Part 2 of Better Flow: What she said...

Happy day to you! I so pray you're absorbing all the goodness of this season as we start transitioning from summer into fall! It's truly a sweet spot! I'm tickled to share the continuation of responses I received from a few friends I polled with the question, "What are two things you're currently doing to better manage the flow of your day?" Here's more of their nuggets:

1. Walking. Using this as prayer and listening time.
2. 'Guard' some time in the week for me to take care of things at home that tend to pile up.
3. I'm learning that I can only schedule so many appointments/meetings in a day and careful not to overload too many in the week.
4. I recruit my kids to arrange all that's needed for the next day (clothes, lunch, practice gear, supplies) and lay it all out. I do the same for myself. Then we aren't scrambling before school.
5. I MUST make time for scripture study and prayer early. This helps me prioritize the day.
6. I'm a list maker...No matter if it's work or cleaning the house, I make a list.
7. Review larger events for the week on Sunday and make sure everyone has a game plan. Organize events/tasks the night before. 
8. My very best strategy, which I don't do everyday, is to put it all in God's hands and ask Him to direct my day. It always goes best that way!
9. I live by my planner and try to plan out my days.
10. I try to focus on one thing at a time, I tend to try to multitask and then don't get everything done.
11. I put my phone in another room so that I don't get distracted by texts or social media.
12. Move. In some form or fashion, it may be walking, group fitness, home video. Just something active.
13. Eat dinner early, like after school, instead of late evening. Eat a snack later if hungry before bed.
14. Fired myself from taking care of my children's responsibilities ex/sports uniforms, school clothes, sports equipment, etc. Allow them to take charge.
15. Have quiet time in the morning before I need to get everyone up and ready.
16. Spend the morning working my business and afternoons in quiet time or service in the community. 
17. Be flexible and breathe.
18. Double up when cooking a protein for dinner so there will be enough for it to be transformed into another dinner later in the week.
19. Review next day schedules/tasks. Prepping anything needed the night before.
20. Share grateful moments throughout the day. 
21. DON'T overcrowd my calendar. Learn that saying 'no' is less painful than being spread too thin.
22. Have moments (even if it's only 2 minutes) to genuinely connect with loved ones.
23. Pay goodness forward. 
24. Stay thankful.

On that note, I am so thankful for shared hearts and for realizing that we truly sparkle our brightest when we do life together. And remember, sometimes a closed door just means we may need to go through an open window. Breathe deeply. Much love, Amanda