Keep it simple silly

If simplification is your intention for 2016, as it is mine, it takes a bit of prep work. After all, there’s only so much we can accomplish within 24 hours each day, with at least seven of those hours ideally residing in dreamland. Here are my tips in order to keep it simple(r):

1. Write down a ‘wish’ list of everything you hope to accomplish in the New Year (leave room to add to as needed).
2. Sketch out (in pencil, of course) a ‘to do’ list including everyday responsibilities; i.e., work, housekeeping, errands, etc.
3. Leave blank spaces to add items noted on your wish list.
4. Allow time for play, to care for your health and well-being and to enjoy a creative outlet (my new one is coloring!).
5. If something comes up at any given time that does not promote simplicity or advance your goals, don’t even add it to your to do list.

Just remember: KISS.

What are a few of your simplification techniques?

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When life isn’t perfect

Whether you think you can,
or you think you can’t,
you’re right. ~ Henry Ford

My life isn’t perfect. Surprise! However, when I publicize on social media or speak to others, I attempt to post or express words of affirmation and encouragement. Because a positive, can-do attitude is one that builds up, rather than tears down. Especially when life isn’t perfect. This doesn’t suggest I’m less than genuine or true to myself, but it can sometimes be misleading. Yet I choose to speak life in a society that is consumed with hate and greed. After all, if we attract what we focus on, it makes sense to choose the good things. And that’s just it: it begins with a choice. Not only that, it’s easier to win over the people around us with a smile or kind word than with a complaint or angry look. Plus—even if it’s not a good day, there’s always something good in every day.

What kind of life do you portray to others?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

All things are possible

Miracles occur daily. From the sun rising to setting to opening our eyes each morning, we witness marvels on a day-to-day basis. Even the seed of hope we plant in our hearts—to bring about transformation in our lives and the lives of others—is a miracle waiting to happen. My post, Be the change, focuses on being what we want in order to manifest more of what we desire; i.e., if we covet more love, we must be more loving, etc. During the past four weeks, as I’ve bid adieu to my forties and jumped headlong into the fifties, I’ve engaged in a personal makeover of sorts. It entails reflection, prayer and specific assignments that challenge me daily. In the process, I’ve discovered forgiveness, healing and growth, as well as an understanding that, as we change, it’s possible to effect change around us. But this requires living with intention and being true to ourselves. Always.

What possibilities do you hope come to pass in the New Year?

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Setting an intention for 2016

When I recall setting my intention for 2015, it’s amazing to me that nearly 365 days have passed. At the beginning of the year, I conceived one main goal: finding balance. Although it’s been a tumultuous, oftentimes heart-wrenching roller coaster ride, amidst the jarring twists and turns and predictable steady climb (prior to my plunge into a new decade), I experienced a rebirth of sorts). A few other aha moments include:

1. It’s OK to not have the last word. It’s more important to know your heart is in the right place.
2. When you humble yourself and give preference to others, you don’t lose the good parts of you in the process. But you do lose your selfishness, arrogance and inflated ego. And you gain authentic happiness.
3. Love is not a feeling, it is a choice. Every day. So is forgiveness.

My intention for the New Year is to simplify—by going with the flow more and obsessing less.

What intention(s) have you set for 2016?

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A rebirth of sorts: happiness at last

As the year draws to a close, and as I grasp tightly (kicking and screaming) the vestiges of my forties for a few days longer, I reflect on that for which I’m grateful: Those friends who have come and gone from my life—the ones who bless me daily, and those who served the sole purpose of teaching me (sometimes painful) lessons; the second chances I’ve been gifted, a new path to traverse—a clean slate, if you will. I’m energized by the possibilities, my heart lighter than ever. And as I step into this new season, I can honestly say I’ve discovered what I’ve been searching for all this time. The funny thing is it’s been right under my nose all along. Because when I finally stopped focusing on me—my needs, my expectations, my self—I understood for the first time what it means to be happy. So happy rebirthday to me… a fresh beginning to sparkle where I’m planted.

Where could you use a rebirth?

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Purging and prioritizing: housekeeping for the soul

Hard, this life thing. Over the past few weeks I’ve engaged in significant housekeeping tasks that, below the surface, denote a clean slate—a ‘starting over’ in practice and in theory. On the home front, I’ve tackled clutter and tossed what is no longer necessary, bagged up things to be sorted through eventually and donated items I hope might bless others. My personal life also experienced a collective loss, which has become the catalyst toward a sense of peace and healing—an opportunity to put my priorities in right order, to live with intention instead of allowing life to happen to me. Every regret or mistake I’ve made is a lesson learned, a temporary memory purged much like photos that fade over time or are deleted off a hard drive. And then replaced by the truth of knowing I’m finally on the right path as I leave behind my self-centered ways and prepare to step into my fabulous new life.

How do you ‘get over’ regrets or mistakes?

Birthday wish list: the gift of joy

We make a living by what we get.
We make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill

It’s the milestone birthday month. One year I celebrated the “12 Days of Chrissy” leading up to my special day. This year I’m throwing an intimate celebratory bash complete with sparkles (were there doubts?). But I also desire to do something each day to make the transition into my fifth decade a little smoother. A friend of mine spent more than 40 days prior to a recent birthday engaging in altruistic activities, documenting her experiences. For more years than I care to admit, however, my focus has been inward, on my happiness, but this year I’m excited to follow my friend’s example and turn my gaze outward. And not just for the month of December, but each of the 50 ideas found on Good Housekeeping’s webpage. A gift of joy to myself, really, as I [re]make my life in this new season.

What kind of life are you making?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.