Top Ten Little Things That Make A Big Difference
1. Eating protein for breakfast. Lately I've been eating soft boiled eggs. Yum! A couple of slices of turkey bacon is also a quick and easy breakfast if you cook them in the microwave. Eating protein for breakfast does give you more energy and gets your metabolism going for the day. Your body needs proteins more than the typical high carb breakfasts most of us eat.
2. A clean kitchen sink. Having the dishes out and the sink shiny and clean really does help your kitchen feel cleaner and more peaceful.
3. Talking to your kids. Listening to their stories, asking them questions, telling them your stories. It doesn't take much time, but it goes a long way towards building relationships and showing them they are worth your time and attention.
4. Reading aloud to your kids. I have such great memories of reading aloud to my kids. Curt does too. I love when my olders will see one of our faves from their younger years and say "Mom, remember that one?" Always time well spent.
5. Letting people know you're praying for them. I love when someone emails me to let me know God has put me on their heart. How amazing and humbling and reassuring! Because I know how much it blesses me, I always try to do the same when God puts someone on my heart. It takes seconds to shoot a quick email, but it might be just the reassurance someone else needs.
6. Putting things away rather than putting them down. A few extra seconds to put it where it actually goes goes a long way towards creating a home that's picked up and neat.
7. Making your bed. This has the same effect on your bedroom that a clean kitchen sink has on your kitchen. Plus a made bed just sleeps better. No tangled, wrinkled sheets. Just sliding into smooth, welcoming goodness.
8. Buying time-saving cleaning products. I love (and have written about) Clorox or Lysol wipes, glass wipes, dust wipes, Swiffer mops, etc. Anything that saves me time with my cleaning efforts or makes it easier for my kids to help out is worth the little bit of extra money I have to spend. It's still cheaper than a maid!
9. Tidying up before your husband gets home. My mom did this with us when we were little and now I do the same. I know that it can be disconcerting to walk into a messy home after a long day and I try to keep that from happening to my husband. So when I know Curt's coming home I will have the kids stop and do a quick clean up-- put toys away, take folded laundry to their rooms, put away stray discarded shoes, etc. I also try not to be on the phone when he walks in either. I don't do it perfectly all the time, but I try.
10. Fifteen little minutes with God every morning before you put your feet on the floor. Nuff said. Little thing, big difference.
2. A clean kitchen sink. Having the dishes out and the sink shiny and clean really does help your kitchen feel cleaner and more peaceful.
3. Talking to your kids. Listening to their stories, asking them questions, telling them your stories. It doesn't take much time, but it goes a long way towards building relationships and showing them they are worth your time and attention.
4. Reading aloud to your kids. I have such great memories of reading aloud to my kids. Curt does too. I love when my olders will see one of our faves from their younger years and say "Mom, remember that one?" Always time well spent.
5. Letting people know you're praying for them. I love when someone emails me to let me know God has put me on their heart. How amazing and humbling and reassuring! Because I know how much it blesses me, I always try to do the same when God puts someone on my heart. It takes seconds to shoot a quick email, but it might be just the reassurance someone else needs.
6. Putting things away rather than putting them down. A few extra seconds to put it where it actually goes goes a long way towards creating a home that's picked up and neat.
7. Making your bed. This has the same effect on your bedroom that a clean kitchen sink has on your kitchen. Plus a made bed just sleeps better. No tangled, wrinkled sheets. Just sliding into smooth, welcoming goodness.
8. Buying time-saving cleaning products. I love (and have written about) Clorox or Lysol wipes, glass wipes, dust wipes, Swiffer mops, etc. Anything that saves me time with my cleaning efforts or makes it easier for my kids to help out is worth the little bit of extra money I have to spend. It's still cheaper than a maid!
9. Tidying up before your husband gets home. My mom did this with us when we were little and now I do the same. I know that it can be disconcerting to walk into a messy home after a long day and I try to keep that from happening to my husband. So when I know Curt's coming home I will have the kids stop and do a quick clean up-- put toys away, take folded laundry to their rooms, put away stray discarded shoes, etc. I also try not to be on the phone when he walks in either. I don't do it perfectly all the time, but I try.
10. Fifteen little minutes with God every morning before you put your feet on the floor. Nuff said. Little thing, big difference.
11 comments:
Love this post! So many things to take to heart. Although I work, I get off earlier than my husband so I intend to start the "tidying" up part. And I've started daily doing 15 minutes in the morning. And instead of listening to music while doing tedious things at work, going to computer to computer to update can get downright boring, I listen to Joyce Meyers podcasts on my iphone. It uplifts me and makes me think! Again, I love your blog!
Thanks HD! I appreciate you letting me know!
GREAT list! Protein for breakfast is a must for me, too. And making the bed. And at least 15 minutes in the morning. And pretty much the whole list! blessings!
You are wonderful Mary Beth. Loved your Proverbs 31 Post today ...... Loved It !!!!! God has been speaking to me about waiting in His very gentle way - I think He is working on my impatient side. He is so good and You are a WONDERFUL example.
Love,
Helen
Oh yes: clean sink, made bed, put things away right away and start the morning with God. Amen, sister! :) ~K
PS: Oh yeah, convenience cleaning products are worth every penny!
All of these things make a big difference in my life, especially the tips on keeping the house (and sink) orderly, and taking time for your kids and God. I don't always spend the first few minutes of my day in prayer, but I do squeeze it in there when I can.
Also, since I have started to make more time to tidy the house before my husband gets home, he seems to be in a much better mood! That one really paid off!
I am also going to have to check out the Proverbs 31 page, as it seems your commenters are getting a lot out of it!
Girl, no wonder I like you so much. We both think sooo much alike. I love this list, it is so true. I do (or try to do) nearly everthing you listed on a daily basis. Making the bed IS daily w/o exception. Talking w/ God is right when I get up. Yes, it definitely makes a difference when letting someone know when they're on ur heart. Thanks for posting "my" list. LOL If you ever make it down South (Mississippi) I'd love to meet you.
Awesome advice!
Love the reading one. My kids have so many favorites they remember. Also, conversations. I love having them around (they're all soon to be gone).
Great post! I think your Top Ten Tuesdays are my favorite! :)
I also wanted to tell you that I just read The Mailbox. It was sooo good! I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for your next book. Take care!!
-Rachel in Texas
Convenience cleaners are wonderful, but having three little ones with asthma in my house, I had to get rid of almost everything! I found something called the Ultimate Cloth and cannot believe how well they work; windows, bathrooms, counters, and no cleaners necessary. Just throw in the washing machine. (I hate to sound like a commercial, but I just wanted to let you know about them, because they made my life a LOT easier!) Thanks for the great list; I hope to start implementing many of them soon!
I just discovered your blog via the Guide to Literary Agents website. I really liked this list of little things that make a big difference - I was very encouraged. I will be subscribing to your blog. God bless you! Melanie
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