The Bog of Mind: Self Help + Problem Solving: Recent Episodes
Jen George
I want to be better. I want to reach my potential in SO MANY AREAS. Listen along as I navigate household duties, the logistics of our busy lives, and the stuff that is happening in my head, all while trying to find time for personal development. Join me for some creative problem-solving and listen in on how I keep my goals in front of me. My interests include baking, running, soccer, reading, coaching, writing, journaling and all things fitness.
God gives me incredible peace because I spend time in His Word and in prayer every day. Knowing that He guides my every step is a huge comfort and reassurance when I don't know what's next in my life. However, sometimes I sit down and cannot focus my thoughts. I can barely even pray! My mind is overactive and I am distracted constantly. So frustrating - what to do?? Don't write today off as "too busy"... if I do that I know exactly what will CONTINUE to happen. I beg God daily that He shows me how much I need Him and even humbles me to the point that I hold on even tighter.
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Enjoy this blurb about hair!! I actually have a go-to style for when a migraine is coming on, or just when I don't feel well and will be in bed a lot. This style is also fantastic for a quick vacay! Just prep it and get on the road! I get asked about my waves when I wear my hair this way. It's pretty simple with one basic product and one BIG no-no. Waves for days!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-george6/support
Do you need a better daily plan? Is life just happening to you over and over again and every morning you are just not prepared?? Well, try a few of these things out and see what happens. They are working for me so that's testimonial #1! Let's have a GREAT day!
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Guess what genre I'm into these days! Ghost stories! By chance I picked up a paperback and I'm hooked. Let me tell you all about the book I snagged around Halloween and all the others I've got lined up next!
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I put my ebay sales on a brief hold while we moved, but we are back up and running and I have more tips to share! Sometimes you have to take a tough loss and just appreciate the information you now have and the lesson you learned! It's okay! Negative feedback isn't the end! (Thank you, unreasonable buyer!!) And sometimes you take a hit because the item just didn't make the trip intact. (Thank you for your courteous message and pictures, reasonable buyer!!) I am still very much enjoying ecommerce and plan to continue! I have more sales strategies swirling around in my brain!!! So, what I'm saying is that you better stick around for that. :)
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My Bible reading and prayer time has evolved over the years, and I think it is so important to make that time with God happen even through life's various stages. Let me tell you about a few things that really got me in the habit several years back and what my daily routine looks like right now. I wanted to have a closer relationship with God as a teenager, but struggled to discipline myself about regularly reading anything, and I couldn't seem to become the "morning person" I thought I needed to be. Fast-forward "a few" years and I want to tell everyone that will listen 5how my life has been full of so much peace and joy as I am getting to know and trust the Lord just a little more every day!
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This episode is all about moving out of our house, from getting recommendations from a professional about what our home needed to be market-ready, to finding (and dealing with) contractors, to getting ALL. THAT. STUFF. out of our house and garage without losing all our minds.
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I'm back after a lengthy hiatus and am finally telling the story of how we decided it was time to move! What a crazy year from start to finish. Things started happening in January 2022 as we talked about adding onto our house. In December of 2022 we were moving to the next county. It's a pretty cool story, and every time I think the transition was hard and we are still settling, I look at the journey God took us on and am at complete peace. Trust Him.
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This is the final take on my mental breakthrough while playing soccer this summer. But it's not just about soccer... a solution this effective could be applied more broadly and I am working on that for myself. After a recap on what's been going on I will also tell you what else I have seen that is very unhelpful to me when I am trying to show confidence and focus. It is all becoming very clear what I need and what I don't.
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Look at me getting caught up and giving you all these ideas for dinners now that school has started! This is just what you need.
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Oops - I'm not doing my quick and easy menu list in this episode, followed by the details. I'm just dumping it all at once! Can I do that? I guess I can - it's my podcast. Anyway, here's all the eats from June 2022.
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Yes, I still cook. Yes, I still record it. And yes, I still (eventually) publish it. I still can't believe that I took the time to cook this many times during the final full month of school. Enjoy!
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Where do you write that important thought down that would be useful motivation later? I put it all on my phone calendar and then set it to alert me every month. Listen along as I read off all those things right off the calendar, including all things motivational, dinner ideas, my perception of my circumstances, and little tips on how to get the mundane stuff done.
