I can generally tell how productive the day will turn out by 10am.  Psychic?  Nah.  It’s a simple matter of discipline.  If I get myself in gear and do the majority of my “Daily Disciplines”, then I know I’ll have a productive day.  If I falter and blow them off, then the day is already shot by mid-morning.

Amazing but true.

These are small practices, baby steps in the world at large, but for a mother of two tiny children I’d say it’s a pretty good challenge.

Make the bed.

This has become much more important now that the bed is in the living room.  (In a space that used to be a bedroom at some point in time so it’s really not that weird.  And it works for us so there you go.)

Brush everyone’s teeth.  And floss mine.

This is much trickier than I ever imagined it could be.

Make something.

Sit at the table and eat breakfast together.

Get the giant stroller and go for a walk.

Even when it looks like this outside:

I’ll admit that we don’t necessarily get out into snowy weather every day…do you have any idea how long it takes to get them dressed for this?

Sit still with myself for a moment of peace.  Every single day.

This usually involves cookies, a cup of Moroccan Mint Green Tea, and Facebook.  Today it’s chocolate biscotti that I made over the weekend.

Dance.

Usually in the living room.

And let’s not forget:

Dishes.

Laundry.  Laundry.  Laundry.  And more laundry.

Vacuuming.

Sometimes these mundane tasks require a little extra boost of motivation ~ I follow my friend Asja’s advice and put on a cardigan, some polka dots, a pretty necklace, and some tall shoes.

My heels of choice are Danskos.