Tuesday 25th February 2025 - Gratitude in Every Step: A Day of Balance, Play, and Productivity

"Every step I take towards balance and organization brings more joy and success into my life."

Hello all.

Today was a day spent outdoors with Fearne, filled with energy, connection, and progress.

I started my morning at 6:45 AM with my Wim Hof deep breathing exercises, grounding myself for the day ahead. With my updated routine in place, I went downstairs to put a load of clothes in the washing machine—a small task made even easier by having done the dishes and folding the night before. The effort of staying on top of these tasks is already proving worthwhile!

With no distractions, I made myself breakfast and published my latest blog entry on my social platforms. Having it pre-written the night before made this step effortless, reinforcing the power of preparation.

Juli was back at work today, so it was just me and Fearne. We combined work and play as we drove to Durham for a productive meeting with the Referee’s Development Officer at Durham FA. We discussed how the Referees Association can function within a new model, and I was thrilled that we found a mutually beneficial way forward. In return for promoting the FA’s referee growth initiatives, they will share our opportunities as well—a true win-win!

Fearne and I then explored Chester-le-Street, where we found an amazing outdoor play area. We spent two hours there, running, climbing, and enjoying the fresh air alongside other families. It was a joyful, unplanned adventure that made the morning extra special.

But the fun didn’t stop there! Back in Hartlepool, we had another outdoor play activity lined up. Fearne met up with familiar faces and even made new friends, while I got involved by playing tennis with the kids and helping retrieve rogue toys that had ended up on the roof (apparently, having a logical brain and long arms is a valuable asset!).

After all that activity, it was time for Fearne’s dance lesson. With her engaged for a few hours, I focused on my website projects, updating content and sticking to my work routine. I could feel the difference—my structured approach meant everything got done without the stress of feeling overwhelmed.

At 9 PM, we stuck to our new routine, tidying the house and wiping down the kitchen before "putting the house to sleep." Fearne was excited about this habit, embracing it as a fun and calming way to end the day. Seeing her enthusiasm reaffirmed the importance of consistency.

With the house settled, I took a final moment to go through my emails, dedicating 30 minutes to sorting, responding, and adding tasks to my to-do list. Emails used to feel like a weight dragging me down, but this small change will ensure they no longer pile up and drain my energy.

This was a fantastic start to my refined work-life balance, and I’m feeling motivated to keep it going. Routines work!

#Productivity #RoutineMatters #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingWin #OutdoorPlay #RefereeLife #Mindfulness #FamilyTime #StayOrganized

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