Centsible Life

Helping Women and Girls Live Healthier, Happier, and Wealthier

Attitude Adjustment

By 36 Comments

I can remember my mom occasionally telling me I needed an attitude adjustment when I was younger. Looking back now I am sure she was right! (sorry mom for all the moodiness from 7 to well now)

Today I was doing some work while the kids were playing, and getting interrupted every 5 minutes. Frustrating as all heck after not having even 10 minutes to be on the computer yesterday, and having 3 kids home most of the week, along with very little time to work at night before I feel into bed completely exhausted.

Looking around my house today, I was overwhelmed with how much needs to be fixed, cleaned up, sorted, or put away. I’ll let you see what I mean:

Would love to hear from you, how do you change your mindset? I admit I’m not the most positive person, any tips on how to stay positive?

Kelly

PS I was interrupted by a screaming fight over a ribbon while I was writing less than 200 words. Fun.

About Kelly


Kelly Whalen is the founder and editor of the Centsible Life blog. She started the blog 6 years ago as her family faced a mountain of debt. The blog became a resource to readers and a hub for everything you need in life for less. Kelly lives in the Philadelphia area with her superhero husband, 4 awesome kids, and one adorable dog. She still believes you can have it all....just not all at once.

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Comments

  1. Kelly, I just found this after reading the great post on Thanksgiving decorations. OMG, you sound like me in the video. I totally understand the 5 minute interruptions, and the choice for preschool. I’m thinking about waiting to send my youngest to school since we don’t need to spend the money, but…there’s a tradeoff in terms of what I can do at home. Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply

  2. It's natural to get frustrated with the daily tolls of life. Just listening to some good music and finding something to do on your own to help switch your mindset works. I enjoy working out and reading, maybe those could help.

    Reply

  3. It's natural to get frustrated with the daily tolls of life. Just listening to some good music and finding something to do on your own to help switch your mindset works. I enjoy working out and reading, maybe those could help.

    Reply

  4. Miley Cyrus is my friend. Yup not afraid to admit that I love her. She makes me dance and for now she helps me move and get my blood pressure up.

    Reply

  5. I agree with the first poster. I hurt my knee a couple of weeks ago and decided it was time to implement chores for our 7 and 4 year olds. In the evening now they set and clear the kitchen table for dinner, wipe down the counters and the table after dinner, help load/unload the dishwasher, sweep the kitchen and vacuum the living room. The intention was to do it every night but that hasn't been happening lately but it gets done most nights and they can do a lot of it while I'm cooking dinner. We tell them that because we are all part of a family we all have to chip in also another benefit for them is undivided time with us. We can all sit down after dinner relaxed and in a clean house and spend time together reading books or playing games.

    Reply

  6. I agree with the first poster. I hurt my knee a couple of weeks ago and decided it was time to implement chores for our 7 and 4 year olds. In the evening now they set and clear the kitchen table for dinner, wipe down the counters and the table after dinner, help load/unload the dishwasher, sweep the kitchen and vacuum the living room. The intention was to do it every night but that hasn't been happening lately but it gets done most nights and they can do a lot of it while I'm cooking dinner. We tell them that because we are all part of a family we all have to chip in also another benefit for them is undivided time with us. We can all sit down after dinner relaxed and in a clean house and spend time together reading books or playing games.

    Reply

  7. Miley Cyrus is my friend. Yup not afraid to admit that I love her. She makes me dance and for now she helps me move and get my blood pressure up.

    Reply

  8. Kelly: I enjoyed your video chat. I am now a new emptynester so I cannot relate to having four kids at home right now. It does sound like you have a lot on your plate. With no children at home now I found that my blogging, matchups, was taking time away from me being productive at home and also, I was so busy finding other folks deals I was not taking the time to take advantage. I started my year off by taking a break from matchups and offer links up. I have also attended to some medical issues and house issues with this extra time. I have gotten really reorganized just refocusing for a bit and I feel so much better. I am still doing my blog but I am not feeling the pressure.

    One thing I will suggest: I saw your beautiful daughter. I am not sure the ages of your children but they should definitely have chores by that age and with that comes organization. Maybe you can assign them to put things away in their room, etc. It will be to their benefit in the future that you give them these tools. I know a couple going through a divorce and when they are with their daddy, he makes them do chores and pick up after themselves. When they are with their mother, they leave a mess all over the house and never pick up and she does not make them pick up - she does it all for them cause it is easier. I can't see this helping them in their future at all. It was always a rule in our home to get your chores done and room picked up before you moved on to other activities. You make the chores age appropriate and you an make it fun too. Give them a tour of their room and show them where things go how to put away things - just start slowly. Make them feel proud of their things.

    We all have stumbles in the road and feelings of being overwhelmed. My motto in everything - is keep it simple - whatever it is - cooking food, shopping, etc. I do agree with the other reader to try and get in your exercise in the morning - it is a great attitude adjuster. And remember, it is okay to say no when someone asks you to volunteer at the school or take on a committee. Right now just focus in your family and yourself.

    Will chat more later.

    Reply

    • Sadie,
      Thanks for all your wisdom. :)
      I don't do a lot of deal blogging, and that's one of the reasons why. I never even have 2 hour blocks of time to focus, and my local friends who are deal bloggers work really hard.

      The kids do have chores, and my oldest does a ton to help out, but there are still things I have to do that they can't. And moreso this week I think it was feeling like there is so much that needs to be fixed around the house, and I really need to make a few things like that a priority, it will make me feel so much better about things.

