Inspired by Slice of Lisa’s 3 Things post structure from last year, I am going to write 5 Things lists on each of the days with 5 in them. Today I’m going to start with: 5 Things I Do To Protect My Peace

1. Do not return emails from home. I used to be one of those teachers that would do work every night and weekend. I would return emails at all hours of the day and night. During Covid, this became unsustainable but I had already set the precedent that I was available 24/7. When I started my new job, I left all that behind. Now if I do read and email and want to address it immediately for my own time management, I set it to be delivered at the start of the next business day. On the weekends I move my work email to the back of my phone and turn off notifications.
2. Adhere to a strict not my circus, not my monkeys rule. I try really hard to butt out of situations that bring me unnecessary stress and anxiety. At work, my whole office knows this is my motto. Try it. It’s refreshing.
3. Meal plan EVERY. SINGLE. WEEK. I plan my family’s dinners using my digital notebook of recipes every week without fail. Those meals are recorded in a Google Calendar that is displayed on our family Dak Board. At the same time, I grocery shop via delivery service to be delivered on Thursday or Friday morning while my husband is working from home. If you want to know what is for dinner, check the calendar. I never have to worry about what I am making. It was planned last Wednesday.
4. Everything possible is automated. Every three months, tooth brushes are delivered via a subscription service. Same thing with my mascara and everyone’s shower poofs. Once they arrive, that’s how I know it is time to replace the olds ones. Toilet paper is delivered every 5 weeks. Toothpaste, body wash, contact solution, baby wipes (team baby wipes for life) all show up on a schedule determined by usage. The kids’ lunch money accounts are automatically refilled when they run low. Same with my iPass tollway account. My books are automatically returned from my Libby app because I know I won’t drop them off at the library on time.
5. If it’s not on the calendar or list, it does not exist. I know I will not remember anything. If you told me last week we had dinner plans on Friday and you didn’t see me put it on the calendar immediately, I will not show. If milk, bread, and cheese aren’t on the shared grocery list even though I buy them all every damn week, it will not get purchased. If you wanted a specific sweatshirt but didn’t have me add it to your Giftly list, you will not be getting it. I live and die by my calendar and shopping lists.

What do you do to protect your peace?

I am writing for the 19th annual Slice of Life challenge presented by Two Writing Teachers.