Living Simply: Relaxing

     

     After several days with too many things on my plate, we've now got a step by step game plan for the long-term projects, some action steps to do over the next few weeks for mid-term projects, and only a handful of things in the next week or so for immediate projects. Today, I find myself with a few hours of time for RELAXING. 

     What will I decide to intentionally do with that time that will add value to my life? Well, tonight I have plans to go out for a "date night" with my husband of 25 years. We'll have dinner at our favorite Italian pizza place while a friend of ours plays live music there. It'll be great to have some quiet time enjoying just being together - the two of us - in a crowd that feels like family. This afternoon, I've spent too many hours studying for a test on Monday, so I need to clear my head. I need a mindless activity. I'm not much into movies or TV, but I did go see Thor Ragnarok with my hubby and brother last night. By the way, it was very good, worth seeing. What mindless thing will I choose this afternoon?

     When I do something, I usually am multitasking, learning something, or challenging myself with some strategy game through Facebook. I think I'll choose a strategy game. If my mind is engaged I can let go of all the boring facts and figures I've been studying. What will YOU do when you get time for relaxing? Here's a few options:

• Go for a walk around your neighborhood or a favorite park or city block, get fresh air.
• Cook or bake something from scratch.
• Take a well-deserved nap.
• Make some do it yourself project or early holiday gifts for loved ones.
• Get some exercise, do some yoga, or just take some time out for meditating.
• Catch a movie or get caught up on a favorite tv show.
• Take 15 minutes and declutter a room with a trash bag and a donation box nearby.
• Call a friend or relative who's probably missing you.
• Take a relaxing bath with candles, music, the works.
• Go out to eat with someone (or get coffee) you've been meaning to catch up with.
• Play a board or video game with the kids, family, roommates, or some friends.
• Read a book you've been wanting to get into lately.
• Play an instrument if that's your thing - or sing - or dance to your favorite tunes.

     There's so many things to do. Once you decide how you most want to relax, do it, without guilt. Take some time to enjoy life. What's the point of simplifying your life unless you want the chance to do things you enjoy and value? Have a great weekend.

Living Simply: Persistence

     Persistence - what does it mean? It means a firm continuance of a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Feel like the odds are stacked against you? Feel like you're banging your head against the wall? Feel like even when you do everything right, someone or something else makes it all get derailed, causing them no stress but makes your life infinitely more difficult? I've been there...and I'm there right now. I write as something to add value to your life, and because I need to think, see, and read this for my own life right now too. We're in this together, and no matter where we come from, we're all the same deep down.

     I have many plates spinning right now. It's not my intentional plan, but there are a few things that must happen simultaneously right now, or bad things will happen later on - so although it's not AS simple as I'd like, I do know that it's very temporary. In fact, in just a few days, many of the things that have me frustrated will be moving forward, in one direction or another, and life will be intentionally more simple once again. But for the next 24 hours, many things need my intention that cannot be delegated, nor ignored.

     So how do we get through situations like this? We feel frustrated, our head is racing, emotions are right on the edge of a flair up. I know what I'm choosing right now as I'm writing this to you. I choose to do the following:

1.  Stop. Breathe. Long exhale. Repeat a few more times. Okay, ready for step 2.

2.  Remove the emotion of the situation. It doesn't help anyone or anything progress forward anyway. Drop the frustration. Clear your mind. Continue breathing slowly and intentionally.

3.  Get re-centered. Okay. Here's how we're going to approach this...

4.  Logic. It's the only thing that can actually make a positive difference anyway. Logically, I know this situation is temporary. Logically I know I can't MAKE people do their jobs right - so since it's beyond my control to do that - my ONLY option is to let it go. Now, let's work on solutions that may help.

5. Here's where persistence comes in. Tomorrow I will call those with authority to make some positive changes, CALMLY explain the situations necessary, and find out either a new plan of action or have new insight into how things are likely to unfold going forward. I will be persistent as I tackle each problem on the list, working down a numbered, prioritized list. I will logically figure out what things I need in front of me to make those calls. I will choose to proceed without emotions getting all worked up.

6.  If all else fails, I will continue being persistent by having a Plan B in place to intentionally move the ball forward in each situation.

     Will I get all the things done to my satisfaction in one day? No. But I logically accept that so I'm not thrust into an emotional state when things don't go perfectly. Will I feel like something important came of my calls? Yes, because I know I will at least have something to do, somewhere to go, or someone to speak to so things move forward. By the end of tomorrow, this temporary situation will be handled to the best of my ability. I will know I did my part - persistently pursuing a more favorable outcome than where things are at right now. I will have intentionally chosen how to handle obstacles in my life, and be able to resume a more simple life moving forward.

