NST Amazing August

crazy_cat_lady · 27 July 2020 at 12:46PM

Hello Turtles, and welcome to the next chapter of 2020 – the most surreal year that ever was August for me is traditionally a time of winding down, rest and relaxation, spending time with my children and going on holiday. However, this is 2020 and things just are not going according to plan this year in any way, shape, or form.

With that in mind Turtles, it is important for us to remember that many things are beyond our control and therefore we should try not to spend too much time stressing about them, and instead focus on the things that we can control, no matter how big or how small those things are.

I therefore present to you all… Amazing August. This is the month that is for us, where we refocus on things that will help us to feel better and gain back some feeling of control in an ever-changing world.

A – Always pay your debts and savings first. Once the essential commitments are sorted out then you know what you have left for the rest of the month. Set your budgets and try and leave a little flexibility in it in case things change. To say 2020 has been unpredictable so far is a huge understatement.

M – Make plans for the month ahead. Again, try and be flexible here. Who knows where we will or won’t be allowed to go across the month? My foreign holiday is off this year, and now I’m doing nothing other than visiting family and friends locally, but I am planning a couple of days out and about (weather permitting). Don’t overdo it – if you’re going to Greece for 10 days then days out probably shouldn’t be in the plan. Do what you need to and can afford to.

A – Ask for help. I consider myself to be a strong and independent woman, so this is one that I’m definitely going to be working on. Two-person demolition of the shed was infinitely better than one, and I have discovered my friend can also help me build shelves. I have found someone that can lend me a carpet cleaner and a few power tools to make my life a bit easier, and potentially have someone that will help me to build a fence in exchange for a crate of beer (depending on his holiday plans). Most people are happy to help if they are asked, and who knows what skills or kit people have if you don’t ask for it?

Z – Zen. What will help you to feel better within yourself? This is a very individual thing so something you need to consider. It could be something like home cooked food, 7000 steps a day, gardening, crafting, reading, a long soak in the bath, decluttering, PAD to debts. You name it. Decide on one thing that will make you feel better each day and set aside some time to do it. You are worth it and small changes make a big difference longer term.

I – Impulse. It’s not very often that an impulse decision is a great thing. Whether it’s buying something because you’ve been sucked into a discount or deciding on a whim to knock walls out of your house or marry someone you met yesterday. A plan is a good thing to have. Think on it overnight at least. Put stuff in your online shopping basket and if it’s still a good idea the next day (or even better in a week) then go and get it.

N – No spend days. Not something I am good at as I tend to buy little and often. However, 15 days a month should be doable – or 20 if you fancy a bit of a challenge.

G – Goals. Your goals should be realistic and achievable, and given a time frame. We’d all like to be billionaires I’m sure, but not something we can achieve in the short term. Set yourself a small goal that you can achieve every day (mine is to make sure I get dressed). Then one for each week (I will make sure I clean the bathroom once a week). Finally, one for the whole month (mine is to lose 7lbs). It will motivate you to know that you’ve achieved something, no matter how small. I write mine in a list and really enjoy seeing them being crossed off.

A – Annoying jobs aka Frogs. We all have them. Things that need to be done that we keep putting off. Write them into a list and aim to cross at least one off the list each day. They’re usually small things so don’t take a lot of effort – making calls, posting letters, putting something away etc. Something else gets done and you get to feel better about yourself.

U – Use it up. Unashamedly stolen from someone on here. We all have stuff that we have lying about the house that doesn’t get used, but it's there for a future date or just-in-case. It’s usually food, toiletries or in my case wool. Make a point of using up what you have before getting more.

G – Gratitude. Everyone can find at least one positive thing to be thankful for in every day – no matter what else is going on. Make sure that when you check in on here (daily if possible) you mention one thing that you are grateful for that day. It’s surprising how much this can shift your perspective on things.

U – Upcycle/Repurpose. If you’re decluttering, or getting rid of stuff, consider whether it can be reused for something else. Some of my old bedding has made brilliant dust sheets (before it will go to the animal shelter) and my old wooden bed planks are going to be made into shelves in my outhouse for storage. My disgusting dark brown wooden wardrobes are going to be covered with DC fix to make them a nice colour, rather than finding the money to replace them when they’re perfectly good.

S – Shop from home. Another one unashamedly stolen from someone on here, who is an expert at shopping from home. It links in with the above point about reusing and recycling. Before you go out and buy something you need, consider whether you might already have something at home stashed away that will do the job just as well. Tins for storage, vases, notebooks. There will be things that you’ve put away and probably forgotten about. So a good excuse to have a rummage and declutter in drawers/cupboards/lofts etc.

T – Try it. Within reason of course. Don’t be afraid to expand your comfort zone. I didn’t think I could decorate, or demolish a shed, or hang shelves. Stay safe while you’re doing it, so no operating chainsaws or base jumping, or running down the M1 or anything. But think about what is the worst thing that could happen if you try and make your own face covering? Or repair your own fence? You can find a video for most things on YooToob – I will be resealing my internal window frames before too long, and sticking wall panels up in the outhouse. I have never done this before, but have asked for advice and watched videos. I will not, however, touch electrics or plumbing. However, who knows – I may one day try and cook something I’ve seen on TV. That would be a real challenge for me. Just remember NO RISK TO YOUR OWN HEALTH trying new things.

These are my suggestions for small things that we can all be doing that will potentially make a big difference to our health and wellbeing. You are not obliged to join in with everything – this challenge is about looking after yourself, not causing more stress.

The challenge will run from 1st – 31st August. Who is going to join me?

crazy_cat_lady · 27 July 2020 at 12:46PM

Amazing August - The Turtles...
1. crazy_cat_lady

2. Toni’sfriend

3. Calling14

4. mothernerd

5. apple_muncher

6. shabbychic12

7. greent

8. f0xh0les

9. PurpleFairy26

10. Kerry_Woman

11. misstara

12. ditty1234

13. Deni_debt-free_dreamer

14. lcc86

15. bizzie

Toni'sfriend · 27 July 2020 at 1:38PM

Well done, CCL. Did you devise this especially for me because it's exactly what I need. Put me on your list, please.

Calling14 · 27 July 2020 at 1:38PM

Count me in CCL I need a boost to my wellbeing but not my waistline. My Garage will be my August project, need it to be functionable. Useless at the moment, just fall over a gym ball into ball pond now.

mothernerd · 27 July 2020 at 1:42PM

Me please ccl. I have done electrics and plumbing (only repairs). The electrics was taking a cable out of a wall. It ran from the above worktop socket to just above the skirting board and was used for the fridge. I couldn't leave it (the fridge had died and been replaced) because it stuck out so a replacement fitting wouldn't go back to the wall. I got a book from the library to show me how to disconnect the wiring, I turned the electric off at the meter (entry point), I wore rubber gloves and wellingtons and I still said a prayer and shut my eyes as I chopped the cable with wire cutters. Then I pulled it down through the wall to remove it.