Stop Stressing About Dinner

Meal Planning, Tupperware, Box Breathing and Branch Basics

I’m two weeks into my 30-day “break” from Instagram. I realized that not only was IG taking up too much of my physical time but it was stealing an obscene amount of my mental energy as well. As someone who has a coaching business, I feel so much pressure to be ever-present on social media. The more I’m off Instagram, the less anxious I feel and I’m coming to the conclusion that it may not be the platform for me regardless of what the experts say. As I continue to discover what I need in this season of life, I encourage you to figure out what works for you (and what doesn’t). Society will always tell you what’s trending but just remember that it doesn’t have to be your truth.

In the meantime, here are four things to help you live well…

---

Write

The start of any week can feel a bit overwhelming and one major decision that can make life feel harder is choosing what we’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day. This week is I’m challenging you to try deciding your meals for the week TODAY. Options include takeout but if you can, select the restaurant and meals ahead of time. For example, chicken lo mein from China King is how specific you want to get. The point is to not have to spend energy during the week trying to figure this out. And because I love a good printable, I created a free meal plan template (in two different sizes) to help get you on your way.

---

Eliminate

I’m not sure how this happens but how do we end up with Tupperware containers that don’t have lids and lids that don’t have containers? Unsolved Mysteries needs to tackle this once and for all. I’m not a gambler but I’m feeling pretty confident that you probably have a lid or container that’s a little lonely because it’s counterpart is nowhere to be found. Unless you have a way to reuse this particular item, this is your opportunity to release yourself from the burden of seeing it and having it take up precious space in your cabinet or drawer. You may only be left with one food storage container with a matching partner after the purge but if we’re being real, that was always the case…

---

Learn

There are moments where you find yourself right at the edge of anger, frustration, stress, anxiety, you name it and the emotion is so intense that all you want to do is throw caution to the wind and erupt. While going full volcano is tempting, there is a split second right before giving in where you have an opportunity to make a better choice. This is where box breathing can be helpful. It not only slows down your heart rate but gives your mind something else other than overwhelm to focus on. Sometimes a good distraction is all you need to find center again. Close your eyes and breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds and hold for four seconds. You’ve just completed one cycle of box breathing. Wasn’t that ahhhhh-mazing?

---

Love

Cleaning is not something that most people look forward to but after a good friend recommended the Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit, I’ve been more excited to clean than ever before. One concentrate for your countertops, toilets, mirrors, strawberries and even your hands. Under my kitchen sink never looked so clean and organized. The best part is that it’s non-toxic and safe for all members of your family. They even ship to US territories and Canada which is an absolute plus for me since I happen to live on an island. I haven’t fully made the switch when it comes to laundry but powdered Tide has a hold on me that is gonna take some time to break. Use this link to save $10 off your first purchase of $15 or more and let me know what you think!

---

What’s New?

Q&A

I want to hear from you!!! Click the card below to ask me an anonymous question about decluttering your mind, home or some other area of your life. There’s no way for me to know who it’s from so if there is a specific issue you’re struggling with or too nervous to share with your friends, then ask it below and it might be featured in the newsletter. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Journal Tracker

As of yesterday, the 30-day guided journal I’m creating is now with the editor. Trust me when I tell you this is a major milestone. I thought it important to share the process for anyone else who feels called to create a journal or write a book at some point in their lives. Just know that however long you think this whole process takes, it’s much longer than that. I can’t wait to get it in your hands but I asked God to help me be more patient and in true fashion, He delivered…

Thanks for reading! This newsletter is a reader-supported publication. The best way to support it is to like, comment and share with your fellow mamas.

Until next time, live and be WELL!