Not especially at the moment, but I do keep a planner of 'to dos', appointments and things to remember. I write everything that's anything in there, so it's all in one place! Will definitely be considering goals and intentions for sure, think this idea will really suit how my husband and I work together as we strive to live simply and with intention. Thank you. Hope move went well and you can have a rest now xx PS. You did great in July. You did everything you needed to do and prioritised things that needed prioritising. Moving house is a big deal. The children will understand. Wishing you valuable family time in August. It will feel all the sweeter!
I want to become more intentional and this is a great way to do it! Erica, I have enjoyed your journey so much and have gotten so much from your videos. I am looking for a life coach. Would you be able to message me and recommend yours? I would really appreciate it. As a fellow lady, wife, mom and homeschool mom, I need some help to make the most of my time and goals and intentions. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Intentions are usually balance/get back to more balance and remembering to pump the brakes when life gets crazy. Goals follow that Bc balance is who do I most want to show up for and how and goals are the small steps to getting there. Always a monthly whole house declutter but after 10 years and empty nesting there’s (usually)less that’s crept back in. And I try to beat myself up less when I fall short bc at the end of the day it’s harder to be kind to others if we can’t be kind to ourselves. Hope that helps.
I loved this setting intentions concept. “How do I want to show up?” I’m going to try it. My mind goes in a lot of directions too, which leads to overload. “Paper brain” is the way. I can always go back to my paper brain when I forget or am overwhelmed. Even though our family has severe COVID (we’re one of those “lucky” 3% that caught a very bad strain mid-March and it’s still “visiting”-a very unwelcome “house guest” who’s moved in and is just hanging on), I still want to greet each day with clear intention & some kind of plan. Thanks for posting this video. 🤗❤️ I’m going to watch it again now.
Oh my goodness, girl! I'm not even finished watching yet, but I have to say - please stop being so hard on yourself about July! You just moved!!! That's gonna put a crimp in anyone's intentions! Cut yourself some slack. ♥ Also, don't expect too much of yourself in August either. Set your intentions, for sure, yet don't beat yourself up if everything doesn't go according to plan. Just sayin'... And yes, as others have said, I think the word you want is 'passion'. ;)
The word that could be appropriate is vocation. A spiritual calling in which you use your God-given gifts and experiences to lift others up and help them to discover their vocations.
In german the word Beruf for profession and Berufung for that kind of inner calling, or vocation as you say, are quite similar. It's funny (or sad actually) that most people don't get this fulfilment in their job, that comes with doing what your vocation is.
I paused half-way through this video to literally comment on you writing things down. It comes from Getting Things Done concept by David Allen. Fantastic book I have used for myself for the last 15 years and my students. 'Your head is for having ideas, not for keeping them.'
I think it’s important to realise that there are periods in life where the stuff you want to do takes a back burner because other things take priority. Like the house move and the incredible amount of energy moving and sorting does, children get to understand these issues and learn to work with them, it’s important that they learn these things too, you have done amazing with all the organising you have done and achieved so much, it’s also important to keep things in perspective. 😊
I wouldn't be so hard on yourself for July "getting away from you." You and your hubby and your three children and your dog MOVED, out of state, that is huge! You have done a great job with that task.
In german we have different words for work. You can have a work (Beruf) and it' s a job. And you can have a work as a vocation (Berufung), as something that calls you to do it.😊
Greeting from Tanzania. When I was young my dad retired from the military in his forties and after being a volunteer coach his whole adult life, he started working as a full time hockey coach. I remember looking at him and having this realization that how lucky it would be to have a job that you actually love so much, that you would do as a volunteer. Fast forward about 20 years, and while my life took many turns, I’m happy to say that dream has come true to me. I still call it work, but I count myself to be one of the lucky ones who gets to love what they do. Isn’t that how it should be? ❤️
Ikigai is a Japanese term (a reason for being). there is cool graph also if you google the word. it has the word in the middle and then circles with words to make a flower like picture. This is also something i will definitely have to try myself. i have been on a spiritual journey since last march. this is one important step. i have been going from being negative to positive, thanks this is great.
