Refueling by simplifying in the New Year

Greetings friends in Grime.

Have the holidays left you in a daze and on empty? New Year Resolutions got ya down?

Want to start off the New Year with a full tank of energy? Here are four ways that will help you simplify your life so that the New Year will bring you energy rather than agony.

1. Identify your “seasonal treasures”: Seasons change in nature. They change in our lives too. What was important ten years ago may not be a top priority now (EX: I value Friday nights a lot differently now than I did when I was in college…then, I was going out at 10:00PM; now, I am going to BED at 10:00PM). What do you value in this season of life? Family? Friends? Big house/toys? Promotions? Influenece? Volunteering? Money? Health? Since you can’t do all and be all, you can begin to refuel by identifying five values that you treasure the most right now. Once you have identified what’s most important to you, weed out the activities in your life that don’t align with your top five values. You will find your schedule becomes less full, more simple, and you will have more time to “live in the moment”.

2. Repeat after me – N. O.!: Ponder this…if you say YES to the request set before you, remember that means you will have to say NO to other things that might be more important to you. So, if the request does not align with – 1) values of the season, 2) your available time, or 3) match your skill set/talents, consider saying NO. Again, this action will help you to simplify your life by focusing on what’s really important to you. Of course, our purpose is to be of service to those around us, but you must do so with a sense of balance. Remember you only have 24 hours in a day. Be intentional with what activities to choose to particiapte in, and how they relate to your “treasures”.

3. Do the 10-10: You can simplify your life by taking just 10 minutes (not a second more) once a week to get rid of just 10 items (not one thing more) that clutter your home and life (no, this does not mean your in-laws or your spouses’ things). For instance, remove 10 items of clothing that haven’t fit since your last class reunion (20 years ago) or the gadgets that have been stuffed in your kitchen drawers-but never used– since you moved into your home in 1983. Place items in a box or bag and IMMEDIATELY bring them to your car to drop off to the nearest thrift shop. Do NOT look at these items once they have been placed in the receptacle (this lessens the chance of you dragging them out “just in case” you might need it in the future).

4. Sorry, I’m booked: To build up your energy and enhance your joy, create some time for yourself. Let me repeat that in case it was too shocking to your system the first time you read it…create some time in EVERY day for yourself. Ya, just you, no one else is invited. Actually block out this “you” time in your schedule book. You can name it something like: executive meetng, power hour (or minute if that’s all you can find room for). Whatever you do, do NOT give this slice of heaven up for anyone or anything! Your van cannot run on empty, and neither can you. You constantly refuel your van and fill your supplies. If you don’t, the business cannot succeed. The same goes for you personally. During this brief “me” time, do something that brings you joy (provided it’s legal and good for you).

HERE’S your NEW YEAR’S challenge: I would like to hear back from you as to what you have done to take action on these four small steps to simplify. By exchanging ideas, we can help each other refuel and reach the success we all deserve…without sacrificing “living” along the way.

May you find peace in your days and joy in your heart.

Warm regards,
Kathlynn
Duluth MN