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One Change I Made That Is Bringing Me More Balance

I think it’s easy for bloggers to come across as leading picture perfect lives, when that is so far from the truth.  In fact, the past 7 months have been more trying for me than I like to admit…even to myself.

But today, I want to talk about it–about my struggle to achieve more balance in my life–and the small triumph I’ve experienced recently.  My hope is that my story might be an encouragement to you, dear reader.

It all starts with my one word for 2014:

B A L A N C E

My One Word for 2014: Balance. And how I aspire to achieve it! via thinkingcloset.com
My One Word for 2014: Balance

The Juggling Act

So, you see, I have this over-achiever tendency where I like to say “yes” to everything, especially good things, because ya know, “I can handle it!  See: look at me juggling these balls so perfectly!”  And sure, it’s sustainable.  For a little while.  Until, life happens and one of the balls drops, suddenly throwing the rest of the juggling act out of sync, and I start to fall behind.  Emails pile up.  Blog comments go unanswered.  My friends and family start to wonder if I’ve fallen off the face of the earth.  Forget about eating right and exercising 3x/week.  We’re in survival mode, people.  Quickly, I realize I’m in over my head and feeling the onset of that paralyzing sickness I know all too well: burnout!  {Dun, dun, dunnnnnn.}

That’s where I was at the end of last year.

And so, I knew that if there was one word to sum up my hopes for 2014, it was balance.

The Struggle is Part of The Story by Whitney English
Print by Whitney English

Progress

And so far this year, I’ve definitely made progress when it comes to balance:

  • I scaled back my posting schedule from 3 – 4 posts a week to an average of 2.
  • Although this is a tough one for me, I’ve accepted the fact that I can no longer thoughtfully respond to every single comment.  So, I try to devote at least 2 hours a week to responding to as many as I can.
  • I assembled a Support Team of 6 fabulous ladies to help me coordinate my Silhouette Challenge Facebook Group, which has been a huge weight off my shoulders (considering our group is now pushing 900 members!).  Thanks, girls!

And yet, despite all these changes, I was still feeling imbalanced, burning the candle at both ends and falling even more behind.  And that dream I shared about wanting to self-publishing an eBook this year?  Well, up until a few weeks back, it was really just that: a dream and nothing more.  So, what gives?

Where Has All the Margin Gone?

In one tearful conversation with Mark a few months back, the obvious dawned on me: while I had worked hard to create margin in my life this year, I had filled it with something else instead: the musical!

As you may have spied on Instagram (here, here, and here), I’m co-directing an original musical this year, and it is feeding my soul in so many wonderful ways.  Honestly, I feel like it was the missing puzzle piece to my life since we moved to Orlando two years ago.  Because when I’m directing theatre, I feel like I’m doing what I was made to do.  And yet, like most meaningful work, it is time-consuming.

That’s where all the margin went, Paula Cole.

Until two weeks ago, that is, when I made one change.

This story is for anyone who is feeling over-extended and like they can't ever quite catch up.  It's amazing how one small lifestyle change can have such a dramatic impact on a person; then again, this was one of the habits of highly productive people according to Marie Forleo!
Photo Credit: Steven Lewis

The One Change

(Okay, Lauren.  Stop teasing us!  What is it?)

It’s my morning routine.

I know.  Nothing ground-breaking, right?  But it has truly made such a significant impact in my life these past few weeks, I had to share my experience with you all.  Because maybe I’m not the only perfectionist out there who is over-extended and catapulting toward burnout…for the fourteenth time?  Maybe this can help you, too.

Old Morning Routine

So, in order to tell you about my new morning routine, I have to describe for you my old morning routine.  It went a little something like this:

  1. alarm goes off / hit snooze 4 – 5 times
  2. check my email on my phone in bed
  3. check Instagram on my phone in bed
  4. shower / get dressed
  5. make breakfast
  6. eat breakfast while responding to those emails
  7. hop around from email to the blog to Facebook to Instagram to Pinterest to back to Facebook to YouTube back to email again…all day long

At least, that was the general pattern.

New Morning Routine

Now, here’s my new morning routine:

  1. alarm goes off / hit snooze 4 – 5 times
  2. shower / get dressed
  3. make breakfast
  4. eat breakfast while have my quiet time (which involves reading Jesus Callingmy Bible, journaling, and prayer)
  5. set the timer for 1 hour and work on writing my eBook
  6. then…and only then…do I check my email, go on social media and peruse the interwebs

One Change I Made That Is Bringing Me More Balance: A NEW Morning Routine!