I watched this the other night and vowed to be more available and say yes more. Today I agreed to letting my 2 daughters and 3 daycare kids make slime at naptime. Two hours later they're still at it and my 7yo just said "thank you for saying yes, even if you probably regret it!" 🤣
Give yourself a pat on the back and don't beat yourself up about July and not having so much time for the kids.. You moved house.. There are always times where our wishes have to be put to the side for a short time.. You know it isn't forever. Call it your "vocational job".. Instead of work! Love your splitting your "to do list" with "personal goals" .. I never approached it that way.. But it's a great idea! . I will definitely do that for August to.. Thanks Erica xx
I wouldn't consider July as losing focus... You had to shift focus temporarily. You had a huge move! There's absolutely nothing wrong with that and there's nothing wrong with shifting your focus back now that you're coming out of that season. :) And passion is totally the word I'd use to describe your "work."
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You have done so well decluttering and moving. Such a lot to do so maybe just give yourself some time to adjust and settle in as you have been so busy xx
The words that come to mind are PASSION and MISSION. I just purchased the journal upon watching your last video about how you use it, and I’ve absolutely LOVED using it! I haven’t ever quite thought about “setting intentions” like you shared, but I have set goals, but I really like how you shifted the focus from stuff to “get done” to “why we need to get stuff done”. I love that!! Thanks for sharing
This is Frances, the wife. I think the word you're looking for is PASSION! I love teaching so much that I would do it even if I didn't make money! I home schooled our five children for 24 years. I never regretted it and it was a joy.
I really connected with your idea to intentionally select just a couple of things to accomplish each day, rather than feel constantly overwhelmed by the big long list of stuff to be done over the course of the entire month. I've often been my own worst enemy by trying to "do it all", which more often than not just left me exhausted and frustrated, certainly not what I want to be for my family or for myself! Thank you very much for all the time and work it must take to research, record, edit, and upload your videos. Your honesty, warmth, encouragement and helpful ideas are always a blessing! 👍😘💕
So many big concepts covered in this video, such as: reminding me what's important and focusing on my health and doing what I love and setting intentions. Woah! It's clear you love what you do, because you're natural and you make it seem effortless. Maybe it's not 'work', but building your empire, creating a legacy, creating your life brand, defining your dream, etc.
I always knew I wanted to train to be a registered nurse. I absolutely loved it! I remember saying one day, I love this so much, I would do it even if I wasn't being paid. It always felt like that to me. I felt I had a vocation, and I think you have discovered yours too! You are so honest & open, sharing your journey with us. I love how it has expanded from initially decluttering, to developing a much wider range of topics that all are interrelated. You have truly inspired many of us that it is possible to improve the quality of our lives. You do indeed have a vocation to share your knowledge and experience with others. 😍
I agree. Passion Project. July made it hard for you to play but you rocked your move! Wishing you some play in August. We start school later in Canada (September) so our big push doesn’t start as early.
The word for something you would do even for free, I call a calling, a passion....what all work should be. Work without that call is a job! Unfortunately, most people have jobs, not that calling. You are one of the blessed few who has found work that makes you feel happy and fulfilled! And, boy, are you a blessing to those of us who watch you!!❤️❤️❤️
You are a true inspiration to many many people. I’ve dusted off my Franklin Planner and have started using it again. My husband and I, (70 & 64 years of age, respectively), are leaving New Mexico for Maine. The realtor is on the hunt for some homes in Maine. It will be tricky with either flying or driving and the COVID restrictions. I will go out first, when there are some good home candidates. I will most likely drive. We seem to move every 17 years. LOL. My husband is retired military. Enough blathering on my part. You, my dear, are a true gem. Keep going!
The word I use for loving the work I do is passion. Even though my husband just retired, I'm still working (doing my passion) as a freelance editor. I love doing it (and the money helps too since our income is reduced). 😊
Ken Coleman calls this place your sweet spot. Probably not the word you are looking for, but exactly what you are describing. I love the idea of setting intentions. Thank you for sharing this.
Oh Erica, during this time I hope that you can give yourself some grace. All of this in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic. I wish that for you. Giving yourself grace. much love from Seattle.