     And you will too. Hang in there. Don't give up. Don't let a temporary situation cause you to lose focus of what's important to you. You CAN handle your "stuff" too. Good luck. May you be successful in all you decide to do.

Living Simply: Listening

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     Listening is a lost art. People today are so busy trying to make themselves and their opinions heard, often resorting to irrational, self-centered, and even violent ways of doing it. What the world really needs is for people to become better at listening - no, I mean REALLY listening. When was the last time you were going through a rough time and truly felt like someone listened, showed empathy, and understood what you were trying to say? Without trying to fix the problem? Without getting into the one-upping game saying things like, "Oh yeah, well let me tell you how bad I have it"? When did you really feel like you could let it all out, without judgement, without looking for advice, and the other person was simply "there for you"? It's truly is a lost art.

     

     We live in a hurting world. People need each other now more than ever, yet the divisiveness seems to grow by leaps and bounds as time goes on. People find a million reasons to divide themselves from others into their own "group", but in the end, we're all the same, we're all people, ones who hurt, need to feel important now and then, want to know someone cares about them. Part of living an intentional life involves the responsibility of helping others. It's time those of us who are not self-centered to stand up, and be there for others who need us. Maybe it's the coworker, a neighbor, a friend, a relative, a child, mom, dad, spouse, significant other, maybe it's the stranger put across your path today because you're the only one who "sees" them and is willing to be there today.

     We spoke about selfishness on Sunday. Now it's time to act out that self-less-ness. Take a minute, look around, who needs you? More often than not, helping others takes your mind off your own problems, at least for a while, and can turn someone else's day completely around. Today, you be the difference in your world.

Living Simply: Letting Go

     Some people have a hard time letting go of stuff. This makes it hard to live a simple life when you fill your space, mind, and lifestyle with unwanted clutter than no longer serves a purpose nor brings you joy.

     Sometimes hanging on to things is because of an insecurity. Maybe you grew up poor so you're afraid to let go of things "just in case". Those 3 words have justified hoarding in the minds of thousands of people and kept them from happiness. Maybe the number of items one has makes them (falsely) feel like they have or even are more than they truly feel. Don't let your security be determined by old junk and trinkets. You're worth more than that.

     Sometimes people hang onto stuff for decades because the items were gifts. I'll try to be gentle here, but the truth is, most people forget what they bought you last year, let alone 10, 20 or 30 years ago! I've seen people hang onto things because others gave them something they didn't even really like, "but it was a gift". The gift givers are either 3000 miles away on the other side of the country, or they've passed on years ago. If it doesn't serve a purpose or bring you joy - give it away. It's not doing you any good sitting in the garage, a basement, or an attic, or even in a hall or bedroom closet. You should be surrounding yourself with things you love and want to see displayed every day. When it ceases to draw your attention, let it go.

     What about heirlooms? This one is tougher, I know, but the rule is the same. Don't hold onto something just because it's old. If you love it - keep it, no guilt, and enjoy it. If you only keep it because it belonged to someone in your family, see if there's someone else in the family that WOULD enjoy it. If no one wants it, and it's in some storage space, maybe it's time to sell it, donate it, or throw it out. Something's value is only what others are willing to pay to buy it. If no one wants it, let it go.

     But all those years of photographs! This one's easy. You can either scan them yourself to a computer, or find a service that does that for you (there's many out there nowadays if you do an internet search). Then you can take all those digital files and save them to one small thumb/flash drive. If you want to store them, now they take up almost no room at all. If you do want them to be seen, buy a digital photo frame that you can just plug the external drive into and it rotates the photos you've got loaded onto it.

     Find your freedom in owning less things. Simplify your life by removing unwanted clutter. Live more intentionally by surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy or serve your purposes. You deserve it.

Living Simply: Selfishness

   

     Today I was talking with a friend and was absolutely appalled. She's a flight attendant on a major airline and recently something terrible happened on a flight from Arizona to Hawaii. A passenger suddenly died on the plane! The passenger collapsed and my friend was trying to administer CPR on her like she was trained to do. A passenger sitting in the seat next to the lifeless body and my friend (who was doing all she could to restart the heart) had the nerve to tap my friend on the shoulder and say arrogantly, "Excuse me, but does this mean we won't have any beverage service on this flight?!" What the hell?! Are you freaking kidding me?! How can you be SOOOOOO self-absorbed! How can you have the nerve to tap someone on the shoulder while they're administering CPR?!