The Impact

With my old routine, I felt behind as soon as I woke up and checked my phone.  There would often be upwards of 100 new emails in my inbox, and I’d slowly sift through them in my half-awake stupor, struggling to get a grasp on what to prioritize.  I felt like I was running on a human hamster wheel.  Spinning, spinning, and spinning without getting anywhere.

But now, I’m seeing progress.

Now, the first thing I’m taking in each morning are truths from God’s word, which actually tell me to get off the wheel.  To stop worrying about dropping those balls I’m juggling.  And to trust Him; for He is worthy of my trust. For He will make my paths straight.

Truth.
{Source}

And when it comes to my timed eBook writing, I have made greater strides in these past 2 weeks than I have in the past 5.5 months.  Honestly, I’m really excited about it!  I feel like my dream of an eBook for you all actually has the chance of becoming a reality this fall, and it’s all I can do not to spill my guts to you right here and now.  (But I’ll save that for its own post later this summer.)  I have my topic.  My outline.  My intro.  A few chapters.  I’m in the thick of it.  And it’s at long last a goal that feels attainable.

One Change I Made That Is Bringing Me More Balance and Headway on my Goals: A Morning Routine!

The Ripple Effect

Here’s what I wrote in my journal after the first day of my new morning routine:

Starting the morning without the internet allows my day to have a purpose and a focus.  I feel a clarity in my mind I don’t usually feel at the day’s start.

Key words: purpose, focus, clarity.

One Change I Made That Is Bringing Me More Balance: A Morning Routine!

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m still terribly behind in my emails and blog comment replies, but I don’t feel like it’s desperate anymore.  Nor do I feel like it’s the end of the world if I can’t get to it all.  It doesn’t rule me like it used to.  And that subtle shift is incredibly freeing.

In fact, I’ve noticed that it has impacted other areas of my life, too, such as my health.  I’m exercising more now and eating better, which means I’m sleeping more deeply and waking up with more energy to accomplish my work at the day’s start.  Hmmm…it’s like it’s all connected or something….  Imagine that!  {Wink.}

Even just yesterday, Mark said to me,

“Lately, you seem so…vivacious!  So, full of life.”

“Really?”

“Yes.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re normally vivacious…but lately, it’s like there’s a spark inside.”

And I feel it, too.  It’s the spark that ignites when your priorities fall back into place.

Application

If reading my story has struck a chord in you–if you’re struggling to feel a sense of balance in your life and are at a loss for what to do–I highly recommend you try adopting a morning routine.  Yours will look different from mine.  Maybe it involves exercise.  And an hour of reading Shakespeare because it’s your goal to read The Complete Works of Shakespeare before your next birthday.  Or maybe it involves meditation.  And 15 minutes of writing letters to loved ones.

I think it all hearkens back to your priorities.  What is important to you that you are missing right now?  Why not start your day with that?  I dare say you’ll have a fresh perspective when it comes time to tackle the overflowing inbox or calm the crying kids or manage the disgruntled employees. You’ll have your spark.

One Change I Made That Is Bringing Me More Balance: A Morning Routine!

Tools & Resources

The ironic thing is that when I recently went back to read my post about my quest for balance this year, I knew back in January that I needed a morning routine and timed writing!  Those were the first on my list of practical steps to take.  I just dragged my feet for five months before implementing it.  {Rolls eyes.}

Thankfully, there were two women along the way who gave me the motivation and the tools I needed to take this on.  And I trust they’ll do the same for you.

1.  One is the fabulous Marie Forleo.  She has a weekly video segment called “Q & A Tuesday,” which I receive email alerts about as a subscriber.  One of those videos, “4 Things Really Productive People Do Every Day,” is very relevant to this conversation.  In fact, it was this video that first planted the seed of an idea in my brain about taking on a morning routine.

So, if you need an expert to tell you that this is worth a try, go to Marie.  She was on Oprah…so she’s gotta know what she’s talking about, right?  (NOTE: Love Marie, but just a heads-up that her language isn’t always family friendly.  So, you might not want to watch this video around the kids.  And if you want to jump to the section about morning routines, start at 3:41.)

4 Things Really Productive People Do Every Day by Marie Forleo
4 Things Really Productive People Do Every Day by Marie Forleo

2.  Two is the lovely Ruth Soukup from Living Well Spending Less.  You may have heard of her eBook, How to Blog for Profit (Without Selling Your Soul).  That was actually my first introduction to Ruth, but then last month, I got to sit next to her all day at a Florida Blogger Meet-Up in Punta Gorda that she coordinated.  It was incredible, and I could write 5 more posts on all that I learned from that round-table.

But one of the things Ruth shared is that it was thanks to her morning routine that she was able to write her eBook in less than 2 months.  She would get up at 4 a.m., have her breakfast and quiet time, and then write for an hour every morning before her kids got up.  Now, that’s discipline!