      I don't volunteer right now, while the kids would love if I came to school, paying a sitter to watch the other kids seems like a terrible use of my time and money. I would rather create a ore peaceful and wonderful home environment for them. :)

      Reply

  9. Kelly: I enjoyed your video chat. I am now a new emptynester so I cannot relate to having four kids at home right now. It does sound like you have a lot on your plate. With no children at home now I found that my blogging, matchups, was taking time away from me being productive at home and also, I was so busy finding other folks deals I was not taking the time to take advantage. I started my year off by taking a break from matchups and offer links up. I have also attended to some medical issues and house issues with this extra time. I have gotten really reorganized just refocusing for a bit and I feel so much better. I am still doing my blog but I am not feeling the pressure.

    One thing I will suggest: I saw your beautiful daughter. I am not sure the ages of your children but they should definitely have chores by that age and with that comes organization. Maybe you can assign them to put things away in their room, etc. It will be to their benefit in the future that you give them these tools. I know a couple going through a divorce and when they are with their daddy, he makes them do chores and pick up after themselves. When they are with their mother, they leave a mess all over the house and never pick up and she does not make them pick up - she does it all for them cause it is easier. I can't see this helping them in their future at all. It was always a rule in our home to get your chores done and room picked up before you moved on to other activities. You make the chores age appropriate and you an make it fun too. Give them a tour of their room and show them where things go how to put away things - just start slowly. Make them feel proud of their things.

    We all have stumbles in the road and feelings of being overwhelmed. My motto in everything - is keep it simple - whatever it is - cooking food, shopping, etc. I do agree with the other reader to try and get in your exercise in the morning - it is a great attitude adjuster. And remember, it is okay to say no when someone asks you to volunteer at the school or take on a committee. Right now just focus in your family and yourself.

    Will chat more later.

    Reply

    • Sadie,
      Thanks for all your wisdom. :)
      I don't do a lot of deal blogging, and that's one of the reasons why. I never even have 2 hour blocks of time to focus, and my local friends who are deal bloggers work really hard.

      The kids do have chores, and my oldest does a ton to help out, but there are still things I have to do that they can't. And moreso this week I think it was feeling like there is so much that needs to be fixed around the house, and I really need to make a few things like that a priority, it will make me feel so much better about things.

      I don't volunteer right now, while the kids would love if I came to school, paying a sitter to watch the other kids seems like a terrible use of my time and money. I would rather create a ore peaceful and wonderful home environment for them. :)

      Reply

  10. I think it’s normal to feel that way. I don’t have kids, but I know that when I feel like I have to be around people for long periods of time with no ‘breathing room’ it exhausts me and I want/need space. I think it’s totally normal. Just remember that it’s not forever, and that you can do things even if you’re at home which need to be done.

    I do this thing, when I am down/stressed. make a list of all the thing you want to change, make a list of what you can add to your life to make it better, then simply swap two for one week. Not all just one or two.

    Hugs.

    Reply

  11. I can totally relate to the situation. It seems like when everything is stable and we find that happy moment to sit down and do something for us, then wham, instant chaos ensues. I am a big fan of the Happines-Project blog by Gretchen Ruben, she has some stellar practical advice on invoking our inner calm.

    Reply

  12. I can totally relate to the situation. It seems like when everything is stable and we find that happy moment to sit down and do something for us, then wham, instant chaos ensues. I am a big fan of the Happines-Project blog by Gretchen Ruben, she has some stellar practical advice on invoking our inner calm.

    Reply

  13. Awww… loved the ending when Almost Birthday Girl jumped in. Hang in there, K. We all have good and bad days (I was definitely in the bad day mode on Tuesday.) Love the get out of the house rule. So important. And wahoo on your DS’ achievement!

    Reply

  14. Awww… loved the ending when Almost Birthday Girl jumped in. Hang in there, K. We all have good and bad days (I was definitely in the bad day mode on Tuesday.) Love the get out of the house rule. So important. And wahoo on your DS’ achievement!

    Reply

  15. Kelly, I can’t wait to talk to you about this change in your mindset. For your picky eaters, PBand J counts as dinner, we’ve done fruit and peanut butter for supper for our Miss picky eater here before. I love the idea of you taking the dog for a walk, I wonder if you can get that done earlier in the morning to get it out of the way, for two reasons, first- personally, exercising at night is counterproductive to sleep, second- I don’t like hanging out all day in my exercise clothes- as comfy as they are- It makes me feel better to be better dressed. More to say, but Miss is calling for goodnights, we’ll chat tomorrow:)

    Reply

    • That's a great way to look at it. As long as they are eating something relatively healthy it's ok. The issue is more that I know some of them will eat really awesome stuff, and try new things, so I have to find a balance.

      I prefer exercising at night, actually. It feels like a great way to end my day.

      Reply

  16. Kelly, I can’t wait to talk to you about this change in your mindset. For your picky eaters, PBand J counts as dinner, we’ve done fruit and peanut butter for supper for our Miss picky eater here before. I love the idea of you taking the dog for a walk, I wonder if you can get that done earlier in the morning to get it out of the way, for two reasons, first- personally, exercising at night is counterproductive to sleep, second- I don’t like hanging out all day in my exercise clothes- as comfy as they are- It makes me feel better to be better dressed. More to say, but Miss is calling for goodnights, we’ll chat tomorrow:)

    Reply

    • That's a great way to look at it. As long as they are eating something relatively healthy it's ok. The issue is more that I know some of them will eat really awesome stuff, and try new things, so I have to find a balance.

      I prefer exercising at night, actually. It feels like a great way to end my day.

      Reply

  17. I think it’s normal to feel that way. I don’t have kids, but I know that when I feel like I have to be around people for long periods of time with no ‘breathing room’ it exhausts me and I want/need space. I think it’s totally normal. Just remember that it’s not forever, and that you can do things even if you’re at home which need to be done.

    I do this thing, when I am down/stressed. make a list of all the thing you want to change, make a list of what you can add to your life to make it better, then simply swap two for one week. Not all just one or two.

    Hugs.

    Reply

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