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Here's a short episode that is all about my latest household strategy! This is my plan to keep me from getting tunnel vision on laundry and excluding everyone and everything else from my view during the day. I need variety in my life and a plan to help me check all those boxes.
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I can't believe it, but I'm about to be all by myself with all four kids in school! Do I have a plan? Yes I do! I will read off the list and definitely keep you posted in future episodes on how the plan is actually going. Haha.
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It's bad enough when your mind pummels you all day long with too many thoughts that are completely unproductive, but what if they are still there when you are trying to fall asleep? Sometimes it takes a little more that melatonin. Here's what I normally do.
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Have you been thinking about ebay? We all have stuff we no longer want to hold onto that is worth money. Oh, this isn't an ad. I just happen to be diving back into online sales and am learning so much already. This episode is how I got started, why I stopped, and then when and why I started up again.
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Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennifer-george6/support
Let me tell you about the HUGE difference in my performance on the soccer field that came to be all because of a change I made in my head. I still have to consciously make this change when I start to revert back to old habits, but my oh my is it nice to have this solution in my back pocket. It makes me wonder what else can be improved if I get my head in the game, so to speak. That's another episode (already working on it). Listen up because this is good.
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How did I get to the point that the once highlight of my year was becoming my demise??? I used to think about this soccer league year-round with excitement and halfway through this summer season I started thinking I may be done with it forever. How does that happen? Am I really too old? What is causing this anxiety and terrible fatigue on the field? Am I fueling incorrectly? Maybe it's because I haven't been running lately. This was a problem I just could not solve. I felt like my performance was in a downward spiral and I wasn't sure I could recover.
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Back in the spring when we were zeroing in on finances and figuring some things out, I wondered how I could cut back a little bit on the grocery bill. Why had I been spending more? What had changed? I had to backtrack mentally through some things that had been affecting our schedule and I finally got to the bottom of it.
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This is so key. The single thing that is changing my life right now is being in God's Word consistently. I have a goal to read through in a year (for the third time) but the more I read the more I realize it is not enough. Please listen to this episode if you know God's Word is important but are struggling to be consistent.
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So there I was, back from a nice trip to the lake with my family, sore in a good way from all the great exercise, thinking about all the memories we made and WHY I WASN'T A BETTER PERSON in so many ways. I'm not sure why I have to destroy good things sometimes with my mind, but frankly it happens, and it happens regularly. So here are a few thoughts on that as I was realizing what was happening.
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We took a trip with family to the lake this summer and I put a lot of thought into preparing for the trip... as in mental prep. Attitude can make or break any event, and a mother's attitude can make or break it for the family, so I wanted to have right expectations and think it all through. Sound like too much? Unnecessary? Maybe my hormones were foreseeing issues and I was just getting in the right frame of mind.
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Looking back on this past spring when I coached volleyball, I am just amazed. Amazed at how much fun it was, how much I dearly love the sport though I have always looked down on it in a way because it was the only sport offered for girls at my private school and I was always wanting to be on the soccer field. The boys were so lucky! Anyway, what a great experience to continue volunteer coaching in a new sport, the sport in which I actually have the most training! God is truly good.
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Stop and think about what's good about it all. What does this challenge bring along with it that ultimately is a benefit to you? What positives would not exist without the changes you are experiencing? It sure it a lot easier to manage "too many things" when you know why they are all good and positive experiences.
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April felt like I was falling off the cooking wagon, but looking back I do have a few things to share and some new things I tried! So I gotta be happy with that. Tune in to hear about my favorite ways to make macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. Ramen bowls are back and always a great leftover!
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Season 5 of The Bog of Mind actually has a very positive theme of SUCCESS, honestly. I look back and am so thankful for things that have been working at home and in the realm of my personal goals. I am so thankful for God's grace in bringing these challenges into my life and also guiding me through them.
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In Season 4 of The Bog of Mind, life is getting busy. Like really really busy. I have to get really creative finding the time to continue working on personal goals. I also talk about my regular migraines and a few things that help me the most.
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In Season 3 of The Bog of Mind I introduce more kids' topics as well as my Monthly Menu Listings!! In these very practical episodes you may find some cooking inspo or parenting helps. You may. You may not.
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Season 2 has lots of book reviews! It was a season of reading like none other. Listen along, fellow readers!
