Are stuck in a rut? #HormelFamily

Sometimes life starts to feel a little monotonous. Earlier this month we watched "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray as a family. And as we sat and watched Murray's character relive the same day again and again, I thought to myself how easy it is to feel that way in our own lives.  

We get caught up in the same old stuff.  Work and school and our regular schedules just get replayed each day.  Days and weeks can easily begin to run together.  It can happen without us even realizing it.  But the good news, is we are totally in control of that.  We can change that if we chose too.  Many people get caught up in thinking they don't have the time or money to do something different, but that's just excuses. 
Today, on February 29th a day we only see every four year, I challenge you to make a choice to do something to make each week special.  Because I'm not good at sticking to a routine (unless someone outside my family is counting on me)we rarely do anything consistent but that works for us.  I know many families who have a weekly family movie night...ours are sporadic at best.  But for me that makes springing a new movie and popcorn on my kids as a surprise even better.  It may be something as simple as a movie night or putting on your boots and going outside to play in the snow with your kids.  

We might not be able to memorize every obstacle in a day like Bill Murray was able to in "Groundhog Day" but we make them less significant by choosing to focus on the present and enjoy each day we are given.  Yes, there are endless responsibilities in life, but what is the point in meeting all of those responsibilities if you aren't taking time to ENJOY life.  Don't let the weeks and months pass you and letting the regrets of the things you wish you'd done pile up.  Make a commitment today to make the moments count. 

One way I personally get stuck in a rut is with our meal planning. I get bored easily and run out of ideas as I try to prepare a weekly grocery list.  But this year I've been using Pinterest for ideas as well as occasionally just taking the time to stroll around my local grocery store and just looking.  I'm surprised at how often a simple ingredient can inspire me.  And as much as I'm working to eat healthier and not make my life about food, I find that its easier to eat healthy when I simply take things I love and change them up.  Something as simple as throwing together a quick chicken salad (using Hormel's can chicken) with a ton of flavor (and light mayo) and instead of adding more carbs and calories by making a sandwich I fill celery with it.  So delicious and crisp it sure doesn't feel like I'm depriving myself.

Disclosure: In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own