Last fall I wrote a post about the power of one. You might want to read it so you know where I’m coming from.
Saturday was a rough day for me. I was tired. Very tired and emotional. I didn’t have very much motivation, and it was all I could do not to stay on the couch all day.
A friend posted on Instagram that she was taking advantage of the warm weather (46 degrees) before it got cold in a few days. That spurred me to take the boys outside. I reminded myself of the power of one. If I got the boys outside, they could burn some energy and maybe I’d feel a bit better. I could do this because I love them and they needed it.
While we were outside, they ran around fighting bad guys. I stood next to a tree that blocked the wind for me. They had fun. I brainstormed the power of one.
Today I’m going to share ideas of what you can do in one minute, also known as sixty seconds. It doesn’t sound like very long. However, when you’re discouraged, or you’re feeling overwhelmed by life, stop. Think about what you can do in just one minute. Some days it may take everything in you to do one minute of something.
That’s ok. You’ll be glad you did.
In one minute you can…
Health
- Do 63 jumping jacks (I timed myself.)
- Chase your kids around the house
- Run in place and then pass out if you’re out of shape like me
- Pour yourself a glass of water and start drinking it
- Choose one healthier recipe for the week
Family
- Write “I love you” in soap on the bathroom mirror
- Hug and kiss each child
- Put out and light a candle for dinner
- Take a tickle break
- Ask your kids for one thing they’d like you to do with them that day
Home
- Make your bed the fast way–put the pillows in place and straighten the cover
- Put books back on shelves or straighten those shelves
- Clear out the junk drawer
- Throw away receipts
- Get out ingredients for a meal
- Toss old coupons
- Dust whatever you can in one minute
- Race the kids to see how much you can put away in one minute
- Spray cleaner in the bathroom and let it start working while you do something else
Work
- Delete old emails
- Determine the first three things to do
- Listen to messages
- Clean off your desk
- Brainstorm ideas–blog posts, new projects, workflow solutions, etc.
Personal
- Make a to-do list to free your mind
- Choose a book to read later
- Count your blessings
- Take a deep breathing break
- Put on mascara and/or lipstick to help yourself feel better
- Pray
- Get yourself a treat
- Recite a Bible verse
This list is just to get you started. Why not leave your ideas in the comments to inspire others to use the power of one minute!
January 21, 2013 at 8:29 AM
This is a great reminder of how much we can accomplish in mere minutes and how important each minute of our life really is. A great way to start Monday!
January 21, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Thanks, Stephanie! I hope it helps you all week. :)
January 21, 2013 at 10:29 AM
Great post! Amazing all the things you could do in just a minute!
January 21, 2013 at 11:16 AM
True, isn’t it!?
January 21, 2013 at 12:18 PM
LOVE it! It only takes a minute or so to read, too!
January 21, 2013 at 8:36 PM
True, Shelley!
January 21, 2013 at 4:32 PM
Very good piece Jenny-girl. In one-minute you can make a pile of all the ideas you have written out on scrap paper, to make cards, and put a paperclip on them. Also in one minute you can leave a voice-mail for a friend telling them you love them.
January 21, 2013 at 8:37 PM
Great add-one, Mom! Thanks!
January 21, 2013 at 8:11 PM
lol!! In one minute you can read a Many Hats Mommy!! Awesome, relaxing post. I loved the putting on mascara and lipstick – that’s the only make- up I ever wear and yes! I do feel better with it on. As an owner of a business the throwing out receipts made me GASP, but I can certainly throw them into a file (read old diaper box) for data entry later. One other thing that only takes a minute – well, perhaps 2 or 3 is unloading the dishwasher. I HATE that job until I remind myself how short of a job it really is. Thank you for this wonderful post!!!
January 21, 2013 at 8:39 PM
Funny, Annie, I almost mentioned unloading a dishwasher rack! In our home, Noah does the silverware, Josh does the bottom rack, and I do the top rack. That makes my part about a minute. :)
January 25, 2013 at 2:58 PM
thanks for that list of things to do in 1 minute. 1 minute at at time is how i get through my day you have inspired me to put those minutes to work instead of sitting there thinking and looking at messes or thinking of how overwhelmed i am.
Pingback: Good Reads Saturday – January 26, 2013 | the Vicki Arnold blog
Pingback: The Power of One Task « Many Hats Mommy
Pingback: Hitting the Pause Button | Many Hats Mommy
July 13, 2013 at 1:51 PM
I was thinking the same when i found your link, great info!! God Bess!
July 13, 2013 at 2:12 PM
Thanks for your encouragement, Annette!