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I just feel so down on myself sometimes when I remember the things I used to do. Remember when I was running all the time? Remember when I was reading a book or two a month? What happened? Is it all over? Am I no longer a reader or a runner? Just like the seasons change and then repeat, we have opportunities the cycle back around. Don't give up on what you enjoy. It will make a comeback. Allow the changes in your life to challenge you and provide variety.
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Our oldest went on a school trip for a few days recently and I was so nervous for her (and for us at home without her)! But, here's how we prepped for success! All went well, and we did not forget anything. I even had to bring along the younger siblings to drop her off in the wee hours to get on the bus! Phew.
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Admittedly, the kids' rooms are not in perfect shape at the moment, but we have systems in place that really encourage them to keep things tidy. This is as much a reminder to me as hopefully an inspiration to you to help kids as we all limp to the end of the school year together and into the glorious SUMMERTIME!
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I have a picture in my head of a morning that goes smoothly and productively. This is what I imagine that to be. I have to imagine it because mornings mostly never go according to plan. Life would be so boring if it were not a work in progress, right? Anyway, certain things are foundational to a good start to the day. Here's how I begin mine... during the school year... which is almost over... which makes me very happy.
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If you have walk-in pantry, I congratulate you (and envy you). If you have a small closet pantry, let me tell you how I'm managing with mine. It's small, deep, and not my favorite storage area, but it's what I have to work with.
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I'm going to get practical and just talk about a bad habit of mine that has recently gotten better. I don't know whether you bite your nails or not but here are some things that have helped me, a lifelong nail biter.
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I track calories and protein, but I really struggle to hit my goals on the latter. Life is nonstop right now, and I am leaning on a few quick sources of protein to help me meet my goals until I have time to cook more and meal prep. I will tell you what I keep on hand and which sources of protein are my favorite. If you are concerned about maintaining that hard-earned muscle, listen in.
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Babysitting is one of the jobs that my kids can help me with! Let's talk about when older kids may be able to start babysitting and how to start younger ones that could be "babysitters in training."
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Well, I was hesitant on starting up Ebay sales again because of shipping and other inconveniences, but here's what I have to say after starting it back up anyway. Yes, I've already learned some lessons and will learn many, many more. You can be sure I will share them here.
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So listen to this: this episode, that is. Here are a few ideas for you to mull over as you look at all the household responsibilities you have in a day and how you can make your own life easier. These are definitely not answers to life's problems, but let's see what other ideas your own brain generates as you listen!
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Well, I have realized lately that I am NOT on track with sleep, diet, and scheduling. I will tell you what I'm blaming it on and then tell you what's really happening. Sometimes you just have to check in with yourself to make sure you are doing what you think you're doing.
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Just when I thought I couldn't get busier... Well, I got busier. Here's the thing - I don't think it's all bad, and I even think it's a really good thing for me. I feel some pressure, and it's making me be better and accomplish more. Are you dealing with something that feels unpleasant and just want a break from it all because it's too much work and isn't what you planned on doing? Life could be a lot easier for you with a little change in perspective.
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We've talked about attacking stress in our days, but what about just those little mundane busy things that seem impossible to start? I have a strategy or two to share, along with a quick discussion about taking ownership. What does that even mean when we tell younger people to do that?
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Why are there so many hard decisions in parenting? Well, I don't know, but they keep coming and here's my thought process when I think I'm doing the best thing but still feel uncertain. Understanding and allowing for a child's emotions as well as our own isn't a bad thing when weighing things out.
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This may be just the info you need as you think about getting an appraisal done on your home. It can be scary if you're not sure what to expect, so let me alleviate some of your concerns, tell you exactly how we prepared, what I wish I had done, and the ultimate result of our efforts.
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Hello there. My husband and I have been volunteer soccer coaches for 9 years now and I thought I could share some thoughts on that. If you are considering volunteering as a coach or just thinking about signing your child up to play, have a listen. Almost a decade of insight is coming your way!
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With all of the episodes I have been publishing about my kids' "job list" and how I incentivize work around the house, I have been confronted with scheduling and trying to balance what I require of my kids vs. their school work, sports practice, music lessons and whatever other activities we have going on that are competing for our time. Let's talk about this for a few minutes.
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Welcome back! This is the second part of my miniseries on podcasting. In this episode I talk about when I podcast and general guidelines for each episode I publish. Yes, this is very general information so I hope it gives you a little nudge if you are interested in podcasting without being overwhelming. As always, I am speaking from my own experience and not as an expert.
