Looking for Inspiration
I must confess, it hasn’t exactly been the best start to the new year. An unexpected relocation sprung on us, our daughter’s jaw surgery not exactly going to plan, our newly adopted cat attacked and the normal day to day things that keep me busy regardless of whatever else is thrown my way.
As I pack up our house for what I believe is my 23rd move (not counting the temporary accommodation we had here when we first moved to Perth thanks to Mr C’s work) I’m not sure if I should be laughing or crying.
After so many moves, many of which I’ve managed single handedly, you would think I should have this whole moving business down pat. Normally I do but this time around I find myself dragging my feet. Digging my heels in because it is not what I had planned and the timing could not be worse.
Our move to Perth saw me pack up our 4 x 2 x 2 house in just under 3 days. I did such a great job, that when each removalist arrived to quote for the big move, they offered me a job. It’s made me question why I don’t actually have moving or relocation tips here on the blog. Hmmm something to think about when I’m not neck deep in boxes.
This time though, I just can’t seem to find my moving mojo.
Rather surprisingly, hubby is actually around to help with this move. He normally is away at sea or the company move him ahead of us to start work and I remain behind with the girls to pack up and organise every little detail.
This move is just a local one but even still, Mr C’s lack of moving experience is really testing my nerves. Packing seems to be taking twice as long and is far more chaotic than it needs to be. I discovered tonight that all the school books and uniforms have been packed, despite the fact it is highly likely we will not move until after they start school. Which means I now need to find and unpack those boxes before school starts next week.
In two days we have packed just 15 boxes. Of those already packed we’ve had to open at least six boxes to find items that were needed urgently. Although my idea of urgent differs from the rest of the house.
Not really knowing where we are going or how much ‘stuff’ we will need to put in storage means I’m trying, in the time permitted, to have a major declutter. Even that is proving exhausting. I honestly can’t believe just how much stuff we own. Trying to decide what stays and what goes when you have five people weighing in on the debate, four of which have inherited hoarding tendencies (I’m one of them) is certainly making life interesting.
There have been tears (the girls) and tantrums (me) when we’ve discovered things that were important to us (& possibly had real $$ value) had already been tossed because hubby can hold on to and see value in his shirts (that no longer fit him) from the 80s and 90s but fails to see the value in my very small record collection (because we don’t own a record player) or the girls collectible cards because they never play with them (well yes…they are worth more in mint condition).
To even things out, there have been moments of joy when a friend emails an image of their child or children using something we’ve given away.
My laughable life on the lawn
I’m currently playing a game of Life on the Lawn, with a rubbish skip full of our unwanted ‘stuff’ sitting on our front lawn with a lot more that will be thrown, donated or given away over the next week.
Just when I think the skip can’t take another item, a car will pull up and someone will jump out and go rummaging through the skip (I’m not even kidding), taking stuff we considered trash and making even more room and motivation for the next lot of stuff to throw.
So much stuff but still so much more. So much time and energy wasted organising or moving it. So much stuff, it really makes you stop and think…
Just how many glasses (I lost count at 50) and pillowcases (close to 100) does a family of five really need? Please tell me… I really need to know.
Just how much more is life going to throw at our little family? Am I inviting trouble to begin with and how do I revoke the invitation pronto? Am I possibly at the end of my tether?
If the past fortnight has taught me anything, it would be you need a contingency plan for when your contingency plan flies out the window. I should have come to expect that If something will go wrong, it generally does and prepared myself for worst case BUT sometimes you just can’t predict what exactly will happen. Rolling with the punches and going with the flow definitely helps to keep the stress levels down but it is hard to maintain your cool, calm and collective composure when you are in the thick of things but I do at least try. What else can I do?
I must confess though, I already had more than enough on my plate and I kind of lost sight of the big picture momentarily, finding myself more stressed and overwhelmed than I’m use to being. Not really coping as well as I know I should be which had me seeking help and looking for inspiration.
My top 5 go to places when you are looking for inspiration
Jess McCallum | Confident Life
Clinical Psychologist Jess McCallum recently launched her website and blog Confident Life and it is fast becoming my favourite go to place when I’m looking for inspiration and a different perspective.
Confident Life, is a place for people to feel inspired and educated to pursue their passions, strengthen their mental health and wellbeing, form stronger relationships, celebrate their beauty and strengths, develop a positive outlook on life, love and accept themselves, and learn how to live a more confident life.
Just what I really need right now.