Hearing her story lit a fire under me.  When I went home, I finally made the time to complete her free Goal-Setting Workbook (it comes free when subscribing to her email newsletter).  And that’s what helped me see what my priorities even were, so I could get back on track.

(And if you want to learn about her Goal-Setting Workbook and get the free download after subscribing, here’s the link.  I highly recommend it!)

FREE Goal Setting Workbook via Living Well Spending Less

For Anyone Still With Me: “Bueller, Bueller…?”

Well, I know this post wasn’t quite the craft or D.I.Y. tutorial you have come to expect in these parts, but it was on my heart.  And I felt compelled to share it with you, dear reader.

Life is too short to be spending it running on a human hamster wheel that never goes anywhere.  Don’t you agree?

If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.  Do you have a morning routine that helps set the tone for your day?  And if not, are you considering giving it a go?

{Linking up here.}

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72 Comments

  1. I thought I found you by doing a Google search on Bible journaling, but I actually found you on Youtube. Zondervan sent me an email about Bible journaling and there was a video in the email. I watched the video in YouTube and your video on Bible journaling was next on the playlist! So gracious for this divine setup!

  2. Hey Lauren. I found your ‘lighthouse’ while doing a Google search for Bible journaling quite a few months ago. Your site is very encouraging! I love how you’re organized and creative! I am now a proud owner of the Living Well Planner. All of the goal setting in the planner is a bit intimidating so I was looking for some guidance with this. I came to your site looking for guidance because you’re very resourceful. I was reading your bio when I came across your “Posts I Loved Writing” and this article jumped out to me. Low and behold Ruth Soukup is one of the people who helped you on your journey! What’s so amazingly amazing is that you put up the link to her Goal Setting Workbook!!! The very thing I was needing that I didn’t know was available! You are such a blessing!!! Thank you so much for sharing your heart!!! And congratulations on your gift from the Lord! Cherish the smallest moments because they really do grow so very fast!

  3. I happened upon this blog via Pinterest today. This is just what I needed. I hit a major burnout at the end of last summer with an accompanying depression, which has nearly paralyzed me. Naturally, one major aspect out of focus is my morning routine. It may have even contributed to my burnout. Yesterday I decided I needed to take better care of myself and created a new morning routine/self-care checklist. This may sound infantile to some, but where I have been, it is necessary. To read of your lovely, focused and balanced success story has inspired me. Thank you.

    1. I’m so glad that Pinterest led you here and that my words have been an encouragement to you. I know burnout all too well and the paralysis that can come in its aftermath. And I think you’re right – – not having a morning routine that involves self-care can most definitely be a contributor to burnout!

      I’m really excited for you and these steps you’re taking to get back on the wagon with a morning routine. I need to do the same myself, as it’s all too easy to get out of sync…so thank YOU for inspiring me in return, Janelle!

      Wishing you the very best in your quest for more balance!

  4. Thanks so much for this post Lauren!

    I’ve been feeling so off balance lately and just plain drained with 4 kids, hubby, f/t job and p/t biz, I’m about to jsut lose it. But who knew that the magic was in the morning routine?

    I’m up at a quarter to 6, so I guess maybe I’ll try 5:30 to squeeze in some much needed alone time.

    1. It really does make a world of difference, Julie. While it may feel crazy to get up at 5:30, I have a hunch that even 30 minutes of time clearing your head and getting the day started right will help power you through the long days. You are a superwoman juggling all that you do…but even superwoman needs recharging. (Also, my buddy Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog just did an awesome 31 Days series on intentional living. I highly recommend you check it out!)

  5. Beautiful post, Lauren! I’m proud of you for working on that balance. Too many of us as Americans talk about balance but never actually make strides for it. Too many of us try to put on the perfect face and never admit that we can’t do it all, especially not on our own strength. I’m glad your morning routine is helping. I feel the same way.
    Enter morning at my house:
    1. Wake up before the little people arise
    2. Empty cat box, water flowers, feed various animals
    3. Drink coffee while reading Bible (I have Jesus Calling for my kids which they love; I may need the adult version for me.)
    4. Unload dishwasher.
    5. Start the first load of laundry
    6. Try to squeeze in a quick bill paying or scheduling or getting ready for homeschool day.
    7. Ahh, it’s 7 AM…Here come the small people full of energy!
    Notice there’s no shower in there…that’s in hopes that a workout will occur that day and it just doesn’t make sense to waste a perfectly good shower 🙂
    Thanks for sharing your inspiration for balance. It’s good to know others out there are sharing a morning routine at the same time I am. And I agree…I usually don’t go near the computer in the AM. It’s a time-trap.
    Congrats on the e-book progress. I look forward to reading it!