     When they landed, they couldn't let people off because the body was in the aisle. I've never experienced that but I think it would freak me out a little riding a long flight next to a dead body, but these things happen. The body couldn't be moved until the coroner and officials boarded and did their jobs.  Most of the people on board were going on vacation - a vacation many people will NEVER be fortunate enough to take - to spend a week or two surrounded by luxury, yet all they could do was complain about how the delay inconvenienced them! Again, how the hell can you be SOOOO self-centered?! A person died, their life is over, I don't know if they were traveling alone or not, but most likely not. What about the person with them? Imagine the surprise to their family? Their friends? Their neighbors? Everyone who didn't get a chance to say goodbye? What kind of world do those others on board live that someone's death is an inconvenience to THEM? How do they possibly live in a world full of disappointments and think their life should be trouble free, and others around them should do everything they can to rearrange the universe to see to it THEY aren't inconvenienced?

     Are you as shocked as I am? I sincerely hope so. I hope my readers are people who not only are planning to live more simple, intentional, minimalist life styles, but also who have a sense of community, giving back, empathy, caring, and helping those in need. What would you have done if you were on board?

     Can we take a minute to recenter and focus on how to be UNselfish and selfLESS when it comes to others? I believe the roots of being a better person come from a heart full of appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude. If you appreciate what you have - and those around you, if you are thankful for the little things, not just the big things, if you're grateful for your life, your friends, family, significant other, your blessings - how can you be a selfish person, right? Today, and all this week, would you please try to find 5 things every day to be thankful for - or 5 ways to be unselfish when dealing with others? This world is falling apart at the seams. It needs a major shift in people to turn things around. Make this week count, not just for you, but for others as well.

Living Simply: Globally

   

Today I'm going to try to add value by listing links to Minimalist articles and sites from around the world. Seeing how other countries are working towards a common goal of simplify their life and living intentionally can spark great ideas, conversations, and paths to follow. Enjoy!

1.  Japan

2.  Poland

3.  Ukraine

4.  Canada

5.  Portugal

6.  France

7.  The Philippines

Living Simply: Tips to simplify

   

     Now that we're not in the middle of a daily challenge, I'll be using this blog for things that relate to Minimalism and Living Simply and intentionally that will hopefully add value to your life. That gives us quite a bit of freedom to cover many topics. If there's a particular question you have or topic you'd like covered - or especially if you have any tips that would be helpful to our other readers - please leave a comment at the bottom of the blog.

     So, let's talk about things I do to simplify my life and maybe something I say will spark ideas for you, which will add value to your life:

1.  Every morning when I get up I intentionally make my bed, but I only use a top sheet and a comforter. I know that's not possible if you live where it's really cold in the winter, but the reason I do it is to simplify. If I can grab the bottom of both the sheet and the comforter at once, I can shake them out once and my bed is 90% already made. All I have to do is straighten it and fix the top part. Why do I bother? Because the bed is the largest thing in the room. It's also one of the only things in the room besides 2 short dressers, 2 nightstands, 1 desk for blogging/paying bills/doing homework, and the desk chair - (and my husband's amp behind the closet door but it's never seen), that's all I have in my room. If I make up the bed, it's like the whole room looks "clean". 30 seconds to make an entire room look clean. Worth it.

2.  I put away whatever dishes were washed last night, whether it's in the sink strainer or the dishwasher. Why? Because then the day starts with cabinets and silverware drawers full. There's nothing more frustrating than rushing to make breakfast before you have to leave and you're out of dishes, or forks, or coffee mugs. There's sometimes 8 of us here at one time so we have a set of 8 dishes and silverware. We keep about 12 mugs/glasses for when we have company too. I just feel better in the morning walking into a clean kitchen. A messy kitchen makes me feel like I'm starting the day already behind. If anything has been left on counters by others after I went to bed the night before, those get quickly taken care of too. Who wants to come home to a messy kitchen either?

3.  I put away my bathroom things as I use them. Sure we keep out hand soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, a book, my day/night lotion, and daily vitamins where I'll see them and remember to use them - but everything else gets put away as I use it. You won't find hairbrushes, hair dryers, towels, makeup, perfumes, or things like that on my bathroom counter. I like walking into a clean slate, not a bunch of stuff I don't have time to put away later.

4.  I sort the mail every day as soon as I pick it up (either at the mailbox or off the table if someone already brought it in). Immediately I toss out all the junk mail. If anything belongs to others I make a pile on the table end they walk by every day and they're good at looking for it and removing it quickly. Mine goes in the same places on my desk/dresser depending on if it's a bill to be paid or something to be filed or read. No piles waiting for me on a day off.

