Yes to a New Year's Theme and Gifts, Not Resolutions

At this time of year, many of us are thinking of the new year ahead and about changes we'd like to make in our lives or ourselves that we can put in a tidy package called a New Year's Resolution.

But I ask, why does January 1st have to feel much more important than May 7th or September 12th? Ah, I know...it's that itty bitty part of us that seeks perfection. The part that loves a very clear, very defined starting point and that loves to feel ignited by motivation. And what could be more motivating than starting something on the very first day of a brand new year?

I used to be that kind of New Year's Resolution maker...the one who met the new year bright eyed and excited with a list of life-changing resolutions in mind. Like this article says about the science behind failed resolutions, I mistakenly thought that I could follow through on that list of New Year's resolutions if only I had a bit more discipline. I even built in negative consequences to my resolution (like the money spent on a gym membership to force encourage me to like to exercise!)

So, in defiance I suppose, I have sworn off making any sorts of changes for the last few years just because I've brought out a new calendar. However, I admit, even the anti-resolution side of me has been a wee bit excited by all of the tweets, blog posts and articles I have let myself read lately.

Maybe that's because, in early 2009, I realized that life had lost its flavor and, by April, I had decided that I was ready to put myself in the line of priority, and right in front. I later realized that this was just my inner awareness coming back to me after having been in a depression funk for a few years. With the second half of 2009 devoted to taking care of me, and sharing what I've learned with you all as well, I'm feeling very motivated to continue and see how awesome I can make 2010.

Now that I'm excited and ready to meet a new year, with an attitude of making positive changes for as many of the next 365 days as possible, I will declare my New Year's Theme for 2010 to be: Take Care of Me...the full year version!

Here are the gifts I plan to give myself in the coming months. I truly hope I get to the big gift but otherwise I will just enjoy the stocking stuffers!

Accepting the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge for 2010

Clutter and unfinished projects around here don't stand a chance!

Taking care of my body by being kind to it (enhancing my best traits on the outside and eating well to take care of me on the inside)

As Sally says it so succinctly:
This is the only body you've got.
Be kind to it.
Befriend it.
Work with it, not against it.
Care for it tenderly and you will be a much happier person.

Continuing to live a cash-only lifestyle (started in 2009)

The new component this year will be to put money into a high-yield savings account every month that will become the money I spend on 2011 expenses. I’m tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck and will eventually be using money that’s spent a year gaining interest instead of new money that hasn’t!

To regain the inner peace I have lost during the past few years

I'm not ready to give any specifics on this one just yet.

What will your New Year's Theme be for 2010? What gifts are you going to give yourself over the coming months?

Below, I've listed some ideas to get you thinking. These were part of an email forward I received but do they ever work for new year, new you inspiration!

But, first, I would highly recommend you read Dani's insight on how to prepare for change and Leo's definitive guide to sticking to your New Year's Resolutions. They are definitely inspiring!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Themes ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Simplify and unclutter your life.

Never borrow from the future.
(If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.

Develop a forgiving attitude.
(most people are doing the best they can)

Be kind to unkind people.
(they probably need it the most)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Gifts ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Get organized so everything has its place.

Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

Pray

Practice gratitude.
(Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.)

Go to bed on time.

Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

Delegate tasks to capable others.

Slow down.
Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

Pace yourself.
Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

Separate worries from concerns. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

Do something for the kid in you everyday.

Get enough rest.

Eat right.

Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

Write down thoughts and inspirations.

Sit on your ego.

Talk less; listen more.

Every day, find time to be alone.

Top 5 Posts:
How I Define Clutter
Decluttering: A How-To
I'd Rather Stay Home From Work and De-junk
Decluttering Made Simple (27-17-7)
Ever Felt Afraid to Declutter?

Hello and Welcome to Our New Followers

As the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge blog has received a few new followers as of late, I thought I should post a little "Hello and welcome!" to all our new friends.

Please enjoy past posts and future ones that come out infrequently on the 22nd of the month. My blogging is primarily done over at my other blog (Taking Care Of You), however, decluttering is still near and dear in my heart so I simply can't stop sharing decluttering perspective and tips over here with you all!

If you're not familiar with the introduction of Taking Care Of You over here on the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge blog, here is a snippet:

The 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge is key in Taking Care Of You. Simply put, any area of our life where we focus our awareness will grow us from the inside out.

