy Mail?  Anything you want.  You can use it to journal or scrapbook something, make a card or use in a craft project.  You can just look at it and tuck it away for a rainy day.  You can even pass it along to someone else who may enjoy receiving it.  It is entirely up to you.

 

The process is quite simple and won't cost much to do at all.  Just buy some stamps and grab some envelopes.  Collect items you already have on hand, make something or purchase new items if you wish.  The rules are quite simple, there aren't that many, just send out a few tokens to make a person's day brighter.  Will you join me?  Let's have some fun!

 

 

My Tireless Retirement - Week 36

 

Hello, hello my friends!  Another week has barreled on by as we are hurdling our way toward Christmas and 2023.  I am just in awe at how quickly my days fly by, completely mind boggling.  How is everyone doing?  Staying warm enough?  We continue to have cold, frosty weather with some snow here and there as well as some thick fog too.  This is typical January weather for us and it started in November!  Brrrr!  Even during snowpocalypse it didn't start snowing until Christmas Eve.

 

I began my week by continuing with my whole house decluttering and reorganizing project.  I made some great progress too.  Needless to say I have no desire to declutter the garage until spring when the weather is much warmer than it is right now.  I'm quite fine with waiting on that part.  As I'm working I'm making a detailed list of specific containers I need to properly store certain items.  I don't want to buy anything unnecessarily so I'm being super careful to make sure I don't already have something that will work.

 

Not a bad little haul

In that same vein I am being super careful with my grocery shopping as well.  I carefully made out a list, double and triple checked it, went over what I already have on hand and then did my big shopping trip for the month on Tuesday.  I want to make sure I don't overbuy and end up wasting food and money.  There weren't any good ads going on this past week so I decided to make the trek to Winco this time around.  I think I did a pretty good job with what I bought and the prices I paid.

 

I got all of my Christmas cards sent out, gifts wrapped and I have no shopping left to complete.  Just the baking left to do and I find that to be the most fun.  I picked up some marshmallow crème too just in case I want to make a batch of fudge.

 

My BFF is back in town through the new year and we have been enjoying holiday cocktail hour lately referring to it as "decluttering" the liquor cabinet.  I very much appreciate the help!  We've enjoyed some tasty beverages while watching Christmas movies or listening to music and enjoying some delicious meals too.  Lots of talking and some deep discussions too.  We also came up with a new tradition to replace Horse Doover Nite that I used to do with my children every year with a Nacho Nite.  Oh my gosh was that ever delicious!

 

I used a magic eraser to get the scuffs and any black marks off the lids

By Thursday I started working in my craft room with the decluttering and reorganizing.  Needless to say this is a HUGE project.  I did however manage to empty another pile of bins which I've washed and will reuse for the organizing process.  It was a busy week just going through things and making A LOT of decisions.  Even though it has been messy I'm happy with the progress though and I'm glad I decided to get started this month instead of waiting.

 

Have a great week and take care!

 

Sending Out Christmas Greeting Cards

 

Every year I send out a nice stack of Christmas cards, usually ones that I've enjoyed making throughout the year leading up to the holidays.  At the beginning of November I'll go to the post office and pick up a booklet of Christmas themed stamps so I will have them on hand to mail out my cards the first week of December.  Then I will put the finishing touches on my annual letter I like to tuck inside of some of these cards I send to close friends and relatives to update them on the latest happenings around here.  Lastly, I update the addresses and then print out labels, both address and my return address as well as the letter.  Once I'm ready I sit down with my pile of handmade cards and all of my supplies along with a cup of hot tea and get right down to business getting everything ready for the mail.

 

Super cute stamps this year!

As times change and inflation has taken hold, postage costs have increased a lot over the years, it has been tempting to cut back or eliminate this holiday ritual of mine, however this year I actually added more people to my list.  I purchased more stamps and I made more cards.  The reason I did this is because I feel, now more than ever, we need to spread holiday cheer and what better way to do that than to bless someone with a Christmas greeting in their mailbox.

 

I love to make Christmas cards

There is something just a little more special about receiving a pretty little card in the mail at Christmas time, or anytime for that matter.  And with all the ugliness in the world right now and all the stress over the economy, I choose to give a little more this year in hopes of brightening someone's day and lightening their heart.

 

I even decorate the envelopes with stickers 😁

This past Monday I placed the largest stack of Christmas cards I've ever done in my mailbox to go out.  I have no expectations of receiving anything in return, but I do hope I make someone's holiday just a little bit nicer.  Now is not the time for me to consider cutting back at the holidays, at least not in this way.  In fact, I hope next year the stack of cards I'm sending out is even bigger!

