1) Quit arguing with people about the same old foolishness! Respect their position and keep it moving!
2) Quit telling people your secrets when you know they are not going to keep them! And if you keep telling them, then quit getting mad when they tell your secrets!
3) Quit trying to pull people on your journey who don't want to travel with you! Either they believe in you and value you ...or they don't!
4) Quit complaining about things you can't and won't change! Don't work on being a size 6 or a model...and instead of complaining about the weight charts, negotiate with your doctor for a "comfortable weight." Forget the charts! Create your own "healthy weight!"
5) Quit gossiping about other people! Minding our own business should be a full time job!
6) Quit blaming each other for things that, in the big picture, aren't going to matter 3 weeks from now! Talk solutions... and then implement them!
7) Quit eating things you know are not good for you! If you can't quit...eat smaller portions!
8) Quit buying things when you know you can't afford them! If you don't have self control, then quit going to the stores! And quit charging things, especially when you don't NEED them!
9) Quit staying in unhealthy relationships! It is not okay for people to verbally or physically abuse you! So quit lying to yourself! And it is not okay to stay in the marriage for the children! Ask them and they will tell you that they really would prefer to see you happy and that the misery you and your spouse/partner are living with is affecting them!
10) Quit letting family members rope you into the drama! Start telling them you don't want to hear it! Quit spreading the drama! And quit calling other relatives and telling them about your cousin or aunt! Go back to #5 - minding your own business should be enough to keep you busy!
11) Quit trying to change people! IT DOESN'T WORK! Quit cussing people out when you know that they are just being the miserable and jealous people that they are!
12) Quit the job you hate! Start pursuing your passion (HINT: Find the job that fuels your passion BEFORE you quit!)
13) Quit volunteering for things that you aren't getting any personal fulfillment from anymore! Quit volunteering for things and then failing to follow through with your commitment!
14) Quit listening to the naysayers! Quit watching the depressing news if you are going to live in the doom and gloom of it all!
15) Quit making excuses about why you are where you are, or why you can't do what you want to do!
16) Quit waiting on others to give you the answers...and start finding the answers for yourself!
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain!
Showing posts with label Simplify. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simplify. Show all posts
5/9/09
2/16/09
Clutter Buster 4 by Garden Angel
There is a gadget for everything now days. But do you really need all of them? I love to watch HGTV they have a show on kitchens and they are huge, but why? One kitchen was 1200 sq ft? I think why do they need that much room, are they opening a restaurant? My whole apt is that big and I still have empty cabinets after living here 5 yrs. Am strange one or is there really a reason?
Look around your kitchen. Go ahead open the drawers and cabinets. Are there cabinets you can’t reach? Bet there’s stuff in there you haven’t seen in years. If I ask you to find me a battery, a whisk or a wine bottle opener how long would it take you to find these 3 things? Did you know seasonings don’t last forever? Or that an open box of pancake mix can grow bugs if left open? Yuck! And just what is that science project in the back of your frig? Do you check cabinets before you go shopping and make a list or just go only to find when you get home you already have 5 boxes of crackers?
Not a pretty picture is it? So let’s do something about it.
Starting back in clutter buster 1 we gathered all your purging supplies together. Only this time set it up closer to the kitchen. Since the dining room is so close we might as well do that too. You will need an extra box for these rooms mark it “to other rooms”.
Before you get started sorting measure all your cabinets and drawers. Plot your kitchen into Zones. Think about grouping things you use at the same time together. Keep in mind keeping things you use often in easy reach and things you only use for special occasions in those cabinets you can’t reach easily.
Some suggestions for grouping would be:
Every day dishes, glasses and silverware should be near the sink or dishwasher so they can be put away easily. Do you have different sets of dishes or mismatched dishes? Are some of them keepsakes? Special dishware should not be stored in your cabinets by your everyday dishes. Do you really use these dishes ever? Or just once a year? Personally I sold my china for a nice profit. I found no use in keeping something that took up so much space that I only used once or twice a yr. To my family Chinet is just as good. I have a china buffet in my dining room and instead of china I have party supplies, paper plates, napkins, plastic silverware, party glasses and plastic table clothes for a wide variety of holidays. Everything is in plastic bins that stack and fill the whole cabinet. All are in easy reach yet out of the way of everyday dishes, making more room in the kitchen. Keepsakes should be displayed or safely packed away. As with everything there is a limit to everything. Do you really need 2 dozen misc coffee cups? Or Sippy cups for kids that are now teens. Think about your cabinet size and plot out how many things you can fit in and toss the rest.
Set up a coffee station by putting the coffee pot by the microwave. Then get a nice tray to put on top of the microwave and set up your coffee/tea supplies. Limit your supplies to fit on the tray only, 6 Coffee cups, tea, creamer, sugar, and honey should be all you need. Extra supplies for refills should be in close reach of the area.
Pots and pans should be close to the stove. Every day pans should be stored in the kitchen. Anything you use yearly can be stored with Holiday supplies. If you bake on a regular bases create a baking area remember to keep all powdered products in plastic sealed containers or zip lock bags to prevent bugs.
Cooking utensils really need to be kept to a minimum. Weed out triples and put the ones you use daily in a crock by the stove and those you use once in a while in a drawer by the silverware. I found a double tray for silverware that I store small utensils in the bottom and silverware on top.
Keep counter tops free of clutter. Extra appliances should be kept in cabinets and only then if you really use them. Most cabinets have those short shelves in the back of the cabinet I found these are great for holding appliances you only use once in a while.
Food Pantry should be sorted into categories and if at all possible try to keep all food items together. So when you’re writing your grocery list you only need to look at one cabinet. Open boxes should be kept in a zip lock bags or cut out the directions and store the food item in clear sealed plastic containers.
In the cabinet over the stove or next to the stove I keep 2 lazy Suzann’s with my spices on them. I don’t buy more than I need and never buy new until the old is completely gone. Spices have a short life span and should be tossed after the time listed : Shelf Life: Whole spices--2 to 5 years, Ground spices--6 months to 2 years, Leafy herbs--3 months to 2 years, Dehydrated vegetables--6 months. I keep oils and no-stick there too so it will be handy for cooking.
So you have plotted and zoned you kitchen now comes the fun part, purging and putting the plan into action.
Let’s start with those drawers, you know the ones that are bottomless and no one knows what’s in there. Just take all the drawers out and pour them on a sheet or tarp. Does it answer yes to the following questions?
1. Have you used this in the last yr?
2. Is broken or need of repair?
3. How many of these do you really need?
4. Do I only keep it because someone gave it to me, but I don’t like it?
5. Does it belong to someone else, or I was asked to store it, or just never returned it?
6. Is it really a kitchen item or should it go to another part of the house?
Go wash out the drawers, put new liners or get some cool dividers for each drawer. If you don’t have enough drawers in your kitchen then purchase a plastic drawer unit and dividers for at least the top drawer. Try to find a drawer unit that will fit inside one of the bottom cabinets.
