The Sanity Which Results from Structure and Routine

The absence of calmness and serenity in our lives can also be defined as the presence of turmoil, strife, and stress. In such times of uncertainty and confusion, anger and disillusionment, we are faced with the choice to either:


- Immediately seek God
- Pursue the counsel and wisdom of godly mentors and counselors
- Commit all to the Lord in prayer
- Take the time to make a plan to better structure our lives


OR


- Panic
- Yell
- Worry
- Give up
- Mask issues through unhealthy and destructive means that just leave the problem(s) unaddressed

Due to stress in my family and life in recent weeks, I thought I would make a list of what brings order to my life that each of you can learn from as well so that your individual lives and relationships may become more orderly and bring a sense of sanity and well-being instead of frustration and rage:

• Leave your keys in the same place everyday
• Have a specific spot for your wallet, stamps, safety pins, and other items that people usually scramble to find last minute
• Charge your cell phone before going to sleep or leave it on the charger overnight so you don't wake up to a full day ahead of you with a phone on only 5%
• Pay all bills on the first of the month
• Put 20% of every source of income (including birthday and Christmas money) in a savings account, if possible
• Pay tithe consistently
• Avoid intake of sugar, dairy products, and processed foods
• Meal-plan
• Don't waste food and only purchase what you need
• Drink a tall glass of water upon waking, one before and with every meal, and one before bed
• Learn to cook homemade meals and coffee/tea at home instead of wasting money elsewhere
• Attend church weekly
• Keep open lines of communication with accountability partners, trusted friends, and mentors
• Learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently
• Get some form of exercise every day
• Go to sleep at the same time every night (even on weekends)
• Get to bed by 9:30 pm (it's been proven that people get the best sleep between the hours of ten pm and two am)
• Take naps if need be (even ten minutes of lying down in silence can work wonders)
• Wait a day or two before making a purchase so you have time to ponder if it is worth the money or is actually worth investing in
• Borrow books, movies, and CDs from the library for free instead of renting or buying them
• Become a life-long learner and see it as a privilege and joy
• Don't just be on time wherever you go; arrive fifteen minutes early
• Get everything ready the night before and put it near the front door so you don't forget anything
• Keep up with laundry so the clothes you need or want to wear are always clean
• Keep the house in order (it really brings a sense of sanity)
• Read at least once chapter a day in an edifying book (if you lack sufficient time, read a few sentences or paragraphs)
• Watch one sermon or lecture a day
• Watch a documentary twice a week instead of TV or a movie
• Buy grocery store giftcards at the start of the month or with each new paycheck so you only spend the set amount and don't impulse buy (do the same for stores like Wal-Mart and even the gas station)
• Make the bed every morning
• After using something, immediately put it back in its place
• Keep up with dishes and be sure to clean counters and stove before going to bed
• Vacuum and dust every few days
• Wash rugs and all bedding once a week
• Keep post-it notes in car or on bathroom mirror listing what needs to be done that day or week
• Unsubscribe from all unread emails
• Sign up for paperless billing and pay all bills online
• Make a budget and be rigid about it
• Use a planner and mark/highlight important dates, events, appointments, etc.
• Get an oil change for your car every three thousand miles
• Get Direct Deposit from your job
• Respond to emails within three to five days
• Give honest and sincere compliments to others; be sure to thank them for their help
• Set an alarm for everything if it will help you remain focused and not waste time

I would love to hear your suggestions for what adds to an orderly life. There is always room for growth and it is a sweet blessing and luxury that we can all learn from one another. You may leave a comment or write to me directly at EmmaJoyBlog@gmail.com