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Are you thinking about starting up a podcast? Let me tell you how and why I started. Stay tuned for Part 2 where I will share more details!
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Things are still going great with our job list and the kids are earning their own money. We made some changes which have changed my laundry. I mean my life... which is laundry. What happens when kids don't get their expected responsibilities taken care of? Well, I do the work... but it costs them. Let's talk about my brilliant strategy.
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Years ago I was running. Then I had pain. Then I tried to get stronger. Then I just got fatter. Then I said no more. Then I lost 10 pounds.
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If you listened to the episode in Season 4, Beautiful Sundays, I'm about to tell you how that's going. I also have some more thoughts on how to help kids sit in church and maybe even listen. Surely that would be helpful to someone out there.
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Let's talk about some new things I have made lately and how easy it was!!! If you are looking for easy recipes for sauces and bread or feeling a little too basic in your cooking, let me tell you what's been on my mind. You know I've been thinking outside the box if you've been checking out my monthly menu episodes, but I'm still going! I have many culinary aspirations at the moment and I want to share them with you.
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Right now I have a job list for the kids that is working. It gets modified from time to time, but these are all things I really really need done and I find that they are worth the money I pay the kids to do them. I even pay the kids for things I would like to see them doing for their own personal development! My kids know how much money they have, what it took to earn it, and what it will take to get it back if they spend it all. It has been so cool to see their self-control in action when we shop. Plus, the best part is that there are no more negotiations at the store and no more begging us for things because they have the means to get what they want, if they really want it.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Here is another month of meals! This is quite a long episode all about cooking and there is quite a variety of meals this month. Listen along to grab some ideas and bring some creativity into your kichen. Listen further to catch all the details and fails. I cook Asian, Polish, Italian and a bit of Irish. Get some tips about using up leftovers and recycling previous meals. Even my kids helped in the kitchen this last month and seemed to enjoy creating new things that we all enjoyed as a family.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
It's happened to me. I didn't want it to, but I'm now the mom in a minivan just driving everywhere all the time. Sometimes it's soccer practice (hello fellow volunteer coaches!), sometimes it's softball practice, and sometimes it is piano and flute lessons. Chauffeuring is not what I envisioned for myself. It's not what I ever thought would be the best thing for my kids, and yet here we are, crazy busy, doing uncomfortable things, and looking for the positive. Life's unpredictability is scary and also exciting. I'm trying to focus on that second part. I'm giving my kids opportunities and doing my best to help them make the most of it. Do you know that I kinda wish I was involved in more than two sports as a kid? I love sports, but I feel most confident on the field when I've had coaching. That is something I keep in mind when my kids start randomly talking about something else they want to try.
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If you are dragging today but have to make some kind of progress, listen in for a few minutes. I will keep this short and give you a quick list of ways you can keep yourself going, even if you are slow. I am always trying to self-motivate and I have a few strategies to share today.
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In this really fun episode I interview my 3 youngest to find out what jobs they enjoy doing (from our list of chores) and what they plan to spend their money on. Kids say funny and surprising things! Sometimes you just have to ask the right questions. Getting kids to do regular work is a constant struggle but right now things are clicking along and we have been following this job list/plan for about three months now! It has made life a lot easier, rooms generally cleaner (even though I do not pay them to keep their own rooms clean) and shopping trips less painless because they have their own money and they know what it takes to earn it all back once they spend it. There are already new things we are adding to our current plan for getting chores done, and you can be sure those ideas will get their own episode shortly!
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I am battling seasonal allergies but there is one thing that is helping me so much! It is the very comforting and satisfying bone broth I have been perfecting lately. There are several containers of this nourishing liquid in my fridge and freezer, packed with protein, nutrients and warm spices. I will tell you everything I have been adding to it lately! You may be surprised at what I'm throwing in the pot and even more pleasantly surprised if you try making some bone broth for yourself.
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It really is raining as I sit in my van recording. I hope you find the rain soothing and not just annoying background noise! This calming, relaxed episode is hopefully one you can listen to over and over again while you are - maybe on a rainy day - trying to clear out your pantry that you thought you just organized last week! I have a short list of ideas to share about how to use up those almost-gone pantry items or even those forlorn-looking veggies that no one ate at dinner the other night. I will admit that some of these ideas I have not even tried out myself, but I intend to, and you can be sure you will hear about it in a future episode. Anyway, take it or leave it. I find that it's nice to have something to listen to while I'm cleaning in my kitchen, anyway. I think this is my "clean with me" episode.
