Yay Payday!! I always seem to approach payday with anticpation and excitement until I sit down and work my budget. It is then that I realize that it seems as if no matter what I do the bills still come due each month and the groceries need to be bought every two weeks.
This in turn got me thinking about the other aspects of my life. What is the that we have to do each day, week, month? There is always that never ending list of "must-dos" that is on going in our minds or on our desks, fridges, where ever that ever present list is kept. So why is that we approach that list with trepidation. Why cant we approach our day to day life, items with the same attitude as we do our pay checks or a special occassion such as a birthday, christmas or just even a three day weekend? Where is the excitment in our lives? the excitment that we were able to wake up this morning, get out of bed and move around today?
So as I worked my finacial budget I started to plan my "daily" budget. I budgeted time, my menu. I planned what my day would look like. I won't say I have apporached today with excitement but knowing that I have a goal to meet at the end of the day makes the time I need to budget and manage seem more meaningful.
Calorie budget: 1800
Breakfast: 400
Lunch: 400
snack: 150
supper: 500
snack: 150
This "budget" gives me a total of 1600, ok so I bank 200 hmmmmm well it does give me that "rainy" day amount, just in case I need a little extra
Time budget:
I am not sure how to even do this but I know I work 7 hours a day, I walk an hour each day. That is only 8 hours out of my day. I am up by 8:00 am and in bed by 11:00 pm. there are so many unaccounted hours. well not really because there is about 2 hours for meal prep and clean up. That is up to 10 hours, leaving 3 hours of what, watching tv, relaxing, some of this time is spent driving to drop my husband off at work and then picking him. Some days include going to grocery store. I really didnt think I was actually that busy during a day but I guess I am. Hmmmmm at some point I should add a little more activity. I think I could add the movement during my work day, just to make it more effective.
So now when I hear someone say "I just don"t have time too..." I should point out that there are 24 hours in a day and there is more than enough time to do what ever you want to do or need to do. Managing time or budgeting it just makes sense!! if you dont have enough time to look after yourself then you have taken on way too much!! or maybe instead of spending those "extra" hours in front of the tv, get up, move, go play with the kids or fur babies, walk, hike or just do something that you can smile about and add some excitement to your day!!
You woke up this morning, live your life to the fullest and find the excitement in the day. I have always said the most beautiful flower I ever received was a mangled dandilion handed to me from the dirty hand of my child. I need to find that pleasure again and by looking within myself I know I will find it.
I plan on making this the summer of living with child like enthusiasm!! JOIN ME!! lets make this the best summer ever!!
I have started a game called Valerie's Smokin' July Days, http://diet.bt/fdAKz1 Join me if you are looking for some fun in the sun and want to share what lets your inner child out to play