I NEEDED this video more than you know! I won't go into the whole story but the last few months have me in a major funk. I am better but have been living with no intentions at all. I am going to dust off my planner tomorrow and get to gettin! Thank you Erica! 😘
Purpose or passion is the words that come to my mind . I took care of the elderly for years . It was my passion . I did get paid but also did it unpaid . The most precious calling.
Super loving you always. I don’t think you need a new word for “work”. I think you might want to change how you feel about the word “work”. There is nothing wrong with loving your work. You are working. You are working hard. It is fulfilling for you. It brings you great satisfaction and joy. You love it. How wonderful to love your work! Work isn’t always about getting paid. It is how you are choosing to spend your time, to create and live the life you want. My opinion 😁. Enjoy August xoxo 🇨🇦.
maybe your word could be Aspiration! Erica, the more I watch you the more I think about how I enjoy learning about what you have to offer, your honesty. I own a childcare business I said the day I call it work then I would stop doing it!! I also LOVE what I do, it's freeing to wake up and spend the day with children.
Oh Erica you are doing so awesome, don’t beat yourself up for lack of time spent with the kids in July. Some times we don’t have the same ability to spend as much time with our families, at least you are aware that you want to spend more time with them 🥰
There should be a military lawyer that can help you and it would be free. Talk to your husband's command and they should be able to point you to the right place. We have used ours for multiple things, and it is all free for military personnel
I completely understand your July. Mine was the same. We are selling our house and just moved to a rental so that we can eliminate debt and prepare for a future move to Florida. Taking care of two houses right now stinks but the end is in site and soon I will be a lot more debt free. I don’t think my August is going to be much better as there are still lots of loose ends to take care of but it is progress. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You will find your new groove soon. One day at a time. I like the word Passion instead of work.
I agree with a lot of the comments. You are doing a great job, and you didn't lose your focus you just had to shift it. You already said yes when you decided to choose time with them over having stuff. You said yes when you decided to focus on your health and reducing your stress. You've said yes when you decided to focus on your budget and your family's impact on the environment. There are many ways that you've said yes to them, it's just in a slightly different language. Once things have started to fall into place you can always shift back to using yes more in terms of just family fun times. :)
I believe the word is "passion". I'm a beauty therapist in England and I too love my job, I don't call it work, I've always referred to it as my passion. Love you thought processes and passion. Keep it up and lmao looking forward to more of your positive content xxx
I just love the fact that you are.. you! You are so genuine, open about literally every aspect of your life. This journey of yours, seeing you live your life with so much intent, is so inspiring. And even though I'm not in the same 'life stage' (I'm a 20-something girl), the things you work through really resonate. Thanks!
Hi Erica I like watching your videos. My friends came over and helped me do some stuff today. I had 4 shelves in my living room. Now I have 2 shelves and whole lot less knick knacks in my home. I watch you and the minimal mom. You have helped me so much. Thank you so much for sharing your tips and you and your family. I am feeling less stress.
I have been watching you for awhile but don't normally comment but really wanted to let you know how you are inspiring you are to me. Thanks for sharing your journey and thought processes. I feel like I am riding a surf board at the moment! I can relate to all those thoughts in your head I really need to do more journalling and put all thoughts down in one place. First word I thought of was passion. Something you love to do to. I know others have said this too. You have a beautiful family and are doing an amazing job. Thanks so much. Love from Victoria, Australia
I think that the word you are looking for is “passion.” When we are able to follow our passion, whatever we do does not feel like work. Thanks for sharing. Great paradigm shift in my thought process. I will have to “noodle” that awhile to let it marinate so I can decide on my intention for August. God bless you and your lovely family as you settle into your new life in Maryland. Prayers for your hubby’s safety as he ships out yet again! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Vocation = something you would do even if you weren't making money.. it pushes all your buttons and fills you... and you're almost naturally great at it too!
Great intentions and goals! Don’t be too hard on yourself for July, though! Major decluttering, packing and moving are all important and worthy goals, too!
Passion is the word I use. Teaching for me is a job when I lose my focus and intentions. We I am meeting the challenges it becomes my passion. Passions must have hard work behind them to be achieved but you have to set those goals. Thank you for reminding me.
