Hello and yes it is now Autumn and now going to do a reset and getting all those tasks that I couldn’t complete during the summer, to get them done now, and want to encourage you to do the same, because for me I find it is a weight of my shoulders when tasks are completed this time of year and then can be free of having so much to do, and then can focus the winter, by created more space in my life and then yes sorry to say it now, CHRISTMAS!
I have a done a printable to help you to do the Autumn Reset, and going to create a Pinterest board too, which will have my content and ideas on resetting your life now, that our kids are back to school and if you have been having a break and just getting your life back on track.
I will be filming and will be including this reset into my weekly vlogs on my main channel, Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes as I will be clearing spaces, which I will doing in my life and not own so much and have a clearer mind, as having items that are not being used anymore or no longer want can hang around you and be a burden.
So get a calendar. I have used Excel to do this and go through the dates. My Autumn reset has started and made a plan to get the second draft of my new book done, and break down what chapters I want to edit to do this by end of September then to work on 3rd edit and draft of my book, in October ready for it to be ready for publishing.
I want to clearer spaces near my desk and in my wardrobe, so now I am in Epsom, I will sort my bedroom in Wimbledon on Sundays to declutter and making more space in my room and not feel so bogged down and get my room ready, to own less and be clutter free.
So lets do this and please comment below what you’d like to complete or working on and tips you have too that will be helpful to my viewers. You can leave a comment below.
So this years Summer Project is nearly over and have one last blog to share. I really hope you gained something from it, and please in the comments below, give me your feedback as it really helps me grow my blogs and that you keep on liking these blogs and subscribe, and you will be alerted everytime I publish a new blog.
Self care and development is what is is all about, and making sure you put yourself first on some days and have a life you are happy with. Of course there are events that are beyond our control, like a loss of someone and something, but having resilience and determination, you can rebuild your life to be better and listen to your feelings, and address them.
Taking time out from everyday life and having new experiences and meeting new people, to build new relationships and making existing relationships stronger than ever, and being with people who will listen to you aswell as listening to them.
See that you deserve a happy life and you are worth the things in your life, and the relationships. You should treat yourself and make deals with yourself as I find rewarding helps me to get things done, and not procrastinate and taking my time, and taking it easy.
Life isn’t about rushing around, but having peace and if you can’t be bothered then it could be that you are doing too much and need to reevaluate your life and making changes, so you feel excited and not crawling through tasks, but will give you good results. Also taking a break and getting rest, so you properly recharge and feel full of energy to have a good life that you love.
Soon I will be starting my Autumn reset and so once I do my final blog then my Autumn Reset will begin and so a lot more content to come.
Yes so this is all about how make deals with myself, and I just did this now by promising myself if I do a home workout (exercise) then I can have another coffee. I am going to have my next coffee and watch another video on Youtube, and really enjoyed my workout. I do have a couple of fitness blog sites if you didn’t know, on WordPress and on google blogspot, please see these links:
This is the park in Epsom I like to walk through called Rosbery Park
I didn’t feel like walking this morning, but I did it by promising myself a Pain Eu chocolate with a cup of coffee that I had indoors and so now on my second and I am going to bloody enjoy it. Some may think this is counterproductive, but for me it is how I get stuff done and get focused.
I made a deal if I got what I needed, as I had shopping to pick up, that when I walked I could get the bus back and got one straight away which is unusual and tomorrow I am thinking a nice iced coffee whilst I walk and love it at the moment getting out in the morning, once my son has gone off to school, and feeling the cool air as it has been so hot in the day.
I have been on walks with my son too when he has come home from school, and to build my steps and completed another ring on my fitness app I have on my phone, and will have my dinner and by the time dinner time has come I have earned it. Tonight it is a home favourite Spaghetti Bolognese, and then often will play some more out in the garden with my son.
It helps me to be productive, and get my Life Coaching programme finished to then start my Autumn reset which will end by end of October 2023, and then it is getting ready for birthdays I have in my family and then getting ready for the festive season.
If you have read my blogs then you know I am that kind of person that likes to take her time, and if I can do something without rushing, I find I get may daily goals/to-do’s done and making the days as good as the next one.
So make promises to yourself and I can assure you, you will see positive results.
Its days when it is really hot outside where I want to not bother in getting my to do lists done. It is good to see the sun shining and have been out today, but today I have had to really make the effort, so my deal I made with myself was to get a video uploaded and then I can have another coffee, and I do this on days I go for a walk and build my steps. Sitting out in the garden is good, and like to do a bit of writing and reading a book, but there bits i need to do on my laptop but when it is piping hot then can cause it too overheat, and I not so good with heat.
The hardest thing for me is getting out of bed. If you have heard of Mel Robbins, she has talked about this too in her videos and podcast and was how she developed the 5 Second Rule.
