And the list goes on...

My very basic sink (one side filled with washed dishes...shocking!) and my first list.

Before the launch of The Good Momma, I struggled not only with the fear of failure and the inability to push myself to the next step, I floundered when it came to using my time effectively. I'm certain I have some form of adult ADD and have diagnosed PTSD from the trauma of losing my first child both leading me to habits I never thought I'd acquire--the most impactful being sometimes paralyzing anxiety. While the signs don't often show outwardly, inside I'm regularly a hot mess.

Relaxation, rejuvenation, and preparation remain priorities on my to-do list, yet I can be a poor manager of my time when my days are unstructured. When it comes to scheduling activities for my son, I declare myself a top-notch planner. For myself? Not so much. All this to say that when summer break was upon us, I asked the question on social media: What are your pro tips for fully embracing and enjoying your summer? I was interested in how other women make time for themselves, truly relax, and still get to-do lists done for family + work.

Of the replies I received, make a list! was the most common response. I read the suggestions eagerly, hoping to find something about lists I had never before considered. After reading the comments, there was nothing new to discover, not really. Friends were sharing the simple advice to make a list. Simple as that. Actually accomplishing the items on the list and checking them off as I go were implied actions, of course.

So, I tried making a list (hand-written, not computer generated, because I have to physically write stuff down to make it important).

It went pretty well the first week. Not so much the second week. Here I am at the beginning of my fifth week of summer break without a list of any kind. And it feels crappy. I wanted to make the lists work for me. I wanted lists to be the thing that motivated me to accomplish all the things this summer. Instead, screeeeeeeeeeeech (like slamming on the brakes?)

No lists. No breakthroughs. No bad habits broken. But, there's still time. I believe a person can change if they want to. And, I want to. I want to be more effective with my personal time-management.

I sit before you, Friend, asking yet again, What are your pro tips for fully embracing and enjoying your summer? AND In your experience, how have you overcome personal time-management issues?

I would be so grateful for your input and advice.