Sometimes when I sit at my desk I feel like a hammock stretched between two great trees. The trees are my desk—standing proud and tall like mighty oaks with trunks of filing cabinets and drawers—and I am the hammock, swinging gently and holding the bits and pieces of my life in its woven net.
I can keep those pieces snug as long as the weather is fair and the breeze is gentle.
But perfect weather is only part of nature. When a storm arrives, my hammock flips and the bits of my life scatter in the wind.
Then I run around like a madwoman gathering those pieces, and the scramble creates chaos in my life and family. I wasn’t prepared for the storm—I was daydreaming that life would always be calm and sunny, just as I sometimes daydream I’ll be the next Dolly Parton (and, of course, there can only be one).
Simple Daily Challenge:
Let’s prepare for the storm. Put on three groovy tunes or set a 10-minute timer and tackle small, meaningful tasks that will stop the scattered pieces from piling up.
- File or scan loose papers into folders.
- Pay any bills that are due.
- RSVP to invitations you’ve been avoiding.
- Sign and return notes from school.
- Mail birthday cards ahead of the actual birthday.
- Send emails you’ve been putting off.
Look through those silly stacks of paper near your desk and in other work areas. Anything that’s nagging at you and can be solved with a quick email, call, or five-minute action—handle it now.
Small, consistent actions keep the hammock steady. When you spend a little time each day clearing clutter and finishing little tasks, you reduce the chance of being overwhelmed when a storm does come.
Ready? Let’s Do This, Mommas!
Start with one 10-minute session today. Celebrate the progress—even small wins matter. Over time those quick efforts add up, and your life will feel less like a tossed hammock and more like a calm, reliable place to rest.