5.  I keep my pantry "loosely" sorted so I'm not buying the same things I already have and constantly running out of things because we thought we had one. I can be pretty OCD in my pantry but I realize I live with other people, so I intentionally decided to "get over it". Basically, as long as the pasta, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sauces and breadcrumbs are together, then the soups and broths are together, canned vegetables together, the condiments are together, the rice, quinoa and grains are together, and miscellaneous stuff is together, I can determine in under 5 seconds if we have something or not. HUGE time and money saver. Simplify.

     These are just a few ideas. If you have some other quick things you do that make your life easier, let us know. We'd love to hear what you have to add!

Living Simply - Happy November!

     In addition to be my sister's birthday today, I love November 1st because that's when it officially feels like fall around here. Lots of pumpkins, red, yellow and orange everywhere (not a huge fan of yellow and orange but for a few weeks a year it's okay), pumpkin spice coffees and desserts, cooler days, cozy nights, all gearing up for a time of togetherness, peace, then a new start.

How will this year be different for us? The choices we make will be personal, meaningful, and intentional...and oh yeah, more SIMPLE. We're not going overboard with extravagant menus, crazy busy plans, over the top decorations, and definitely not going into lots of debt to buy meaningless material stuff just because it's "expected" by our culture to overdo it with gifts. It will be a time where we plan a Thanksgiving meal when it's most convenient for our family. With so many people having to work Thanksgiving morning/night, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve - we'll choose our dinners, gatherings, and gift exchanges based on what suits us best. Honestly, if my whole family can't gather to eat on a Thursday but can on a Wednesday evening, we'll do that!

How will gifts be different? First of all, there will be less of them, less expectations, less junky little things that end up stuffed in a closet or quickly thrown out/given away. What we choose will be meaningful to the person we give it to, and we're trying to think of creative experiences instead of material goods. If you want ideas on that, skim through the October daily challenges on here about gifts, lots of ideas for tickets, memberships, events, classes, etc.

What are we adding that's a new tradition? Well, for one, I have a new daughter-in-law joining us at Christmas. My son has a new (in-law) family that will want him there for Thanksgiving. My daughter has a boyfriend who will want her with them for at least part of both holidays - like I said, we'll do ours whatever day works best for us so there's no pressure for them to "choose" where to go or not.

We have a beach themed Christmas and our Thanksgiving is usually a quiet, candlelight dinner, so I'm looking forward to that. We may change it up a bit with what we eat, when we do it, or foregoing the typical pumpkin and pecan pie for dessert and trying something else that's new to us. Maybe we'll go out instead?

What I do know is that this year will be a lot more simple. I am determined to Live Simply, to the best of my ability, for the rest of my life. I'm just getting started, so I'll make mistakes along the way, and so will you, it takes a while to get the hang of a new lifestyle, but that's okay - baby steps along the way. We'll all get there someday. For now, just BE in the moment, live a more intentional, simple life, and remember to breathe. Have a great day today.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 31 Global Celebrations

     Today is the last day of our October daily challenges to Live Simply as you get through the holiday season. I hope it's been helpful and has added value to your life in some way. As I promised yesterday, today I'll share ideas to add new traditions to your holiday season by focusing on OTHER holidays that are celebrated globally at this time of year. Maybe one will be something you'll want to include. If one interests you, you can simply Google the holiday and find out lots of ways to celebrate it through spirit, decorating, foods, and more.

1.  Hanukkah - an 8 day celebration for the Jewish people around the world. It's also known as the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in 165 B.C. The ruler had outlawed Judaism and confiscated their temple. The Jewish people revolted and retook the temple, but it required cleansing from being defiled. The candle holder, known as the Menorah, needed to burn uninterrupted for 8 days & nights, but they only had enough oil for one. Miraculously, it burned for all 8 days - exactly. And by then they had enough oil to replenish it.

2.  Kwanzaa - this holiday is less religious and more about reconnecting African with their culture. It's celebrated 12/26 through 1/1. The celebrated principles are unity, self-determination, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

3.  Omisoka - Japanese New Year celebrated on 12/31. For the new year, the Japanese cleanse their homes and remove clutter from top to bottom. They have a giant feast with friends and traditional Japanese foods. They have a televised, nation-wide talent competition that evening. At midnight, they visit Shinto shrines. Temples ring a large cast iron bell at midnight to signify the 108 earthly wants that create suffering.

