Saturday Surprise Box

TOPIC: To-Do Lists, Files, and Piles of Paperwork

Okay, I asked what you wanted to organize, and hands down, it was taking care of the piles of paperwork and reducing the TO-DO Lists! So, if this sounds like you, check out this post!

To-Do List will be one of the LAST items we address. No worries, we will get there and take care of it all.

PILES OF PAPERWORK:

Let’s start with the paperwork piles. These are household and personal items only (if you have work-related items, set them aside). We are beginning with personal items first.

You may want to collect these items before you get started.

1. A collection bucket (just for today)
2. A pretty box that you can put in a central location, big enough for full-sized papers and cards. We are going to call this your “Weekly Surprise Box.”
3. 3 x 5 cards, stickies, paper clips, clips, rubber bands, and pens

Now, go get your personal and household paperwork, and put it in the bucket. Yep, just stack it in the bucket—plan at least 1.5 hours per bucket for this first round. Yes, per bucket, I have no idea how much paperwork you have. But, if it is more than three buckets, you should break this up into two days.

Here we go!

• Take each piece of paper out of the bucket.
• Decide on one of three things

Is it a KEEP, FILE, OR FIX ITEM?

Start a stack for each! I put sticky notes on mine if specific actions need to be taken, but keep it moving fast. Try not to get distracted. If it is not any of these three, then can it be recycled?

If it is one of these, can it be done fast? If so, start a “do fast” list on a single piece of paper and add it to the list to be done today. If not, put it in your Saturday Surprise box.

Once you have sorted the first box into the three stacks or recycle, now is the time to take action. ASAP.take action on the things that can be done fast (in just a few minutes), and when completed, then file the paper or recycle it if no longer needed.

1. Fix – Please, please, please do any and all fast things first, and then you can move that completed items to the paper to the file stack or the recycle stack if the completed task is no longer needed.
2. File – Go ahead and file any and all things that need to be filed. Try to keep up the pace and not get stuck on filing decisions. If you need a new folder, make one, and keep going.

That leaves you with a few things that…

• need more time to take action on
• you want to keep for later to read or reference
• it has no home

So, let’s address these three things now.

A. If you need more time to take action, can it wait until you are ready to address your weekly Surprise box?

• If not, do it now.
• If so, put your first thing in the weekly Surprise box to be addressed the next day you work on the box this week.

B. Can you add it to a file? If so, do it now. If not, can you snap a photo of it and add it to a digital system like DropBox, Evernote, or something else? That way, you will have it when you are ready to use it, and it is not in a pile on your desk. I will be covering the digital system next week; stay tuned.

If not, start a single file for “to read” and file it! Now, add that folder to the surprise box, so each week, you will read at least one item in that “to read” folder. Once it is read, file it, take a photo for reference later, or recycle. Warning – You do not want this box to become a catch-all box. The goal of the Saturday Surprise Box is to empty it each week in one relatively fast sitting. This weekly box review keeps you from doing drips and dabs each day and stressing that you have so much to do.

C. If you just have a piece of paper you want to keep for reference, then create a home for it to live. It can be a file folder, digital file, or a binder for warranty and reference (stay tuned for that class). Again, if it needs action goes back to the solution “A.”

Whew! Your bucket should be empty! Either you are done or ready for bucket two.

Either way, WAY to GO!

TO-DO LISTS:

Now, go and get ALL of your personal, household (not work) To-Do Lists (yes, all those scraps paper, post-it notes, or anything that you jotted stuff down on that you need to do) and get ready to knock them out. Note- This first round takes longer, but in the future, this will be faster and easier; stay with me; you will be GLAD that you did.

Here we go, now follow these steps with each of the lists.

• If it can be completed in just a few minutes, do it now. If not, and it can wait for your weekly surprise day continue to the next bullet
• grab a 3×5 card and write each item down on the card with any details or steps you need to remember and add it to the surprise box (yes, you could have just thrown the note in the box, but we are starting a new habit, so use the 3 x 5 card)
• Then throw away the piles of lists, notes, and slips of paper floating around.

