I have been expecting the call. Mom and I will be traveling to Iowa to see my great aunt of 102 years old. She is not doing well.

Mom has COPD and I deal with Fibromyalgia. We are quite the pair. Trying to get us in sync can be difficult sometimes. Pre Marilyn’s Way I would be in an ultimate panic and most likely forget and important item for the trip. What’s changed?

I have a set of habits I practice every day. They keep me focused. In fact they are so automatic that last night I threw a load in the wash before I went to bed. I got up this morning, let the dogs out, put the clothes in the dryer and then got their breakfast ready and let them in. Why was it so easy peasy? Routine my friend.

Normally I do a load of laundry during the day. This load was the exception to the rule. I got the call we would be going today yesterday afternoon. I had my insurance man here for two hours and later a friend of mine stopped by for a long awaited visit. I had to get creative.

I took my shower while the dryer was going. Normally I take my clothes into the bathroom and get dressed. This morning I had to do it different. I took my robe in the bathroom because the outfit I am wearing was in the dryer. Not to panic.

It wasn’t even difficult to pack for the trip. The nine habits are divided into three areas: myself, my family in which it is my two dogs, and my home. By taking each area and focusing on that was I able to get ready at a moments notice!

How have you found ways to be able to leave at a moment’s notice? I would love to hear from you!