NST February A FOREST ADVENTURE

mothernerd · 29 January 2018 at 9:24PM

NST February

A FOREST ADVENTURE

For February, I want to take you on a trip to the Fantasy Forest. This is no domestic wood. The Fantasy Forest is packed with dense green foliage and bright flowers. It is dense and humid. (You may want to retreat there for a few minutes each evening).

The forest is wild and dangerous. There may be traps (broken boiler/ burglary). The animals may not all be friendly. We may encounter snakes, monkeys or polar bears (salesmen, procrastination, totally unexpected) to slow our journey or force us from the path to debt freedom.

The insects will undoubtably bite. We may succumb to lurgy or delirium (getting am*z0n to send a drone won't really hurt, will it?). Youngsters and young adults will be joining us during half term and we must make provision for them.

How will we survive. We will prepare and plan thoroughly. We will think what we need (not want) and stick to our goals, find solutions when set backs occur. We need to be as fit as possible (physically, mentally, spiritually and financially). If we are under par, we must take steps to right this.

When it's hard, we will just keep plodding. We will help and encourage those who are struggling or suffering and celebrate any and all success. No turtle gets left behind.

The forest is beautiful and magical. Enjoy the journey.

THE RULES

Always pay to debts or savings first, live on what is left.

First of February until the 28th, inclusive. All turtles commit to following the rules.

Organise your budgets before the start of the month and stick to them.

Reserve a small portion of your budget (cash or goods) for the food bank or charity of your choice.

Environment Be aware of your surroundings and use all your senses. Be alert to danger but also to beauty.

Stock take your cupboards, fridge and freezer. Base your meal plan upon them and your shopping list on what is needed. Stick to your list.

Takeaways are forbidden (unless as part of family entertainment night/ birthday choice). Coffee shops, vending machines, works canteens etc are also banned (pastoral exceptions).

Always take your lunch to work and snacks and drinks for outings or appointments (may excuse one trip with children or allow ice creams etc if part of the experience).

Do something different. If nothing changes, nothing changes. We want to see small positive changes which become habits and then just part of who you are. Pick 2 or 3 things you want to change. Start with one small change and after five successful days, add another.

Valentine Who? We will not be celebrating commercialism or bad taste. Do your own thing. Practice kindness to all and don't forget yourself. Treat yourself kindly, like a friend or someone you love and care about. Smile, hug, say hello (I understand these things are culturally unacceptable in London and some southern regions - try to change it but don't get arrested or committed). Small gestures of kindness may make someone else's day.

Exercise 5 times a week please. It should be commensurate with your abilities and current state of health (be careful after flu/ viruses). Getting outside helps with mantal health too.

NSDs are staying at 18 this month. that is still 10 days available for necessary shopping. There would be far fewer opportunities in the forest. Exceptions for medical care, petrol (should be within budget), bus fares, ys bargains and milk for greent.

Throw it away. We should all be aware that there is no such place as 'away' and recycle or donate appropriately but we all have too much stuff and even if you are ill, getting the rubbish and recycling helps slow the descent into chaos.

Use what you have. Fix something (for free if possible). Make something from a cardboard box (ideas for half term). If you have time, it may be useful to go round your house making a list of things that need fixing. Some may need to wait for better weather but when you are repaying debt and the focus is on that, you may find your house looking rather shabby. If you have a list of things that can be fixed or improved at little or no cost, it can give you a lift and a sense of progress.

Refuel properly. You ask a lot of your body, give it the fuel that it needs - healthy food, water, a reasonable amount of sleep. Refuel your mind and spirit by taking time to relax and rewind.

Elephants and Frogs. We all have them. For newer turtles who have never visited Flylady, a frog is any task you have been putting off - eg a difficult phone call. Over time the small task has become a giant obstacle. Tackle the frog and the rest of your day will be a breeze.
An elephant is such a huge task that you just do not know where to start. How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time. elephants need to be broken down into small manageable pieces. i want to hear about lots of frogs being eaten and the odd elephant being cut down to size. (That will leave us with more time to hide from the polar bears).

Along the way we will have daily inspiration. This challenge is intended to be hard (several turtles were already anticipating a difficult month) so this month's quotes are going to be gentle and nurturing.

They are not a get out of jail free card, but when you are having a difficult day, just focus on the quote of the day, take comfort from it.

There may also be mini challenges, but these are optional.

So who is tough enough for the turtle challenge.

mothernerd · 29 January 2018 at 9:25PM

Turtle Challenge February contenders

1 mothernerd
2 NSK
3 shabbychic12
4 greent
5 apple muncher
6 Chloris
7 Dottydaisy
8 DawnW
9 misstara
10 sashanut
11 Kerry woman
12 Baileys Babe
13 dolly84
14 Shelbi
15 DancingDragons
16 dizzyblnd
17 Munchin
18 Igamogam
19 Fmess
20 Jellibeanz
21 missyv30
22 Lauralozzle
23 laurenh1
24 ilovetea
25 bizzie
26 f0xh0les
27 Welsh Kitty
28 Calling14
29 indigowarrio
30 abundant
31 DizzyImp
32 Onourwayup