Business Mamas
Not only are Business Mamas holding my hand while putting me through my paces as I complete an online business diploma with them this year, they also have a fantastic blog series over at 52 Weeks. 52 Weeks shares the stories of 52 inspiring business mums. Whenever I’m lacking motivation or looking for inspiration, I only need to head to the Business Mama blog to get myself back on track.
It is mums like Alli Price (you can read Alli’s story here), that make me realise I still have plenty of time and manoeuvrability to move forward and make a success of my most ambitious project to date, my new business.
Kelly Exeter | A Life Less Frantic
I’ve been taking some time out amongst the chaos to recharge the batteries because there is only so much packing and stressing you can do in a day, which has me revisiting Kelly’s book ‘Your Best year Ever’. There has been a slight name change since I last read Kelly’s book but the lessons and positivity remain the same.
Kelly seems to have a knack for knowing what I need to hear when I need to hear it via her Facebook page and blog A Life Less Frantic. I just can’t wait for Kelly’s next book to be released later this year.
Female Entrepreneur Association
I don’t have much time for Facebook right now but when I do check in, I like to head to the Female Entrepreneur Association first. A wonderfully supportive community lead by Carrie Green.
It’s the daily inspirational snippets that have me starting my day on a more positive foot. When I have more time, I like to delve a little deeper on the website and revisit Carrie’s Ted Talk {Programming your mind for success}. A talk that will make you sit up and take more notice of the niggling voice in your head, the one that might be telling you, you are on the wrong track.
Entrepreneur | Lisa Messenger
When I first started my online course with Business Mamas they gifted me Lisa’s book ‘Life & Love – creating the dream’. The book landed on my bookcase at just the right time. A time when I actually had time to pick up and absorb the book from cover to cover. It offered a glimpse of the opportunities ahead of me, just when I was having doubts about starting in the first place.
These days I tend to follow Lisa on Instagram and Facebook for a quick inspirational hit each day but I also have my eye on her book ‘Money + Mindfulness – Living in Abundance’ as soon as we are moved and settled.
Do you have what it takes to keep going when the going gets tough?
Do you have any favourite places you like to head for help or inspiration?
Loved this post and I will definitely check some of these out. Hope it all gets smoother for you soon.
Thanks Tory. I can’t wait for things to settle down, so I can get back to the more important things in life.
That is a lot of glassware . . . I think we have 12 tumblers, four wine glasses, four martini glasses and some decorative / heirloom sherry glasses in the looking cabinet. Only three of us though and Miss L is still on the plastic!
We use to host a church group at our house of up to 20 but that was honestly years ago. I also think we stocked up for my hubby’s 40th (5 years ago). I’m tempted to donate them but we have my daughter’s 18th this year.
I would love to see the heirloom sherry glasses.
I will get a pic tonight, they are so pretty, I wish I drank some sort of sherry!
I think it’s time to start using them. Or a port before bed? ;P
Yes… I would definitely be using them.
I don’t know why Disqus always rotates pics but there you are!
That’s a lot of pillowcases??? We’ve moved frequently Ober the past few years and the only way I’ve got through it is to do all the pacing myself. Ship everyone off for a couple of days lol
I think that’s why my previous moves worked so well. I just did it myself. Of course, the girls are older now and wanting to supervise closely what is and isn’t packed.
I’m not sure why we have so many pillowcases. We only have a handful of pillows each (LOL). I think I may have used them for packing delicate items last move and have just kept them.
Sounds like a slice of hell! Sit everyone down, make a list of the different decluttering/packing categories, and work through them one by one. And if that doesn’t work, may I suggest vodka?
Beyond honoured to be on this list xoxo
I did the whole list thing before we started but… I’m just the mum that needs to chill. LOL
It will be all worth it in the end, I’m sure.
OMG 23 moves??!! That’s INSANE. I’m glad you’re finding inspiration somewhere. That would inspire me to sob in the corner lol.
Yes completely insane and there may have already been a bit of sobbing in a corner. LOL
You are a real life relocation guru! I’m a big fan of Jess’s work, she knows what’s what and Kelly too. As for the tricky times, remember that winter always turns to spring, it’s the law of the universe!
The negative Nancy in me thought of hayfever with the mention of Spring. I need an attitude adjustment pronto.