  6. Lauren, thanks so much for blessing me (and all of us lucky readers) with this post. I am lacking balance in my life in such a huge way, and I have been feeling so lost in all of the ongoings of life that some days I do nothing at all, and still feel overwhelmed. The problem begins with my phone and being glued to it all day long. Looking at it before I look at anything else in the morning. I spend more time on it then anything else, and that’s a big part of the reason I have written only one blog post for the entire month of June. Shameful!

    I love that your routine includes quiet time and that you’ve become so disciplined in writing your ebook. I know it’ll all pay off in the end and you’re going to have something so amazing, and be oh so proud of it!

    I will definitely be diving into the resources you recommended and making some changes. Summertime is my chance to re-think, re-connect and re-balance my life! Thanks for being such an inspiration!

  7. This was so chock full of wisdom and practical advice. I enjoyed the Maria Forleo video and just subscribed to the Ruth Soukup blog to get her free book on goal setting! I am always open to learning to be more relaxed and productive at the same time. Mostly it was great to hear how you reorganized your mornings and are now centering on your connect-time with God before connecting with others. The days I do that first help me prioritize appropriately the rest of my day and it also lifts my spirits. But you are right, if I check my emails and texts FIRST I can get sucked into the lives of others before gathering strength from the Maker of us all. Once He guides and sustains us, then I can be of more use to Him in caring for others. I heard once that “the time to tune an instrument is before the concert” which makes sense when applied to quiet time…I think it can happen anytime, but for me, it’s most effective before the “concert” of the day begins. Think I’ll share this on my FB page!

  8. This is just what I needed to read. I have had this on my mind for months as well. And over and over again, I have read do not do the computer – emails, social media, etc. first thing in the morning. I am such a rut of doing the same routine every morning, this will be a hard one to focus on. But it is so easy to get on and get sucked in and feel overwhelmed from the get go. I will have to give this a go! I am feeling some blogger burnout and I need to get back on track.

  9. Wow. What a well done post. Start with the important stuff. thanks my mantra. Save the fun stuff till you’ve done the other. Kinda what we tell our kiddos. Funny that it applies to us as well.

  10. I’ve felt this same way!! And totally agree.. when I do the important things for in the morning… the rest of my day goes so much better. Thanks for being brave and sharing this! your awesome 😉

    Rachel

  11. Ohhhhh Lauren I am SO GLAD you posted this. I am in the thick of it right now and taking a blog break to try to get myself together. Its good to know that amazing bloggers like yourself have the same struggles. Your post is being featured tomorrow at Link it or Lump it!

  12. Hi Lauren,

    Just stopping by from Do Tell Tuesday. I was struggling with balance in my life two months ago, until I developed a little morning routine as well. Shower, ten minute no sweat energizing workout, coffee & toast, blog, in that order. It’s really working, too! I enjoyed your post and insights. Thanks for the links, and have a great day!

    Val

  13. Lauren. Yes. Months ago I stopped getting blog emails cause I had subscribed to so many to keep me busy during the day. Checking my email all day long was making me physically sick and tired. I took your advise and filtered them through bloglovin. It has helped tremendously. I still get some emails but not like before. And the whole time I knew I should have bedmate starting my day differently but chose not to until I couldn’t take it any longer. I’m glad you switched your routine cause I want yo see you keep moving forward and being successful ! Just make sure you are having fun. If not , fix it!! Make sure you please yourself ! Keep it up though. You’ve hot great stuff!

  14. I read your post a week ago and it was just what I needed to read. With the start of summer vacation, my routine went kapoof and I was so harried and stressed and disorganized. So NOT me and what summer is supposed to be about. So I went back to my school time routine – up at 5am, shower (yes important), meditation/journalling, blog post planning/writing, and then breakfast with the kiddos to start the day with them. I’m also trying to time block my day for summer, so I don’t get sucked into the social media/email/work vortex. So far it’s helping me too. Your thoughts on balance and a good morning routine were just the reminder I needed. Thanks friend!

  15. Thank you for this honesty! My current routine feels very much like your old routine–I start my day feeling behind and worrying about how to get it all done and enjoy my time with my little kids. Feeling inspired to have a new morning routine! 🙂

  16. Lauren, I can relate to this post so much it’s scary and I love your Paula cole reference, haha. I recently started trying to get my life back {FINALLY} and adding in some balance. I have also been trying to make myself a priority over my blog {does that make sense?}, which means taking time to workout and spend time with the hubs. It’s only been a couple weeks but I am feeling a lot better, despite still behind on comments, emails, projects, etc. I am also learning how to say no, but it’s not easy! Thanks for this post, it is the motivation I need to keep doing what I’m doing. Now I just need to tell Eric he needs to get up at 4 so he can finally finish his novel! 🙂 Have a great weekend!