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Isn't it great to find out what's really to blame for your personal shortcomings?? Haha. Well, maybe I can't really lay the blame elsewhere but I can see how awkward social interactions come to be based on social media. Social media is great, but do I expect people to know all about me based on a photo posted once a month? Do I hold myself to those standards when I run into friends? Something is wrong here and I intend to fix this problem in my real-life social interactions.
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Hey! More about reading today because I think it's important for our brains and ability to communicate! I have talked about the benefits of reading, but maybe you didn't need convincing on that. Maybe you don't know which book to pick up. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make strides towards your reading goals! If you choose poorly you may sabotage your potential to keep reading. Let's not let that happen.
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I was pondering why I could not sit myself down to read history when I needed to do it for a class, and these days I really enjoy it. If only, right? What could my GPA have looked like? So I compared circumstances and thought about it a while and then recorded it for you. There are many MANY hobbies and goals that I would like to focus on but timing and circumstances affect all that. Maybe if I pick apart the negative circumstances I can figure out how to get started (and keep going) on other personal goals and interests.
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Ever pick up a book based on another book by the same author that you enjoyed and find yourself totally surprised? I first read The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. I enjoyed his writing style and the story. I chose another of his books at the library that looked pretty different, but I had no idea! I really branched out in my reading choices here and I am glad. This is good for discussion! It made me think about appropriate reading, the purpose of certain elements, and my overall thought stimulation based on the plotline.
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My biggest source of guilt right now? Sunday. Sunday is the Lord's Day, and lately it's become a recovery day for me. I have attacked this problem before but it looks like the fight is still on. Do you struggle to get out the door and follow through on commitments outside the home? Are you so over-booked that important things get canceled and neglected? For me, it's time to take a serious look at this once again and drill-down to the causes behind my failure. I love to be in church, absorbing the teaching of God's Word, singing songs of praise to God, and catching up with friends and sharing our struggles. I keep thinking, "I don't want to go to church," but the real problem is that on Sunday morning after a long week and a care-free, late-night Saturday, I don't want to go anywhere at all. How can I balance the last of the family time before Jeff goes back to work with preparation for what should be the best and most important day of the week? Let's talk about this.
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I anticipated pain this past weekend and got through it with prayer and pain meds. I am still treating the migraine, but this milder case has me thinking about how I can better deal with it in the future.
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This is my personal story of migraines. Mine are hormonal. Here's my treatment plan when the pain strikes.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Those mundane tasks will build up and cause serious inconvenience if you don't figure out a way to get them done. Here are two things to consider when you have a pile of socks to match and just don't wanna.
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I keep having these epiphanies while I am cooking and they all seem to pertain to sauces, so here's an episode directly related to all of that.
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So "Part 2" of the list of things that work for us includes what calendars I use and how I use them, my planners, and also how I make time to do my stuff (like this podcast, for instance). It's not all that profound, but in my experience just being reminded about obvious options is often just what I need.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The reason I started this podcast was initially to share tips on my fitness habits because for the first time in years I felt like I was accomplishing something good and achieving my goals. Today I would like to share some info about some household stuff that seems to be working for the moment. Certain household hacks and incentives for kids to help have been successful lately and I just have to share! Here is Part 1, mainly dealing with a house full of kids.
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Is it obvious that I'm a homebody? I'm not upset that we generally don't travel during Spring Break, but after I stop smiling about getting to sleep in all week I am terrorized by the images of whining children lamenting their boredom every day for an entire week. So here's my plan for the week so that everyone gets what they want. Is that possible? I have to think so, otherwise it's going to be a really long week.
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I think we all understand that we cannot do all the things and that we need to learn to say no. Here are the really great things that I have had to decline lately in favor of what is best. How can we know what is best and be assured we made the right call? Let's talk about that, too.
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In this episode I will tell you about our rather difficult first experience having a puppy, my changed perspective looking back, and a dogsitting opportunity that was just the thing we needed. I get more and more excited about new and unexpected things that happen these days and I will tell you why.
