1. I controlled the things I could control.
This helps me to cope with the things I cannot control. For example, I can’t control the crazy backed up construction traffic on my morning commute. I can control my morning schedule by planning my outfit and packing my lunch the night before, getting up on time and sticking to my morning routine. I always give myself more time than I need to get to work, so if I leave the house on schedule – the traffic won’t make me late for work.
2. I signed up for Target’s subscription delivery service.
Every four weeks, a box of cat litter will show up at my door. I don’t have to struggle to load the 25 pound box into my cart, into my trunk or into the house. It just shows up – and the shipping is free! I’m loving this concept! Here’s a great post that compares the pros and cons of Target, Amazon and Sam’s Club’s subscription services, if you’re interested.
3. I reminded myself that doing something is always better than doing nothing.
This principle always applies when I have a string of migraines. When I really don’t feel like thinking or moving, it’s hard to get any work done. I had a list of housekeeping chores that needed to be done, so one day I chose to just do all the laundry. It was the least active chore that still gave me immediate benefit. The floors didn’t get mopped that day, but we had clean underwear.
4. I listened to Chonda Pierce in the car while running errands.
Sometimes you need to turn off the news and just laugh!
5. I ran my errands after sunset.
It’s so hot and muggy right now in South Carolina! Typically I stop at the store on my way home from work to save time and gas, but there’s no reason to get extra hot and sweaty from being out in the hottest part of the day. It’s much less oppressive after the sun has set. Staying cool is the name of my game!
What can you do to simplify your life?
Linking up with High Five For Friday, Friday Favorites, and Five on Friday
Here’s what was new on the blog this week!
Come Home For Comfort 
Reference #2, above. Did you know that Target has a policy (since 2016) that allows men into the ladies’ dressing rooms and restroom? PS: This is not politics – it’s God given righteousness and common sense. See afa.net/target
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Yes, I am aware of that policy. Although I choose to shop there, I definitely respect anyone’s personal decision not to shop at Target.
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Seeing this post immediately brought to mind this old saying: “God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” We all beat ourselves up over things we can’t control. Sometimes, we just need to take a step back for perspective.
Getting up earlier in the morning and just getting started are things that help me simplify. As a fellow migraine sufferer, you just don’t know when they’re going to hit all of the time. I’ve found that doing as much as I can in a day helps me stay ahead of the curve a bit, so things don’t pile up.
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Yes – totally agree on the migraine strategy! I’m sorry you suffer with them too.
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Great tips, Whitney! I especially like the “something is better than nothing” point. It is a smart thing to remember when things seem overwhelming. I hope you had a great weekend!
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I have to apply that principle all the time – it really helps me!
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Smart thinking! I love the control what you can control. I think that helps my days to go better. I have been trying to run my errands in the morning vs the afternoon to try to keep cool. I also love your saying doing something is always better than doing nothing. I think I’ll make that my unpacking motto from now until I’m done. The project seems overwhelming at time so I need to write this out to remind myself to keep working on it every day.
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Yes! Unpacking is a great example of how doing something is better than doing nothing!
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Thank you!
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Thanks for stopping by the blog, Susan!
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Great advice. Subscription services and grocery delivery are such big helpers around here. I hadn’t had the groceries delivered in a long time and I had them delivered today!
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I love grocery shopping, but if I had a lot of kids you bet I’d be all over grocery delivery!!
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What a timely post! I just sat in traffic and I was getting frustrated but realized that I couldn’t control it so I needed to relax! So, I just tuned into the local Christian station and my mood improved. Have a great weekend!
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Good for you, Cari! Traffic gets my blood pressure going faster than just about anything, LOL.
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Great advice and tips! I’m looking into subscriptions right now! Why not have everyday things delivered to the house once a month?!? Genius!
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Isn’t it such a great idea? I love it for things that don’t normally have coupons, especially since Target gives 5% discount on the subscription!
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Such good advice! I need to do more subscription services. We didn’t have to buy diapers for the first 10 months after Kane was born (such a blessing!), but once we had to start, I used the Amazon subscription service and it made things so easy!
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
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It’s so nice to have it show up at the door! I’m thinking of adding cat food to my service as well.
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Good advice, sweetie! We can take charge of the little things but so often I forget to do that and just get overwhelmed. Way to go on managing life this week! xo
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It’s amazing how doing a few little things can make a huge difference! Thanks for stopping by the blog, Amanda!
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Such good advice in there! I feel you on running errands later, it is so hot right now! Try and stay cool this weekend!
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Thanks Erika, hope you can stay cool this weekend too!
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Very good advice Whitney. Some things are beyond our control and we can get our Blood Pressure with with aggravation or just declare It is what it is. That little saying has been very helpful to me when I get aggravated over something. I did not know you suffered with migraines. My husband and my son both are afflicted with them. I get so upset with someone who says I have a migraine when it is just a headache. Migraines are a whole different experience. Fortunately my husbands have lessened with age…one of the benefits of getting older.:)
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Migraines are no fun – and you don’t really understand what it’s like unless you have them or have lived closely with someone who does. I’m glad your husband’s have lessened!
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