Line up the drawers all clean and ready with the new dividers in your sorting area. Put a paper label on each drawer with a list of things that will go in each drawer and start sorting. Put things that don’t belong in the kitchen in the box marked “to other room”. Follow the same steps for cabinets and pantries.
The same rules follow as with the other parts of the house. Deal with each section one step at a time and reduce everything to a realistic amount. For more information on de cluttering your kitchen see; http://organizedhome.com/save-time-cut-clutter-kitchen-declutter or http://flylady.com/index.asp
More Clutter Buster to come.
Look around your kitchen. Go ahead open the drawers and cabinets. Are there cabinets you can’t reach? Bet there’s stuff in there you haven’t seen in years. If I ask you to find me a battery, a whisk or a wine bottle opener how long would it take you to find these 3 things? Did you know seasonings don’t last forever? Or that an open box of pancake mix can grow bugs if left open? Yuck! And just what is that science project in the back of your frig? Do you check cabinets before you go shopping and make a list or just go only to find when you get home you already have 5 boxes of crackers?
Not a pretty picture is it? So let’s do something about it.
Starting back in clutter buster 1 we gathered all your purging supplies together. Only this time set it up closer to the kitchen. Since the dining room is so close we might as well do that too. You will need an extra box for these rooms mark it “to other rooms”.
Before you get started sorting measure all your cabinets and drawers. Plot your kitchen into Zones. Think about grouping things you use at the same time together. Keep in mind keeping things you use often in easy reach and things you only use for special occasions in those cabinets you can’t reach easily.
Some suggestions for grouping would be:
Every day dishes, glasses and silverware should be near the sink or dishwasher so they can be put away easily. Do you have different sets of dishes or mismatched dishes? Are some of them keepsakes? Special dishware should not be stored in your cabinets by your everyday dishes. Do you really use these dishes ever? Or just once a year? Personally I sold my china for a nice profit. I found no use in keeping something that took up so much space that I only used once or twice a yr. To my family Chinet is just as good. I have a china buffet in my dining room and instead of china I have party supplies, paper plates, napkins, plastic silverware, party glasses and plastic table clothes for a wide variety of holidays. Everything is in plastic bins that stack and fill the whole cabinet. All are in easy reach yet out of the way of everyday dishes, making more room in the kitchen. Keepsakes should be displayed or safely packed away. As with everything there is a limit to everything. Do you really need 2 dozen misc coffee cups? Or Sippy cups for kids that are now teens. Think about your cabinet size and plot out how many things you can fit in and toss the rest.
Set up a coffee station by putting the coffee pot by the microwave. Then get a nice tray to put on top of the microwave and set up your coffee/tea supplies. Limit your supplies to fit on the tray only, 6 Coffee cups, tea, creamer, sugar, and honey should be all you need. Extra supplies for refills should be in close reach of the area.
Pots and pans should be close to the stove. Every day pans should be stored in the kitchen. Anything you use yearly can be stored with Holiday supplies. If you bake on a regular bases create a baking area remember to keep all powdered products in plastic sealed containers or zip lock bags to prevent bugs.
Cooking utensils really need to be kept to a minimum. Weed out triples and put the ones you use daily in a crock by the stove and those you use once in a while in a drawer by the silverware. I found a double tray for silverware that I store small utensils in the bottom and silverware on top.
Keep counter tops free of clutter. Extra appliances should be kept in cabinets and only then if you really use them. Most cabinets have those short shelves in the back of the cabinet I found these are great for holding appliances you only use once in a while.
Food Pantry should be sorted into categories and if at all possible try to keep all food items together. So when you’re writing your grocery list you only need to look at one cabinet. Open boxes should be kept in a zip lock bags or cut out the directions and store the food item in clear sealed plastic containers.
In the cabinet over the stove or next to the stove I keep 2 lazy Suzann’s with my spices on them. I don’t buy more than I need and never buy new until the old is completely gone. Spices have a short life span and should be tossed after the time listed : Shelf Life: Whole spices--2 to 5 years, Ground spices--6 months to 2 years, Leafy herbs--3 months to 2 years, Dehydrated vegetables--6 months. I keep oils and no-stick there too so it will be handy for cooking.
So you have plotted and zoned you kitchen now comes the fun part, purging and putting the plan into action.
Let’s start with those drawers, you know the ones that are bottomless and no one knows what’s in there. Just take all the drawers out and pour them on a sheet or tarp. Does it answer yes to the following questions?
1. Have you used this in the last yr?
2. Is broken or need of repair?
3. How many of these do you really need?
4. Do I only keep it because someone gave it to me, but I don’t like it?
5. Does it belong to someone else, or I was asked to store it, or just never returned it?
6. Is it really a kitchen item or should it go to another part of the house?
Go wash out the drawers, put new liners or get some cool dividers for each drawer. If you don’t have enough drawers in your kitchen then purchase a plastic drawer unit and dividers for at least the top drawer. Try to find a drawer unit that will fit inside one of the bottom cabinets.
Line up the drawers all clean and ready with the new dividers in your sorting area. Put a paper label on each drawer with a list of things that will go in each drawer and start sorting. Put things that don’t belong in the kitchen in the box marked “to other room”. Follow the same steps for cabinets and pantries.
The same rules follow as with the other parts of the house. Deal with each section one step at a time and reduce everything to a realistic amount. For more information on de cluttering your kitchen see; http://organizedhome.com/save-time-cut-clutter-kitchen-declutter or http://flylady.com/index.asp
More Clutter Buster to come.
2/12/09
Clutter Buster 3 by Garden Angel
Paper Clutter
This has got to be the hardest thing to organize for so many. Even if you have a filing system set up do you know how to manage it? Does it really work for you? Is it easy for you to find things and do you put things in the files or is there a huge pile of papers sitting next to the file cabinet? Do you know what to keep and how long? It’s a hard subject to handle without seeing or knowing your needs so I will just explain what works for me and you can adjust it to your needs.
The top of the list is junk mail. Do not toss it in with your regular mail. Check it first to see if it has personal information on it other than your address. If it’s an application for anything with your name on it, you need to shred it. When you first get your mail look through it and determine what you need to keep and what is junk and toss the junk right away. I have a bin next to my shredder for things to be shredded. The most important rule here is to address junk mail right away.
Bills and things you need to act on right away. I have a act basket on my desk the only thing that goes in this basket is bills and things I need to do right away. I also keep a letter sorter to sort bills and papers I have looked at and will need to process them later.
I also keep Explanations of Benefits (EOB) from my insurance company in the letter sorter so when the bill comes in I can match them up then I know I can pay my part. Match medical bills like this will help you know what bills have been paid and what bills you need to bring to the insurance companies attention to get them paid. Once you have the EOB and the bill with the amount you owe, pay the bill, staple the two together and file them under EOB. I normally keep these for 2-3 yrs just to make sure nothing gets questioned in the future.
