Minding Your Own Business

A tight fit!

2012-01-27T04:18:00-07:00

This morning, an open dresser drawer presented the perfect opportunity for my cat, Yodie, to attempt to stuff his large body into a very small space. Laughing at his resolve fit into this really limited space, I started thinking about the ways that I frequently try to fit myself into a smaller life than the one that is best suited for me. Like Yodie, I will push and twist and coil to try and fit into the smallest possible life, when what I really yearn to do is calling for me, begging me to take the big leap! What is it about new or bigger expression that scares us so? This experience inspired such determination in me; to think, act, and express in a bigger way! I decided to create a list of all of the coaching ideas that have been swimming around in my head for the past several months. I will keep writing until my list is done and then I’m taking a marker, closing my eyes and randomly choosing one of these great ideas and taking immediate action, absolutely ANY action to get moving on this wonderful adventure that I am missing. Today, let’s promise to start reaching higher, shooting for a richer, fuller, and more meaningful life experience, simply because we deserve it!

My space, my space, I’m putting together my place!

2011-08-03T00:34:00-07:00

I’ve been in hyper-organizing mode for the past few months and as always, it’s such a cathartic experience. I love examining old treasures, giving them a quick polish and deciding if I want to continue on with them, or pass them along to a new home. I love the process of putting things in order and making my space feel light and spacious again. As I clear each room, I sort through the good stuff, returning the things I love to the room and setting aside the excess, the unloved, the worn or tired for a super sale I’ll host later. Now mind you, on a bad day, my space is pretty tidy, because I don’t have much tolerance for a mess. But things do accumulate over time and every other season or so, I dig in to clear and purge my way back to open spaces and new places for my favorite treasures and reminders of joy. It’s an experience that I highly recommend. Get your organizing game on and spice up your space with well…more space! Have an incredible August and enjoy this last month of summer with intention! ~ Cheryl

Think, act and trust in simplification!

2011-06-02T03:37:00-07:00

Cultivate new ways to make your life simple and enjoyable. Trim both your belongings and your responsibilities. Share or delegate responsibilities with family members. Small children can learn to assist with putting away toys, making beds, learning to dress themselves and helping with laundry. Older children should be responsible for keeping their room in order, managing their own laundry and helping with meals, clean-up and household chores. These responsibilities build character and teach children to become self-sufficient adults. Spend each day being mindful of opportunities to trim the craziness and excess from your life!

Change your mind.

2011-04-23T18:34:00-07:00

Are you mindful of your mental chatter? Often those annoying goober thoughts begin to creep into your mind and stir up doubt and anxiety. Take immediate action to fend off unwanted thoughts of anger, doubt, disappointment, despair and unhappiness. Deliberately push your thoughts to something that makes you feel good. Think about your blessings, a comfortable bed, a warm shower, or a family who loves you. Who and what are the experiences that bring you great joy? Focus on what you want to feel as soon as you begin feeling doubtful or anxious and continue filling your mind with thoughts of good things. It won’t be long before you’ve shifted out of your funk and into a better state of mind.

Organizing Gems

2011-04-03T18:55:00-07:00

Keep a small handled plastic tote of cleaning supplies and cleaning towels under each sink in the house for quick clean-up. Place a small bookshelf-type unit in your closet to store extra supplies, shoes, or clothing. Use your walls for storage with small anchored shelf units. Use small stackable divided containers to organize and store small household items such as sewing supplies, jewelry, fasteners, buttons, and so on. Store stackable containers neatly in a drawer or on a shelf. For wallets, purses and totes, use a medium plastic storage container placed on the closet shelf. For large handbags slip handles over a hanger and store in your closet. Protect your bags with recycled plastic bags or dry-cleaning plastic. In the garage, hang a roll of paper towels, place a covered plastic container of cleaning towels, and keep a lined wastebasket next to your car. Harmony will surely prevail when you use your space wisely and create storage spaces that make sense.

New Year - New Focus

2011-01-24T00:33:00-07:00

What I truly love about the beginning of the New Year is the promise of all new adventures and the idea that each new year offers a fresh start, a clean slate if you will. Yes, definitely take time to get perspective on the year gone-by, but don’t get lost in the past when a new day and a new year are at your doorstep, opening countless possibilities. For me, the early months of the new year are all about organizing, clearing the way for new possibilities, then tuning up and turning on my plans for the year to come. How will you spend the year ahead? Will you create a new class? Will you inspire positive change in others? Will you contribute to a meaningful cause? Will you pursue work that sings to your soul? Will you enter into new friendships and relationships that harmonize with your core? How will you spend the year ahead? Isn’t this the perfect time to be planning and acting on the dreams that are calling to you right now? Happy New Adventures!! ``Cheryl

Best Wishes for a Holiday Season filled with Magic!

2010-11-24T05:11:00-07:00

The holidays are filled with magic and joy, especially if you can keep your sights on a happy experience. Take time this season to embrace and celebrate this time of year with great joy! “Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given, when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.” – Joan Winmill Brown Warmest Holiday Wishes, Cheryl

Around the Table (Love Abounds)

2010-11-01T20:59:00-07:00

I have countless delightful memories around the dining room table my dad built for our family when I was about nine years old. It was a huge table (15’ around) and we had endless hours of family and social gatherings around this large table. Family meals, social visits, games and activities, arts and crafts, homework and the list goes on. This table was literally the hub of our home and it was strategically placed about 6 feet from the back door to our home, which meant you parked in the back driveway, entered the house and had a seat. Mom was always bustling about, visible through the kitchen pass, lovingly preparing snacks, beverages or coffee for the countless guests that visited our home. The experiences spent here are etched so vividly in my mind, I can hear the laughter, feel the warmth of the happy experiences and vibrantly see the smiling faces and the countless meals we enjoyed here. There was a warmth that this table embraced, and it was completely fostered by the love of my mom, who had a huge and very social family, an amazing network of friends from church and the gifts of gab and generosity. Today, I highly recommend that you dig into the vault of memories that you hold dear, and feel gratitude for the endless experiences that have shaped who you are, how you live, and what you are thankful for. Today’s thought is dedicated to my family, for whom I feel profoundly grateful! And to my mom, who is always in my heart. I miss you mom!

The last hoorah for summer!

2010-10-06T20:58:00-07:00

How can you beat this incredible weather, which I know is only moments from turning on it’s winter chill. It is glorious today and I am perched at my desk gazing out the window, enjoying the sun, the falling leaves and the bird traffic at my window-view feeders. Time to head out and play. Will connect with I get back to earth!! Happy October and Spooky Thrills! ~Cheryl

Back to the Basics

2010-09-04T13:55:00-07:00

I am on a misson to simplify my life. It’s not an easy process. It starts with evaluating my time and how I spend it. Choosing to say no more often to those things that don’t really inspire or excite me. The process continues with an evaulation of my personal possessions. How much “stuff” does one person need? So thinning has been my ritual for several years, and I am still not finished. I am constantly noticing belongings that no longer fit my life and moving them on. Like simplification of lifestyles, I also crave a simplication of work styles. The old work model doesn’t work for me any more. Well actually, I don’t know if it has EVER worked for me. Five days a week, 8 hours a day, crammed into a small cube or stuffy office, surrounded by people who are mostly unhappy with their jobs. I may enjoy the relationships I have with some of my co-workers, but the work feels stifling and unrewarding and even a scheduled paycheck doesn’t ease my pain. There must be a happier and easier way to express our talents and be financially rewarded for our contributions. I continue on this path, to find that happier way, to support simple living practices and to experience genuine pride in my work and my rewards. Stay tuned.