 

A Bit Of Christmas Cheer

 

When you happily have your best friend crash your Thanksgiving you end up doing things you don't normally do like getting up at the crack of dawn to go Black Friday shopping (we didn't buy anything, we just went), grabbing coffee (too full from the night before to eat breakfast) and then heading home to put up your Christmas tree, but sometimes you just have to go with the flow.  This year I have a brand new tree that I purchased at Hobby Lobby early this fall so it wasn't a difficult thing to talk me into.  I was ready!

 

I made this santa in a ceramics class I took 25 years or so ago

First I had to gather up all of the fall décor and get it put away and while I was at it I went through it all again and ended up decluttering a nice sized pile of items I no longer wish to keep.  Once all of the fall décor was back in its bin and tucked up on the shelf we brought in the two Christmas bins, the largest which used to keep my tree in it, but I had given it away on Facebook Marketplace Buy Nothing Group when I got home from Hobby Lobby last fall with the new tree.  I decided to go through everything I had and only use and keep the things I like and let the rest of it go.

 

My donation pile!

I am amazed at how many ornaments I was able to get on my sweet little three foot "fancy" tree.  It even said "fancy" on the label so it must be true.  That's how I roll don't you know?  Fancy, fancy, fancy!  Anyway, I tested all the light,  one ended up in the trash bin and two on the tree with a set in reserve for next time so I'm in good shape with the lights.

 

I love my new little tree and the pretty pillow covers I made a few years ago

The tree is my main focal point sitting in the front window on my great-grandmother's antique table.  I only have a few other Christmas decorations sitting out on the mantle, my grandmother's fenton bowl filled with the bulbs from their old light string and candles.  That's it.  I kept it light and airy, I absolutely love it.

 

I have these two little cuties on my kitchen windowsill

We played my old Christmas albums on my reproduction Victrola while we worked and it was perfect.  I got out the Christmas themed coffee mugs to use each morning and gave the china a quick wash as well.  All the fun stuff of the holidays is in full swing.  We even installed a timer on the pergola lights so they come on automatically now.  Tell me that doesn't scream Christmas?

 

I got out my Christmas cup and the dishes

Good food is a big part of the holidays so I will be baking a few things here and there as well as making some delicious meals to enjoy.  Sharing with others is important too.  We're keeping the gifts minimal this year, but there will be plenty of delicious things around here to eat and drink.  No one will be sent away hungry, that's for sure.

 

 

My Tireless Retirement - Week 35

 

Hello my friends!  I had printed out my 30 day decluttering checklist with the intention of working on it after the holidays, however, why let a good checklist just sit there and collect dust?  I got started upstairs in my bedroom and in two days I made some amazing progress, especially in the sentimental and photos arena.  That can be really tough but this time around I hit it like a champ and I'm super proud of myself.  It has taken me a good while but I've thinned down the boxes of photos and the many albums to the point that all of my albums fit into one of the small banker boxes and I only have a small pile of photos left that need to go into albums.  For me, that is a HUGE accomplishment.

 

HUGE project completed!

While I was at it I went through all of my papers, did a good bit of shredding and have all of the important stuff nicely organized and stored in one place.  I went through things I've been procrastinating on for years, made some tough decisions and added several more items to the donate pile while filling up a white kitchen size trash bag to go out to the curb.  Then I tackled all of my childhood and high school memorabilia as well as that of my children.  Boy, did that ever tap the emotions.  Oh my goodness.  I watched Pride & Predjudice while I worked on this project and it helped a lot.  Thank you Mr. Darcy!

 

I have now gone through every nook and cranny of the upstairs bedrooms so they have been completely decluttered.  It feels really good to be making progress once again, especially knowing that now the "procrastination piles" no longer exist.  They have finally been dealt with, the tough decisions have been made and it feels like a huge load lifted off of my mind and my shoulders.  I am so happy to have that behind me.

 

I have emptied all of these containers so far
The set of drawers will be going and I have plans for the rest of the bins

On Wednesday I went to Target and picked up four large storage bins with the snap top lids that latch with the handles.  I also picked up a similar container in a smaller size to store all of the sentimental items I had after that decluttering project was completed on Tuesday.  I spent a good day and a half sorting, purging and organizing all of my vintage collectible dolls and the rehab supplies.  That worked so well I ended up going back to Target on Thursday and picking up four more of the large bins to use for some other decluttering and organizing projects I'm getting ready to work on next.  I already used one of the new bins to put all of my girl's childhood dolls and doll clothes into.  They only kept a few so they don't take up much space.