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Do you have the car line blues? I used to dread afternoon school pickups, but now it's a very pleasant and calming part of my day! Let's talk about how I transformed the worst part of my afternoon into some wonderfully rare (and productive!) ME time.
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I have struggled big time trying to keep our house clutter-free and organized over the years. As I think about how all of that could change, I wonder what I've learned through this small-home experience. Let's find out, and let's also talk about planning for change. How can I plan if I don't know what the change will be? Well, I'm pretty good at imagining things so let's start there. :)
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Is this the tiniest breakthrough for me personally and one that I can share with my budding young pianists? I think maybe it is and will keep working on it. I am feeling very encouraged about enjoying music as I play it for others.
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I like doing these kinds of episodes because who doesn't need a quick list of dinner ideas to set themselves up for the next week or month? I will also highlight the best meals and give tips. Thanks for joining me again for this! I hope to publish these menu episodes all year long.
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Here's a quick and fairy concise (yay!) review of Jack London's The Sea Wolf. I'm so glad I picked this one up and added it to my library. The mystery of the sea, the clash of philosophies and thought-provoking dialogue made for a truly fascinating read.
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Are you over-analytical? Do you think too hard? Are you always trying to problem-solve? Listen to this and see if it helps you understand your own mind a little better. Also, do my 2 suggestions make sense?
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Do you really know what you're afraid of? Are you accurately assessing the commitment you are about to make? Here are two things I get hung up on needlessly when it comes to working out possible new commitments.
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Here's a short episode for those of you that have other things you need to get done but it's too overwhelming so you are distracting yourself with this podcast! Let's start something together!
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"Did I do all the wrong things today since they weren't on my list?" What was the purpose of today? Are you easily discouraged with "what got done" in a day? You may be seeing things from the wrong perspective, or you are missing some things entirely. Maybe you put all the wrong things on your list. Let's talk about that, and how to bring back that feeling of accomplishment and purpose, no matter how many checkmarks are on the page.
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Take a quick trip with me on my self-help journey thus far. It started with realizing my weaknesses, being fed up with them, reading books, making changes, and passing that onto my kids. If any of it sticks, my kids will be so much better off than I was as I headed into adulthood.
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I am a private school kid. It occurs to me that my perception on the public school system has changed over time as we have been a part of it. See what you think.
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I've just finished a book of short stories by Ernest Hemingway. Find out why I picked this book and what my impressions were about this highly-regarded author.
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I am most creative when I don't have a lot of options. When there's no time, I have to be creative about making time. If there's nothing to eat in the fridge, I have to examine fridge, pantry and freezer to come up with something new. If I am about to work on a piece of art but am not feeling inspired about how to begin, I put limitations on myself so that I am not overwhelmed with all of the possibilities. An extra source of income? Let's explore that. In this episode I think I will convince you that there is always an opportunity for creativity.
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The benefits of reading are indeed profound, but the reasons to read are not. Avid readers don't need to hear this, but if you struggle to sit down and enrich your mind with a good book, please listen to this. I will try to point you in the right direction and tell you exactly how I became an avid reader. I currently read self-help, history, war novels, biographies and short stories. Well, there's more, actually. Do you feel like you don't have time to read? Do you feel like sitting down is unproductive? I may have a different perspective on that for you.
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When a friend is dealing with something difficult, I feel a lot of pressure to find "the magic words" that make their problem go away, ease their grief, brighten their outlook. That's what friends are for, right? This conversation came up with my teenager the other day. And did I have the magic words for her? Well, not exactly. But that's the point.
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What good were all those self-help books I read anyway? Well, I find myself talking to my kids about ways they can approach their weaknesses and how they can resolve bad habits. Maybe some of the tactics I have read about are not just for adults?! Try treating your child like an adult... you may be surprised at how they thrive on discipline and responsibility.
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I have never been a great housekeeper and I live in a small house with five other people. I realized some things about myself and about my space. I looked at myself and my reality and wanted something to change. I read some good books that pointed me in the right direction. I was been encouraged by a professional organizer. I also managed to find some little helpers along the way, and life is a little less stressful in our house since we've made some changes. I think you'll hear some great ideas in this episode. Let's take a look!
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After basically 6 months of very little culinary inspiration, I am finally back in the kitchen and have a whole month of menu ideas for you! Have a listen if you're not sure what's for dinner tonight. I bet you'll think of something.
