Today I was thankful for self-imposed rules. The background is that I make up rules for myself all the time. A basic one is I must not leave my bed unmade when I head to the kitchen. A friend used to laugh at my rules for walking to the creek. I think I waved to every vehicle until I got to the stop sign, and then I acknowledged only those cars coming toward me. That one is no longer in effect, since I only go to the stop sign now. Everyone gets a smile and a wave.
Today I began cleaning all the stones lining the pathway in the garden. Those defining stones were placed by the original owners about 20 years ago. Some have tried to bury themselves in dirt and roots. Within the first five minutes, I made the rule that I had to return to full upright position (like an airplane seat) if I moved my feet. It was easier to remain bent over, but it was not in the best interest of my whole body. BODY thanked me at the porch steps by walking proudly into the house.
Stones between the pergola and solar fire bowl have now been unearthed and somewhat dusted off.
Do you have personal rules that you make yourself obey?
Mehrling Muse 
I have hundreds of them! Like never go to bed with dishes in the rack and always wipe down the shower after a shower. I am a stickler for rules, especially for me!
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I have rules for myself, and I allow grace for those times I do not choose to follow them! While I typically load the dishwasher throughout the day and run it as I ready for bed, after a meal where Randy has cooked and there are more dirty dishes than usual, or we have had company, I give myself permission to do them the next morning…because “I don’t wanna clean the kitchen tonight, I’m tired!”
I do agree the standing straight up is better for you (and all of us) rather than staying bent over. More and more, I take a bucket turned upside down or a short stool and sit when I pull weeds.
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I feed the cats first thing! That is their rule, not mine but I have enough of my own. I don’t like clutter so I clean up after every meal or snack. If I see something on the floor I pick it up. I don’t wait until I vacuum. The most important is that if I’m tired, I nap.
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