Detoxify your life

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about my life and the life of my family. We begin our mornings crazy (usually due to waking up late). Scott and I run out the door after signing planners and yelling for the kids to have a great day. Scott spends all day running to his next delivery while I spend my day running to my next meeting. I go to the gym and I run and for the last month Scott has been running to the haunted house to finish tearing down. After the gym I run home and get the kids dinner and then run around the house cleaning up while the kids watch tv or hang out at the computer. Then it's off to bed for them while Scott and I spend the next 2 hours either talking about what ever is on our mind (usually complaining about work) or watching tv. There seems to be 1 common word in our very hectic lives. RUNNING. Now, I love to run. I love the accomplishment I feel after running. But when it comes to our lives I feel like I have spent the better part of this year running. And not nearly enough time really living. So, I came up with the idea of detoxifying our lives. I already had a lot of these thoughts but below is an excerpt from an article I read:

By simple definition, to detox or detoxify is to eliminate, get rid or cleanse of toxins. Many areas of our life can benefit from a cleansing and purifying routine, because our lives are full of pollutants and toxins. Apart from the obvious culprits like alcohol, coffee or too much red meat, did you know they come in other forms too? Negative emotions, stress and frustration also add to your toxin levels.

Detox your home

Be a clutter buster. Some things just have to be tackled daily – washing dishes, the post, bills and e-mails. Get those done first thing and feel your sense of control returning. Anything that causes you stress, anxiety or is associated with negativity or bad memories should be sold, stored or given away. Items that make you smile should stay.

Detox your wardrobe

Divide your cupboards into four piles – clothes that don’t fit anymore, items which are out of fashion, clothes which you wear for special occasions and everyday favorites. Ditch the first two piles and keep the other two, checking if anything needs repairing or dry-cleaning before putting them back.

Detox your finances

Get on top of your finances. Face any unpaid bills and draw up a budget for the rest of the year.

Detox your fridge

Out with the additive-laden ready-made meals and in with the fresh fruit and vegetables. Fill your fridge with healthy, tasty snacks and keep it well stocked so the temptation to order take outs is reduced.

Detox your address book

Think about whom you really enjoy spending time with and whether you see them enough. It may sound harsh but there are lots of people you cram into your social schedule whom you see out of habit rather than real desire.

Detox your car

Clear out those cool drinks cans and sweets wrappers, vacuum your car and give the body work a good wash. Now is the time to get any niggling problems seen to, and to check the tires and oil.

Detox your desk

Can’t see your computer from the huge pile of paperwork? Take a few minutes to put everything in its place. Face that filing, organize your in-tray and stash stationery away – soon you will feel ready to tackle any task.

Detox your calendar

Don’t feel pressured to go to everything you’re invited to – everyone understands if you say no occasionally. Look at your diary for the next few months and write in time-out time. An hour a day; a day a week; a weekend a month and holiday downtime. This way you have a date with rest and relaxation.

Detox your body

Rather than focusing on cutting out the bad stuff try concentrating on building healthy habits by adding healthy things to your diet day by day. Increase your water intake, eat fruit for breakfast, walk for a few minutes and have a variety of vegetables for dinner. Maintain healthy habits like these and in no time you would feel transformed.

So the Griffin's are making BIG changes in our lives. We are limiting our computer and television usage. Doing some major "detox" cleaning in the house. Out with the old and in with the new. It's always scary when you make some major changes in your life but Scott and I are pretty excited. Surprising enough even the kids are pretty excited about it - even though limited tv and computer.

so...tomorrow we start...1st step detoxifying the house! Wish us luck!