Once you pay a bill you no longer need to keep the receipt. I do online banking so if I need a copy of the check I can request or view the check and who cashed it online. Banking on line is so simple now and saves you so much time and money not to mention it really cuts down on paper clutter. I have some of my bills sent via email or I can go online and access them. Banking online is safer than mailing your check because it cuts out the middle man and the chance of it being stolen. It can be processed faster by the provider and many times without any exchange of paper at all. The other wonderful benefit on online banking is that you can balance your check book every day. You can schedule reminders for bills that are coming up. You can automatically set up bills to be paid on a schedule. If you forget when you paid a bill it’s easy to go in and check on when you paid it and when it was received by the provider. It’s just a better way to cut down on paper clutter and keep better tabs on your money.
Then there is the non-bill act file. These are forms or letters that need either a phone call or to be filled out and returned. I go through my act basket once a week. I write calls down on a post it and hang it by my computer so I will be sure to see it. I have a paper weight that holds all the forms and phone call papers that I need to act on that week. I like to set aside about 2 hours during the week to make calls, fill in forms and pay bills. So far unless I get stuck on hold it never takes longer than that. I also put the bottles of prescriptions I need to call in next to the call pile so I won’t forget them either.
On top of my desk are 3 stacking bins for ongoing projects. I keep catalogs of things I want to order in one bin, long term projects in the next bin and current working projects in the top bin.
I have a mail center with everything I need to mail things. I put my Birthday cards there. Once a month I go through and write up all my birthday cards and in the place that the stamp goes I put the date of that person’s birthday so I can get the card in the mail before their birthday.
Instead of keeping an address book I have a recipe box with index cards so changes can be made without writing the whole book over. It’s easy to just tape business cards to the card too so when you need them they are right there.
I have a cheap plastic file cabinet the top drawer has current files and the bottom has long term files. I have a plastic file cabinet with 2 small drawers on top and 2 big drawers that I keep all my small office supplies in the top two small drawers, birthday cards, get well etc. and programs for my computer in the 2 large drawers. Both of these are within easy reach of my desk.
So how do you go about creating a filing system? I find the best way to build files is in general broad subjects. For example: EOB’s, Car Title and Insurance, personal file for each person in the house, financial, Medical records, Each type of other insurance, Taxes, etc. These do not need to be in alphabetical order; I have mine in order of use.
Long term papers would be your tax returns in order, EOB’s, and any legal papers you need to keep forever.
I found these neat 12 pocket cancelled check holders for a buck at the store. I use them to keep check stubs in order by month for each yr, another for Bank statements and cancelled checks and a misc receipt by yr in the last one. Check Stubs I have found out need to be kept forever along with tax returns. When the 3 yr limit is up I take the last check stub and put it in with my tax return for that yr and destroy all the other check stubs. Bank statements need to be kept only if related to a business. I keep them for 7 yrs and then destroy them. For more information on what to keep and what not to keep see the following sites:
http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=24
http://www.clearsimple.com/record%20_retention_guidelines.pdf
http://www.shrednations.com/articles/personal-records-retention.php
http://lifeorganizers.com/cm_articles/37_records_retention_462.html
In your phone book look up shedding paper most cities have places you can go to and they will destroy confidential paper for free. We have a paper mill here that will give you a certificate of destruction. What they do is put your papers in the recycling paper vat that then turns your confidential papers into pulp with in 24 hrs. They have no limit on how much paper you can bring in and it’s all free.
I have a suggestion for all those pictures you have piled all over the house too. This one will take awhile and makes a big mess but is so worth it in the long haul. At your local dept store or online you can buy plastic shoe boxes for less than a dollar. I’d start with 10 boxes, label each of them with a subject, i.e.; each child’s name, the name of an event or events for a yr, house pictures, family, holiday, etc. Then start sorting all your pictures into each box. Toss out all negatives and paper. Keep doubles as someone might want one someday. I know this sounds like a ton of work and I’m not kidding it is but once it’s done, looking for that one picture of your son at 3 will take mins instead of days. Not to mention all the room you will save. They stack easy and hold a lot of pictures for almost no cost. Plus they will be kept save in case of water damage and I’ve read that even in a fire the plastic will be a deterrent and keep your pictures safe.
So we have set up your filing system, cleaned off your desk, sorted and destroyed papers you don’t need and stored pictures safely. I think the next topic with be keeping your kitchen clean and organized.
Clutter Buster will continue.
This has got to be the hardest thing to organize for so many. Even if you have a filing system set up do you know how to manage it? Does it really work for you? Is it easy for you to find things and do you put things in the files or is there a huge pile of papers sitting next to the file cabinet? Do you know what to keep and how long? It’s a hard subject to handle without seeing or knowing your needs so I will just explain what works for me and you can adjust it to your needs.
The top of the list is junk mail. Do not toss it in with your regular mail. Check it first to see if it has personal information on it other than your address. If it’s an application for anything with your name on it, you need to shred it. When you first get your mail look through it and determine what you need to keep and what is junk and toss the junk right away. I have a bin next to my shredder for things to be shredded. The most important rule here is to address junk mail right away.
Bills and things you need to act on right away. I have a act basket on my desk the only thing that goes in this basket is bills and things I need to do right away. I also keep a letter sorter to sort bills and papers I have looked at and will need to process them later.
I also keep Explanations of Benefits (EOB) from my insurance company in the letter sorter so when the bill comes in I can match them up then I know I can pay my part. Match medical bills like this will help you know what bills have been paid and what bills you need to bring to the insurance companies attention to get them paid. Once you have the EOB and the bill with the amount you owe, pay the bill, staple the two together and file them under EOB. I normally keep these for 2-3 yrs just to make sure nothing gets questioned in the future.
Once you pay a bill you no longer need to keep the receipt. I do online banking so if I need a copy of the check I can request or view the check and who cashed it online. Banking on line is so simple now and saves you so much time and money not to mention it really cuts down on paper clutter. I have some of my bills sent via email or I can go online and access them. Banking online is safer than mailing your check because it cuts out the middle man and the chance of it being stolen. It can be processed faster by the provider and many times without any exchange of paper at all. The other wonderful benefit on online banking is that you can balance your check book every day. You can schedule reminders for bills that are coming up. You can automatically set up bills to be paid on a schedule. If you forget when you paid a bill it’s easy to go in and check on when you paid it and when it was received by the provider. It’s just a better way to cut down on paper clutter and keep better tabs on your money.
Then there is the non-bill act file. These are forms or letters that need either a phone call or to be filled out and returned. I go through my act basket once a week. I write calls down on a post it and hang it by my computer so I will be sure to see it. I have a paper weight that holds all the forms and phone call papers that I need to act on that week. I like to set aside about 2 hours during the week to make calls, fill in forms and pay bills. So far unless I get stuck on hold it never takes longer than that. I also put the bottles of prescriptions I need to call in next to the call pile so I won’t forget them either.
On top of my desk are 3 stacking bins for ongoing projects. I keep catalogs of things I want to order in one bin, long term projects in the next bin and current working projects in the top bin.
I have a mail center with everything I need to mail things. I put my Birthday cards there. Once a month I go through and write up all my birthday cards and in the place that the stamp goes I put the date of that person’s birthday so I can get the card in the mail before their birthday.
