Several blogger friends post a summary of what they learned each month. Emily Freeman originated the idea and I love reading different people’s lists – always full of tidbits of wisdom, innovative ideas, and resources. My blogger friend, Dolly, does this also.
Emily writes on her blog: “I’m a firm believer in the importance of looking back before we move forward.”
And I certainly agree with her. This simple practice has helped me live a more reflective life and to capture those moments/tips/words of wisdom that mean so much to me, but too often I forget in the daily busyness.
This method appeals to me because it is so hard to capture and remember good moments when life is moving so quickly and with so much noise.
So I wanted to do join this growing trend for monthly reflections BUT…would always forget!! Soon it would be the end of the month, I would be reading their posts again and thinking where did the time go? One more month of not gathering the precious thoughts I wanted to hold onto.
Finally at the beginning of last month I created a cheat sheet to help record my observations and fun finds as the month progressed. I call this my Monthly Musings and thought I would share a few with you today.
Monthly Musings: August:
Lessons Learned:
- I was reminded once again that things take time. Why do I have to continually relearn that lesson?
- Also I found myself again easily addicted to social media. I need to be careful and filter what I get caught up in or I lose too much time playing instead of learning. I think writing down these two observations will help me recognize them sooner (or at least be a little accountable if they keep showing up on my monthly sheet. LOL)
- Washi tape – where have I been? I never heard of this. Have you? Guess I am not that crafty. Washi tape is being used by all these organizing planners to decorate and segment their calendars, scrapbooks, and planners. Think pretty decorative masking tape. Fun.
Good reads:
- I wrote about my favorite new devotional book, The Book of Daily Prayer by John Baillie on this post. Old book full of wonderful prayers that I use every morning to bring me into God.
- The One Thing – by Gary Keller. Good book to help you ponder what is the one thing right now I can do that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary. Instead of worrying and fretting over all the details, what is the one next step or one actionable item I can do?
Wise words to remember:
“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” Goethe
“Day (n): a period of 24 hours, most often misspent.” Ambrose Bierce
“I’ve come too far to take orders from a cookie.” A Weight Watcher saying
Terrific Tools/Tips:
I am having fun learning the new live streaming app called Periscope. Crazy, but also very educational. You have to filter it – some “scopes” are terrible, poor or limited topics (i.e. walking my dog in Central Park”) but many are fascinating. I just listen to one who shared her latest favorite apps for her Mac computer. I have never heard of any of them – and I am a Mac fan.
Innovative idea:
FOMO – Fear of Missing Out. Now I have a name for this underlying reason when I overconsume a snack, a social media or a news feed. I need realized before how my compulsion was so based on fear. Fear I would never get that opportunity again. Fear of being left out of the loop. Just plain fear. Name it and claim it!
Joys and Delights:
My daughter Katie send her youngests – the twin boys – to preschool. Sure brought back memeories. And we took all the grandkids on a locomotive ride during our village festival. Fun.
Favorite post:
The Most Important Invention Ever Discovered.
Let me know if you enjoyed seeing my monthly musings and what I learned this month. I have developed a printable of my monthly questions and am willing to share it with you But having technical problems as I write this of adding that option to this post. Will let you know when it is available.
What did you learn in August?
Click here to request your Monthly Musings Printable:
Click here to request your Monthly Musings Printable
Jeanie,
Thanks for the mention- honored…and I loved reading your list…adorable grandchildren (twins)….so many great thoughts…this one hit me: ““Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” Goethe It is such a daily struggle and prayer of mine…Praying you have a blessed 3 day weekend.
Yes Dolly I really liked that quote too. Reminded me what is really important and trying to stay mindful of that.
FOMO — I have that fear when I’m shopping. If time weren’t a deterrent, I’d want to check every sales rack in every store before purchasing–because I have the fear of missing out on a better bargain at the next store, or the next! LOL! Thanks, Jean, for giving me a name for this malady! Also thank you for reminding me about washi tape. Our two-year old granddaughter might have fun with that. / What did I learn in August? Can’t think of a thing!! It must be quite satisfying to look back over a list of wisdom, tips, and experiences of the month and celebrate all the learning. Think the bandwagon can hold one more?!
I know I couldn’t remember each month so finally created a cheat sheet. That is what I wanted to share with everyone but couldn’t get it uploaded. UGH Technology! Lynn Moser told me to google washi tape for ideas especially for craft with grandkids. We must do that. Finding the word FOMO – naming that fear has really helped me. I used to think fear wasn’t that big of an issue for me but as the veil slowly peels off I am discovering it is the real culprit behind much of my behavior. aaaa, life long lessons. have a great weekend, Nancy!!
Hi Jean! You are learning a lot these days, so there is much to reflect on! I’m glad you caught yourself in time to share with us your lessons from August.
Our summer was full of new life, and August brought us little Charlie, grandchild #5. I am learning a lot about being a Nana in a house of three children, ages 3 and under. Phew!!
Keep learning my friend. We all benefit 🙂
Ceil
My role of being a grandmama is priceless to me and one of the most important roles I have. so precious aren’t they? we are both blessed! Yes I am on quite a learning curve right now. Got a little burned out this week though but spending time with God this morning centered me once again. I am doing what I believe he has called me to do at this time. Trying to keep my eyes and heart only on him and the rest will fall into line. have a super weekend, Ceil. So glad we connected.
😉 the power of connection can not be underestimated. Thanks for sharing
so glad we have connected too. I was just praying for you!! another way to connect. blessings on your day
So glad you learned about washi tape! LOL Love that stuff! Sorry I haven’t been around much. I’ve had a really rough summer. Glad I stopped by to see what you learned. Thanks for sharing! <3
How do you use washi tape, Lynn? I picked up a few cute rolls but haven’t used it much yet. Sorry to hear you have had a rough summer – you were missed. Hope things are doing better. Will send up extra prayers for you.
I mostly use the washi tape for cards when I make one or make one with my granddaughter. Or you can decorate things with them, containers, frames, etc. Google it. It will give you some ideas. And thank you, sweetie, for your precious prayers. Love you! xoxox
ooo a grandparent craft idea – love it. yes will google and learn more. will have to think about the containers. love that idea too.
I love this wrap-up, Jean! I need reminding of the little nuggets of wisdom too that I can so easily let slide by without a second thought. Washi tape? I’m out of the crafting circles too I suppose. ha.
You were one of the inspiration for this monthly musing, Lisa. I should have mentioned you in the post and will do next month. Glad I wasn’t the only one you didn’t know about washi tape. we both learned something new!