I don’t believe in forcing myself, because that can lead to not wanting to do anything and if that is the case, I take a break. It is important to take some time out and sit in the sun, but if you have things that need to be done, then do it. I will say right, I will edit another chapter of my book and then I can watch another Youtube video and if I do a workout then I can have that Dr Pepper or a bit of chocolate if I get the craving.
I won’t always do this with food, because this can lead to over eating and it is important to not use it to eat too much sugary food and other bad foods, but not refusing either as it can make me want it even more, and I like to work towards my meals each day, and have that one biscuit with my tea, but also if I want a bubble bath or a glass of wine or watch some TV.
If I want to buy another item of clothing I will get rid of an item of clothing that I no longer wear and doing a declutter during the Summer Holidays made me realise I do not need any more clothes and doing a reset soon when I do my Autumn Reset. More details of this coming soon.
I did a video about using what I have and made a deal that if I use up what I have got then I can buy more, and if it doesn’t get used and give it a year, then it goes. This may not worked for everyone, but works in with me and how I control my spending, how I continue good habits and how I achieve my goals that I set each day, month and year and quarterly, and 5 years.
So if you find you can’t be bothered then make a deal with yourself because its the result that will help me in feeling good and not wasted time by doing nothing.
I watched a video by Terry Savelle Foy. and did try to find the video, but couldn’t, but she spoke about having everything in one place, and so using a Filofax I have, I am trying this out. I do still like a bullet style journal where I write notes for my videos, actual journaling, and using a basic notebook for writing notes for blogs and books, but when it comes to planning, trying to do this using my Filofax and it has made a difference, but it is quite bulky and for me I have found it tricky.
Check out this video where I feature my Filofax:
I like using my note apps on my phone and OneNote, and I find it helps keep it digitally so don’t have to carry my Filofax with me when out, but I do like jotting things down on paper, helps keep on top of things, and if my phone stops working or my laptop I still got it all written down.
I could use my Filofax for my books and videos, but would get super bulky, so for planning yes it works, but with someone has so many plans, and ideas, it is good to use a notebook too, along with digital software, and my phone.
Good to give it a try, and perhaps if I used a liver arch folder, perhaps that would be the answer, but means my Filofax would go to waste, but the one thing I am trying to do, is use what I got and don’t want to be bogged down with having so many notebooks now, and has helped me from not having to use a notebook, all of the time as they can add to clutter. I was buying them because of their pretty cover, and not because I actually needed them.
If you’d like to see me talk more about my Filofax and what I have created in a video on my main channel then please comment below. My main Youtube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@typicallondongal
I showed how it was organised before, but have made some changes.
For me a planner has to be functional so I can change pages and create my own, and I bought the academic diary insert from Amazon, along with the dividers and used note pages to adapt it to what I want to include, in it. Note pages are from Amazon too.
You have to try these different methods to find out what works for you, and is dependent on your lifestyle and how you like to live. I like to be in control when it comes to planning and the method that suits me and is functional, and moving away from Google Calendar as that no longer works for me and so will be making changes to this, because the notifications, fills up my inbox and no longer take notice.
So, it is now Sunday evening and my son wants me to turn the light off as he is in bed, but I will be extending the date of my “Summer Project 2023” which I will let you know in the next blog.
My mental state was bad and it has taken me a lot to get my life back on track, but planning is always the one thing that gets me through it. I like planning my days and focusing on having a good day, whatever has tried not knock me off the path I have been going through, to be fully recovered. I did a video talking about a couple of days ago, when I went to pick up my prescription and bought a cold coffee, only to drop it as I was running for the bus back, check out my video here: https://youtu.be/L_bU-FKqtOQ and so not everything goes to plan, but I still got my prescription and I still made it back indoors to record the video above, talking about Using what you’ve got .
When unplanned events happen, it can take a while to get over and I believe in, allowing yourself to grieve and take time in coming to terms that sometimes you have to start again, to continue to grow as a human being, and that is exactly what I have had to do.
I started to get back on my feet by spending time away from my friends and family, and was helped with getting my life together, by having an income again and being reunited with, family and my son, and able to see him off to school and back. Getting in contact with friends via social media, and now looking to be connected to others again, as I do miss going out with friends and family again.
Never plan too big at first, and focus on one or two things, at a time. I began to Understand the condition I had and learned about the triggers, should I feel like I am having relapse, and learning about different mental health conditions. I did this by doing some free courses, and they have helped me, with these blogs, because I love to learn and educate myself. It is a great way to rebuild your life. I did some painting which I haven’t done in years and started walking again. Walking small distances, and exploring new places, getting back into writing books, and exercise is good for recovery as it does give you, good energy and it helps me to listen to my body that can help with my mind, by retuning positive feelings.