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I am still here and apparently a few new listeners have been by! Thanks for that. I think I'm just overall pretty excited about all the chaos in my life right now, and I will share that with you. I threw in a teeny-tiny book review and some successes I've had lately. Enjoy and hopefully take some inspiration along with you.
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Hold on because this is a long one. I threw in an update on the goals I have right now related to fitness and workouts, then followed with a spontaneous review of the work a professional organizer did for us recently, and then fell headlong into a book review that was very rambly. But truly, Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America was a great read and could have otherwise been entitled, The History of the Redneck. The book was quite the history lesson and gave me a sense of gratitude overall for our nation and the many cultures it has woven together. Reading it I can also see how current political struggles are not new, but rather a continuation of deeply rooted issues of the past. You may think you know what I'm talking about, but maybe you don't. The national issues put forth most prominently by the media are the same ones used in the past as a means to an end, regardless of what real difficulties working-class America is actually facing.
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Look at me posting two reviews in one episode! These books are due back to the library today and I have no other segments ready so it's all about books this episode. The Emperor's General, by James Webb, is a war novel about fictional character Jay Marsh, who is privy to the real Douglas MacArthur. Before reading this book I knew very little of The General but I plan to read more as I pick up WWII books. I also read No Place to Hide, by Lee Warren, MD. This journals a brain surgeon's experience in Iraq. It is a book about faith, and chronicles Lee's personal struggles as he deals with trauma constantly in a war zone.
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So do you remember back when I was focusing on my running updates and more of the fitness stuff? Yeah, let's do a quick update on that. I was struggling with my routine and laid out the positives and negatives of what I was trying to do, and I share all that in this episode.
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Hey there. It seems like I am mostly doing book reviews these days, but that just means I'm reading a lot and have lots to share, including all the new things I'm learning as I read non-fiction. Also today, let's talk about Christopher Columbus. He seems to be the latest historical figure that did some great things (that affect all of us every day) and is being thrown under the bus because he wasn't perfect. By all means, let's learn the full truth of our history... without heavy opinion being taught in schools.
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So a few things have been working for me lately, related to just getting stuff done on a given day. I will tell you all about that and also review the longest book I have ever read in its entirety other than the Bible. All The King's Men is now one of my favorite books. I didn't expect to like it, and definitely did not expect to love it!
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At long last I am posting this book review! I highly recommend the Call the Midwife book series.
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I recently read a memoir written by Vietnam War Vet and former Democratic Senator from Virginia, James Webb. I enjoyed his style of writing and loved learning about life in a military family. This read has given me greater empathy for those families who are constantly on the move, going wherever directed by the military. The stories of his experience in Vietnam and then returning to civilian life are intriguing and a window into times gone by. I also could see that his love of reading really made him into the writer he has become. Bonus info -- I am already reading his war novel, Fields of Fire, which my library did not carry but I was excited to find at a used book shop nearby.
In this episode I also talk about caring for someone with Covid, and talk about what became most important for my own health during that time and how I kept up with personal goals.
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It seems like after 20 episodes I should start a new season. So let's begin season 2! I'm just over here handling isolation and quarantine and trying to make the best of it. I am perfectly healthy (though I have been on a scavenger hunt for my sanity the last 2 weeks) but am taking care of my very own covid patient here at home. I have been doing lots of reading and finished the second book in the Call the Midwife series in under a week! I actually read a Vietnam War memoir right before that but you'll have to check that review out in my next episode. I got ahead of myself.
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I haven't published much of late, but I have been busy reading books and juggling new things. I haven't been happy with my overall "life progress" lately, so I sat down and listed all the negatives and also the positives, which always helps to clarify where I am, what I have to work with, and what the next step might be toward my goals. I also am finally reviewing Call the Midwife, by Jennifer Worth. I'm already reading the second of three books in this series!
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I would love to tell you about a recent book I read, In Harm's Way, by Doug Stanton. Join me as I discuss this amazingly tragic event in US military history. I will forever respect our men and women in uniform for all the unknowns they face and the sacrifice they make willingly.
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Looks who's finally getting another book review out there! I've since been diving into several more books - quick update on that included - but I am very excited to share with you some points I found interesting and helpful in this book, which is an especially great read for people like me who find themselves skipping around with many different hobbies. The other books I am reading are re: military histories and nutrition.
