10 Things Saving My Life
The 500 Things Project Ep. 13
The author Barbara Brown Taylor is often credited with coining the question, “What’s saving my life?” but she says the question came from a host at a church where she was invited to speak. He asked her to simply, “Tell us what is saving your life right now.”
Well, my friends, if any time ever needed some life savers, it might be the seventh week of baby’s sleep regression when you still have work to go to and a new apartment to find and bills to pay. Here are ten things, small and large, that are saving my life these days.
Proteinaceous mornings: Bacon & eggs for breakfast.
That’s a word. I did not make that up. The fact is that my day goes better when I start it with bacon and eggs.
Planful pivoting: Take out as the plan, not a last resort.
When I plan meals, one night is automatically assigned “take out.” It’s stress relieving permission built into the system that makes it more likely we’ll cook on the other nights.
Unexpected value: My Medela breast pump.
In August I ordered a free breast pump through my insurance and had a hormonal meltdown when the one that showed up was different from what I thought I ordered. This one turned out to be a great fit for the daily schlep to and from work. I am super ready for Charlie to get his calories elsewhere, but grateful we were able to keep him on milk this long.
Accommodating provisioning: Grocery delivery.
I’ve decided this week to go back to grocery pickup for the cost savings, but grocery delivery was no doubt an essential during the newborn phase.
Dependable care: A new daycare situation.
File this one under, “Weight I didn’t know I was carrying until it was taken off.” Our first daycare, close to my work, was convenient and well priced and good enough. At the new daycare we’ve gotten to meet Charlie’s teachers, see his classroom every day, and as a bonus, I don’t have to spend an hour everyday with a fussy baby in the car.
Thoughtful listening: excellent podcasts.
Episodes of note: Tim Ferriss’ interviews of Cal Newport, James Clear, and Brené Brown. The first two episodes are over two hours and I am not mad about it - I’m listening to them again this week. There’s something satisfying about a conversation between two deeply thoughtful, intelligent people.
Not-so-handy technology: Voice to text functionality.
I take notes on the aforementioned podcasts while I’m driving using voice to text in my phone’s Notes app. Later, I review them and transfer anything that still sticks to my journal or planner. Yay safety! And no losing information.
Exceptional tools: You Need A Budget.
I’ve only just started using this, but I can tell it’s going to be a game changer. It is such a smart design. If you have also slipped from the budget train and have butterflies in your stomach whenever you go to use your debit card or take a peek at your credit balance, YNAB might be for you.
Remarkable writing: reading fiction.
Recent reads of note: Hannah Coulter, 2 AM at the Cat’s Pajamas, Meet Me at the Museum, Dear Mrs. Bird. I’ll have to do a reading roundup post soon to give each of these titles descriptive justice.
Delightful companions: fantastic coworkers.
Humans are made for connection and it’s no surprise that my current ease at work stems in part from the daily chit chat and camaraderie I’ve found in my coworkers.
Irreplaceable partnership: Edward.
A bonus on this list, but an essential life saver. I could make an entire list of the things Edward does to keep our little family afloat. Maybe another week?
What’s on your list?
Love,
Amy