This post about calming routines and coffee is brought to you by Cross Country Cafe. All opinions are my own.
Most mornings, I’m woken up by two little boys who tiptoe (or pound, depending on who it is!) into my bedroom. Sometimes they head bump me – I’m not sure where that started but… it’s their thing. I love my boys to the moon and back, but a head bump is NOT a great way to wake up.
While they dress, they clamor: Breffast, downTARES, SEE-yall (cereal)… I can’t get the food to the table fast enough!
I clean counters while my inbox fills with emails, and the news is an unfiltered mess of educational and political issues. And then my coffee is cold.
I reheat the coffee (Green Mountain Southern Pecan is my current favorite), and we’re off to MOPS or Classical Conversations, or starting homeschool… followed by lunch, naps, errands, dinner, bath, bed, and… where does the time go?
I love my days. But they are busy – and for some time, incredibly stressful and I couldn’t figure out why!
Part of living a wholesome life, to me, isn’t solely about what food I eat or what brands I support… wholesome living is found simply in how I choose to spend my time.
How do I find calm in the midst of toddlerhood, homeschooling, blogging, and being me?
It’s not always easy! Some days I don’t make it. At all. I am human.
For me it boils down to: Find the mess. Clean it up. Find a way to keep it clean.
Where’s the mess, really?
Exactly. Where does the chaos come from? Is it inner turmoil or outer clutter? Probably a little bit of both. But which one impacts you the most? Which one can you change?
Although I love a clean house – admittedly mine is often a bit cluttered – after some soul searching, I realized it wasn’t the stacks of magazines, home school books and a few unfolded laundry baskets that made life feel chaotic. They’ll get taken care of that evening or weekend…
I discovered my unrest comes from external sources. For instance, I used to be involved in politics and community organizations – but found every political shift caused deep unrest in my soul. I used to take the boys out several times a week. But I’d arrive home exhausted and behind the game.
Clean up the mess solutions
Choose partnerships that fit your schedule or personality. The stress of public office or volunteering on a committee, yet feeling like change was not happening affected me incredibly negatively. Maybe someday political involvement will be for me again, but not right now. For our family, teaching Sunday School, since we’re already at church, and we love teaching children about our faith, is better fit.
Remember, sometimes less IS more! Cutting back on “field trips” brought a sense of peace back into our family life. Now, I pick a few trips a month, preferably one on a weekend for the whole family. We’re still hitting our favorite places, just not as frequently.
Grouping errands saves time, money, and reduces stress. I play the “how long can I realistically go without it” game. Sure, we’re out of milk, but do we absolutely need milk today? No, the boys can eat eggs, and I can stop at the grocery store after MOPS. And really, when’s the last time I liked the way a drive-through made my coffee? So I make my own coffee breaks at home, where I can make my coffee just the way I like it! 
Keeping our lives calm can be reality!
With two small children, mornings will be “busy” for years to come. Once I cut out a few external stressors, I had time to catch up on home life, to enjoy it (most days!).
I find little moments to “chill out” – like grabbing my coffee and staring out the front door with my boys while they wait for the garbage truck to drive by. It’s only about five minutes, but just being still, sipping my morning coffee… it’s a calming moment.
Another calming routine I recommend is stop reading emails and Facebook right away. Seriously, we let so much junk in right at the start! Now I flip through a devotional book or food magazine while the boys finish breakfast (they are slow eaters!); it’s much more pleasant to have coffee over delicious recipes or uplifting thoughts!
Not every day goes smoothly. I can’t promise that! But, I know what will derail and what will get us back on track.
***
Having a cup of coffee plays a role in my calming routines. There’s something about a hot beverage that is relaxing. Maybe for you it’s tea. Or hot chocolate (my boys love to split a hot chocolate KCup!).
Cross Country Cafe is a family owned / operated community of coffee lovers – they’re one of just a few National Distributors of Keurig K-cup coffee products! They’re about sharing the simple pleasure of single serve Keurig brewing!
Visit their e-Cafe site and blog to find out more about sustainable coffee, ways to use your Keurig brewer, and nearly fifty varieties of k-Cup flavors!
