INTERVENTION

This morning I thought about following Brynn's example and opening myself up to whatever question you might have. Then I thought of questions like "How do you spend a typical day with your 4 boys?" and actually that question alone was all it took to get me to change my mind about this honesty movement.

(but here I go, answering the one question I was hoping to avoid. Is there such a thing as extreme honesty?)

Well, the thing is, lately we've just been kicking it and riding out the winter months. We were dealing with sickness for a good (bad, very bad) month. Last week it all finally went away, but I can't seem to remind myself that "Hey Natalie! You're kids aren't sick anymore, get off your duffer!" We're spending way too much time just killing time (yes, lots in front of the TV, I'm so ashamed) and while I know that's not okay, I can't get myself into gear. And the sad part of it is, I don't even feel like I'm in a slump. That's usually my other excuse for being lazy and whittling away the days. I feel dandy, I just don't really feel like being productive.

I am doing some things. I'm very focused on potty training Tays, getting Austy to sleep better, and eliminating whining. I'm seeing success in these areas, so that's good. But at the end of the day, if you were to ask me how I spent my day...well, it's embarrassing how little I really do. Really.

This isn't one of those posts where I'm looking for you to jump in and say that I'm doing a good job or how I have 4 boys under 5 and I should cut myself some slack. I know myself and what I am doing and it's just not good enough. I have been cutting myself some slack, yards and yards of it. You don't know, so trust me on this. I'm not one of those people who strives for perfection than beats myself up when I fall short. I have a fairly realistic grasp of what I'm capable of doing, and I'm all about patting myself on the back when I've made my bed in the morning. But I've taken being easy on myself to the extreme and something has got to change.

I checked this book out from the library again. It was very motivating last time I checked it out, over a year ago. But I haven't yet motivated myself to open it. How's that for lazy?Clearly, a change is in order. So, there you have it. The embarrassing truth about my reality lately.

But there is hope. (this is where you come in to save the day) I can set my lovely phone to beep at me whenever you comment. If you comment "get off your duffer and go clean the kitchen!" I'll get it instantaneously and you'll be giving me a dose of just what I need. So, please do. I don't usually beg for comments, though I always enjoy them. But really guys, I need your help. Tell me the time has come to get moving. Tell me to pick up all the toys, to vacuum my bedroom, to throw away 25 things within the next minute, to wash the mirrors, scrub the toilets, to tackle that leaning tower of laundry, to spend 5 minutes on windows, or organizing the toy closet. Urge me to sweep and mop my floor. Load/unload the dishwasher, get dinner started. Be creative, if it's a chore, it's a pretty safe bet that it is undone. If you're going to vacuum your family room, tell me to do it too.

At the end of the day, I'll let you know how much of it I accomplished (and then you can tell me how great I am, just kidding. seriously. kidding.).

Please. If you care at all, consider this a crucial intervention on my behalf.

PS. I realize a productive day isn't just a day spent cleaning, but a clean house always motivates me to be more productive and proactive in other areas of my life, so it's a great place to start. And I really need to get started. Can I stress that enough?