To that end, decluttering is a form of taking care of ourselves, believe it or not. By accepting your own 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge, you began a journey towards improving the quality of your life from the outside in. Removing a single piece of clutter each day doesn't completely clear an entire life's worth of clutter, especially mental clutter. However, it does begin to grow an awareness inside you about self-worth, creating a life of abundance versus scarcity, etc.

Developing an enhanced awareness of yourself is what the Taking Care Of You blog (affectionately known as TCOY) is all about. Putting yourself in the line of priority, and right in front, is not selfish thinking but rather just thinking proactively.There is no better person to know, understand or believe in than you.

I hope you'll stop by Taking Care Of You to say hello now and again. A great place to start right now is to check out posts on the topic of Life Clutter. I certainly do miss hearing great feedback from you all about your decluttering efforts and willingness to share a comment to help inspire others!

Top 5 Posts:
How I Define Clutter
Decluttering: A How-To
I'd Rather Stay Home From Work and De-junk
Decluttering Made Simple (27-17-7)
Ever Felt Afraid to Declutter?

Suzanne Is Unplugged (At Her Weekend Home)

Hello, this is Suzanne. If you have reached this message, I am away at the moment. Any messages left for me will be returned, once I have returned, in the order they were received. Hope you make it a great day and, as always, thank you for your interest in the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge.

(beep)

At my regular day job, I love when it comes time to change my extension's voicemail to a vacation message. In the days preceeding it, the anticipation builds as I eagerly count down until it's time to go like an excited child. Recording the message just sends me that much higher because I know that tomorrow is the day when I get to get away. And, now, as I'm writing this a few days before I leave for 6 days on vacation, I'm feeling that old familiar feeling. It's almost time to go, yay!

Until July 11th, I can be found around our weekend home or on my weekend couch.



As there is no internet access where we go, I'm going to enjoy my unplugged time! I'll be back soon. :-)

365 Days of Decluttering Challenge Meet TCOY

The 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge is key in Taking Care Of You. Simply put, any area of our life where we focus our awareness will grow us from the inside out.

To that end, decluttering is a form of taking care of ourselves, believe it or not. By accepting your own 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge, you began a journey towards improving the quality of your life from the outside in. Removing a single piece of clutter each day doesn't completely clear an entire life's worth of clutter, especially mental clutter. However, it does begin to grow an awareness inside you about self-worth, creating a life of abundance versus scarcity, etc.

Developing an enhanced awareness of yourself is what the Taking Care Of You blog (affectionately known as TCOY) is all about. Putting yourself in the line of priority, and right in front, is not selfish thinking but rather just thinking proactively. There is no better person to know, understand or believe in than you.

Believe Me, It Needs Reinforcement
I chose my blog's title to emphasize a concept I hold to be vital. Unfortunately, taking care of yourself isn’t something that is likely to come naturally. Much like the flight safety announcement telling you that in the event of a crash you must first put on your own oxygen mask and then help others, the concept of taking care of us first needs reminding, as it is most important.

As we say over at TCOY, it’s time to focus on...

Taking Care Of You

...because you can do it better than anyone else!

Recent Posts:
Taking Care Of You (TCOY)
Quality Relationships (I Will Be Someone For You)

Get to Know More About Me

I admit, when I see "Get to Know Me" kind of posts in blogs I think "Glad it's you and not me". I also cringe about having to fill out the email forwards from my friends. I still do it. Why? Well, I did find out something by reading theirs and it helps me to keep expanding a bit past my comfort level. As a very shy person growing up, who decided I'd had enough of that at age 15, I have adopted expanding my comfort zone as a bit of a personal endeavor.

This time it was Journeyer's Chronicles that tagged me and it was fun to get to know her. I enjoy her blog so much and feel honored that she chose to tag me. So, here I am, answering my questions.

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Let's see...July 1998. I was 23 and at a turning point in life. My boyfriend and I had been together for a few days shy of 3 years; endured a very torturous year long separation while we were both in the U.S. Marine Corps that had begun only 6 months into our relationship; had been living together for a year and a half; and had already started accumulating debt together (credit cards, car loan).