Order your k-Cups from Cross Country Cafe either as a single order, or set up a subscription service so you’ll always have coffee on hand! And with their Best Price Guarantee, you don’t even need to shop around to get great prices!
What’s your calming routine? Are you a coffee, tea, or cocoa drinker?
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This is a partnered post with Cross Country Cafe. All opinions are my own.
Everything about my life is chaotic. I just don’t let anything get to me because it is what it is.
Everything about my life is chaotic. I just don’t let anything get to me because it is what it is.
Trying to balance two jobs and being a mom and wife are chaotic in my life right now. I want to give my all to everything but at the end of the day I am exhausted.
Trying to balance two jobs and being a mom and wife are chaotic in my life right now. I want to give my all to everything but at the end of the day I am exhausted.
Probably not being able to manage a schedule.
Probably not being able to manage a schedule.
My finances are a bit chaotic right now, so I’ve simplified by sticking to a budget and cutting back on a lot of superfluous expenses each month. I’ve also been more careful about my spending and opting for free forms of entertainment over frivolous pastimes.
My finances are a bit chaotic right now, so I’ve simplified by sticking to a budget and cutting back on a lot of superfluous expenses each month. I’ve also been more careful about my spending and opting for free forms of entertainment over frivolous pastimes.
I am in transition now since our children got married within a year and 1 goes to college. So they are moving out and they don’t want to take all their clothes etc. I would love to change and even paint their bedrooms but they come home at different times to visit so I can’t rip the rooms apart to fix them properly. It is very frustrating.
I am in transition now since our children got married within a year and 1 goes to college. So they are moving out and they don’t want to take all their clothes etc. I would love to change and even paint their bedrooms but they come home at different times to visit so I can’t rip the rooms apart to fix them properly. It is very frustrating.
Mornings are always chaotic in our house. I have yet to find ways to simplify them.
Mornings are always chaotic in our house. I have yet to find ways to simplify them.
I just moved and It has been chaotic organizing the new set budget. I think I am getting a rhythm now!
I just moved and It has been chaotic organizing the new set budget. I think I am getting a rhythm now!
Keeping up with the bookwork for our lawn business is very chaotic. I think I’ll have to hire my daughter to help me with it to try to simplify my life.
Keeping up with the bookwork for our lawn business is very chaotic. I think I’ll have to hire my daughter to help me with it to try to simplify my life.
I was getting really overwhelmed with housework! My husband and I made a simple weekly list and it has made it so much less stressful!! We now tackle a few things a day and it doesn’t turn into a huge overwhelming job!
I was getting really overwhelmed with housework! My husband and I made a simple weekly list and it has made it so much less stressful!! We now tackle a few things a day and it doesn’t turn into a huge overwhelming job!
Dealing with a elderly sick mother is chaotic.
Dealing with a elderly sick mother is chaotic.
School is a chaos factor, we homeschool as well. Preparing for winter has been heavy on the to do list lately.
School is a chaos factor, we homeschool as well. Preparing for winter has been heavy on the to do list lately.
Oh things are always a little hectic around here. Still trying to figure it all out. My sons family moved back home with me and their 2 large dogs, and I have my lab mix that I adopted. So, its always busy! I try to take some me time and take walk when I can. Always helps relax me!
Oh things are always a little hectic around here. Still trying to figure it all out. My sons family moved back home with me and their 2 large dogs, and I have my lab mix that I adopted. So, its always busy! I try to take some me time and take walk when I can. Always helps relax me!
Dinnertime is always chaotic for me. I try to plan ahead and have everything I need and have it ready. But getting up early and getting both kids off to school, work all day, try to beat the kids home. Then get started on dinner…among a million other little tasks!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Dinnertime is always chaotic for me. I try to plan ahead and have everything I need and have it ready. But getting up early and getting both kids off to school, work all day, try to beat the kids home. Then get started on dinner…among a million other little tasks!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I’m pregnant and just the stress of hospital bills has been horrible, but i’m trying to remember not to stress and just try to relax and enjoy this pregnancy as much as possible!
