September 21, 2020: Finding the JOY in the Change

Hey Y'all,

Change. The word itself has a negative connotation to it and for good reason. I personally have gone back and forth on if I like change or not. Sometimes I say that I don't like change, but then I look back at my life and think about all of the times a took a leap of faith that created change. Every time I had change in my life, I grew. Every. Single. Time. Whether it was changing teaching positions from 5th grade to 1st grade to moving 5 hours away from EVERYTHING I knew to be with my boyfriend (now hubby) as he started his second year of Pediatric Residency. Friends, change is uncomfortable. At times I hate it, but I honestly have never regretted this kind of change in my life.

Now, fast forward to change in 2020. I don't know about you, but 2020 just feels weird. I am not talking about just the "Oh, I wish I could hug my friends" or "Dangit, my Kaitlyn Bristowe event was CANCELLED!". Those things ARE low key devastating, but I am talking about how my fellow preggo friends can't have their husbands go with them to their OB appointments, or how our gender reveals and showers are going to look much different, and let's not forget about TEACHERS and school in general. Ya'll, I do NOT know how these teachers are doing this change. They are being pulled every which way and are expected to be experts at the same time. UNBELIEVABLE. I don't envy or miss that part of teaching, but that's another post for another Monday. (ALSO, shoutout to you PARENTS that are helping your kiddos navigate this time at home) You are all the real MVPS in my opinion.

Change this year has looked HARD for all of us. Change for me in this season is going from seeing my babies (my students) more than their parents do and loving them like they were my own children to trying to find purpose as a SAHFM (Stay at home future mom). I don't regret this decision in the least, but it's CHANGE. Change is also hearing your momma, your best friend, has breast cancer. We thank the LORD she is doing well and just finished her last radiation treatment on Friday, but this is the sort of change that changes your mindset immediately. Nothing else mattered in that moment and during that time. You realize that you need to take advantage of what this life gives you. Even on the hard days.

This leads me to the reason of this blog post today. If you want to just let the days pass by and continue to have the attitude that doesn't bring light to the world, go for it and I would advise you to not read the rest of this post. LOL But if you are passionate on finding ways to GROW and FIND JOY during this change, read on to see how I do my best to find JOY when I feel defeated.

Now, keep in mind, this is how I find joy and purpose in this life currently. If it doesn't work for you, hey, that's just fine! I also understand that I am a Stay at Home Blogger and have ample time, so twist these tips as you please to best support YOUR life and YOUR happiness.

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TIP #1: TO-DO-LIST

After I finish my morning routine, I will start looking at my calendar and to-do list. It isn't perfect or always completely finished, but when I start my day with looking at the to-do list I wrote out for myself the day before, it helps me to center my day. Again, like I have said before, I am NOT going to sit here and act like this happens EVERY SINGLE DAY (I am working on this alongside you), but it makes me feel prepared and ready to tackle the day. Before I go to bed, I will think of what I need to do the next day and go ahead and write those bad boys in there, too. Below is a pic of what my to-do-list looked like today and what it looks like for tomorrow so far. Clearly I have some things to do. LOL (Plz do not judge the lack of fancy penmanship)

TIP #2: Think About Your Goals and Journal Them

Soo, I have to give credit where credit is due and let me tell you, Rachel Hollis deserves ALL of the love for what she has taught me about goals and journaling. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I PROMISE YOU.

First, in your journal you will write ONE thing you have accomplished in the last 24 hours at the top of your page. This will PROVE to yourself that YOU can do anything. Even if it is just that you washed a single dish. You go, Glen Coco.

Next, I would urge you to think of 10 goals you have for yourself during this season of CHANGE. (If you want to do less, that's totally fine) You will write out those goals every morning present tense (like you have already achieved them) and put a STAR next to the goal you are wanting to accomplish FIRST. I don't know about you, but if i try to do 10 goals all at once, I won't finish even one.

Along with these 10 goals, you will also think of 5 things you are thankful for in the last 24 HOURS. This is something that has helped me stay grounded and thankful each day... especially when it's harder than not.

Last but not least, I like to put my own twist on Rachel Hollis's Start Today journal by adding my own journal writing session at the end. Nothing lengthy, just something that is on my mind that day. Below you will find pics my own take on her journal. AGAIN, I won't lie to you and say I am amazing and wonderful and do this every morning like I should. I am in progress, people!

^^ My twist on the Start Today Journal. I like to use my own journal because it is cheaper (obvs) and I have more space to be weird. LOL

TIP #3: GET UP AND GET READY TO BE THE BOSS OF YOUR DAY

Okay, real talk, this is the one I am THE WORST at. Some days it feels so good to keep my pajamas on and lounge. In fact, today was one of those days, but you know what I did? I GOT up, GOT dressed, and felt 1000% better. Funny story, this always reminds me of having sleepovers with my girlfriends. I may or may not would have one too many glasses of wine and would AWFUL the next day and my girlfriends would always make jokes and wonder why the heck I would get all cute before going home. Well, friends, it's because if I looked like sh**, I would most def feel more like sh**.

This is just simple, take a shower, throw some cute (but comfy) clothes on, slap on some makeup, do your hair, and do your THANG. (I am really saying this to myself. LOL)

^^ The after pic... you don't want to see the before. (Preset is Clean Tones from Willow Collective on Etsy!)

TIP #4: JOY LIST

Okay, you may be thinking, "this is all fine and dandy, but what happens when I find myself in an emotional rut?” GREAT! I am so glad you asked, you little pumpkin! I am going to give good ole Rachel a shoutout again with this tip. Create a JOY LIST for yourself with all of the things you can do instantly that give you joy. Maybe it's taking a nice bubble bath or pouring yourself a glass or 6 of a nice cab. Do you just need to GO OUTSIDE and get some VITAMIN D?! That really should be a tip in itself, but it's fine. I think 4 is good.

Something that is coupled with this, is finding what is triggering you to feel this way. Is your house chaotic? Do you need to have a Saturday set aside as a family cleaning day? Once you find what is making you angry, down, or just off, it will help you to avoid this in the future. (I can't wait for my future post about organizing your spaces...eeeek!)

Whatever makes you happy, write it down. You may have to tweak it every once in awhile, but that's okay.

Below is my personal JOY list. Wow, I am really letting ya'll in on all of my deep and dark secrets. Pretty sure this makes us best friends.

Long story short, I am working on myself alongside you, my beautiful friends. Let's help each other stay accountable. If I am sure of anything, it is that YOU HAVE GOT THIS.

Warmest Regards (yeah, I really like this one),

Court xoxo

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** The tips and tricks I have found super helpful from Rachel Hollis can be found in both of her books, Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing. I highly recommend both of these books! **