Moving forward, when something you need to do comes up, and it can wait, grab a 3 x 5 card and write down the details, and add it to the Saturday Surprise Box immediately. It is fantastic not to have the same seven lists written seventeen different ways floating around in piles making you feel bad because it never gets done.

When you finish sorting, take out all the 3 x 5 cards and take one minute to order them based on urgency—the most important on the top. I use a rubber band or clip (depending on the size) to keep them together, but feel free to do this however you want. Replace them in the box to be addressed on the next Surprise Day.

Note: Special holidays and events may need a different holiday box because they may follow a strict timeline to complete some items. So, a timeline or calendar in your holiday box might be required with the cards. I also add any deadlines or dates as reminders on my phone, so I am not worried I will miss them.

I have some free event planning pages in the “FREE” tab on this site if you need planning help. But, add that list to the weekly holiday surprise box, don’t pile up more To-Dos.

MAIL:

During the week, each day take about five minutes to open all the mail and do one of these three things right then. Yes, right then!

• Trash
• Address it right now (only for things that can’t wait)
• Add to the Surprise box to address later in the week. But, you may want to keep post-it notes nearby to add a message to yourself, so you remember what needs to be done.

If you do not have time to stop and look at the mail right that minute, put it in the surprise box and pray that there are no time-sensitive issues in the mail. Yes, at least opening it and sorting it is best.

SATURDAY SURPRISE DAY:

In the near future…

Plan at least one hour (on Saturday or whatever day of the week you want) to clear out the Saturday Surprise box. That will be your set weekly day. I do mine Saturday morning unless I know that many of my action items involve calling someone or a business closed on the weekend. Then I do the Surprise box on Friday or hold the cards and only the cards on my desk until first thing Monday morning.

You can start any way you want, but I open all of the mail that I have not addressed and decided on the action. Also, I hate filing, so I start there most days that I don’t have mail. Surprisingly, (See why I named it the Saturday Surprise Box), it can sometimes pile up during the week. It feels good to get rid of the mail and filing.

Next comes the ACTION CARDS. I take a quick look and start with the most urgent and most challenging. I act right then and there. Also, I add any notes or information that I learned during the action. When I finish the card, I mark it with a red “X.” If it is complete, I add it to a recipe box I keep in my office cabinet. If I think it needs to be filed, I file it. If I will not need it again, it goes in the recycle.

Here is an example of two 3 x5 action cards and the process.

When you finish with the Saturday Surprise Box, you should have NO ugly piles of paper and NO long To-Do Lists. From this day forward, you should be adding things to the Surprise Box rather than allowing them to hang around and stress you out or make you worry.

Next Steps:

• Big Project Planning
• Filing Systems (Yes, you need two)
• Using Technology to Get Organized
• Warranties and Important Files
• Organizing your Email
• Other 😉

FREE EVENT PLANNING GUIDE

The post <strong>COUNTDOWN WEEK 3 – TO-DO LISTS, FILES, & PAPERWORK</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

🧡Home🧡
Kitchen
1. Pantry
2. Drawers
3. Cabinets
4. Fridge

Laundry -I have a great tip for sorting your dirty clothes and clean clothes! 🧡💛🧡😉🤗
5. Cabinets
6. Chemicals

Closet
7. Clothes/shoes/stuff

Bathroom
8. Counter
9. Drawers
10. Linen
11. Garage

💛Office/Desk💛
12. Files & Paperwork
13. Warranty/manuals
14. Receipts
15. Bills
16. Mail
17. To Do

🧡Online🧡
18. Emails
19. Photos
20. Files/Programs/Browsers
💛
21. Other (be sure and tell me the items or items you want to be added)
.
.
.
Are there other places I did not mention? Classroom, Playroom, Classroom, or maybe your Den?
.
.
.

The post <strong>COUNTDOWN WEEK 2 – GETTING ORGANIZED</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

So, here is the idea.