4.  Hogmanay - this is the Scottish new year. People gather together on New Year's Eve for food, storytelling, drinking, and gift-giving. They enjoy bonfires and fireworks. It's traditional to welcome the new year by standing in a circle and singing, "Auld Lang Syne", roughly translated to mean, "for old times' sake". You probably already have heard it in old movies like It's a Wonderful Life. They also sometimes celebrate "first footing" where they visit other people's homes bearing gifts.

5.  Festivus - a fictional holiday made up during an episode of Seinfeld back in 1997, then called, "A festivus for the rest of us". Instead of a tree, there's an undecorated aluminum pole to contrast typical Christmas consumerism and materialism. There's an Airing of Grievances where you can tell those around you how they've disappointed you throughout this last year. Next is a Festivus Dinner - if copying what was shown in the episode, it looks like slices of meatloaf on a bed of lettuce for everyone, and side dishes of peas, and mashed potatoes. After dinner there's Feats of Strength, where the head of the household must be pinned (in a wrestling manner). Writer of that episode, Dan O'Keefe even wrote a book about it where he elaborates to make it a full-blown holiday, expands the menu, etc.

Have fun with these. See the meaning behind some of them, the humor in others. Have a great season!

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 30 New Traditions

   
     This year, why not add a NEW tradition to your holidays? Do something fun, or something meaningful, something you borrowed from another culture, or something from the culture of your ancestors. Start a new tradition - if you like it, keep it. If you don't...try a different one next time!  Here's some ideas for Christmas from around the world, and tomorrow we'll explore OTHER holidays around the world:

1.  Armenia - They celebrate "The Epiphany" on January 6th. It signifies the day Jesus was revealed to be God's son. They also celebrate his baptism on this day. Some foods eaten then are fish, rice, dried fruit and nuts. Santa comes on New Year's Eve so the 6th remains a holy religious holiday.

2.  Brazil - Nativity scenes are set up in homes all through December. They attend a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, then an afternoon service the next day. There's public tree-shaped displays of lights and fireworks. Since it's hot at Christmas in Brazil, people tend to go to the beach that day. Foods include pork, salads, dried fruits, and rice with raisins. The meal is usually around 10 pm Christmas Eve, then they exchange gifts, and go to church.

3.  Egypt - They celebrate January 6th (the Coptic Orthodox church). The month before, they sing songs of praise on Saturday nights before church services.  They eat a vegan diet for 43 days before Advent Christmas on Dec. 25th  (starting Nov. 25th). They celebrate a midnight service then go to eat a big family (or friends) meal together. They eat meat, eggs, butter, all the things they fasted from.

4.  Jamaica - Christmas carols are played on the radio in December, and Christmas Eve is also called "Grand Market" where you buy treats, clothes for the occasion, and toys. The meal is typically one of fresh fruits, sorrel and rum punch, and meats. Jamaican red wine and fruit cake is an island tradition, it's soaked in rum and wine for MONTHS before Christmas!

5.  Poland - Christmas Advent season is a time of peace. People avoid excess of anything during this time. They even often give up their favorite food or drinking or partying during this time. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, including windows and rugs. On Christmas Eve there is fasting until the first star can be seen in the evening sky. On the table are 12 dishes representing good luck for the next 12 months. There is no meat on the Christmas Day meal. Foods include beet soup, dumplings with mushrooms, sometimes after sunset, fish can be eaten. They pass around the table a wafer with Mary, Joseph and Jesus' picture on it, everyone breaks off a piece and eats it. Next they have straw on the floor or under the tablecloth to remind them Jesus was born in a manger. After dinner, carols are sung and only then are presents allowed to be open.

There are lots of great traditions you can try from around the world - whether you jump all in or just borrow parts about it you like - try something new. Make it intentional, full of meaning for YOU.

Going to be a late post

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to let you know today's post will be late. I'm headed out the door in a minute for the next 10 hours. Won't be able to post until about 7pm Pacific Time - just wanted you to know I didn't forget. I'll try to work on it here and there throughout the day so it's ready to go quickly tonight.
Lisa

Living Simply October Challenge: day 29 Peace

   
     For weeks now we've talked about how to get prepared for the holiday season and all its busyness. Today's challenge is to list out, and possibly plan, moments of peace for yourself during the next 8 weeks or so. Here's a few ways to intentionally design moments of peace into your holiday season:

1.  Plan a night in, maybe a movie (or board game) night with just you and those you live with. Don't make it a big game night or movie night event. Just order pizza, make some popcorn, choose a movie you (or your household) will enjoy, shut off the cell phones for 2 hours, and relax.

