Dear FlyLady,

This year, I am trying to make monthly resolutions instead of picking resolutions for the entire year.  I figure I can do anything for 30 days, and then if I want to continue, I can.

My January resolution was to follow your 31 Baby Steps.  I didn’t do a perfect job at it, but almost immediately could tell that I loved them and that they would make a huge difference in my life!  I could go on for ages, but will keep this relatively short and just say the most recent way you have helped.

I returned today from a 10 day vacation.  Usually, when I get back from a trip, it takes me about a WEEK to unpack.  For all that time, my suitcases are usually on my bedroom floor, with stuff including dirty clothes falling out.  I find myself waiting until “I feel like it” to do laundry and put the things away.  It goes without saying that my life feels chaotic and unsettled  until I finally get everything put away.

This morning, I got home and the first thing I did was throw all my clothes from the trip in the laundry!  Then I unpacked my suitcase and (gasp!) put it away in the attic where it belongs!  I am now about to go to sleep early, and my laundry is clean & folded, I made dinner and prepared breakfast for tomorrow, and my clothes for tomorrow are laid out.  I swept my apartment and did a “Swish and Swipe” after taking a shower tonight because they needed it after being away for so long (I live with a roommate, who was home while I was away).  Oh, and I dealt with all the mail that had accumulated when I was gone — deposited checks, wrote checks and put them in stamped envelopes, etc.  And yes, my sink is shining, too!!  I still think there is a bit more to do, BUT I am not going to let my perfectionism make me stay up all night and then be exhausted and burned out tomorrow morning. 🙂

Thanks to you and following your BabySteps, I no longer need to wait until “I feel like it” to clean up and get organized, deal with hot spots, etc.  I just know that those are things I need to do to take care of myself and make my living space a happy sanctuary.  I look forward to getting your emails as daily reminders to keep me on track.

Thank you so much for all the work you do!!

Monica
(A single 30 year old strength & conditioning coach with nontraditional working hours who thinks your babysteps and flight plans can work for anyone!

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FlyLady here: I know exactly what she is talking about when it comes to getting unpacked after a long trip. I still have issues with unpacking but I just live by this adage, “Progress Not Perfection!” Sometimes I play a game with myself; and every hour I unpack one item. If you make it fun it will get done.