Each week we will work on a topic that may interest you.
🧡
This week is about communication.
🧡
Next week is about getting organized.
🧡
Stay Tuned.
🧡
Let me know if you have a topic to address.
🧡
Here we go!
🧡

Be sure and subscribe to the updates, so you receive the reminders each week.

The post <strong>Countdown to 2021</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

BTW – Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you,  I could earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I currently do not run ads, or any other fee-based offer on my site so this is my only means of keeping the site up and running and I hope you LOVE what you see. 

1. Emoji Erasers – Kids LOVE these!

This is a pack of 60 cute emoji pencil erasers for kids. You could use them for rewards, or for a classroom incentive. They would just be cute on the surplus pencils that I know you buy. No wait, then students would try and lose a pencil. Haha!

Also, think about how the emotions come into play with these erasers. Hum, the ideas are really flowing now. They are on sale right now too. ENJOY!

2. Carpet Markers – 30 pack of colorful circles.

If you don’t use carpet markers yet, now is a good time. There are some many things you can use these for in the classroom. These stick to carpet or rugs.

• Sit Spots
• Line Up Spots
• Partner Spots
• Center Assignment Spots
• Positive Phrase/Words Spot
• Assignment Spots
• Spacing Spots (no more, he is touching me, whew!)
• Location Spots (Bathroom, Supplies, Paper)
• So MANY MORE!

But the Table Spots stick to the table, wall, or tile floor.

3. Hand Sanitizer – Two really big (67.59 fluid ounce) bottles.

These two large bottles of hand sanitizer are from Mountain Valley and they are not so harsh with vitamin E included. Yes, Amazon has their own brand for a cheaper price, but the one suggested had the most reviews.

4. 30 Colors Permanent Markers – 30 assorted colors

Fine point, a variety of colors, works on plastic, wood, or even the carpet markers above.

You can never have too many permanent markers and this set is great with all the classic colors and more.

5. Seville Classics 10-Drawer Organizer Cart (Multi-color, Pearlized)

This is a very popular item and the pearlized is the most popular at the best price. This cart has 10 drawers, 2 drawers per color, so 5 colors (red, orange, green, blue and purple).

The cart has wheels, and a chrome frame.

6. Melissa and Doug Scratch Art Box of Rainbow Mini Notes

These are so fun for special treats for the teacher to give or to allow students to write (scratch out) their own notes.

They will be a big hit for those special moments when you want to inspire, reward, encourage or challenge a child.

Wooden Stylus included, 125 count, 3.75″ H x 3.75″ W x 1.75″ L

7. MROCO Big Call Bells 

The classic bell is a must-have for transitions, refocus and alerts.

A xylophone or other bells work as well, but the classic desk bell just seems like the best choice.

  8.  2-pack Premium Wall Storage Pocket Charts/Organizer

2 PACK – 20 LARGE POCKETS AND SIX OVER DOOR HANGERS TOTAL

     ★– Get TWO, 10 Large Pocket File Folders with every order.

     Every order Includes SIX Over Door Hangers to fit Doors 1-3/4” or less 

9. 100 Colors Glitter Gel Pen Set

• LARGER SET: The Large glitter gel pens set on Amazon. No-Duplicated and 30% more ink for Long Lasting for Coloring Books. Also, are Perfect glitter pens for kids.
• SMOOTH APPLICATION: 0.8mm – 1.0mm fine point tip Glitter pens are just like gel markers would produce fine lines and make your journal vivid & shine. Color endlessly with soft grip barrel and extra ink.

10. Colorful – Extra Large Photo Keeper Tubs

• The perfect solution to organize center items, morning work, small craft items, and more.
• Snap-tight closures keep the contents secure, and rounded corners prevent damage to inner contents.
• In-molded handle provides comfortable, easy transport. Each outer case holds 16 photo cases.
• BPA free, acid-free, PVC free, lignin free, and recycle #5
• Outer Case Dimensions: 12.08″L x 14.98″W x 5.05″H

There are HUNDREDS of items I could have selected, but these are the top 10 from TODAY on the Amazon Teacher list, and most are on SALE.