2.  Remember you have the option to get out and go for a walk, get some fresh air, whether it's early in the morning, after work, or even on a lunch break. Take time to just clear your head.

3.  5 minutes of peace/meditation - whether you close your office door, take off your shoes, sit on the floor, and get re-centered, or you step out onto the back deck at home, or give yourself 5 minutes alone in your room in peace and quiet. Just 5 minutes can break up a stressful situation and give you more strength to get through your day.

4.  Naptime. I give you permission to take a nap on your day off if you need it. Adults feel so maxed out, yet feel guilty for allowing their body to rest when it needs it. You can't really take one on company time, but otherwise, if you need to rest - rest.

5.  Create a routine to help you unwind after a day at work or school. Play calming music, light a scented candle if you like them, turn off notifications for the first 30 - 60 minutes. Have a glass of wine if you're staying in for the night. Eat a healthy dinner or snack. Just breathe, find your inner peace.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 28 Pulling it all together

     The whole point of this month's challenges is to help you get prepared before you're in the midst of the holiday season, all stressed out, busy with no time left for what's really most important to you. Today's challenge is to begin to really pull it all together this weekend.

1.  Wrapping gifts - we've talked about scheduling several times this month, now it's time to put things on the calendar. Schedule what day you'll wrap your gifts that you are giving.

2.  Shipping - schedule the day to ship anything you're mailing far away, don't wait til the last minute because it costs SO much extra to rush it later, and usually you have to agree that shipping will take longer than usual when paying for those services.

3.  DIY Day - schedule a day or weekend when you'll be making the homemade gifts. There's a post on here about DIY gift ideas, the Day 3 challenge.



4.  Baking - are you planning on baking cookies, bars, pies, etc? Did you know you can make them ahead of time and freeze them until the holidays are here? Pick a day or two for getting all your baking done in one or two shots so you aren't stuck in the kitchen at the last minute.

5.  Meals - plan your holiday meals that you'll be responsible for, whether you're cooking it all, or just making a few things to bring to somewhere else. Include parties, events, and other things that you plan on bringing food. List out all the ingredients on a separate list from your grocery list. Then, bring it with you (or keep it in your wallet so you don't forget it), and whenever you're in the store, take advantage of sale items as they come up. Most people buy ALL their meal ingredients in one week, overspending by hundreds of dollars unnecessarily.  By buying a little at a time at the best prices, it's going to save you lots of money as well as prevent you from having an overwhelming shopping trip. Don't forget to schedule what day you'll be doing the actual cooking too.

6.  Laundry - don't forget to plan a time to wash all the table cloths and napkins, (and iron them if you need to), the guest room linens, pillowcases for the extra pillows for guests, and anything else you normally need for the holidays.

7.  Floors - if you're someone who likes to have the carpets professionally cleaned, or your upholstery cleaned before the holidays, schedule it now, or as soon as the company lets you put a date in the books. The longer you wait, the busier they'll be and you may end up with a very inconvenient scheduling. If you're going to steam clean any grout or tile, or treat your wood floors, plan a time to do it now.

     By having all these things done early, you can get through the holidays with less stress, making more time to intentionally spend with those you care about most. So grab your calendar and start planning.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 27 Apologies

     I'm sorry to all my readers. Yesterday got away from me before I knew it and I missed posting. I normally try to post early in the morning if I'll be away from my desk all day, but I got caught up in homework for my classes, ran errands, and by the time I got home, I forgot I hadn't already posted.

     As a way to give back and add value for yesterday's missed post, here are a few links to some minimalist and living simply sites that you may enjoy this weekend. I will post today's challenge next.

The Minimalists

Joshua Becker

Leo Babauta

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 26 One Another

     The holiday season is supposed to be a time when we think of others, we're kind to one another. So what does that look like? Today we'll talk about ways to be kind to one another and today's challenge is to start TODAY. Make a real effort to make others' day a little brighter.

1.  Perspective - Just as you see things from your own point of view, through the lens of your own experiences, understand that others have their own points of view and experiences as well. When there's some type of misunderstanding, tense communication, or argument, remember to stop first, understand their perspective, then proceed in a way that can mutually benefit both of you.

2.  Affirmation - People often don't get the recognition they deserve. Sure the top sales guy gets his face framed on a wall, or the boss gets special parking, but what about the average person? What about the single Mom working to support her family on her own? What about the student struggling to maintain good grades while trying to work a job at the same time? What about the neighbor that does nice things for people yet never gets recognition for it? How about your family member or friend that's always there for people but gets forgotten by others who are "too busy" to reciprocate? Take time today to say Thank You to those people. It doesn't cost you anything and it'll make their day.