 

Loads of paper got shredded

To jump off my holiday baking I made a nice batch of EnglishToffee.  It turned out perfect, I think it is my best batch to date.  I also did the final preparations to get my Christmas cards ready to go out in the mail today.  This is definitely a year people need to get a card in the mail, I think.  Don't you?

 

The start of donation bag #3

I continued going through all the rooms upstairs sorting, decluttering and reorganizing.  I am amazed with how much stuff I have been able to get rid of because I flat just do not need it.  I started working on some spaces downstairs as well and will continue working my way through everything this week and on into the next.

 

I hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy, enjoying the holiday preparations and that you are happy.  Let me know what you've been up to lately.  How are your Christmas plans going?  I would love to hear about it.

 

Thrifty Christmas Gifts - Under $5

 

Times are tough, for a lot of people, and we are in a recession with higher utility bills and sky rocketing grocery prices.  No one needs to go into debt over gift giving at Christmas time.  Here are some great gift ideas and they are all under $5 each!  Depending on what you already have on hand they may not even cost you anything so shop your houses first:

 

Photo Collage - print out some pictures or dig out some photos you already have and put together a collage for someone.  Use cardstock, poster board, or even part of a cereal box and some scrapbook or other paper to assemble your collage with tape, glue or a glue stick.  It can be random pictures or a significant event like graduation or a vacation.  Add a note to let the recipient know what they mean to you. 

Homemade Granola - make your favorite recipe or use this one.  Place cooled granola into a jar or a Ziploc bag and label it.  Decorate your package with ribbon, stickers, whatever you like. 

Drink Mug - fill a nice mug (Dollar Tree has many) with packets of hot cocoa mix, tea bags, K cups, whatever the giftee might like.  Use plastic wrap over the top to keep the contents neatly inside, pop a bow on top. 

Soup Mug/Bowl - place a can of hearty soup or chili inside a large mug or a bowl (Dollar Tree has many).  Add some crackers if you like or a Jiffy cornbread mix.  Place inside a gift bag and decorate with ribbon or a bow.

 

Bagels & Cream Cheese - in a bag place a package of bagels and a tub of flavored cream cheese spread.  Decorate the bag with ribbon or a bow. 

Sugar Cookie Bake Set - in a bag place a package of sugar cookie dough mix, a bottle of Christmas themed sprinkles and a cookie cutter.  Decorate the bag with ribbon or a bow. 

Activity Set - a colorbook and a box of crayons will keep any child busy.  Word search, crossword, Sudoku puzzle books plus some mechanical pencils are great for teens and adults.  For the artistic teen or adult on your list consider an adult coloring book and a package of colored pencils.  All of these items can be found at the dollar store. 

Fleece Throw - Wal-Mart has a nice selection of fleece throw blankets for less than $5

 

Candy - purchase King size or theater size packages of the recipients favorite candy or candies.  Or, make fudge, toffee or dipped pretzels.  Place in a jar or Ziploc bag and decorate with ribbon or a bow. 

Manicure - one or two bottles of nail polish & an emery board. 

Breakfast - pancake & waffle mix + syrup, a package of canned cinnamon rolls & orange rolls, or breakfast sausage + a carton of eggs. 

Homemade Bread - if you are a baker consider making a fresh loaf of bread or a pan of dinner rolls.  Add a jar of jam or jelly. 

Warm Feet - fuzzy socks or warm winter socks are always appreciated. 

BBQ Sauce - purchase some bottled barbecue sauces in various flavors such has mesquite, honey BBQ and regular.  Or make up your own recipe and place in a glass Snapple bottle or Mason Jar and label it. 

Cash or Gift Card - sometimes the best gift is just to tuck a $5 bill or a $5 gift card (Starbucks, Burger King, Dollar Tree, etc.) into a card.

 

Don't feel bad or ashamed if a $5 gift is all you can or are willing to afford to give someone.  Or if gifting or re-gifting items you already have on hand is the best you can manage.  You are not being cheap, you are being resourceful.  Remember, it is more about the thoughtfulness behind a gift than the amount of money spent on it.  Enjoy the process and have fun with it.  Have a Blessful Christmas not a Stressful Christmas.