I’m pregnant and just the stress of hospital bills has been horrible, but i’m trying to remember not to stress and just try to relax and enjoy this pregnancy as much as possible!
I have been very overwhelmed with finances–my husband took a new job that pays less, the kids are in daycare more hours, there’s a never ending string of unanticipated expenses that keep popping up…. Although I am watching the budget like a hawk, I am working on ways to do more with less, and to realize that I don’t NEED all of the luxuries I thought I did. When that doesn’t work, I go for a relaxing walk with the kids.
I have been very overwhelmed with finances–my husband took a new job that pays less, the kids are in daycare more hours, there’s a never ending string of unanticipated expenses that keep popping up…. Although I am watching the budget like a hawk, I am working on ways to do more with less, and to realize that I don’t NEED all of the luxuries I thought I did. When that doesn’t work, I go for a relaxing walk with the kids.
Everyday I try to give myself some downtime. I enjoy this time with a yummy smell in my wax warmer. Coffee is a must! And usually it could be reading a book, journaling, writing a letter to a friend, watching a show on Netflix.
Everyday I try to give myself some downtime. I enjoy this time with a yummy smell in my wax warmer. Coffee is a must! And usually it could be reading a book, journaling, writing a letter to a friend, watching a show on Netflix.
Keeping my house clean and organized is feeling chaotic to me…I have a 3 year old son and I am pregnant…I am trying to teach my son some simple chores.
Keeping my house clean and organized is feeling chaotic to me…I have a 3 year old son and I am pregnant…I am trying to teach my son some simple chores.
I have been feeling overwhelmed by clutter so I had a rummage last week. Got rid of a lot and was able to donate an entire carload to Goodwill!
I have been feeling overwhelmed by clutter so I had a rummage last week. Got rid of a lot and was able to donate an entire carload to Goodwill!
I simplify my chaotic moments in my life by taking a deep breath and just sitting down and sip on a cup of coffee while watching a really old movie on tv. That really calms me down.
I simplify my chaotic moments in my life by taking a deep breath and just sitting down and sip on a cup of coffee while watching a really old movie on tv. That really calms me down.
I’m a coffee drinker. High stress level and terrible anxiety. I need to find a way to calm.
I’m a coffee drinker. High stress level and terrible anxiety. I need to find a way to calm.
Chaos…it’s a way of life, I think. To help prevent some of this chaos, I need to organize my home and schedule. Sitting down with a cup of hot tea, talking things over with friends, taking some time for “me”, helps to deal with whatever chaotic issue I’m facing.
Chaos…it’s a way of life, I think. To help prevent some of this chaos, I need to organize my home and schedule. Sitting down with a cup of hot tea, talking things over with friends, taking some time for “me”, helps to deal with whatever chaotic issue I’m facing.
I’ve simplified by cooking more from scratch.
I’ve simplified by cooking more from scratch.
I had a really rough commute – we simplified our families life a bit by moving!
I had a really rough commute – we simplified our families life a bit by moving!
My mornings are a bit chaotic! I’ve been trying to organize the night before so we are not running late and everything goes smoother in the morning.
My mornings are a bit chaotic! I’ve been trying to organize the night before so we are not running late and everything goes smoother in the morning.
Too funny that simplification would be the question because YES I have been simplifying my life by cleaning through my house and being mindful about where I spend my time and energy. Putting family first 🙂
Too funny that simplification would be the question because YES I have been simplifying my life by cleaning through my house and being mindful about where I spend my time and energy. Putting family first 🙂
We have lots of birthdays around this time of year. It definitely gets chaotic trying to plan, attend, and buy for all of these celebrations!
We have lots of birthdays around this time of year. It definitely gets chaotic trying to plan, attend, and buy for all of these celebrations!
Here lately the kids and my house seems out of control. I resolved this by making a schedule for people to pitch in!
Here lately the kids and my house seems out of control. I resolved this by making a schedule for people to pitch in!
My job was becoming chaotic and I fixed it by switching to a different job and now I have a heck of alot less stress and I am happier for it.
My job was becoming chaotic and I fixed it by switching to a different job and now I have a heck of alot less stress and I am happier for it.