  17. Such a thought-provoking and helpful post for me, especially with the Girlies out of school. During the school year, I seem to be much more disciplined with my to-do list. Once “summer” officially began, I found myself harried and stressed. So NOT what summer is supposed to be about. After reading your (very timely) post, I decided I need to still stick to my school year routine, so I can enjoy the summer as a family. So I get up at 5am, shower (yes this is important for me), a little meditation and journalling, blog writing/planning, and I’ve accomplished a lot before the Girlies wake up. We eat breakfast together and then I’m onto email/social media checking, bed making, laundry, blah blah blah and then some fun family summer stuff. Thanks much for kicking my rear back into gear!

  18. First of all, this is SO GREAT for you! It sounds like it has already had a huge positive impact on you and your daily life…how funny that Mark immediately noticed something was different about you! I’ve learned to rely on routines with Addy, she thrives on them…but I’ve never been able to discipline myself into one, even though I desperately need one, too. I am totally with you on the endless, aimless surfing for no reason first thing in the morning. I set a goal a few months back to always have a purpose an a time limit when I sat down at the computer – even if the “purpose” was random surfing for 20 minutes – but I failed miserably at that. I need to try again! But I think the reason for your success (and my failure) is that you are centering and starting your routine with Jesus – everything else falls into place around that, doesn’t it? The days I do that are so much better than the days I don’t. Thanks for sharing your honest story – it is an inspiration!

  19. Love this post so much. I just recently stopped checking my work email before getting out of bed and it’s so much better! And I am now eating breakfast sitting down instead of eating standing up! It’s the little things:)

  20. Thanks for sharing your routine and changes to it… I desperately need to change some of mine (not only the morning one), because what I am doing here right in and with my life now can’t be good and healthy, yikes! This post now got me really thinking about it… THANKS!

    Love, Midsommarflicka

  21. Thanks so much for sharing this! Still being new at blogging I’m definitely not burnt out yet but I can see how easily it can be to go down that road. Things can get very overwhelming! Having a schedule and a morning routine like yours sounds like a great way to start the day the right way 🙂

  22. Woohoo! You nailed it my friend. Thanks for sharing your heart – a real blessing to all who will read. XOXO

  23. Great post Lauren. I can totally relate. I have a feeling that a lot of bloggers could fall into the type A category…like myself. We give ourselves deadlines and tasks that are completely created by ourselves. You gave me something to think about today my friend.

  24. I love the idea of a morning routine. I find that if I don’t get myself up and moving right away, the whole day can be blown. Of course, last time I made a morning routine, I included catching up on blog related things. That seems to have been a bad idea, so I think it’s time to change mine. Thanks for the push Lauren!

  25. Wow! Beautifully said. I imagine every single blogger reader shook their head in complete agreement as you described your challenge of doing it all. Our blogging nook brings out the “yes” in all of us as we think we have to do it all. Your post was perfectly timed for me. too. Since I sat with my first cup of coffee…not yet awake and started “powering” through my to do list. Thanks for the reality check friend! Hugs.. and can’t wait to read your e-book!

  26. Actually, it was kind of DIY because it was “fixing up” something- yourself! That quiet time in the morning is SO important. I take mine with a tall glass of iced coffee and some Kindle games or FaceBooking. Nothing serious. I don’t do business before 10am and not after 7pm. I do need to work toward more balance, myself, though. (Still not on track from a few setbacks in the form of health issues.) Part of it is realising the world will not fall apart without us and that we deserve to give ourselves a break now and again, right? hehe 🙂 Don’t forget to breathe!

    1. I like the way you think, Raven: you’re right about it being a D.I.Y. post in its own right! Also, I like the boundaries you’ve placed around your business hours. Hoping those health issues are on the mend and that you’re able to attain that personal balance you crave. And yes, you’re so right: it’s important to recognize that the world will not explode if I don’t get to my email right away. And that breaks are SO good for the soul…and ultimately, good for our businesses, too! Thanks for reading and for understanding, Meggie.