I would say "vocation" might be the word you are looking for, as in you calling, what you are meant to do. That is when work becomes a joy. I love watching your channel because it is so real! Thank you!
Give yourself grace for July. You're doing great! The only word I can think of for your work would be Passion. I also set intentional goals and work with a paper planner. I also determine a word for the year that helps with those goals and intentions.
Thank you for the reminder... I am going to write them down! Yes morning walks, have been getting about three to four and evenings if I miss them. Love it.
Hi thanks for the advice. Aug through Oct are busy busy months for our business, most years my husband and I just pray for it to be over and count the days down. We have already decided we wanted this year to be different. You gave me some really solid ideas about how to make that happen. I love your 3 goals and I would like that for myself as well. Finally, be easier on yourself, we can only do the best we can. I think you did amazing, and kept your sense of humor through it all.
So happy for you that you decided to sell your house, Good luck with the sale! I agree with many others here in the comments, don’t be to hard on yourself! You have just moved and there’s alot around that, not just the move but the aftermath as well... so be kind to yourself, maybe you’ve said no to your kids in july, but that’s not out of habit it’s because of the move so give yourself grace 🌸
I follow you from the begining of your minimal life and I'm wondring that how it changes you.you look more happier and your eyes shines in ur latest videos!!!😊😊😊
I think minimalism influencer is a good word. Because that can mean it is a hobby for you or it means you are an entrepreneur. Minimalist advocate. You are an entrepreneur!
The best thing in life is that we can change if we really want. We can come back to habits we loved we can eliminte the ones we don´t like or need. Each thing has it´s time. July was a lot of work for you and it was neccessary. But now you can hopefully slow down. I love my work as well - and I love the fact that I get payd for what I do. To me that´s nocontradiction at all. But as many others before me I think the word may (also) be passion. I need to come back to live more intentionally. To spend more time with myself and with Jesus. I lost track. I lost the connection with my feelings. And I don´t like the way I show up at the moment. So thank you for this video! Love from Germany ♥
I have 3 young adult daughters and we have moved so many times. Like a lot .and i have had to pack and clean on my own for half those moves ,and the other half my husband had time to help .but holy moley please do not beat yourself up over july .your a mom of young kids and have to do everything and take care of yourself. And i get that whole surf board thing of getting pushed along or swept away .its ok it happens sometimes at least you realized it and now you can take a breath and learn from it .your doing awesome and you are a great insparation. ☺🌼🌹🌼🌹🌼🌹🌼🌹🌼🌹🌹🌼🌹🌼🌹🌼🌹🍀🍀🍀
Erica, You have accomplished a lot. Don't be so hard on yourself! Your work is creative. How about CREATIVE PURSUITS or PASSION CRAFTING. When you craft something you are constantly honing in on your craft to improve and develop to your satisfaction. Wish you and your family all the best.
For me the problem is often not what I need to do, but how to do it. The "how" is where I hit delays and/or roadblocks. Or when I have to make a choice and each alternative has a down side that I don't want, or the alternatives seem equal there's no clear winner. Sometimes I get hung up when I need information that I don't have, and can't seem to find it. (Some tasks come with rabbit holes of their own!) Too much to do is more an issue of strategizing, which is mostly identifying priorities and doing things in an efficient way to get more done. I'm pretty good at that part. It's the roadblocks that drive me nuts -- things that create a bottleneck and prevent me from getting the next things on the list done! This month I want to clear the worst one that has been lingering for too long. I really enjoy your channel, Erica. I like that you share your thought process and the solutions that you find. By the way I'm a Marylander, so I'll also be interested in things that relate to here in particular, if any come up.
And.....this is a super inspiring talk. Being ready to show up and be able to say yes to my kiddo....that really resonated for me. I love your intentions and I feel like mine are similar. Thank you for the great vlog.
I think it's avocation. "An avocation is a hobby or any other activity taken up in addition to one's regular work; it may especially refer to something that is a person's "true" passion or interest. A vocation is one's principal occupation, often used in the context of a calling to a particular way of life or course of action.