3.  Compliment - Find a reason to genuinely compliment someone today - even a stranger. It takes nothing to walk by a woman and say, "Nice dress" or to walk by a guy at work or on his job and say, "Great job" or even just, "Thanks for your help."

4.  Help - Every day you pass by people that need help. It may be someone down on their luck who needs a meal or water bottle, an acquaintance moving this weekend who needs an extra set of hands, a person with hands full that could use help opening a door, it's the little unexpected nice surprises that make people's day.

5.  Serve - How can you serve someone today? Can you bring a cup of coffee or a meal to someone you live with? Bring soup to someone who's sick? Take notes or share yours for the student who missed class? Volunteer somewhere? Fill a need when you see it? Most of these involve help that's free - all it takes is willingness to be kind, and maybe a little time.

Find a way today to be kind to one another - I challenge you.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 25 Ready to launch?

     With the end of the month coming quickly, we're about to kickoff the holiday season - and in many stores, it's already in high gear. Today's challenge is to really get started on what needs to happen before you get attacked by the fast-paced holiday season.

1.  Plan your budget. We've spent all month talking about what you want and need, as well as what you don't want or need to do or have anymore. You should have an idea what things you want to eat, cook, wear, buy, decorate, and all those things you don't. Today, figure out a realistic budget for this season now that you've eliminated the unnecessary.

2.  Make a gift list - your budget should be broken down into who you will/don't have to buy for this year. Now you can put some gift ideas on a list next to people's names so you don't succumb to advertising and sales gimmicks on the spur of the moment. You'll be better off entering specific places, with a specific idea in mind, for a specific person or reason. It will help you from overspending if you stick to your list.

3.  List the things you want to include this year to make it more meaningful - and don't forget to drop those customs or activities that may have become habits, but you realize now they aren't bringing value nor joy to your life. Prioritize.

4.  Simplify. Simplify your cooking and menu plan, your gift list, your decorations, your schedule, your obligations, just simplify. Again, it's about prioritizing.

5.  Last, take a minute and think about YOU. If someone asks you what you want for the holidays, be ready with a real answer, or else you'll just end up cluttering up your space again with unwanted trinkets. Is there a new movie or book that came out recently? Do you enjoy gift cards for certain places - movie theaters? favorite restaurants? places you shop when you need things for your wardrobe or home? Is there an event you'd love tickets to? Do you need something for school, work, or traveling? Really think about it.

Hopefully, when November gets here, you'll be ready, less overwhelmed, and more at peace than previous years. Good luck.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 24 Menu Planning

     I've had a few requests for healthy meals to add to a weekly menu planner. We've talked about healthy eating and starting to add in a few healthy meals here and there before the holidays are here.

     Today I challenge you to choose one (or more) of these simple, quick, inexpensive, healthy meals to plan into this week. Feel free to make healthy substitutions based on your own needs, like gluten-free or dairy-free options, or adding chicken if you don't eat shrimp.

1.  Lettuce wrapped turkey tacos - just brown some ground turkey (instead of beef), add just a dash of salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder or onion salt. Add the turkey crumbles into lettuce leaves, top with a little shredded cheese (pepper jack works great), and chopped tomatoes or some salsa. Only takes a few minutes.

2.  Shredded BBQ chicken sandwich wrap - buy an already cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred the meat from the breast with 2 forks (google it if you don't know what I mean). Add a little BBQ sauce and either serve it on a low-carb wrap, tortilla, healthy bun, or even top a salad with it. You'll be able to have the legs, thighs, wings, etc. for another meal too, and it's already cooked - or chop remaining chicken and make a chicken salad with reduced fat mayo, celery, and whatever else you like.

3.  Salad that tastes like a Big Mac - This is actually a recipe from the Trim Healthy Mama plan/cookbook, so instead of reprinting it, which would be wrong, I'll sum it up. Brown some extra lean ground beef with some diced onion mixed in. Use it to top shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes (like a salad). Add some shredded cheddar cheese. Top with Thousand Island Dressing (lite is preferable, or make your own with lite mayo, ketchup & relish). Add one piece of healthy bread that's been cubed if you want, although I like it without the bread.

4.  Try an open faced tuna (with light mayo) sandwich, under the broiler, with a slice of tomato on top, then cover with one slice of cheese. Just be careful to watch it closely so the cheese doesn't burn.