HAPPY SHOPPING! 

The post <strong> Top 10 Teacher Tools from AMAZON</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

                                                                                                                                  

My class was set up in tables with four students at each table, two odds and two evens. Each class period I would pick a number (largest odd number at each table) to put the homework papers from that table in a specific order. Sometimes I would ask for least to greatest on the top, or greatest to least.

I used numbering in my 3^rd – 5th-grade classes, but it can be used in any classroom above 2^nd grade. Below second grade a cheat sheet of the numbers in order was created in case the student needed assistance checking the numbers in order. The monitor would have the option of using it to check against until it was no longer needed. This just reinforced the counting and counting principles.

Then, the classroom monitor would quickly move about the room and pick up the papers based on the order given. If greatest to least was selected, they would start at the table with the greatest number first and work back to number 1, placing each stack on top of the previous one till reaching number 1 and vice versa for least to greatest. It took some thinking at first and some logic, but we ended up with a stack of papers in order from one to the last number in the room. This process allowed the classroom monitor (student of the day) to quickly thumb through the papers and see what numbers were missing.

As the monitors came to a missing number, they placed that number on the board and placed a circle on the chart next to that number for that homework day. The other students received a check for turning in their homework.

After a month or so of using this process, some monitors might even write the number on the board, turn and wait to see if that person did miss turning in their homework before putting the circle on the chart. This pause helped to produce some homework that might have been missed. Some students would ask if they could come back to them at the end of checking the papers and that they would have it ready, requesting that they wait just a minute on giving them the circle.

Now, the rule was that if you came up with the homework by the end of class your number was removed from the board and a check was placed in the circle in the chart. However, the circle remained on the chart to show that the homework was completed by the end of the period or even that day, just not at the beginning of the class period. Their number stayed on the board until they completed that homework. 

This whole process of collecting papers and recording missing homework soon took about 4 minutes from start to finish with only one student moving about the room. Within the first 5 minutes of class starting, I knew who was missing their homework without any hassle or confusion. What I loved is that the students handled it all, so I could welcome the class and get things set up for the lesson.

At the end of the class period, I would highlight the circles on the chart for homework still missing and record the numbers for that day. The rule soon became (determined at a class meeting by the students when I brought this issue to them for a solution) that after three yellow circles a parent or guardian was called.

As a result, some students started bringing me their papers before the end of the day to avoid messing up the class percentage. They already had a circle, but now at least they had a check mark before the day ended.

Soon after starting this process, the children decided that five yellow circles even with a check warranted a parent call (I told you they were harder on one another that I ever would have been).

The students came up with this rule because we sometimes graded the papers during the day and they felt that “all” the papers should be turned in before the end of the class period to be acceptable. They started to put themselves in my shoes and see the inconvenience of the late papers on the person grading them, and that was exciting.

Also, they decided for any student that must have their parent called twice, a parent visit was warranted, so they could see the chart and see that others were doing their homework and turning it in on time. The process worked like a charm; the students would drag other parents in the room and show them the chart in hopes that the parents would encourage homework to be turned in on time by their child.

We had a class goal of 100% homework per week (they thought it up for a reward) and they were on a mission to get all the homework done. The final power of the chart came on open house night or curriculum night for some.

The children and their parents walked by the chart to come into the classroom. Parents knew their child’s numbers because it was on their folders and each paper they turned into me. All the parents could see that their child was one of only a few missing some homework.

After that event, we received classroom pickles (they selected the reward) for almost three months in a row without fail. Peers were helping peers get homework done at breakfast, lunch, and recess to keep our classroom average going.  This encouraged peer-to-peer tutoring, and students supporting one another’s learning.

No missing circles were accepted, I encouraged students to complete the homework before the end of the week, so no circles were left open on their chart. The message this sent was that homework was valuable and that it needed to be completed and not just for a grade but to help them learn. I communicated the reason for the homework was to refine and recall skills which helped the student to develop a deeper understanding of the concept and better memory recall. This ownership of their learning seemed to be the very thing that helped them value the homework.