Instead of keeping an address book I have a recipe box with index cards so changes can be made without writing the whole book over. It’s easy to just tape business cards to the card too so when you need them they are right there.
I have a cheap plastic file cabinet the top drawer has current files and the bottom has long term files. I have a plastic file cabinet with 2 small drawers on top and 2 big drawers that I keep all my small office supplies in the top two small drawers, birthday cards, get well etc. and programs for my computer in the 2 large drawers. Both of these are within easy reach of my desk.
So how do you go about creating a filing system? I find the best way to build files is in general broad subjects. For example: EOB’s, Car Title and Insurance, personal file for each person in the house, financial, Medical records, Each type of other insurance, Taxes, etc. These do not need to be in alphabetical order; I have mine in order of use.
Long term papers would be your tax returns in order, EOB’s, and any legal papers you need to keep forever.
I found these neat 12 pocket cancelled check holders for a buck at the store. I use them to keep check stubs in order by month for each yr, another for Bank statements and cancelled checks and a misc receipt by yr in the last one. Check Stubs I have found out need to be kept forever along with tax returns. When the 3 yr limit is up I take the last check stub and put it in with my tax return for that yr and destroy all the other check stubs. Bank statements need to be kept only if related to a business. I keep them for 7 yrs and then destroy them. For more information on what to keep and what not to keep see the following sites:
http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=24
http://www.clearsimple.com/record%20_retention_guidelines.pdf
http://www.shrednations.com/articles/personal-records-retention.php
http://lifeorganizers.com/cm_articles/37_records_retention_462.html
In your phone book look up shedding paper most cities have places you can go to and they will destroy confidential paper for free. We have a paper mill here that will give you a certificate of destruction. What they do is put your papers in the recycling paper vat that then turns your confidential papers into pulp with in 24 hrs. They have no limit on how much paper you can bring in and it’s all free.
I have a suggestion for all those pictures you have piled all over the house too. This one will take awhile and makes a big mess but is so worth it in the long haul. At your local dept store or online you can buy plastic shoe boxes for less than a dollar. I’d start with 10 boxes, label each of them with a subject, i.e.; each child’s name, the name of an event or events for a yr, house pictures, family, holiday, etc. Then start sorting all your pictures into each box. Toss out all negatives and paper. Keep doubles as someone might want one someday. I know this sounds like a ton of work and I’m not kidding it is but once it’s done, looking for that one picture of your son at 3 will take mins instead of days. Not to mention all the room you will save. They stack easy and hold a lot of pictures for almost no cost. Plus they will be kept save in case of water damage and I’ve read that even in a fire the plastic will be a deterrent and keep your pictures safe.
So we have set up your filing system, cleaned off your desk, sorted and destroyed papers you don’t need and stored pictures safely. I think the next topic with be keeping your kitchen clean and organized.
Clutter Buster will continue.
1/31/09
1/27/09
Clutter Buster 2 by Garden Angel
Clutter buster pt 1 can be applied to all of your treasured belongings. Apply the same rules, to junk drawers, closets, cabinets and any other hiding place you might have.
When each area has been sorted be sure to clean the area before you put all your organized belongs back in.
BUT…
Don’t stuff it all back in there. Think about the kind of habits that got you all that mess in the first place. What kind of things did you do without thought? The following are just random examples I haven’t been looking through your house. Lol!
Are you a tosser? Basically you throw things in a pile till the pile is so big it falls over and you continue to toss things on top vowing to one day go through it all.
Are you a stacker? You buy bins, boxes and containers, fill them up with treasures. Then buy more stuff, more bins and it is just a viscous cycle with no end. You find you have doubles and triples of things in different places in different bins, boxes and containers. Your running out of room, you are constantly looking for things, buying more till you’re so over whelmed you finally stop using the bins and just become a tosser.
Are you a treasure hunter? You go shopping, see something you love at the moment, but have no use for it or any place to put it or will never wear it, but you have to have it. Maybe you get it as a gift for someone for an upcoming birthday or holiday. You get it home, put it somewhere still in the bag and forget about it completely. When you find it again, you fall hopelessly in love with it again so you keep it again, maybe not in the bag or in the same place, but it’s still there, and you can’t part with it. It’s a treasure, one you will again forget about till you dig it up again.
Are you a pile sorter? Unlike a stacker nothing is in any kind of container it’s neatly stack in piles everywhere. Yes, you might know what is there but do you need it? Does it answer yes to any of the rules? Most likely NOT!
Are you a hoarder? Afraid to get rid of anything you or someone somewhere on a distant planet far away might need someday. This is a whole different problem and should never be treated lightly. A professional is the only one who can deal with severe hoarding issues.
There are many other types of disorganized habits that once you figure out what type you are there is a plan of attack for each of them.
If you’re a Tosser you need to pick storage options with no lids or drawers. Open shelves maybe with doors or a curtain over it is best once you have purged. Look at the hardware store for stackable bins that are clear and open in the front. Sort and label bins. Forget the dresser idea in any room it will only become a new home for clutter. Look for shelving units for your closet or along a wall when sort items in each cubby. When you need to put things away you can toss things in the proper place and you’re done.
If you’re a Stacker bins might be a great idea but you’re not getting the right kind of bins for you. Bins and containers should always be clear and labeled. Think about how you will get into things with the least amount of work. Would drawers be easier than a bin with a lid or even a stackable bin? Long term storage or things you only need maybe once a year would be best in bins with lids. Things you use often might be better in drawers. There are many wonderful products online to divide shelves and drawers but there too only buy what will be the easiest for you to access. This can be applied if you are a pile sorter too.
The treasure hunter might also have a shopping problem as well. I know how hard this one is to break. I used to be one. Ok, now you know my little secret. I love to buy things for others, never for me. It’s not that I need to buy that person something it just makes me feel good to give them something I know they won’t get for themselves. How do you break the treasure hunter? Good question. In my mind there are two kinds of shopping: errands and shopping. Errands you run in with a list get what you need and get out. Most men shop like this and never understand what a women means by the second one, shopping. Shopping is wondering the store with no idea why your there. It takes hours and you might still come home with nothing, but that’s highly unlikely because you are bound to find a treasure someone somewhere sometime will need. What you need to do is stop shopping till you have found a home for all the treasures you currently have. When you are sorting put each treasure in one place, call it your treasure chest. Keep it close to all the bags, boxes and gift wrap you bought too. When an event comes up go to your treasure chest, wrap up one of your treasures and you’re done. Once all your treasures are gone and the treasure chest is empty don’t restock, you’re done, get rid of the treasure chest. Do not allow yourself to go shopping without an idea of what you’re looking for again. Get only what you need and if they don’t have it don’t get anything else. If you can’t stop yourself from doing this please get help, I did and it took a long time but I’m doing a lot better.
So we have talked about the sorting process, things are getting done slowly. We have talked about what type of storage you should look for according to the type of habits you have.
If you would like further suggestions or ideas check out the websites I have listed on my blog.
Clutter buster will continue. FYI: I was a professional organizer for 1 yr and a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers).