You might have been successful at this move thing before Raychael but this time is different as far as I can gather. This one you are not in full control and there are too many people in charge…and you are still reeling from the news that you HAVE to get out and you are not ready. All that aside….you are being stymied by the dreadful thing called ‘unmotivation’ and each unsuccessful path you are trying to follow right now is not helping. Is there anyway you can call on “Raych” who has done this before and ignore the one who is holding you back? I know I sound bossy but maybe that’s the way to get it done…and if I could I’d be there!! D xxxx
I wish. Current ‘Raych’ has health limitations which means the old physically capable version of her just isn’t going to show up. All will turn out in the end. I just need to do what I can do and switch off about the rest.
I’m definitely interested in reading Kelly’s book 🙂
I know, it has certainly peaked my interest.
I love that saying.. It is how you react to what life grows at you that can make a huge difference
It really resonates with me at the moment. I must remember to print out and put on my inspiration board.
I love your sources of inspiration Raych – just what I need to kickstart me into the year (once the kids are finally back at school!)
When are yours back at school Kirsty? We have one more week here but you know what mine are older and even still far too easy going. Just entertain themselves if they have to and happy to walk to the library and pick up a good book. Going back to school (two schools) actually adds to the chaos here but at least I suppose we are back in some sort of routine.
This start to the school year will be interesting. Just found out we have a house and will be moving Feb 2nd. Their 2nd day back at school Now trying to work out what on earth I do with the newly adopted (& injured) cat.
How I react to situations has been a big focus for me lately. I notice how my overall emotional health suffers when I react rashly and often the mood stays with me for a while. I’ve noticed it, now it’s time to change it!
I’m more conscious too, which I think is half the battle.
Thanks for this great list. These are the kinds of things I need for inspiration in my life right now.
I am in two minds, as we own a holiday house, and your know, the bible in the bedside draw. Well all’s good being raised a catholic and all, but I thought that ‘how to heal you life’ by Louise Hay is becoming the better option to leave in the bedside draw, is an option for my guests (just in case).
Lots of positive inspiration, than getting around the cryptic jargon of the bible!
Although a hard copy of Kelly’s book sounds good. I have it on my comp. somewhere!
I was raised a Catholic too. I’m not sure how politically correct a bible in the bedside draw of a hotel or holiday house these days. I’m also guessing that anyone that really wanted to read a bible might actually own their own. I much prefer the idea of a small blank note book or a visitor book. I know not in the same league but probably more accepting to a wider demographic.
Aw Rach – moving sucks to infinity. And you definitely don’t need other stuff chucked on the top of that 🙁
Thank you for the mention and I hope everything picks up much sooner rather than later xxx
How is the house build going Kelly? We too are thinking about building but honestly I just want to be in our own home and not move ever again as soon as possible. I think all the hold ups with building might do my head in but then you get your dream home.
House build is going very slowly. Hoping to be in by April at this stage. Hoping! And yes, I keep telling myself it will be worth because, as you say … dream home (one we’ll never ever move from again)
I’ve been in a few dream homes over the years with a father for a builder. Mind you we moved into them half finished. Lived through the finishing touches nightmare stage going on around us and then moved again when they sold.
I feel your pain. And keep my fingers (and toes) crossed that you get through the move quickly and relatively painless. But I can also relate to how the actual presence of your hubby makes it more difficult to get into your moving mojo. Maybe it is actually quite a common thing. I know that when I am home alone I am usually a lot more productive than when hubby is here. Don’t get me wrong – I love for him to be here, a lot, but when I need to get something done… 🙂 You get my drift. Good luck with your move!
Oh, and I saved your post for later reference of all your resources. I can do with some of them. I recently picked up Greg McKeown’s Essentialism and it really resonates with me right now.
Thanks Claudia, definitely get your drift. I’m just not well enough to not have his help right now. I might need to read Essentialism.
I cannot imagine moving that many times. Actually, the mere thought of packing up this house caves my head in. I’d love to do it one day just for the cleanse if not anything else. But, one day is definitely not today.
Good luck!
You’ve got this!
Thanks Leanne. We have a house and a moving date now which is helping to kick me into gear but I’m honestly so very over moving.
I think I need to head to some of those places to get me out of my “I didn’t get the job I wanted what the hell am I going to do now” slump!!!
Hope things are coming together with the move!
Move in 5 days. Not sure if I’m on top of things or not. Still so much to do and so many people under foot. Mark is taking time off, which should help. Girls go back to school the day before we move, which is making things interesting. Not to mention the attacked cat, who is stressed because he is no longer allowed outside and the packing also seems to be getting to him.