Healing relationships by forgiving and forgetting, and addressing the causes. Make a plan to see your friends again and spend time with family, and have them help you in recovery, You don’t have to go through recovery on your own.
Having a good sort out on things that you want to let go off and make plan to do this. Again get help. My mum helped me when I came out of hospital, and recently done a declutter, and doing this regularly can help the feelings of being overcrowded with stuff.
I am in a good place now and feel like my life is taking shape. There are still so much I wish to do, but taking it one step at a time.
Remember I do have books available on happiness and wellnesses, along with fictional books. You can find these on amazon, under the names, Carrie Challoner, Carrie Lee Holmes and Carrie Holmes.
This is something I journaled when away near the south coast of Britain in a caravan and is important to me because I do go back to the passed in my thoughts and of the future, but in order to plan for the future you have to live each day and be present, rather in a dream world all of the time.
So when I wrote this, it was to enjoy myself with my husband and son, and seeing friends and were friends who hadn’t met our son, and being present helped I feel, have a good weekend.
Write it out and I have just did a new page of my journal, to what I want to do right now and helping me to slow down and focus on one task at a time.
It helps me to prioritize, so I have laundry to sort out so going to, once written this blog, go and check to see if my clothes are dry and put another load on. I have an telephone appointment and so need to prepare for that and having breaks in between and not feel overloaded with stuff to do.
It helps manage the mind to prevent burn out, and not being stuck in one place all day, as this can effect concentration and our feelings along with our thoughts
I listen to experts about coffee, is it good or bad for you? I say if you like your daily coffee then have one. I enjoy my coffee each day and helps me through the day, I don’t always buy coffee from the coffee shop and have instant, because I enjoy having my coffee and will not sacrifice this, in anyway.
Researching coffee, it was said that it can cause anxiety, but someone who never for a long time drunk coffee, it was in my adulthood, had anxiety before I got into drinking coffee and It doesn’t trigger it at all. In fact I am a lot calmer now and yes I am on medication for my anxiety, but having a coffee helps my energy levels and I like to make the most of each sip, so if you like coffee then have one, and enjoy.
When I have appointments I like to have a coffee before or after, and use it to help me write and just good to be out of four walls. I like walking with a coffee and be out in the fresh air, and if you like this too, then enjoy.
When going out with my son Henry along with his dad, we’ll have a coffee and a chat. I couldn’t drink coffee all day, but like to have 2 cups early in the day, and is a ritual to me. Cold coffees never appealed to me, but now I actually love treating myself with a cold one, and sitting in the park and reading a good book.
I know with the weather it has been cold for a cold brew, but when it has been hot, I have made the most of it.
I wrote a blog like this one one of my google blogspot blogs:
It helps with my concentration and with being productive, and waking me up as it can take a while for me in the mornings to wake up, and helps kick start my day.
Life is worth living! Life doesn’t have to be boring, which can be the feeling you get when you feel your life isn’t going nowhere and that this it is how it’s going to be and nothing will change.
What would you like to be doing?
Where would you like to be in your life?
What do you wish your life to looked like?
Check out this EBook I wrote about Creating a new Journey to your life. It is available in Kindle and Paperback.
Set up a plan for yourself, of making your life better. For me a reading or listening to a book a great way to get out of a rut. Learning from others who have experienced how you have felt, is a great way to get a hold on your feelings to change your life.
I found Mel Robbins 5 Second Rule really helpful and reading a book by Paul McKenna and Tony Robbins to be good. Also doing free courses on the areas I want to learn more about. I want to help support people who have mental health difficulties, from child to adulthood and going to be doing Voluntary work soon, helping Children to read and would like to do online teaching on other topics, to help others like those who feel stuck, and that they not sure how to get over the low feelings and have a better life.
Managing my finances better has made a difference for me. There is still a long way and stop spending on things I do not need and focus on what is more important to help my wellbeing, and the way I feel about my life and you can do the same, just set aside 2mins to 10mins, can really help stop the worry that money can cause and get help.
I like watching Youtube channels like, Sugar mamma TV on money, because they have really helped with managing my money. I have listened to Canna Campbell, the 1000 Project and listened to the Audio book by Grant Cardone book, Sell or to be Sold.
I also watch Jordan Page, and Kate Kaden, and really inspirational and I have a Youtube channel, dedicated to finance and how I manage my money too: https://www.youtube.com/@mywayofliving1602
It’s all about changing your mindset and not have limited beliefs. Anyone in my opinion can be successful in building happiness and a better wellbeing, but you have to change your habits and have a hold on your life and where it is going.
I do have time off Social Media, which really helps and today I spent like I try to do on other days, away from my phone and enjoying the time with my son, not worrying about checking Instagram or Facebook.