5.  Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup - One quart box of chicken broth, add a can of chunk chicken (fresh is better if you already have it), add about a cup of pico de gallo (easier to buy it already made at the grocery store in the produce section and it's pretty cheap), warm it all up in a pot. When you serve it, add a spoon of sour cream, or shredded cheese. It's got so few calories and fat you can add a handful of either tortilla strips or fritos. Easy. Cheap. Quick.

6.  Parfait - An easy, quick breakfast is to take a cup, add some fresh berries or a sliced banana, then add an Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt (sweetened with Stevia, not sugar), top with either more fruit or lowfat granola.

7.  Healthy snacks under 100 calories - 1/2 a small melon, 1 cup of berries, 2 cups of popped popcorn, 1 sweet potato, 30 grapes, 1 small banana or 1/2 a large one, 14 almonds, 1 apple, 1 Tbs. peanut butter (which you can spread on celery that has no real calories), 1 hard boiled egg (add to a salad of just lettuce, tomato and cucumber and top with 1 Tbs olive oil and 1 Tbs of balsamic vinegar).

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 23 Make Room

   
Today's challenge to help your holiday season more meaningful, more simple, more intentional, is to MAKE ROOM:

1.  Make room in your home - be sure to get some decluttering, throwing away, giving away, and donating done before November 1st. Get rid of the things that don't bring you value, that are no longer necessary nor relevant in your home. This will make room for whatever you do get during the holidays.

2.  Make room with your digital life - eliminate the unnecessary apps from your phone, bookmarks from your computer, label those repetitive unwanted ads from your email account, reduce notifications you don't need, unfollow (I didn't say you had to "unfriend" or "block") people in your social media accounts. Stop your phone, tablet and computer from constantly demanding your attention. Reduce that pressure so that you're only alerted by people and places you WANT to see.

3.  Make room in your schedule - block out time for yourself, important relationships, working on things you want to do (like DIY projects, homemade gifts you'll give this year, etc). Schedule times to rest and recharge.

4. Make room for your health. Don't spend the next 10 weeks dragging through the day with little sleep and tons of anxiety. Make room for stretching, yoga, dancing, meditation, walking, working out, whatever you enjoy doing to be more fit.

5.  Make room in your menu. Take the time to add a few more healthy home-cooked meals, a few healthier choices in your snack items, drinking more water, even if it has to be something quick and frozen, you can make a few better choices each week that will be helping you get healthier, and worst-case scenario, it'll be a few less unhealthy choices you'll be taking in each week, so at least you aren't damaging your health as much as you normally would be.

     Taking time to make room today will pay off many times over during these next 10 weeks or so. Be prepared, make the time you need happen. Focus on living an intentional life - not one dictated by everyone else. You are not responsible to live up to the whims of everyone around you. Choose how, where, and when you spend your one and only life. Make some room for what's important today.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 22 Weekly Planning

     For the last three weeks, we've talked about things you can do, baby step challenges, to make the holiday season easier this year - to help you live a more simple, intentional life. Now today's challenge is going to get you to put a few of these things into practice!

     Take out (or print out) a planner and actually schedule some of the things we've covered here. Add in a relationship-boosting meet up with someone you care about, a little exercise, even if it's just a little walk one morning or evening. Schedule a half hour of cleaning twice this week. Plan a block of time to rest and recharge yourself, to get re-centered. Plan a time to set up a few simple decorations. Plan to shop for and cook at least one healthier meal at home this week. Begin a list for your holiday shopping so you aren't taken in by superficial junk that's advertised. Take time today to plan this week so you're living intentionally, yet simply. Have fun with it.

Living Simply October Challenge: Day 21 Rest

     Today's challenge is simply this: Take time to REST when you need it. Today I woke up feeling kind of sick and had a headache for the first time in a long time. I had a list of things I originally wanted to do today, and some I "should" do to make a few other people happy - but...
 I needed to take time to REST and feel better or else I wouldn't do a good job at anything.

     This holiday season, you too may find yourself feeling under the weather, or stressed out, or over-tired. Give yourself permission to rest a little to get yourself back to good health.

     Also, remember when others need time to rest for various reasons during this season of busyness, give them the time to also get back on their feet without adding to their trouble with guilt, manipulation, or pushing them beyond what they really can handle.

     Let this holiday season be a time of not only purpose, intentionality, giving, love, relationships, and simplicity - but also let it be a time of peace and serenity. Everyone needs a little time to themselves now and then. I challenge you to start with you - give yourself permission to rest when you need it. If you've been stepping up to these baby step challenges to live a more simple life, then you've earned the right to rest when you feel it's necessary before moving on to the next challenge. Peace.