Unexpected Amazingness

I was thinking today of the unexpected great things that have come because of Getting Things Done.  First it is having a clear mind.  I'm not frazzled and stressed out most of the day anymore.  That state of mind really gets my normal day to day responsibilities taken care of.  And when the day to day stuff gets done then I actually feel like I can do more of the stuff that I "know I should be doing" (which are my values). 

So here is my unexpected amazingness for today (because it still amazes me that I can do things that I have wanted to do for a long time and didn't do and felt guilty about it). 

#1  I got up early (5:45 am) to go swimming (as exercise).  I have to admit it was a struggle this morning.  I was so tired!  But I did it anyway. 

#2 I felt good that I went swimming

#3  I was home early to see my husband leave for work

#4 I got to spend some quiet time with my 2 sons that were already awake

       (Let me tell you how my mornings used to go.  SO tired in the morning, because I stayed up late trying to get everything done after the kids have gone to bed.  So I don't get up until I absolutely have to 7:45 am.  Or earlier with my early-rising sons literally dragging me out of bed.  Then I lay on the couch downstairs while they entertain themselves.  Then I had mommy guilt.)

#5  I used my "In" basket for my kids.  So they can write on a piece of paper and put it in my "In" basket and I promise to do that for them today.  So my oldest son writes, "Play Set" and puts it in the basket this morning.

#6  So we play set.  It's really peaceful.  I have time because I was up early.  I don't have to wake up the other 3 kids for 20 minutes. 

#7  I give lots of positive attention to my son who craves it.  And I get to patiently teach him how to play a game that he thought he was not smart enough to play.  Wow.  It still amazes me.  I have wanted to do that for so long! 

#8  Now I can (on occasion) have my actions be inline with my values.  I'm not perfect but I'm making progress and that is huge for me. 

#9  And I had time to make smoothies for all the kids this morning.  They loved it and it was such a great way to start the day.  (versus, my usual, frantic, "We're Late!!!!!") 

It's all because I got my day to day under control and my mind clear and it opened it up for possibilities (swimming and up early).  Amazing Unexpectedness!