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We jumped right into this summer with pool days and lots of time with neighborhood friends and it feels so right! What's not going so right are some big plans to move, but I'm trying to appreciate where we're at and honestly, what's another year of waiting at this point? Let's talk.
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I just finished a great book about Andrew Jackson, have some others lined up that I am excited about, and have some good and bad news about running. Drama, drama, drama! Let's hit it.
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Well, this one's pretty random. We spontaneously made up a new game during one of MANY movie intermissions the other night and it had us laughing. I also thought I would share the very diverse assortment of jobs I have had and how they have led to all that I am and do at present. I think it's interesting. And, as always, thanks for listening; elsewise I would be talking to myself.
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I'm throwing in my favorite oven fried chicken recipe! I'm also giving a bunch of updates on the reading and running, including some mini book reviews for the books I'm reading this month. The running goal is morphing into something much better and it has me excited. I also open up about some family stuff that has me concerned but is also giving me a reason to schedule things better for all of us. Enjoy my babblings!
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Sometimes plans need adjustment. So let's do it. My current running plan and means of tracking progress is about to get modified. I may not have all the details yet but I know it's time to make some changes. I am committed to reading two books this month and I will talk about those books and my current Bible reading plan. Also, why do I keep stealing tomorrow's worries and holding onto them today?
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Hey! Check out my end of month episode and find out how my personal goals in running, reading and writing are progressing. Also, I will share some great information from the book I read this past month, Running Rewired by Jay Dicharry. Great stuff!
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Let's take your big, BIG goal and break it down into smaller goals and steps. Let's also see what's stopping you.
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Do you have a busy day to plow through? I have a strategy for you that may keep you going. Sometimes being positive isn't easy, but the process and result of getting there is quite valuable.
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I'm a list person. Sometimes. Each morning I determine what kind of day it is. Do I need a specific list just to stay on point? Do I need a general guide? Do I just want to dive in and find out what will get done? Do I want today to reflect progress on personal goals? Let's talk about all that. Not every day needs the same approach.
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Hey! I'm one month into this podcast thing and I think I like it! I hope you do, too. Let's talk about the first month, worry vs. preparation, acknowledging your accomplishments, and taking on the challenge of NEW things that can bring about EXCITING change!
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Did not see this coming! Even the simplest of plans get left behind when drama and emotions strike. Trolls of the mind need to be replaced and control of the ship must be taken back.
Do you know what kind of planner you are? Do you ever deviate from your system? Do you ever try other methods? Knowing who you are and how you function best is important, but trying something new from time to time can make a difference and bring excitement into your routine. You may surprise yourself.
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From dealing with mysterious emotions out of nowhere to once again wading through the mind bog, let's talk about how to get ourselves back in action, whatever is on the schedule. Listen to the end for some great alliteration.
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Ok this is what this podcast is truly about. And warning, there will be less structure to this episode as I dump thoughts at random. I will talk about what brain bog looks like, how to attack wandering thoughts, how to attack tasks during a brain bog, and ways to keep life simple when your mind is cluttered.
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What were the activities you loved during your childhood? Why aren't you still doing them? Did you really need to move on to more "adult things" or are you refusing to let yourself have fun (and be healthier) for no reason? Let's talk about the best of childhood and see what we can bring back into our (perhaps dull) adult lives.
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Let's compare March and April, enjoy some Easter flashbacks, the unauthorized telling of a story about my big brother, and explore some thoughts about getting where you want to go.
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Thanks for checking out my first ever BONUS EPISODE! Here's where I REALLY tell you all the things (without an outline, YAY)!!! We will talk end of month running progress, Easter baking traditions, and a quick book review that is all about ORGANIZING! Is this going to be the best episode ever or what?
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It's Monday and that's ok. Just like you do for any other day, you simplify your game plan and focus on only today's tasks. I will tell you what I'm reading, what I'm focused on (basically soccer season and endless laundry), give a couple of cooking hacks, and an unsolicited update on my personal goals that may spark some motivation, and conclude with something I'm thankful for.
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Rough week + piles of clutter are giving way to a fresh start and a clear mind. Join me in this very first episode as I figure things out.
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Hey. Jen here. Many many thoughts to share about what I'm doing and how I'm going to do it. I promise it is not usually the right way or the way everyone else is doing it. Take a look into the scattered mind of a very creative and somewhat rebellious person. Did I say that? I'm gonna say a lot of things. Guaranteed.