Yet, he didn't think we were ready for marriage. I had always let the issue drop but, at about this time, I began to strongly feel that we needed to do it or realize that we were just wasting time. And, I believe that life is short. It didn't help that my older step-sister had announced her engagement a month before...to a man she'd known for 8 months...for a wedding the following June.

After a few weeks of discussions, he understood that I was very serious and we decided it was time to get married. My close friends know that I love math, "see" math in everyday things (ex: I play Yahtzee...roll three 6's, one 2 and one 4...and secretly think, "Cool, four 6's" ;-) and that this carries over to dates, as well. I pitched 9/8/98 to him, only half joking. I swear, I saw sweat on his brow! I begrudgingly agreed that date left so little time to plan. We had no financial help from family (my portion went to step-sister because my step-mom controls the money, grr) and had almost no money, so you can see by my two-weeks-away-wedding-date that it wasn't going to be a grand affair. I zeroed in on 1/9/99 and he was powerless to deter me. Finally, he agreed. He did admit that it would be a very simple date for him to remember!

Five things on your to do list

* Make a delivery (I'm a Mary Kay Ind. Beauty Consultant)
* Finish moving stuff from old computer to new computer
* Add some feng shui touches to my laundry room (family)
* Catch up on subscriptions emails (was gone on vacation)
* Wash my car

What snacks do you like?
* Nuts
* Fruit
* String cheese
* Chocolate

What would you do if you were a billionaire?

I would get a divorce, buy and furnish a new house, buy a closet full of clothing for my children and I. Then I would learn a lot about money management because I know nothing about having a lot of money. Once we were secure, I would gift some to everyone I know. And, since the money management would have included allocating enough money in the right care to handle the rest of our life's expenses, I would start looking at charitable organizations and efforts that I think would benefit from financial assistance. I'm sure there would be a lot left but I'm at a loss as to where it would go.

Three bad habits

* I yell in frustration
(thankfully, not a life-long habit--just one that has developed in the last few years because of stress...I am optimistic that when that stressor is out of my life, my calmer self will return)
* I hate flossing
* I don't estimate enough time and run late a lot

Five places you have lived

* My parents' home
* My mom's home
* My dad's home
* In 4 rental homes
* In a home I own

Five jobs you’ve had

* Asst. Manager of a photo studio
* Wal-Mart cashier
* Senior file clerk (at a bank's headquarters)
* Directory Assistance (411 operator)
* Secretary to the Commissioner

How did you name your blog?

I prefer less "structure" and "have to" in my day but wanted to begin having more routines in my life as far as decluttering and general home care. I decided to challenge myself to declutter one thing each day for 365 days because decluttering is a fairly easy thing for me to do...it would have been nuts for me to commit to cleaning every day for 365 days! I asked friends on the FlyLadies & More Forum if they'd take their own decluttering challenge and keep me company. It was such a positive influence in our lives that I created a blog about it to reach more people. :-)

Now you've gotten to know more about me and it's time to choose 3 people I'd like to know more about. I've chosen 365 Days of Decluttering Challenger blogs that I enjoy reading. If you've done one of these lately and I missed it, I apologize. And, of course, there's no pressure to participate.

House Takeout * Me, My House and I * My Little Cowboys

Blog Tag - I'm It!

I've been tagged by my friend Patricia at Digiheaven Designs. Here are the rules for this tag.

1. Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours. (Her name is linked above).
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share 7 Random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking to their blog. Let each person know by leaving a comment on their blog. (Sadly, I'm so new to the world of blog that I don't know 7 people...If any of our fellow 365 Days of Decluttering Challengers wants a link for their blog, post a comment and I'll add ya!)

My 7 random facts:

1. My brother's full name & my full name (using my maiden name, of course) have the same amount of letters.
2. I was deathly allergic to bee stings from age 5 until about 15.
3. My 2nd grade teacher wanted to promote me past 3rd grade to 4th but my mom wouldn't allow it.
4. The only TV shows I watch are on HGTV.
5. I scored 95 out of 99 on the ASVAB that I took to enter the U.S. Marine Corps. (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery--the test you take to decide your military job :-)
6. For approximately 30 years, I've lived in California. That's *nearly* all my life and I don't want to live anywhere else.
7. I am a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

Now, I need to tag 7 people…As noted above, that will come with time. :-)

For now, I’ll start with Amy, Kristianna, Anna and Paula.