Thank you for all joining in again last week, and all the supportive comments, it means a lot. This week I’m off to London to the Toy Fair and I’m also going to an exciting Project Launch Breakfast Briefing on Thursday. This of course means I will not be around on my blog or at home. So this week I’ve been focusing on what helps keep me motivated – and for me it is my family (and friends).
I keep going because I want to be the best I can for my family. Whether that’s keeping healthy so that I’m in a better mood for them, less likely to get ill (and be taken away from them), or just to lead by example. That if I feel like giving up then I remember what good I can do. I’ve been trying to help my son develop through play. He loves Batman and this colouring exercise really helps with his fine motor development.
On Wednesdays I have a little bit of time with just me and my youngest. So I have been setting up invitations to play. This time I had no agenda other than to let his imagination run wild. I have to say that the dinosaurs didn’t keep his attention as much as the make-up and I’m wondering if it is because it wasn’t wet play.
The boys have got into a bad habit of playing computer games most nights after school (as rewards for doing well at their after school clubs), I decided that this had to stop and wanted to help them develop some team building skills. So out came the Playdough. Did you take part in the Screen free day?
Again this is good development for my youngest’s hands, and fine motor development.
Another way to keep motivated is by seeing that what I am doing is motivating others. Both me and my husband have been making more effort with our children. There’s nothing more rewarding for a child than some time with their parent in my opinion, and Dad’s are important too. It is lovely to see them getting down together reading books before bed.
We are definitely helping each other cut out take-aways (who knew we had so many, we’ve had to talk ourselves out of having one so many times, but we have done it!) And of course each one of you who is sharing your journeys with me, or just checking in and asking me how it is going – THANK YOU, your support means a lot.
Of course I’ve still been focusing on my small goals. I did have half a cup of (my husband’s) tea on Wednesday morning, a cup at my friend’s house and one at my Nan-in-laws. Saying that I have still been drinking plenty of water (it is amazing how many pints I’m knocking back with ease a day!) and think this is what made the difference Sunday morning when I did not have a hangover!
The other thing I have been focusing on is to make sure I eat lunch (my whole family already has breakfast each day). I keep meaning to meal plan but am struggling with it so thought I’d aim to shop for lunch ideas. Quick and simple ones so I do not have the excuse. I had smoked salmon leftover from Christmas (frozen) so that seemed an obvious choice, and crackers are always nice for a change. Other favourites are prawn cocktail and soup. I am also aware that I need to step up the exercise.
What quick lunch ideas do you have?
I’ve also been organising things in regards to The Gloucestershire leg of the #TeamHonkRelay with the Cubs and Beavers getting involved. Please do go and sponsor us.
How has your week been?
I’m honoured to be on RedTedArt as part of her 31DaysofLove too – do go over and take a look.
Yes, exquisite creative atmosphere!
Thanks so much for hosting! It sounds like fun to go to the London Toy Fair!
Wow, it sounds like you are being incredibly motivated in all areas of your life!
I love the arrangement of dinosaurs, shredded paper and cardboard tubes, it looks very exciting. I’ve never been great at playing with my kids, but I’ve always been good at reading with them.
Thank you very much for mention.
Great motivating ideas. Hope you enjoy your week in London x
What a lovely post! Sounds like you and hubby have been working extra hard in the motivation department this year so far! It can be a tricky thing to do in January when energy reserves are low post-Xmas. All the more rewarding though when you see the benefits shining through in the kids 🙂
It sounds like you’re doing really really well, and are achieving great balance. This is one of my problems – I can work on one thing at a time, but when I try and put them all together at least one of the spinning plates falls to the ground. I know I’m looking forward to Mondays for the first time in a long time – so motivational Mondays are having a profound effect in my life too. Thank you so much for paying it forward – you are such a sweetheart x
I love your dinosaur invitation to play – so creative!
I love how sweet you are and how your family is the most important thing to you! You are very inspiring! I have the same problem with meal planning. I’m just not good with sticking to it! I’m going to have to check out Frugal Family!