MYOB Express: Minding Your Own Business

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! 

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

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!

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.

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. 

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