When each area has been sorted be sure to clean the area before you put all your organized belongs back in.
BUT…
Don’t stuff it all back in there. Think about the kind of habits that got you all that mess in the first place. What kind of things did you do without thought? The following are just random examples I haven’t been looking through your house. Lol!
Are you a tosser? Basically you throw things in a pile till the pile is so big it falls over and you continue to toss things on top vowing to one day go through it all.
Are you a stacker? You buy bins, boxes and containers, fill them up with treasures. Then buy more stuff, more bins and it is just a viscous cycle with no end. You find you have doubles and triples of things in different places in different bins, boxes and containers. Your running out of room, you are constantly looking for things, buying more till you’re so over whelmed you finally stop using the bins and just become a tosser.
Are you a treasure hunter? You go shopping, see something you love at the moment, but have no use for it or any place to put it or will never wear it, but you have to have it. Maybe you get it as a gift for someone for an upcoming birthday or holiday. You get it home, put it somewhere still in the bag and forget about it completely. When you find it again, you fall hopelessly in love with it again so you keep it again, maybe not in the bag or in the same place, but it’s still there, and you can’t part with it. It’s a treasure, one you will again forget about till you dig it up again.
Are you a pile sorter? Unlike a stacker nothing is in any kind of container it’s neatly stack in piles everywhere. Yes, you might know what is there but do you need it? Does it answer yes to any of the rules? Most likely NOT!
Are you a hoarder? Afraid to get rid of anything you or someone somewhere on a distant planet far away might need someday. This is a whole different problem and should never be treated lightly. A professional is the only one who can deal with severe hoarding issues.
There are many other types of disorganized habits that once you figure out what type you are there is a plan of attack for each of them.
If you’re a Tosser you need to pick storage options with no lids or drawers. Open shelves maybe with doors or a curtain over it is best once you have purged. Look at the hardware store for stackable bins that are clear and open in the front. Sort and label bins. Forget the dresser idea in any room it will only become a new home for clutter. Look for shelving units for your closet or along a wall when sort items in each cubby. When you need to put things away you can toss things in the proper place and you’re done.
If you’re a Stacker bins might be a great idea but you’re not getting the right kind of bins for you. Bins and containers should always be clear and labeled. Think about how you will get into things with the least amount of work. Would drawers be easier than a bin with a lid or even a stackable bin? Long term storage or things you only need maybe once a year would be best in bins with lids. Things you use often might be better in drawers. There are many wonderful products online to divide shelves and drawers but there too only buy what will be the easiest for you to access. This can be applied if you are a pile sorter too.
The treasure hunter might also have a shopping problem as well. I know how hard this one is to break. I used to be one. Ok, now you know my little secret. I love to buy things for others, never for me. It’s not that I need to buy that person something it just makes me feel good to give them something I know they won’t get for themselves. How do you break the treasure hunter? Good question. In my mind there are two kinds of shopping: errands and shopping. Errands you run in with a list get what you need and get out. Most men shop like this and never understand what a women means by the second one, shopping. Shopping is wondering the store with no idea why your there. It takes hours and you might still come home with nothing, but that’s highly unlikely because you are bound to find a treasure someone somewhere sometime will need. What you need to do is stop shopping till you have found a home for all the treasures you currently have. When you are sorting put each treasure in one place, call it your treasure chest. Keep it close to all the bags, boxes and gift wrap you bought too. When an event comes up go to your treasure chest, wrap up one of your treasures and you’re done. Once all your treasures are gone and the treasure chest is empty don’t restock, you’re done, get rid of the treasure chest. Do not allow yourself to go shopping without an idea of what you’re looking for again. Get only what you need and if they don’t have it don’t get anything else. If you can’t stop yourself from doing this please get help, I did and it took a long time but I’m doing a lot better.
So we have talked about the sorting process, things are getting done slowly. We have talked about what type of storage you should look for according to the type of habits you have.
If you would like further suggestions or ideas check out the websites I have listed on my blog.
Clutter buster will continue. FYI: I was a professional organizer for 1 yr and a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers).
Clutter Buster 1 by Garden Angel
So here it is a new year, a new start, a new resolution. If you live in a cold state like I do, you’re in hibernation mode. You can’t go outside to do anything because it’s just too cold. The holidays are over and till spring comes your sitting there looking at your home going, “ I wish I had the energy to do something other than sit here and watch TV, play on the computer, sleep or read a book.”
Winter is hard on all of us with chronic pain. The days are short, energy is low and pain levels are high. We know we will hurt more the longer we sit, yet here we sit. I have a suggestion. It’s not a popular one, but it’s one that will make you feel so much better in the long run. It’s something I save for winter so in the summer I can go out and play. I have found over the years that it gets easier and easier to do.
What is this mystery project? It’s purging!
So now you’re standing there looking at all of that stuff with no idea where to start. The best place to start is with a plan and one step at a time.
Here are some ideas to get you started…
Start by sitting down and writing out a plan of attack. I don’t mean take months to write every detail, just a basic outline with a start and end date will be fine to start. Keep goals realistic and limit work time to a few hours a day, no more. By doing small sections you will feel good each time you reach that goal. Reaching that goal will encourage you to the next goal and the next. By writing a plan of attack you will have an outline of a daily project to do that will keep you going giving you a sense of accomplishment. By keeping the tasks small and working short periods of time you will not over do and will be able to complete each task.
So you’ve made your list, now what? You need to create a sorting area, a work zone. Some place you will be comfortable. I have a large foot stool in front of my couch that I use for sorting. Where ever you sort it will need to be big enough to fold things and still have room for boxes to sort in. Gather your supplies. You will need 4 large boxes, black marker, and hangers if you’re sorting clothes. With the marker label each box, here are some examples: Trash, Donate, Keep, and Return/Sell. The plan is to handle everything no more than three times, once to haul it to your sort site, once to sort, once to put away or move it out. Don’t forget the phone by your sort site, and either music or a TV show that you won’t get lost in. I turn on HGTV the shows keep me motivated.
Be realistic, set limits on amounts of each item, sort with the idea of keeping those things that can be worn more than one way. Things like the basic skirts, basic pants, basic shirts, basic shoes, and accessories to make each thing shine. Less is more. For me I don’t work, but I do go to church so I only have 4 sets of nice clothes for church or events. These all can be in combined in many ways so I don’t need a lot of them. I also work in the garden in summer, so I have 7 work outfits for working in the garden. Then there are comfy clothes for sitting around or running errands. I limit each set of clothes so they fit into the area I have in the closet. I also limit clothes shopping to twice a yr and only after I have purged all clothes that have gotten worn, stained or no longer fit. When shopping for new clothes keep a list of what you need only and don’t over buy. A good rule is something must go out before something new comes in.
OK, you have an area that comfortable to sort in. You have your supplies in that area. You have written goals for the project. You’ve figures out how much of each type of items you really need. This should take up day one. Tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start.