  27. Well, I just stumbled upon your blog via pinterest, and I have to say, I’ve made a similar change in my life too. I get up early and get about an hour of work done before my kids get up. The first thing I do is read my scriptures too, and it’s made such a big impact on how I start my day. I still may end up tired and grouchy by the end, but I find I’m on top of things more and it’s easier to get more done. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    1. It does take discipline to really stick to a morning routine (and I can only imagine how much harder with kiddos!) but as you said, it ultimately makes such a difference for the better in the end – – we’re more focused, productive, and I find I can just breathe deeper. It’s encouraging to hear other stories from the trenches to know I’m not alone. Thanks for sharing and for stumbling by, Meredith! 😉

  28. I love this Lauren! I recently started a productivity plan that I use a timer for but I still get sucked into la la land (social media) from bed waaaaay too often. My big thing is that I refuse to be glued to the computer when my kids are up so if I get lazy and don’t get up an hour before they do I feel so behind all day. This is a great reminder of sticking to my plan. Thanks!

    1. Oooo! A productivity plan! I like the sound of that! Yes, the timer is such a great tool, isn’t it? Every summer, we spend a week in the northwoods of Wisconsin and I unplug for all but an hour a day. I swear, I’m more productive in that one hour than I am during some eight hour days! And it’s all thanks to the timer. And good for you for setting boundaries so you can be really present with your kids; in the grand scheme of life, you will NOT regret that decision.

  29. The thing that is responsible for your success is that you get into God’s Word………you have made HIM your priority. I have slacked off since my Bible Study group broke for the summer, and let me tell you………….I feel the difference. I needed to read your words today to bring me back to what I already knew, but life got in the way. My, my how soon we forget that we do have purpose in this world and we must be ready. Doing things that will make a difference in eternity is what it is all about. Thank you for your long, but very good post. God bless…………

    1. You’re so right, Sharon! Any success I may find is all thanks to God…so why wouldn’t I start my day with Him? As you said, we all too quickly forget these truths we know in our heart of hearts. I’m glad to know that my post could be a gentle reminder for you, too! (And ha ha, yes it was a long one! Thanks for sticking with me and my wordiness!)

  30. What a timely post! I needed to read this today. I still feel like I’m searching for a better balance in my life, despite some of the changes I’ve made. I also fall into the same trap of your old morning routine – lying in bed, looking at emails and social media posts and suddenly feeling an overwhelming urge to pull the sheets up over my head and just forget about it all for a few more hours! I think it’s time to shake things up again! Or just be more consistent about letting the to-do list sit until I’ve gotten through my morning routine!

  31. You’ve inspired me! My blog has been on the back burner as I fill my mind with social media and my creative juices are sucked dry. It’s time to create first and explore social media later!

  32. Thank you for sharing your one change. It’s a biggie! I love my Jesus Calling and love to journal (but have fallen off the journal wagon and need to get back on it). I just need to put it all before I get sucked into the internet vortex. And exercise, been meaning to do that too… Thanks for the nudge of encouragement.

  33. Wow, Lauren! You took everything thing that was in my head about this merry-go-round that is a blog and laid it all out. I just wanted to create pretty things and share them. That’s it. I didn’t share a word for this year, but mine too was “balance”. For me it was how can I balance all the necessary evils that come with having a blog and still have time for my family?? It’s really hard to BALANCE. I do find that on mornings when I choose to bypass the computer and start my morning routine off with showering and getting myself ready and making my beds, I feel like I accomplish SO much more! I need to make it a point to do that every day! You do appear to juggle it all so well, but kudos to you for taking a step back. Looks like those small changes are impacting your progress towards your goals in such a positive way! XOXO

  34. Wow, Lauren! Have you been spying on me?! What a great post… and so badly needed! I think this epitomizes your blog name better than any you’ve ever done!
    After blogging for a year, my schedule unfortunately closely resembles your OLD one! And I keep my grandson during the day! I blog before he gets here, while he naps and often until 1-2 in the morning… does it sound like I need some balance?!
    You’ve inspired me to re-prioritize. Course, it is Saturday morning and, though I’ve had my shower, here I sit at the computer with a towel on my head! 😉
    Have a great weekend!!

  35. Balance was my word for 2014 too, and I’ve been failing miserably at it. Just last week I may or may not have had my husband change the passwords on both of our computers so I couldn’t access them until I’d had a productive morning. I plead the 5th. I definitely need to develop and stick to a morning routine that doesn’t involve hopping on the computer right away. I love hearing that this is working so well for you and that you have your spark back. 🙂

  36. What a great post! I love how brave you are and so willing to share your story with authenticity! I’m still such a newbie and am constantly scattered with all the blog stuff, totally of my own doing because I’m excited and new info. is always popping up before me, and I’m pretty sure I have adult onset ADD, which I totally made up but physicians disagree with me so it’s probably not real and I write in huge run on sentences. Whew, see that? I’m doing Donald Miller’s new video class/program about Creating Your Life Plan and step 1 is all about outlining goals for just THAT day and avoiding social media/email, etc. until the writing is done! He has a great graphic that shows how much your creative brain activity decreases throughout the day and I’m always reminded of it by early afternoon. So glad I’m not the only one that has had those wandering periods!

