Make the Most of Your Time this New Year!

Many of us recently counted down the last few seconds of 2021, ringing in the new year with friends and family in hopes of health, wealth, and prosperity. Amidst platters of food, music, and celebratory toasts, we thought of the habits we want to change and the goals we want to accomplish in the coming months. Rather than focusing on resolutions that will lose their appeal by February, I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on how I spend my time. Everyday Details Matter is not a standard of perfection that I aspire to achieve. It is a reminder to make the most of my time in the different areas of my life - faith, family, friends, work, and hobbies.

• Quiet morning moments in prayer and devotions prepare my mind and heart for the day. When I neglect that time, I feel unfocused.

• Reviewing my calendar and my checklists helps me to stay organized and prompt. If I forego that task, I am scrambling and playing catch up until my head hits the pillow.

• Going above and beyond for my clients ensures they are receiving the best service I can offer. Checking off a task without consideration for the results makes me question and worry (as well as waste time doing it over again the correct way).

• Reaching out and responding to friends keeps me connected to the lives of those I cherish. A quick text, a call, or a handwritten note is one of the best uses of my time on any given day of the week. Ignoring or postponing social opportunities leads to feelings of loneliness, embarrassment, and guilt.

• Making things special for my family shows them how much they are loved. I don't always have time to cook a meal from scratch but I can grab some linen napkins or a fancy china platter to dress up my pre-packaged meal. Tucking a lavender sachet in my daughters' dresser drawer takes just seconds of my day and the sentiment lasts even longer than the fragrance. If I supply only the basic needs for my family, I feel inadequate as a wife and mother.

This all sounds so easy, right? It is not. To say that I constantly fall short of my expectations is an understatement. This is why the concept of Everyday Details Matter appeals so much to me. I can focus on the things and people in my life through the small touches, stretching my time without sacrificing the quality. Here are some additional examples of how you can make the Everyday Details Matter in the coming year:

1. Place your china, silver, crystal, and dining linens in a convenient place in your kitchen so that you are more apt to use them on a regular basis.

2. Stock up on fresh vegetables and herbs when you visit the grocery store. Garnishes and healthy snacks are always appreciated.

3. Drop dryer sheets in your laundry baskets and under your trashcan liners, use a lemon once a week in your garbage disposal, and experiment with simmering fruits and spices for wonderful aromas in your home.

4. Prepare a station for hot beverages - tea, coffee, cider, or hot chocolate - in your kitchen or butler's pantry. Having a tray ready at a moment's notice complete with tea biscuits or other accouterments will make you the hostess with the mostess!

5. Every night, lay out your clothes and accessories for the next day, keeping the weather and your schedule in mind. Not only is this a great time-saving tip but you will feel more confident and prepared.

6. Review your schedule for the next day before bed and ensure that your handbag is packed appropriately.

7. Keep a stack of notecards (store-bought, handmade, or personalized) near the hub of your home so you can send out encouraging messages and thank-yous!

Whatever you are looking to accomplish this year, the best way to make the most of your time is by staying focused on what you consider most important. Remember, that the Everyday Details Matter! Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!

Application Time

Make two lists. On the first one, jot down how you spend your time. Be honest as this is not about judgment. If you scroll your Instagram and Facebook feeds for hours before bedtime, then there you go. Keep it real and make a note. On the second list, describe what is important to you. Keeping a clean house, making sure you attend all of your son's soccer games or getting that next promotion. It is all relevant. Comparing and contrasting these two accounts will help you determine how to best structure the time you have to meet as many goals as possible. If you do not entertain and are not a fan of cleaning, you just opened up a lot of hours that you can spend on other interests like travel, rock climbing, macrame, or beekeeping!

*Remember that you cannot do it all, all the time. Monday you may be eating on Wedgewood but Tuesday night your family is catching fast-food burgers as you toss them across the room. One afternoon you pick up your youngest from grade school and plan a picnic at the park or a trip to the library. The next afternoon you are bribing them with chocolate to please keep quiet so you can get through your spontaneously scheduled ZOOM call. **Our days are already full and unplanned items have our calendars bursting. Additionally, we need to disengage and unwind. I use to think relaxation was a waste of my time. The older I get, the more I recognize the value of calm. I may have a good book in my hand or be capturing thoughts for a new blog but those are the things that soothe me. It is imperative that you find downtime in the form that works for you and include it in your second list.