To start the sort take only as many items as you can sort in the time limit you have set for the day. Remember stick to the plan. Now one piece at a time ask yourself the following questions:
1. Have I worn or used this in the last yr?
2. Is it stained or in need of repair?
3. Does it fit?
4. Do I only keep it cause someone gave it to me, but I don’t like it?
5. Does it belong to someone else, or I was asked to store it, or just never returned it?
6. Can it be worn more than one way?
As each box gets full deal with the contents right away. This should be included in that purging time span every day. Go hang up the clothes you are keeping. Make sure you put them in a different area so you won’t have to sort them again. Take care of the items to be donated each week. Toss out the trash items. Each day should be started with empty boxes.
Everyone has those priceless things you will never wear but just can’t seem to part with. You know that prom dress, your wedding dress from your 1st marriage that didn’t last that you paid a fortune for and you want to save for whoever. What do you do with that stuff?
I have 2 suggestions for those items. I’d take a picture of it and say good-bye, but maybe your just not ready to part with the item yet. What do you do then? Let’s try this one, but only with these cherished items nothing else. Put all of your treasures in a box all nice and neat, put a date on it for a limited time span, no more than a yr, don’t write what’s in the box just the date and tape it shut. When the date comes don’t open it just donate it or give it to a consignment shop. The whole goal is to not look at it. It will make it easier to part with if you don’t see it again.
So now, your closet is empty or it should be. I hope while you were doing your clothes whoever you share the closet with if anyone was doing the same. What do you do next? Stuff it all back in there? I don’t think so.
Winter is hard on all of us with chronic pain. The days are short, energy is low and pain levels are high. We know we will hurt more the longer we sit, yet here we sit. I have a suggestion. It’s not a popular one, but it’s one that will make you feel so much better in the long run. It’s something I save for winter so in the summer I can go out and play. I have found over the years that it gets easier and easier to do.
What is this mystery project? It’s purging!
So now you’re standing there looking at all of that stuff with no idea where to start. The best place to start is with a plan and one step at a time.
Here are some ideas to get you started…
Start by sitting down and writing out a plan of attack. I don’t mean take months to write every detail, just a basic outline with a start and end date will be fine to start. Keep goals realistic and limit work time to a few hours a day, no more. By doing small sections you will feel good each time you reach that goal. Reaching that goal will encourage you to the next goal and the next. By writing a plan of attack you will have an outline of a daily project to do that will keep you going giving you a sense of accomplishment. By keeping the tasks small and working short periods of time you will not over do and will be able to complete each task.
So you’ve made your list, now what? You need to create a sorting area, a work zone. Some place you will be comfortable. I have a large foot stool in front of my couch that I use for sorting. Where ever you sort it will need to be big enough to fold things and still have room for boxes to sort in. Gather your supplies. You will need 4 large boxes, black marker, and hangers if you’re sorting clothes. With the marker label each box, here are some examples: Trash, Donate, Keep, and Return/Sell. The plan is to handle everything no more than three times, once to haul it to your sort site, once to sort, once to put away or move it out. Don’t forget the phone by your sort site, and either music or a TV show that you won’t get lost in. I turn on HGTV the shows keep me motivated.
Be realistic, set limits on amounts of each item, sort with the idea of keeping those things that can be worn more than one way. Things like the basic skirts, basic pants, basic shirts, basic shoes, and accessories to make each thing shine. Less is more. For me I don’t work, but I do go to church so I only have 4 sets of nice clothes for church or events. These all can be in combined in many ways so I don’t need a lot of them. I also work in the garden in summer, so I have 7 work outfits for working in the garden. Then there are comfy clothes for sitting around or running errands. I limit each set of clothes so they fit into the area I have in the closet. I also limit clothes shopping to twice a yr and only after I have purged all clothes that have gotten worn, stained or no longer fit. When shopping for new clothes keep a list of what you need only and don’t over buy. A good rule is something must go out before something new comes in.
OK, you have an area that comfortable to sort in. You have your supplies in that area. You have written goals for the project. You’ve figures out how much of each type of items you really need. This should take up day one. Tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start.
To start the sort take only as many items as you can sort in the time limit you have set for the day. Remember stick to the plan. Now one piece at a time ask yourself the following questions:
1. Have I worn or used this in the last yr?
2. Is it stained or in need of repair?
3. Does it fit?
4. Do I only keep it cause someone gave it to me, but I don’t like it?
5. Does it belong to someone else, or I was asked to store it, or just never returned it?
6. Can it be worn more than one way?
As each box gets full deal with the contents right away. This should be included in that purging time span every day. Go hang up the clothes you are keeping. Make sure you put them in a different area so you won’t have to sort them again. Take care of the items to be donated each week. Toss out the trash items. Each day should be started with empty boxes.
Everyone has those priceless things you will never wear but just can’t seem to part with. You know that prom dress, your wedding dress from your 1st marriage that didn’t last that you paid a fortune for and you want to save for whoever. What do you do with that stuff?
I have 2 suggestions for those items. I’d take a picture of it and say good-bye, but maybe your just not ready to part with the item yet. What do you do then? Let’s try this one, but only with these cherished items nothing else. Put all of your treasures in a box all nice and neat, put a date on it for a limited time span, no more than a yr, don’t write what’s in the box just the date and tape it shut. When the date comes don’t open it just donate it or give it to a consignment shop. The whole goal is to not look at it. It will make it easier to part with if you don’t see it again.
So now, your closet is empty or it should be. I hope while you were doing your clothes whoever you share the closet with if anyone was doing the same. What do you do next? Stuff it all back in there? I don’t think so.
Getting Through Christmas by Garden Angel
Suggestions for getting through Christmas:
1. The Golden Rule: Pace yourself. Try this, do 2 things at once for 15-30 mins each job and switch when time is up. Example: sit down and wrap presents, stand up and decorate the tree. Make cookies and write Christmas cards. Get the idea do something standing then something sitting.
2. Keep things simple: Pear down your expectations of the holidays. Do you really need to decorate every inch of your house? The days of the Norman Rockwell paintings are over. Settle on simple and cozy. Instead of the big dinner do a pot luck, no theme just what ever they want to bring. I have done this for 3 yrs now and we love it. No turkey or ham just munches and fun relaxing times. We set out the food as everyone gets there and when someone is hungry they grab a plate and munch.
3. Delegation: I always use the store scooters for shopping. I know pride comes in there but I drop pride when I can get home and not be in so much pain. For stores that don't have scooters delegate to someone who will be going there anyway or shop online.
Yes, significant other can do some of the shopping. lol Give them a list and see how well they do. I have found men are great for errands as they go in the store, get and go. Unlike ladies who wander for hours and forget why they came in the store in the first place.
I have dinners (I order pizza) and invite family over and together we put up my tree, unload my snowman collection and help shop or wrap misc presents. We have even done this for cookies. If family isn't close invite close friends over, then help at their house in return. It will be fun and helpful at the same time.
4. Start early: Don't wait till the last min. Start making lists as early as possible. Get your shopping on line done. Gift cert can be bought any time and online. We do our name picking on Labor day so everyone can get it done slowly. Who ever is hosting the gathering draws names and lets everyone know who to buy for.
