The Sunday Slow Down -- volume 14

Published: Sun, 01/16/22

January 16, 2022

Happy Sunday Slow Down Society!!

this is the 14th edition of the Sunday Slow Down -- which is a weekly recap of things that have been happening in my world -- both online and in real life.

I hope you are all doing well. Because of my day job as a school site secretary, Omicron has invaded my life an awful lot more than I'd like.

and it's getting kind of old and rather annoying.

I spend hours each day talking to parents on the phone, looking at charts, tracking this and that and the other --

and I can honestly say outloud that I HATE SPREADSHEETS.

my computer at work is filled with spreadsheets. I am not a spreadsheet girl, and I really am not super interested in "data."

I have never been much of a number person. I like helping PEOPLE. So talking on the phone, reassuring parents, and helping them in any way I can feels really good to me, and it's something I truly enjoy.

Because I *also* am a bit of a Type-A Control Freak (which you'd think would mean that I would love a good spreadsheet....?)
and I've realized over time that I cannot control all of the things, all of the time, I decided this week to focus on something I truly can control.

The front yard.

I decided that even though I'm supposed to be resting my rotator cuff, it was the perfect week to rip out a section of the front lawn and extend the walkway a bit.

We already owned the flagstone pavers -- so I merely moved them from one section of the yard to another.

And since we live in a suburban neighborhood filled with tract homes -- I'm talking about a VERY. SMALL. PIECE. OF. LAND.

but gosh darn it, I *cultivated* it! and I did it all by myself!

(Sheldon supervised).

I did end up buying a few new plants and I couldn't possibly say no to this darling rock face --

he makes me smile each time I look at him!

I also sprinkled compost around and threw out some more grass seed to thicken up the areas that got rain-damaged during the last few big storms.

All in all, it was a super successful week-long project and I loved digging in the dirt and felt productive.

It was really interesting how much FUN I had with this project. I used to have the thought when I was in the middle of a project that I should get it done quickly --

or that I would be satisfied and "happy" when the project was over -- so I'd sort of find myself rushing through to get to the end point.

I don't do that anymore. I am realizing more and more that this is what life is. Enjoying the journey. Basking in the every day --

So today -- take a note from Sheldon --- and wallow around in pure happiness and joy.

For you it may not mean literally rolling around in fresh compost in the first sun we've had in weeks --

but maybe it is.

that's fine, I don't judge.

But CHOOSE, actively CHOOSE to find joy, seek it out, and then wallow around in it.

You deserve it. And I want you to have it.

The newest episode of the Slow Living podcast is out and if you are the kind of person who is just not "feeling it" when it comes to being productive or motivated --

this is an episode you will really value.

It took me a while to realize that in order to make the things happen that I wanted in my life --

I needed to realize that I was in charge. I couldn't wait for somebody else to prod me along and I couldn't wait to "feel like it" when it came to taking control of my day-to-day habits.

We've only got one shot at this life. I am not okay with mediocre for myself and I'm not okay with mediocre for you.

If you want to have a different outcome for yourself, you've got to start making changes.

If you struggle in this area, or you would like some help mapping out your plan to live out your Dream Life -- reach out to me. This is what I do

Take a listen in your favorite podcast app, or online.

Speaking of "Taking Charge" ---

was one of your New Year's Resolutions to always know "what's for dinner?"

I received this super sweet email from Laura this week:

"Hi Steph, I wanted to let you know that you saved the day for me again because my younger sister had pre-term labor and ended up having my nephew 5 weeks early.

I am her birthing partner so I went to the hospital, but it meant that with the new protocols I couldn't leave. I stocked our house with freezer meals so I texted my oldest to pull out a chicken and a beef to cook while I wasn't home.

And then to make my sister's life easier I brought the remaining 22 meals over to her house so she and her family have a few weeks of already to go dinners, too!"

YAY, LAURA!!

I am *thrilled* that this worked out so well for you!!!

If you'd like your own copy of the Dump and Go Freezer Meal Cookbook and printable recipe cards, you can get it, here: https://stephanieodea.com/product/dump-go/

be sure to use the coupon code "2022"

Okay! That is it for me for this Sunday.

Consider yourself loved and hugged.
I think you're wonderful.

xoxo steph

store ~ podcast ~ coaching

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