Life Was Not Meant to Be Easy.-Aubrey

I think it is so important to understand that life was never meant to be easy. I have been really struggling lately. Some emotional and some physical, but it is kicking my butt. I have been trying to figure out what I can do to help me, but also properly execute my responsibilities at home as a wife and mother. I have been struggling to even just do the basics without losing my temper or checking out (Aaron has watched quite a bit of tv lately). 

I made a check list that is pretty redundant, but it is necessary sometimes with my currant state of mind. It is divided into 4 parts; Personal, Kids, Zach, and Family/House. It has things as little and consistent as prayers and as changing as the specific chores that need to be done that particular day. My checklist haste been a really good way for me to feel like I am getting things done, but also lets me know what I might be neglecting. I noticed this last week that I have put more importance on everybody else so yesterday when I would have put time into dishes or extra cleaning, I spent time on me. That doesn't mean I watched tv, it means that I did my scripture reading for an hour, I did my RYC psoas stretching, I ate a full lunch, I read part of a book I have been meaning to study to help me be more organized mentally. It felt really good.

I got my blood work done, it looks pretty good. I am going to be taking a thyroid support pill that is just some vitamins, minerals, and herbs. I will also be taking a better Vitamin D that my body can absorb. I have been on 5,000-10,000 IUs for over a year and I am still pretty low. I also am going to be on some higher levels of Omega 3s. I haven't gotten the Omegas yet and its probably going to be a few weeks before we see a difference. 

Zach and I have decided to workout together in the morning and to do some scripture study in the evenings after the kids are asleep. 

I workout with Mom several times a week doing our RYC program. 

I have adjusted Bens sleep routine so that it allows me more sleep and the ability to wake up early before he does, that way I can have some personal time to get scripture studying in and maybe some other things. 

I have also started up a volleyball group every week with my ward. It is awesome to go play with other women in my area. I haven't had much of a social life since we got married and with the kids it seems to be a must. 

What I am learning is that life is difficult and that won't ever change. We were sent here to be tried. That does not mean that we don't have joy or happiness, it just means that we can't stop putting effort into our progression. That I think is the hardest part. We must continue to climb the hill. At some point in our lives that looks like a full schedule that we can get done and still have time and energy, sometimes it looks like takeout food, a messy house, and a shower. We just have to keep doing our best and whatever we do will be of great benefit, especially the effort that is given on the hard days.