5. Get plans ready asap: Who is hosting, who is going where, who will help with shopping, what everyone will bring? My family is the most disorganized bunch so my job all the time is to keep them on task and up to date on changes. Thanks to email we are all connected and I don't have to make tons of calls to everyone. Normally I send out a who, what, and where email in Sept when the name drawing is done. Reminders and update go out each month.
6. Rest don't stay up all night worrying about things. Write things down and put the note where you will see it in the morning. Sleep and down time are important if you are going to make it to new yr. When you plan your schedule for the week plan a whole day of nothing to regroup and rest. Things will get done faster and with less stress if your rested.
7. Make a list of who you are shopping for and what before you leave for the store. Search the sales, clip the coupons, set limits on cost for each person and stick to it. Everyone is short on money and sticking to your budget and planning are a must when money is tight. In my family we pick names and buy for all the kids (ages 0 to 16), we only have 5 so it's not to bad. I figure out what I have to spend, this yr only 300 for all the presents and divided by 9, around 30 bucks each. I made my list and hit the store and got it all done in one stop. Difficult ppl get a gift cert for that amount and I chose not to sweat it.
8. Enjoy and share: Remember this is a time to spend with those you love. Tell them you love them. Live, laugh and love.
9. Remember the true reason for the season. Go to church or whatever and rejoice in whatever faith you have.
10. Take care of you, need I say more.
Here is a website with great additional ideas for the holidays. http://flylady.com/pages/HolidayCruising3.asp
1. The Golden Rule: Pace yourself. Try this, do 2 things at once for 15-30 mins each job and switch when time is up. Example: sit down and wrap presents, stand up and decorate the tree. Make cookies and write Christmas cards. Get the idea do something standing then something sitting.
2. Keep things simple: Pear down your expectations of the holidays. Do you really need to decorate every inch of your house? The days of the Norman Rockwell paintings are over. Settle on simple and cozy. Instead of the big dinner do a pot luck, no theme just what ever they want to bring. I have done this for 3 yrs now and we love it. No turkey or ham just munches and fun relaxing times. We set out the food as everyone gets there and when someone is hungry they grab a plate and munch.
3. Delegation: I always use the store scooters for shopping. I know pride comes in there but I drop pride when I can get home and not be in so much pain. For stores that don't have scooters delegate to someone who will be going there anyway or shop online.
Yes, significant other can do some of the shopping. lol Give them a list and see how well they do. I have found men are great for errands as they go in the store, get and go. Unlike ladies who wander for hours and forget why they came in the store in the first place.
I have dinners (I order pizza) and invite family over and together we put up my tree, unload my snowman collection and help shop or wrap misc presents. We have even done this for cookies. If family isn't close invite close friends over, then help at their house in return. It will be fun and helpful at the same time.
4. Start early: Don't wait till the last min. Start making lists as early as possible. Get your shopping on line done. Gift cert can be bought any time and online. We do our name picking on Labor day so everyone can get it done slowly. Who ever is hosting the gathering draws names and lets everyone know who to buy for.
5. Get plans ready asap: Who is hosting, who is going where, who will help with shopping, what everyone will bring? My family is the most disorganized bunch so my job all the time is to keep them on task and up to date on changes. Thanks to email we are all connected and I don't have to make tons of calls to everyone. Normally I send out a who, what, and where email in Sept when the name drawing is done. Reminders and update go out each month.
6. Rest don't stay up all night worrying about things. Write things down and put the note where you will see it in the morning. Sleep and down time are important if you are going to make it to new yr. When you plan your schedule for the week plan a whole day of nothing to regroup and rest. Things will get done faster and with less stress if your rested.
7. Make a list of who you are shopping for and what before you leave for the store. Search the sales, clip the coupons, set limits on cost for each person and stick to it. Everyone is short on money and sticking to your budget and planning are a must when money is tight. In my family we pick names and buy for all the kids (ages 0 to 16), we only have 5 so it's not to bad. I figure out what I have to spend, this yr only 300 for all the presents and divided by 9, around 30 bucks each. I made my list and hit the store and got it all done in one stop. Difficult ppl get a gift cert for that amount and I chose not to sweat it.
8. Enjoy and share: Remember this is a time to spend with those you love. Tell them you love them. Live, laugh and love.
9. Remember the true reason for the season. Go to church or whatever and rejoice in whatever faith you have.
10. Take care of you, need I say more.
Here is a website with great additional ideas for the holidays. http://flylady.com/pages/HolidayCruising3.asp
Fung Shui to reduce stress
When I first got sick I was looking for anything to help me with the pain and fatigue. What I found was a website on Feng Shui. This is an ancient Chinese art of balancing your space to create balance of chi or energy in your space. (Sorry this is going to be long, but important)
What does this all mean in regards to sleep? In your bedroom if the energy is cluttered and over excited we cannot achieve a good and energy-refreshing nights sleep.
Things you need to do to direct the refreshing and renewing energy in your bedroom.
1. Remove all clutter. Remove work, books, magazines, bills, computers, and TV’s, as these are things left undone. In order to rest you need a space that is restful. Anything that makes you think of things that need to be done should be removed from your resting place. Just the thought of things undone can keep you awake. You need to have a stress-free area that will let your mind rest and quiet down to sleep. Check out this site for suggestion to help declutter your life: http://organizedhome.com/content-34.html
2. Electrical equipment will suck the Chi (energy) right out of your room and thus your energy. Remove as many of these things as you can safely. If you must have things they must be kept below your sleeping level. Or blocked from your view by a plant or something soft to absorb the electric current.
3. Keep everything soft and clean. If you have a lot of sharp edges in furniture, soften them. Cover with fabric, a hanging plant, or turn them so the corner is at an angle not pointing at you. Sheets and blankets should be soft to the touch and always clean. Dust and hard edges interfere with good Chi.
4. White noise is very important. A fan is good but doesn't have to blow on you. Soft music works wonders but keep the player lower than the bed.
5. Mirrors should never be facing your bed. If it does remove it, cover it or move it to reflect the window only. Mirrors facing the bed will suck up good Chi, but when facing a window it will bring in new Chi by reflecting the sunshine of a new day.
6. Air circulation if you can't have the window open while you sleep then at least open the curtains everyday and let the sun shine in. Even in the winter try to open the windows at least once a week to clean the air and renew the Chi.
7. Silk plants are fine if you can't grow live ones, but keep them well dusted. Use them to soften corners and give life to dark corners. Live plants can clean the air you breath too.
8. Knick Knack should be kept to a minimum. Only put things in that are relaxing, soothing or have pleasant soothing memories. Less is more and easier to keep clean.
9. Clutter under your bed, in your dresser or in your closet is a big no-no. Chi can't move around you if it can't go under you. If you can see into your closet while in bed move your bed so you can't or keep the closet door closed at all times. This doesn't mean you don't have to clear that closet you still do. Clutter robs Chi and where there is clutter there will be lower Chi.