  37. I totally understand this feeling of juggling so much and then having it all crash. Burnout sucks. I’m so glad your new routine has helped! There is actually a book I’m reading right now called “the miracle morning” which is all about this exact principle of incorporating a morning routine that changes your whole life, really. It’s a quick short book and I highly recommend it! It’s definitely inspired me – now I just need to to put it into practice!

  38. In your new morning routine, do you set a timer for #6?

    I’ve been having difficulty finding balance for many years now…pretty much ever since I went to Fall Quilt Market. That’s when I established credit with my vendors–and stopped pre-paying for all of my inventory. 🙁 Now, I feel like I’m a slave to all of them…from the moment I wake up until I go to bed.

    I gotta get on Pinterest, Google+ and Facebook every day because, if I don’t, my search engine rankings will go down–then my sales decrease–then I get behind on my vendor invoices. 🙁

    Tonight, I was thinking, the only way I’m ever gonna be able to sit down and enjoy doing crafts, sewing, or quilting is if I stop buying inventory. I guess the only way to stop buying inventory would be to stop reading emails from my vendors? 🙁

    I can’t do it all; I have to make choices. 🙁

    Will you please pardon me for thinking aloud? Writing helps me organize my thoughts–and I’m hoping the rest of your readers will understand.

    I know I spend waaaaaay too much time on the interwebs–and I feel like I should set a time limit on it…maybe 15 minutes for FB, 15 minutes on Pinterest, 15 minutes on Google+…twice/day?

    Last summer, I paid someone an arm-and-a-leg to design blog graphics for me, but I haven’t even written a blog post! Ugh!!

    Thanks for sharing your victory–and for listening!

    xoxo–Lisa

  39. Hi Lauren, thanks for your post. Perfect timing as I am gearing up to start my own blog and have fallen into a ineffective morning routine…it leaves me feeling a bit lost. So, thank you! Absolutely needed to read this. And thanks for the other links to more inspiration and life tips!
    Cheers
    Sally

  40. Wow Lauren, This post couldn’t be in a better timing. I really do feel like my life is upside down {kind of it it} and in many ways I feel lost like my day isn’t enough and I have to do more, and more… I usually make list and use my blog planner but reading this post made realize that is not only about the organization itself… it’s about goals and priorities too {which I hadn’t though about until now}, set a time for each aspect and include us in it… I Often leave my own needs aside because, I have to take care of Emma, and my blog, my traffic, social media… OMG I end up the whole day between mails and social media and running after Emma and not even a chance for a long and relaxing bath, only quick ones and fast meals {thank God my mom is cooking right now}.

    I feel like I don’t have a purpose right now. I need my blog to work so I can help my hubby, and be always running after my girl LOL. This post definitely gave a different perspective and I need to start working on it NOW.

    I smiled so big when I read your old morning routines… I do exactly the same… the alarm goes off many times LOL I give emma her bottle and make my coffee and have it in front of my in-box or FB or G+…what I hate the most is that in a blick of an eye I already lost my mornings! Ugh! Now I have something better to work on! Thanks so much Girl!

    XOXO love ya!

  41. Great post Lauren! I’m so proud of you and I know you will notice the benefits daily! Putting God’s word first in the day is always the best way to go. And you are right, social media and all the rest can be a good tool, but it certainly can be a costly distraction to real life. We often think back to the times there was no internet and it was much easier to keep focused on relationships and the tasks at hand. Now, don’t forget to leave plenty of time for your wonderful hubby! 😉 I think your word for the year …. Balance … hits the nail on the head.

  42. Love Love LOVE this post Lauren! Your old routine is my routine. On “good” days after the checking social media & emails on my phone in bed I stop for Jesus Calling/quiet time before switching from phone to computer, but I have known my routine was still broken. Thanks for sharing what has been working with you so we can all make changes!

  43. Aaaaaaaaaaaamazing tips here Lauren! Ruth was such an inspiration to me as well. While I do have plans for an ebook (even just a free PDF for my email subscribers), I’m trying to wade through the “muck” and get focused. I know my time will come when I get organized. I hope to spend some time this weekend cleaning out my inbox, cleaning out my closet, and getting ready to write. I can’t seem to work on a big project when the little things are out of wack!

  44. A little focus on God in the morning is like filling an empty tank for me. He really will get us through! We just have to have our eyes (heart) open to Him!

