Plan a Fulfilling Day...Everyday! By Pamela Caywood

Pam, Bill & Grace

Are your days coming and going and taking you along for a ride? Are you just barely holding on each day? Well, I have found a way to get a grip of the reins and get hold of my day. Now I finish my projects and even have time for some fun! Imagine...

To get started, write down a list...a long list of all the "Have to Happen" items. Here is a short example list:

Take children to school 8am
Pick up children at 12:00
Wash and fold 8 loads of laundry
Go grocery Shopping
Make lunch and dinner
Play with baby
Free-time

Once you complete the list then add the approximate time that each activity takes. Don't forget to include travel time. Then look at your weekly calendar and block out time for each of the "Have to Happen" activities. I made a master schedule on an 81/2"x14" piece of paper which includes each day and half hour time slots. I copy these forms to revise for weekly needs. Once the "Have to Happen" items are marked on the schedule then I can see at a glance how much time is realistically left to add other activities. It is nice to wake up each day and have a plan in mind so that I don't get to 11:30 in the morning and say "Oh no! Where has the day gone? I have done nothing!"

This schedule has allowed me to limit unexpected interruptions. Whether it is a phone call or a visitor, I can say without feeling bad, "Oh, I can chat for 5 minutes but then I have to go. Let's plan a lunch together next week to catch up." My day is now MY day and not controlled by someone else. I have to say that I like it this way!

The challenge and the key to make this schedule work is to be flexible. The schedule will never work out 100%. So you will make adjustments for unexpected doctor appointments etc. However, once you get into a groove, it is easy to stay in the groove. Your days will be more satisfying and fulfilling. You will be surprise how much you really do accomplish. Okay now --Carpe diem!

Pamela Caywood is the proud mother of 3 year old Grace and is expecting her second child in October.