Hello! I hope you are feeling well this beautiful, sunny day!

In seminar we are working through the second step in the 7 Steps to Family Wellness. It is called “Lighten Your Load!” and it’s about becoming aware of the emotional noise that may be hiding in our home environment and in our to do lists or individual schedules.

Our assignments are to make an inventory or what needs attention in each room and closet and cupboard of our home, and to make a written inventory of the things we are doing each day, {schedule} one list for each person in the house.

The actual assignments don’t take long.

For the first one, just walk through your home and jot down what is “making noise.”

This morning I found out that the biggest noises for me right now are in my cupboards and in the small projects that aren’t finished.

My list for each room isn’t big. The goal isn’t for each room to be gloriously decorated or topped off. We’re going for emotionally quiet. I want to walk into a room and just be focused on what I am doing, not on what is chronically undone. I want to feel free and able to create and dream, not tied to too many things, especially not to things in boxes and cupboards that I can’t see with my eyes, but that my brain knows are there, and is taking my emotional energy.

This experience is not intended to be stressful!

And whether it is or not will depend on the thoughts and then emotions we attach to the experience of becoming more aware!

If I may, I suggest that you decide, before you pick up your pencil, that you will be playful and curious as you look with new eyes at your surroundings.

No need to penalize yourself, your spouse or your children for the current state of affairs. There is no judgment to be handed down no fear to let loose no condemnation to feel.

Not only do we not need judge ourselves or our family members, we can actually give validation to the life and experiences that got us here.

We’re simply gathering information so that we can know where we want to go from here!

The garage door goes up, you see the piles or tools or feed sacks or recycling or gas cans {now you know what needs attention in my garage!} and you can say in your mind, “Hello garage! I’m loving you today just the way you are…and I love the people that live here, but boy, do I have plans to have you looking and functioning better! I’m so grateful I have a place to park my car and store our things!”

Seeing things as they are takes courage.

Being willing to move forward is the work of the brave.

Once we know where we are, we can make new decisions and move in new directions. It’s the definition of excitement, growth and accomplishment!

So, please put your smile on. Gird yourself with determination and loosen up your shoulders, your neck, your jaw and your mind.

Play a game and see what simple things you can move, give away, repair or re-purpose, that will in the process, remove the emotional drain from your being.

We’re moving up! We’re getting lighter! We’re making room for laughter, conversation, learning, new pursuits and joy!

Decide about the self-talk and emotions first. Then go to work!

Love to you my sister!

The mission of Lioness at the Door is to uplift, strengthen and encourage women of all ages to magnify health, hope and happiness at home. We do so boldly, with humility and gratitude for the opportunity.