  45. I have actually been thinking about this for a long time. I was once a mom with a schedule and a plan laid out every night for the next day and I absolutely miss that. I feel so out of control and am forgetting to do things that need to be done and just absolutely feel like there are not enough minutes in the day and my kids feel that way as well. I am definitely using this summer to get my family back together. Thank you so much for this eye opening confirmaiton.

  46. I’m so glad you are feeling some relief with your new routine!! We don’t want you getting burned out!!! And I’m so happy that I could help with taking a small piece of the work pile away. because of it I gained some great new friends and for that I’m so thankful!!

    As for routine my morning it is pretty solid, kid wakes up at 7 comes into room, I move down to the couch for some snuggle time (no complaints from me!) where I lAck balance is thought the day. I’m constantly picking up the phone to check social media as I half do projects around the house while asking Jolie to hold that thought… So like you I think some structure may need to be set. Guess I’ll add that to my list to do 😉

  47. You don’t need to worry about responding to this comment, hee hee. But I loved what you said. I’m only a year into blogging and I absolutely adore it. However, I totally follow your old morning routine plus add in getting apple juice for my 2 and 3 yr old ALL DAY LONG. I’ve known if I’m to keep this all up, which I would LOVE to, I needed a better plan. I’m more excited than you know to adopt a better quiet time in the morning and THEN move to apply juice getting and blog/email/social media. Starting tomorrow, a new day!

  48. Wow! Your post (that I get via email) is the first thing I read this morning, as I’m drinking my coffee and feeling vaguely anxious. Lauren, I, think God just used you to speak me to me. :). Gotta go, have some devotions to read…. P.S. No need to reply! Just know how grateful I am to you this morning!!

  49. Oh my sweet friend, I’m so proud of you! It is so difficult to establish new routines, even if we no for so long how needed they are in our lives. I know you know the steps I’ve taken to simplify my life lately, but one of the things that has genuinely helped me is simply turning OFF the notifications on my phone. I no longer hear beeps and tweets throughout the day from incoming emails or social media notifications. It’s AWESOME! Fewer distractions.

    No email, blog comment, or social media post is so important that it can’t be scheduled like everything else we do. Now, rather than checking every time I get a notification (and disrupting whatever I’m doing at the moment) I schedule times throughout the day to check in. I make sure that I allow enough time to not only read those emails, but file, respond, delete, or whatever. HUGE relief for me.

    So happy you shared what was on your heart today. LOVE this post Lauren. And love you, too! XOXO

  50. Well, you know I love your DIY posts (how could anyone not!), but honestly? I dare say I prefer these ones! I love being able to peek behind the scenes, and I feel really connected with you after reading this. Well, more so 🙂
    I do actually have a morning routine, but I am probably not as strict about it as I should be. I get up at 8, and then have until 10 to have breakfast, get dressed, check all the online things, watch an episode of something & get myself ready for the day. Sometimes, though, I’ll sneak in an extra episode of something, or then like today, instead of getting to work on my projects, I’ll go mental and just pack up all my shelves and clothes because I don’t feel like working (please don’t tell my group members). I do always finish things on time, but I think if I managed a bit more discipline, I would have more from my day.
    I may just have to follow your lead – thanks for the inspiration, friend!
    PS: I am SO STINKIN EXCITED for your EBook, I can’t even tell you!!!

  51. Such a great post, Lauren and SO important to maintain that balance. And I love Ruth and have gotten to meet her a couple of times. She’s actually the reason I started blogging – not sure if you knew that. 🙂
    That morning routine is so key. I still haven’t mastered mine completely but getting there! Have a great weekend and I know we need to schedule lunch ASAP!! xo

  52. Great post! I too wake and immediately reach for my phone, mostly because I’m so worried I’ll actually miss something. But really, it can wait at least an hour or two! It takes such discipline to do this, and I wouldn’t say I’m a great morning person….I’m also in a writing rut, but you’ve totally inspired me to actually get things done and get ahead, rather than always playing catch-up. Thanks, Lauren!

  53. I’m reading this, sitting at my computer, while eating breakfast…getting off the computer now. lol Thanks for always being so inspiring! I can’t wait to read your ebook! (Oh, and don’t respond to this comment… my gift to you. haha)

  54. Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. Agreed, and yes. That too. Yup. Nodding head like a bobble head doll. uh huh, yes, yup, ohhhh, neat! My mornings stink. I was almost going to write another of those “God, I feel like a failure” posts (after my little teary exchange with the husband last night), but I need to CHANGE first, and then I can write a “God, I FELT like a failure and this is what I did” post. Because failure posts are soooo depressing. I don’t know that changing my morning routine will help, with classes and baby and blog all clamoring to be heard, but something has GOT to change. I’ll let you know when I figure out what it is 🙂

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