EtsyBloggers Carnival Theme = irony

One of the questions for this months' EtsyBloggers Carnival is "give us your best hints or advice for juggling the holidays, your business, and your family commitments." 

Okay. I'll add that to my list. Should be ready in January sometime.

It's really not that bad, but I have discovered over the past few days that when I realize [like a slap to the face] that it's November, I start to panic.

Here are a few things that I'm doing or going to do to juggle.

1. Breathe. Don't forget. It's imperative.
2. Make lists. I'm a crazy list maker. I've even been known to write down something I've already done so that I can enjoy the satisfaction of checking something else off. They really do help. I have a spiral bound notebook that I'm using now, small enough to fit on my desk, but large enough to write everything down. If it's not checked off at the end of the day, I transfer it to the next day.
3. Say no. It's okay. Really. Who else is going to stick up for you?
   
4. Lower your standards. As a perfectionist, this is incredibly difficult for me. But I've learned that perfection is truly unattainable, and that most people don't even expect it. Imagine that! Let it go.
   
5. Focus on what really matters. When you are old you aren't going to wish you worked more, right? And I realize that what matters will change from day to day, even hour to hour, but you know what matters to you.
   
6. Breathe. Did I mention that already?
7. When the going gets tough, start laughing like a maniac. Okay, this is silly, but when I feel totally overwhelmed and about ready to cry, I just start laughing. It's hilarious. Your mood will be lifted in no time. And, if you do it right, everyone around you will be laughing with you (maybe at you, but still laughing!). Singing really loud may have the same effect.
   
8. Take time for yourself. It may only be a few minutes, but it's a must. Find a little time, no matter how impossible it seems, and do something just for you. I stop by a local thrift store on my way home from the post office for a quick treasure hunt. I drive a different way while running errands and take in the scenery. Whatever works.
9. Eat breakfast. You know you should!
10. Clock out. Working from home makes this almost impossible. It's just too easy to run into the office and check emails, etc. Don't do it. I've had to start turning my computer off at night so I'm not tempted. I admit I'm not very good at this!
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Play. Let yourself have fun. If you have to juggle, call it Otedama. It's fancier. This set is available from my friend Ojami on Etsy. Otedama in Swirls, Batik and Upcycled Fabric (Set of 3)

I have a feeling I'll be looking back at this list often.

I'll almost did #3 to this project, but decided it qualified for #8. Now I'm shutting down the computer. Really, I am. (#10)