Isn’t it just the way it goes? I get all psyched up about my new potential for productivity and then I get slammed with a weird week. You know the type. For no real reason at all, the whole family has just been off.

Instead of beating myself up over all I didn’t accomplish (namely, the completion of most everything I had planned), I’ve decided to take my own advice, shift gears and focus on what I did accomplish, which was quite a lot, come to think of it.

I highly recommend this exercise for those of you who tend to feel like you never quite do enough…

First, list the actions you engaged in over a given period of time. Then, rename them, considering what they really mean in the bigger scheme of things. All of a sudden, you are pretty amazing.

My Week’s Accomplishments

1. I made breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. I perpetuated the survival of our species.
2. I took in a street pup, got her to the vet and cleaned up her messes at least a dozen times. I saved a life and helped prevent pet overpopulation.
3. I accomplished a good deal of writing, despite the seven construction workers hammering concrete with chisels in my house. I found my zen.
4. I helped with homework in two languages. I helped eradicate racism.
5. I quit coffee. I overcame addiction.
6. I (mostly) kept up with the housework. I organized chaos.
7. I shared coconuts and muffins with said construction guys. I built community.
8. I raked leaves and made a plan for our garden. I took a proactive stance against factory farms.
9. I texted a bunch with my teenager and coached my pre-teen through some mean girl drama. I provided counsel to the next generation.
10. I showed Estella how to finger knit. I taught a dying art.
11. I consoled Eli through a total meltdown. I promoted peace.
12. I took a walk or did yoga every day. I chose health.
13. I studied Spanish. I increased my intelligence.
14. I made a batch of Kambucha. I connected with the wisdom of the ages.
15. I worked with my web designer on some site revisions. I advanced the manifestation of my dreams.

Is it really that far-fetched a concept that each of us is doing great things most of the time? Sure makes my week seem a little more awesome.