I have provided three FREE grids for you; Attendance, Homework, and a Blank Grid.  

The post <strong>Numbering My Students</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

Review of Week Three 

Determine YOUR Big Three Dreams! (either a basketball or This is Us reference, hahahaha!)

Answer the questions below for all three.

The homework for the week is the path to those dreams. During each day this week take 10 minutes each day and add a few details to these three dreams. Just brainstorm what the path looks like and what do the stepping stone in the path contain (education, training, support, planning, money, etc.)?

1. Why do you want to accomplish this dream?
2. When do you want to accomplish this dream? (put a date of some sort, I want to go to Europe this year)
3. What do you know about this dream? (Do you need to learn something to achieve your dream?)
4. Who will this impact the most and how?
5. What steps do you KNOW you need to take to get to this dream?
6. Anything else that helps you make this dream a reality.

Then, bring all this work with you next week so you can start putting dates, times, steps, actions, goals, and needs to your Dreams.

Wow, you should be so excited and so proud of the work you are doing to help you find, support and accomplish your dreams.

Week 4 – Prioritize Your Dreams – The Big Three 

Today is all about reviewing your Big Three and just starting with one.

Which one of the three do you want to start with to build out a detailed plan? Why? What does it provide you? Write the answers down on a paper, you will need this to motivate you…it is your “WHY”! Keep it close as you complete this activity today.

Using just one Dream (I promise we will get to the others, but for now, ONLY this one gets your focus), write a complete paragraph on what you want to achieve, why, how, where and any other details you can imagine. It does not hurt to include how you are going to feel and what you want to glean, learn or take away from achieving this dream.

For example – My dream is to go to France, see Paris, eat the food, walk on the plaza, visit the villages, shop, see the sights and end the tour at Normandy Beach to remember my Dad. I would like to do that in the late summer of 2019, not in June when “D-day” happened because that will be too painful to see. I want the joy of the location and the beauty of the countryside to be what I remember, just like Dad and I had planned. I want to stay at least a week so that jet lag and travel time is allowed to see it all. I want to buy something valuable or memorable to mark my time there and reward myself for achieving this life-long dream.

Your dream can be huge, or it can be small. It can be something that requires time or something you can do this week…it is YOUR DREAM so make it what you want, how you want and with the details you create.

Once you have the paragraph (or two) about this dream of yours, the next step is to brainstorm everything you need to do to achieve this dream. You should have some notes from last week’s homework to help, but this should not be rushed. Do NOT worry about the order or that you may be missing something, just keep writing. Keep this paper with you all week and add things as they come to you.

Some items that might help include…

A. Do you need training, special material, a trainer or a guide to achieve this dream?

B. Do you need tools, a process, or paperwork to achieve this dream?

C. Do you need to talk to someone or alert someone or apply for something to achieve this dream?

D. Do you need special materials, hardware, software, or clothes to achieve this dream?

E. Do you need to change something about you or someone else to achieve this dream?

F. Do you need permission, access, or approval to achieve this dream?

G. Do you need time off or designated time or a place to achieve this dream?

See where I am headed? Brainstorm it all!

I am going to brainstorm my trip and join you back here next week with a list as an example.

NOW, Once you think you have it ALL (you will have more) then and only then can you try and start from the end point…(for me it will be my trip and work backward to map out the PATH to your MAJOR DREAM!

Here is how that works!

Using pretty Post-it notes (you can use what you have, or there is an affiliate link to some pretty colors for you).

Write each item on your brainstorm list on each Post-it note, only one item per Post-It Note until you have ALL the brainstorming items transferred.

Now, take some time and work from the day that you achieve your goal back to today. I like to start with blank sheets of paper with the months (or years) listed on them to stick the notes on working backward month to month.

Then, you can take each sheet (month), and try and put those Post-It Notes in order, this breaks down the process. It is not an exact science, it is okay if you move things, delete or amend things and even add notes where needed. I promise you there will be more notes needed.