Love the ideas! Love my k-cup time!
Love the ideas! Love my k-cup time!
It seems everything in my life is hectic and cluttered! I’ve been trying to get more organized in my home,and trying to take a little time for my self by just sitting down and just putting my feet up and relaxing for a few minutes during the day.
It seems everything in my life is hectic and cluttered! I’ve been trying to get more organized in my home,and trying to take a little time for my self by just sitting down and just putting my feet up and relaxing for a few minutes during the day.
I get up before the rest of family. That first cup of coffee is so peaceful, calmly getting ready for the rest of the family to emerge.
I get up before the rest of family. That first cup of coffee is so peaceful, calmly getting ready for the rest of the family to emerge.
My whole life seems chaotic! I have started making to do lists, which seems to help!
My whole life seems chaotic! I have started making to do lists, which seems to help!
My routine is chaotic because my Son just started school and its a huge adjustment
My routine is chaotic because my Son just started school and its a huge adjustment
I need to get my household cleaning done quicker.
I need to get my household cleaning done quicker.
My home is chaotic. Things really need to be organized and I need to get rid of stuff that has been accumulating for years.
My home is chaotic. Things really need to be organized and I need to get rid of stuff that has been accumulating for years.
Unorganized dressers and closets are chaotic. I need to do a thorough clean-out.
Unorganized dressers and closets are chaotic. I need to do a thorough clean-out.
getting organized feels the most chaotic in my life. Im trying to clean out old clothes and simplify a bit
getting organized feels the most chaotic in my life. Im trying to clean out old clothes and simplify a bit
Mornings are the most hectic, so I’ve been trying to do more at night to prepare.
Mornings are the most hectic, so I’ve been trying to do more at night to prepare.
I am in the process of cleaning out and purging every closet and drawer in my house to simplify my life. It feels very good and freeing – can’t wait to be done!
I am in the process of cleaning out and purging every closet and drawer in my house to simplify my life. It feels very good and freeing – can’t wait to be done!
Laundry is chaotic
Laundry is chaotic
Right now it seems everything is chaotic! I won’t even get started because then this would turn into a book! I don’t know how to simplify any of it! But I do make sure I take time for me when I get home with a nice fresh cup of coffee!
Right now it seems everything is chaotic! I won’t even get started because then this would turn into a book! I don’t know how to simplify any of it! But I do make sure I take time for me when I get home with a nice fresh cup of coffee!
I have been simplifying with meals, less is more!!
I have been simplifying with meals, less is more!!
I am moving next week, and trying to sell my current home. I have been very stressed and busy lately, and need to remember to breathe, and enjoy a cup of coffee now and then.
I am moving next week, and trying to sell my current home. I have been very stressed and busy lately, and need to remember to breathe, and enjoy a cup of coffee now and then.
With having two teen sons involved in everything, seems like as soon as school starts and throughout the school year, I’m always on the go. I try to simplify by cooking a few dinners during the weekend that we just reheat for those crazy nights.
With having two teen sons involved in everything, seems like as soon as school starts and throughout the school year, I’m always on the go. I try to simplify by cooking a few dinners during the weekend that we just reheat for those crazy nights.
I am trying to simplify by downsizing the amount of “stuff” I have collected over the years!
I am trying to simplify by downsizing the amount of “stuff” I have collected over the years!
My life has been pretty chaotic since our second baby was born in April. He’s super cute and he doesn’t even need beauty rest lol. I find that it is easier for me to stay organized and on top of things if I get up an hour before everyone else. It also gives me a few moments of alone time each day (even if it is at 5AM).
My life has been pretty chaotic since our second baby was born in April. He’s super cute and he doesn’t even need beauty rest lol. I find that it is easier for me to stay organized and on top of things if I get up an hour before everyone else. It also gives me a few moments of alone time each day (even if it is at 5AM).
Fortunately, my life isn’t very chaotic right now.
Fortunately, my life isn’t very chaotic right now.
