We would like to introduce you to a very special lady named Debbie McCuiston. She is going to be doing a segment for us each Sunday on simplifying our lives, getting rid of "clutter", and focusing on what's important. We're really excited about this new segment - and hope you are too! Take it away Debbie....
Since this is the first of (hopefully of many) ways to simplify your life, let's get started. If you are like most of the people in America you have made you new year's resolutions. I don't write them down anymore, that way there is no real evidence that they ever existed when by the 2nd wk in Jan I have totally forgotten all about them.
The best advice I can give you at this point is-- make up your mind. Reality is you can not lose those 50 pounds and repaint the house or organize your life all by May.
Stop trying to do it ALL!!!!!
Make a list of what you want to accomplish in the span of the next 24 hours. Then get started, stop making up reasons why you can't do it. Make it a priority!!! Right now mine is getting christmas stuff put away so I can see what needs to be done. So as we speak my darling husband (no I don't rent him out) is packing up the decorations so I can write. Our goal is to have them done before bed tonight. If you have already put yours away, I am impressed!!! So go get that junk drawer cleaned out. Do one small thing each day this week to make your goals for the new year a reality. Spend no more that 30 minutes a day, BUT make sure you work on the project for the whole time not thinking about it or pondering what else you could be doing. DO NOT go on to another project until you complete the task at hand.
Helpful hint: When in doubt if you should keep something- ask your kids or any family member "when I die will you want this or will you keep this?" The responses will put your saving ways in perspective. My kids have helped me get rid of several truck loads of things I was saving for them or their kids. Their comments ranged from "Why in the world would I want that? I have always hated it!" to "What were you thinking!!"
Organize your life one drawer at a time.
Done - one junk drawer that contained blinkie coupons from the grocery stores during the holidays... And that led to the inevitable clean-out of the coupon organizer that had coupons with a 12/31/09 expiration date. And the Christmas decor is repacked and reorganized...YEAH!!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see Debbie will be spreading her wealth of wisdom here every Sunday. She has helped me declutter my financial life for about two years. She introduced me to Time 2 Save along with many other helpful hints!!! She has truly been a blessing to my life and I am grateful for her and the friend who introduced us. Everyone who reads on Sunday will too be blessed!
ReplyDeleteLove that question. As a pack rat I have learned another question to ask myself: "What is the worst thing that could happen to me if I get rid of this?" The answer is usually no big deal, of course!
ReplyDeleteI have a question, I need a recommendation for a good coupon organizer. I am new to this but, so far I am realizing GREAT savings but, I need help keeping track of everything. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteDebbie - I put away my Christmas Decorations, cleaned my fridge-top, and threw out about 4 garbage bags of junk from my laundry room last night! You're getting me on the right track already!
ReplyDeleteValerie, we use a binder organizer with baseball card holders for our coupons. Hang tight I should have a tutorial ready in a week or so with pictures of each step.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,