So, if I want to go in August of 2019 to France, I will take my brainstorm list and my April – August sheets of paper and add the notes to each month where I think they may fall.

Special suggestion – To keep this process going, try and not stop to research something or get answers to questions until you have all the notes written and on the paper. Otherwise, that will distract you from this activity. Instead, make a note on the back of the note of an action you need to take next week once we finish this list.

That is it for this week, take the whole week to brainstorm and create this path using #1 of the BIG THREE. See you next week where we add the details and the timeline so that you see the path you need to take to achieve your DREAM! 🙂

Till then, happy week and enjoy this activity!

The post <strong>SUNDAY SUNRISE 4 – Prioritize Your Dreams – The Big Three</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

Do you need a wonderful set of math center cards for a better understanding of numbers, coins, and pictorial fractions mastery? We have what you need.

The post <strong>Make a Match | Math Center | Numbers, Coins & Fractions | Grades K-3</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

Sunday Sunrise Three

1. Evaluate where you are, what you have, and what is working…list all the good things in your life (not compared to someone else).
2. Determine what you want in your life such as meaningful interactions with; family, friends, good experiences, a good job, etc.
3. If you want to be healthier, make a list of how you can improve. (Example: what you eat, how you sleep and maybe how you can move more. No details, just the high-level view here).
4. List where you want to go with your life, and when you want to get there. (put some dates, months or years if needed to the BIG things you want to achieve).
5. Determine what your time and talents are worth and WHY you think you want to do this.
6. Determine what is getting in the way, just write all the things that come to mind, no need to be tidy here.

Day Two – On the second day, we started at the top of your list, focusing on where you are now and the great happenings around you. You were to craft a list of the great things in your life. The details are below.

So, grab your reminder(s) of what you already have and want to keep, and let’s get to work.

Here are some examples…

• Start or Finish College
• Get Married or Have a Family
• Travel to Europe (that one is mine) or just travel
• Get healthy
• Run a marathon
• Get a job at…
• Write a book
• Find my Purpose
• Sing with or sing at…
• Meet…

But, the examples can look like this too.

• Wake up at 5am
• Finish a project
• Learn to be on time
• Overcome anxiety
• Learn to…
• Stop doing…
• Be happy

Circle or add to the original list any of the important items that you REALLY want to achieve in your lifetime. Now, circle the top three. We will work with them all so don’t worry if you are leaving some for now. Just pick the top three on the list for now. Remember, the focus is the key here, so really think about your decision. If deciding is hard, think about how you feel when you think about accomplishing those things. That should tell you which ones make your heart sing. 🙂

Now that you have your BIG THREE (sorry for the This is Us reference) let’s do some work. Once you have the reminders of life’s blessings, grab some nice paper, and a nice pen. Sit in a quiet, calm place. If you are a praying person (I am), you might just say a short prayer asking for wisdom and clarity. This is only your Dreams now.

Take that paper and the list from day one and create a bulleted list of the THREE BIG dreams you have for yourself. Leave some space between each one for some reflective thought this week as you think about and plan your details for your Dream List.

Okay, great work you have the BIG THREE!

Here are my BIG THREE

1. Lose weight and get healthy
2. See my business and book thrive
3. Travel to Europe

Now, look at the list of your blessings. Does anything on this list conflict with that list? For example, if you are married and that is a blessing, leaving the country to study abroad would affect your marriage. That does not mean you can’t have that dream, just put the person or activity you have to consider when you follow that dream. Add that person or activity next to the dream. See my example below; I need to consider these people and this activity as I plan my dream.

3. Travel to Europe (my children, grandchildren, Mom, business, and pups)

Now, take a minute and read your top three items you want to accomplish. YOU DID IT; there they are on paper. 

The homework for the week is the path to those dreams. During each day this week take 10 minutes each day and add a few details to these three dreams. Just brainstorm what the path looks like and what do the stepping stone in the path contain (education, training, support, planning, money, etc.)?