I HAVE A TENDENCY TO HOLD ON TO EVERYTHING AND THAT MAKES FOR SOME CLUTTER
I HAVE A TENDENCY TO HOLD ON TO EVERYTHING AND THAT MAKES FOR SOME CLUTTER
Wow… I was just reflecting on this the other day. My life is chaotic. .. Two boys ages 4 and almost 2. We are in the process of moving so the crafts and home school supplies are packed. I find myself yelling and being angry most days. This is not a pattern I wish to continue.
Wow… I was just reflecting on this the other day. My life is chaotic. .. Two boys ages 4 and almost 2. We are in the process of moving so the crafts and home school supplies are packed. I find myself yelling and being angry most days. This is not a pattern I wish to continue.
With kids back to school, life is getting chaotic from morning to night. I’ve been trying to find the balance between family and work.
With kids back to school, life is getting chaotic from morning to night. I’ve been trying to find the balance between family and work.
Right now, I’m working on simplifying my work/home transition. How to go from productive employee to loving mama in under 2.5 seconds!
Right now, I’m working on simplifying my work/home transition. How to go from productive employee to loving mama in under 2.5 seconds!
The biggest stress in my life is helping my sister take care of an elderly parent with dementia. It is so hard and tiring. I have to get away from it once in a while becasue being a caregiver is so hard!!
The biggest stress in my life is helping my sister take care of an elderly parent with dementia. It is so hard and tiring. I have to get away from it once in a while becasue being a caregiver is so hard!!
Working and taking care of my aging mom is becoming more hectic for me all the time.
Working and taking care of my aging mom is becoming more hectic for me all the time.
When our kids were younger I always made time for myself after getting them to bed. Life can get pretty hectic at times.
When our kids were younger I always made time for myself after getting them to bed. Life can get pretty hectic at times.
Driving my sons to school, sports, etc has been driving me hectic!
Driving my sons to school, sports, etc has been driving me hectic!
I am constantly running all over and for me a grocery trip is at least a 30 minute ride one way to the store so usually a grocery trip is turned into a grocery day! I work part time but always feel like there is not enough time to relax and unwind and do the quilting like I like to do for unwinding with my coffee! I love my Kcup brewer so at least I get that one cup in before I am off and running again!
I am constantly running all over and for me a grocery trip is at least a 30 minute ride one way to the store so usually a grocery trip is turned into a grocery day! I work part time but always feel like there is not enough time to relax and unwind and do the quilting like I like to do for unwinding with my coffee! I love my Kcup brewer so at least I get that one cup in before I am off and running again!
After school is my craziest time of day. With 2 boys at home who destroy the house all day and 2 boys that need to do homework when they get home, I am severely outnumbered! We ‘ve been working harder at cleaning up between activities during the day to limit the big clean up at the end of the day. And I started operation clean up 15 min before the bus arrives. Then when the backpacks and papers explode, we have clean counters to sort them on. I also started doing an afternoon snack, apples slices, popcorn, crackers, etc for ALL of us at 4pm. This seems to tide us all over until dinner and I get less “I’m starving!” comments while making dinner. Homework is usually completed by 5 and then the boys are sent to play together downstairs while I make dinner in peace, except for refereeing the occasional fight, that is.
After school is my craziest time of day. With 2 boys at home who destroy the house all day and 2 boys that need to do homework when they get home, I am severely outnumbered! We ‘ve been working harder at cleaning up between activities during the day to limit the big clean up at the end of the day. And I started operation clean up 15 min before the bus arrives. Then when the backpacks and papers explode, we have clean counters to sort them on. I also started doing an afternoon snack, apples slices, popcorn, crackers, etc for ALL of us at 4pm. This seems to tide us all over until dinner and I get less “I’m starving!” comments while making dinner. Homework is usually completed by 5 and then the boys are sent to play together downstairs while I make dinner in peace, except for refereeing the occasional fight, that is.
Family life is very chaotic. I haven’t found a good solution just yet. I’ve been getting up early to try to have some peace to get a tiny bit done, but that means I give up my tiny fitness routine. =(
Family life is very chaotic. I haven’t found a good solution just yet. I’ve been getting up early to try to have some peace to get a tiny bit done, but that means I give up my tiny fitness routine. =(