I know these things are a lot to ask and for some impossible to do. If you need help get a good friend to help. It took me over a yr to change everything in my house. I just took one thing, one room at a time and kept going till it was done. I can tell you from personal experience that this does work. I have found that I sleep better, feel better and have less fog because of this. Not to mention my house is much easier to keep clean.
I also learned a lot when I went to Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Here is a list of things that will help you get to sleep at night along with the Feng Shui stuff.
1. No eating before bed. Set a cut off time and keep it. It should be about 2 hours before your bedtime. Food in your stomach will take time to digest, this adds to acid reflux problems.
2. Set up a schedule for daily activities. To figure out a schedule write down things you do in a normal day. List just the big things that you have to do daily. Figure out a basic routine of doing things everyday. Practice different routines until you get one that feels comfortable for you.
3. Plan down time before going to bed. Before you take you sleeping pill or evening medication, you need to start the process of getting ready for bed. Shut the TV, computer off at least an hour before time bedtime. Read, listen to soft music, and meditate. Try to do this the same time every night for a week and see the change in your nights sleep.
4. Reducing stress is a big factor in getting a good night sleep.
People in our lives can cause stress. Family and friends can be demanding and suck the energy right out of you. After years of counseling, I have learned a few things about reducing the stress in your life caused by other people.
Try very hard not to take on other people’s problems. You can advise, but ultimately you are not responsible to clean up, fix up, or force them into taking responsibility for the choices they made. If you are like me this one is going to be a hard one. Stop yourself and give yourself a reminder that this is something they should do not you.
Every one makes mistakes in their choices in life. Every one! Only that one person must accept the consequences of their mistakes, their choices in life. Letting go of past pain, past hurts and find forgiveness in you. This is the most difficult task of all. Finding peace in you will give you peace in your life. There may never be an answer to the why things happen the way or how they happen they just do. Move on, forgive, and accept. Start today looking at the all the blessing you have been given, write them down, and read them every day.
5. Take one thing, one step at a time. Setting long-term goals is a thing of the past. We get over whelmed trying to get to the goal. Make goals for the day not further. Keep a list of things that need to be done. Do not expect to get them done that day. Do one thing at a time when you can. In no time the list will be done. Don’t add to the list until all project are complete, adding to the list increases stress.
6. Take time for you everyday. That hour before bed, make it your time. Be good to yourself. Look in the mirror, smile, and say I'm ok. I love you is over rated and sometime to hard to accept or expect. Start small it's easier.
What does this all mean in regards to sleep? In your bedroom if the energy is cluttered and over excited we cannot achieve a good and energy-refreshing nights sleep.
Things you need to do to direct the refreshing and renewing energy in your bedroom.
1. Remove all clutter. Remove work, books, magazines, bills, computers, and TV’s, as these are things left undone. In order to rest you need a space that is restful. Anything that makes you think of things that need to be done should be removed from your resting place. Just the thought of things undone can keep you awake. You need to have a stress-free area that will let your mind rest and quiet down to sleep. Check out this site for suggestion to help declutter your life: http://organizedhome.com/content-34.html
2. Electrical equipment will suck the Chi (energy) right out of your room and thus your energy. Remove as many of these things as you can safely. If you must have things they must be kept below your sleeping level. Or blocked from your view by a plant or something soft to absorb the electric current.
3. Keep everything soft and clean. If you have a lot of sharp edges in furniture, soften them. Cover with fabric, a hanging plant, or turn them so the corner is at an angle not pointing at you. Sheets and blankets should be soft to the touch and always clean. Dust and hard edges interfere with good Chi.
4. White noise is very important. A fan is good but doesn't have to blow on you. Soft music works wonders but keep the player lower than the bed.
5. Mirrors should never be facing your bed. If it does remove it, cover it or move it to reflect the window only. Mirrors facing the bed will suck up good Chi, but when facing a window it will bring in new Chi by reflecting the sunshine of a new day.
6. Air circulation if you can't have the window open while you sleep then at least open the curtains everyday and let the sun shine in. Even in the winter try to open the windows at least once a week to clean the air and renew the Chi.
7. Silk plants are fine if you can't grow live ones, but keep them well dusted. Use them to soften corners and give life to dark corners. Live plants can clean the air you breath too.
8. Knick Knack should be kept to a minimum. Only put things in that are relaxing, soothing or have pleasant soothing memories. Less is more and easier to keep clean.
9. Clutter under your bed, in your dresser or in your closet is a big no-no. Chi can't move around you if it can't go under you. If you can see into your closet while in bed move your bed so you can't or keep the closet door closed at all times. This doesn't mean you don't have to clear that closet you still do. Clutter robs Chi and where there is clutter there will be lower Chi.
I know these things are a lot to ask and for some impossible to do. If you need help get a good friend to help. It took me over a yr to change everything in my house. I just took one thing, one room at a time and kept going till it was done. I can tell you from personal experience that this does work. I have found that I sleep better, feel better and have less fog because of this. Not to mention my house is much easier to keep clean.
I also learned a lot when I went to Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Here is a list of things that will help you get to sleep at night along with the Feng Shui stuff.
1. No eating before bed. Set a cut off time and keep it. It should be about 2 hours before your bedtime. Food in your stomach will take time to digest, this adds to acid reflux problems.
2. Set up a schedule for daily activities. To figure out a schedule write down things you do in a normal day. List just the big things that you have to do daily. Figure out a basic routine of doing things everyday. Practice different routines until you get one that feels comfortable for you.
3. Plan down time before going to bed. Before you take you sleeping pill or evening medication, you need to start the process of getting ready for bed. Shut the TV, computer off at least an hour before time bedtime. Read, listen to soft music, and meditate. Try to do this the same time every night for a week and see the change in your nights sleep.
4. Reducing stress is a big factor in getting a good night sleep.
People in our lives can cause stress. Family and friends can be demanding and suck the energy right out of you. After years of counseling, I have learned a few things about reducing the stress in your life caused by other people.
Try very hard not to take on other people’s problems. You can advise, but ultimately you are not responsible to clean up, fix up, or force them into taking responsibility for the choices they made. If you are like me this one is going to be a hard one. Stop yourself and give yourself a reminder that this is something they should do not you.
Every one makes mistakes in their choices in life. Every one! Only that one person must accept the consequences of their mistakes, their choices in life. Letting go of past pain, past hurts and find forgiveness in you. This is the most difficult task of all. Finding peace in you will give you peace in your life. There may never be an answer to the why things happen the way or how they happen they just do. Move on, forgive, and accept. Start today looking at the all the blessing you have been given, write them down, and read them every day.
5. Take one thing, one step at a time. Setting long-term goals is a thing of the past. We get over whelmed trying to get to the goal. Make goals for the day not further. Keep a list of things that need to be done. Do not expect to get them done that day. Do one thing at a time when you can. In no time the list will be done. Don’t add to the list until all project are complete, adding to the list increases stress.
6. Take time for you everyday. That hour before bed, make it your time. Be good to yourself. Look in the mirror, smile, and say I'm ok. I love you is over rated and sometime to hard to accept or expect. Start small it's easier.
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