1. Why do you want to accomplish this dream?
2. When do you want to accomplish this dream? (put a date of some sort, I want to go to Europe this year)
3. What do you know about this dream? (Do you need to learn something to achieve your dream?)
4. Who will this impact the most and how?
5. What steps do you KNOW you need to take to get to this dream?
6. Anything else that helps you make this dream a reality.

Then, bring all this work with you next week so you can start putting dates, times, steps, actions, goals, and needs to your Dreams.

Wow, you should be so excited and so proud of the work you are doing to help you find, support and accomplish your dreams. I would LOVE to hear your BIG THREE. Please feel free to share in the comments or email me directly in the contact section. Let’s do this together. Shelley

The post <strong>Sunday Sunrise 3 – Building a Path to YOUR Dreams</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

Do you need a wonderful set of math center cards for a better understanding of numbers 0-10 with matching, addition and inverse operation of subtraction mastery? We have what you need.

Check out our store, Nana’s Classroom 

The post <strong>Make a Match | Math Center | Numbers 0 – 10 | Grades K-3</strong> appeared first on Ask Nana Anything.

Welcome to Sunday Sunrise Two

Using Step 1, let’s now focus on what you have a talent for and why. You listed some information about who you are and what is working for you.

Take just that first section and let’s detail each item in that list just a bit more. Take each item you listed and write two sentences about that item. When you have done that with each item, take a break and then come back with fresh eyes to your list.

Read the items aloud and see what wonderful things you have in your life, and what makes you, you!

Now, take a look at the list with intention in mind and determine the priority of the items. Add a number by each item one at a time to determine what is at the top of your list, down to the bottom ranking not being quite as important.

Warning, you might need a pencil to do this activity; it seems that guilt and pressure sometimes creep into this process. Remember, this is about what is working in YOUR LIFE no one else and not what others feel is good and important in your life, just YOU. 😊

Once you have the list, draw three stones on the paper (even on pretty paper with your designs and embellishments will work). Inside these three stones, list your top three things that you have in your life that is good, healthy and working.

Stone 1 – Your #1 Top Item

Stone 2 – Your next Top Item

Stone 3 – Still a Top Item, it just takes a backseat to 1 and 2.

Now, look at your list, did you have too many things left to allow you to sleep at night? If you want and about 50% of you will, you can see if anything left might be a subcategory under your top three items.

For example, if you have a wonderful family, husband, kids, and friends. This might all fall under one category (call it, My Family) with maybe your husband at the top? I bet that almost all the items under number one can link to one of these three stones you listed. If not and you feel that it is really important too, you can add the 4^th stone, but try and stop there, but just know that you are really blessed.

If you only have one or two items, I challenge you to think again. In fact, you might ask yourself what do I have that a person in a third-world country might not have? I know that sounds silly, but we are so blessed at times that we need to jolt our perspective to realize how blessed we are and how we DO have so many good things in our lives.

Project: Live with these three stones this week. Determine if they are your top three items, and once you decide, then it is time to get creative. Maybe you draw a picture with those three stones, flowers, clouds or whatever will keep the “good” things in your life at hand, do it.

I am going to paint a picture of my rocks to post on my fridge and paint some reminder rocks for my desk. We know that you have more than three, but these are special to you so keep them in mind this week so that when you set your intention for your dreams (the things NOT on these rocks), you will keep with you what you already “DO HAVE” in your mind.

Think about WHY those things are good and what part you play in those things. It is important to see the blessings in your life and the work you did and continue to do to keep those GOOD things alive and growing.

It is easy to get discouraged when you draft some lofty dreams, but it will be easier when you see what you already have and what you have already done. Perspective is important when you are setting goals, and we are just getting grounded to help us build some solid, incredible dreams.

I hope you have fun and I look forward to Step Three next Sunday. Until then, keep dreaming and let us all be grateful for the blessings and GOOD THINGS we have in our lives.

Happy Sunday, Shelley

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