Doing something different on some days. On Wednesday I took Henry to a football match and it was great. It helped that the team we went to support won, but made a difference on our feelings that my son couldn’t wait to share with his my mum and step dad and with his dad. He was buzzing and just made a great change.
Making time to see friends and having a night out or a girls night in. With the prices increasing on things it is affording things, so just meeting up one evening a week can really help ease the stress of life and taking time out for you.
As I write this it is a Saturday night and today I have been booking more things for the UK School Summer holidays as they continue and making the most of the time me and my son have together. Being a parent you begin to change habits. At the beginning of being a parent you are finding your feet and getting to know your child you just gave birth too (I do have two parenting blogs sites: See below).
You get in the habit of sleeping when the baby sleeps or see if you can get any housework done whilst your new baby is sleeping and going to bed early, finding time to shower and get dressed, but you spend the first month in pyjamas and wearing breast pads and expressing milk and sterilising bottles and feeding and finding time to eat.
When you start a job you have to be in a certain time and make sure your personal hygiene is good and make an impression by following habits that helps you to start the job, like turning getting there early to set up ready to begin so you can get your computer ready or other equipment, following a dress code and checking information and showing the employer of what you can do and they will look at how you dress, your attitude and body language.
The one habit I have always possessed is time management. I believe you have to show your time keeping because of reliability.
Can they trust you?
What do you do that makes the job a lot more easier to get tasks done in plenty of time?
do you work well under pressure? This is something that when looking at a lot of jobs adverts, employers will want to know, as like in a hospital, working in restaurants and in a call centre, which I have worked in along with catering, can be stressful.
The habits I have picked up since becoming a parent and working for many companies can last forever like how to talk, so working on your communicate to make it better that will help you, because when working in a call centre customers wanted compassion, and people want that too outside work, life friends and family, and has taught me how to be organized, by being clean and tidy, and looking after my workplace. I like making a good impression. That is important to me. Not everyone is going to like you, well that’s what I have come to realise but you can change their minds, its spending the time so they get to know you better and you getting to know them. An example when I worked at a holiday camp and working in the residential catering department there was a woman there called Natalie and she didn’t like me at first, at all and didn’t really understand me, and she split up from one of the team leaders, who she was going out with and they split up, and when we went out for the evening off camp, she thought I would laugh at her being that she was really upset. My friend I shared a chalet with, said to her, “She’s not like that” and she began to like me, and then we became friends.
I have learned to listen better, because I was guilty of talking over, someone talking when having a conversation and being interrupting is rude. I hate when having a conversation someone interrupts when you haven’t finished, but for it to change you need to do it before you expect someone else to do the same. I like to listen and take in conversation and pay more attention to what someone is saying as I can get the wrong end of the stick and I get annoyed when having to repeat myself, or when someone is not truly listening to me, so with working in different places it has helped me to have better conversation where I will listen and then when I know when they have finished I will then talk.
Pulling your weight and not waiting for someone else to do it. Yes delegation can help but not when they are doing all the work. To build a good workforce it is important that everyone does their bit. I always worked for my wage when others would be doing all they can to do less. It is not a competition, but a good work place is where everyone knows what they need and gets it done and if someone is finding some tricky, that you help them and when working in a holiday camp once I had finished my bay when I was front of house, I would go over to help someone else’s bay.
I do this now when it comes to tasks at home I will clean and tidy my room, I will help clean the landing and when having dinner I will help to wash the dishes and keep the kitchen clean.
When it comes to look after my son, I will make his breakfast, take him to do different activities and give him a bath and ready for school and making him his dinner. Being a parent it is important, where me and his dad work together to help with his development and learning. I make sure that I expand my learning as a parent along with my husband.
Planning and preparation. As said organisation is the key to getting stuff done and completed, but its finding a plan that works to prepare for each day, and being a mum I have to make sure that I keep an inventory of food for Henrys to eat each day, has clothes out ready so he can get dressed and has his bag packed and that I do his packed lunch or I plan his meas for school, as he has school dinners and that I make sure there is food for dinner.
Each day I will have my list of the tasks I want to get done on that day and week, and make the beds and got my clothes ready for the day, and at what blogs I want to post and videos I want to film and when I want to check and make time to go through my emails and plan my writing of my next book.
Before having a baby you have to pack a bag ready as it is getting nearer to the due date and if you want to do anti-natal classes and have items for after the baby is born and find a routine so you get enough rest and recover, and when to feed your new born baby and spending time to adjust to this massive change to our life.
So use the skills you already possess along with the habits that has taught you so much, and live for each day and spend time going the skills parenting and working can help you now and to help teach others too, to expand and that work around your life.
Everyone can build a castle 