Mountains To Molehills

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in Personal Growth, Priorities

Have You Hit Your Goals?

We are almost two months in to 2023, how are you doing with the changes that you planned to make for the new year?  Have you hit your goals or are you on the outer rings of the bullseye?  Maybe you are still looking for your target. It is not too late to reset your sites on your goals or to aim once again at the goals you set.

We are a work in progress, continually growing in not only who we want to be but who Christ has designed us to be.  

I know that everyone has had dreams since they were children.   We dream about all that our future holds.  What type of career will we pursue that allows us to use the skills God has given us?  Will we marry and have a family?  What will retirement look like? 

That is right where most of us are now?  But rather than be discouraged when life does not turn out the way we dreamed, I am reminded of the song Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks.

“Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny-aotrUn3Q

Being successful means different things to different people.   Only you can decide what success means to you.  

We may work towards a goal but miss the mark.   Our goals may change and that is OK.  We have to just keep moving forward.  When I heard the following quote it made me look at life so much differently.   

“If you don’t win, you learn”

Nelson mandela

So even if you miss your goals, keep working towards what is most important to YOU!   No one else.  

. . . . . . . .And so, she decided to start living her best life NOW!

in Hiking, Restaurants, Travel

LOST DUTCHMAN MUSEUM

What do you do when your family pops into town?   You take them on an adventure to Lost Dutchman at the base of Superstition Mountain.

“Superstition Mountain Museum is located in an area full of legend, history and intrigue. You’ll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. Our focus is on providing visitors with an experience of the Old West. We provide an historical context that includes the region’s Native American people, the life of early western settlers, local geology and industry as well as the legends promoted through film and media”. 

https://superstitionmountainlostdutchmanmuseum.org/

APACHELAND MOVIE RANCH

The Apacheland Movie Ranch has a stage coach and outbuildings that help depict the rich history of Arizona.  Do you want to see where some of your favorite westerns were filmed?  Are you an Elvis fan? The white Chapel was used in “Charro” but also known as the Elvis Chapel.  Do you need a special place for your wedding vows or renewals?   Go ahead and book your reservation.

Train Exhibit

MUSEUM RAILROAD EXHIBIT

Are you looking for something where you and your kids can interact but learn some history at the same time? Check out the museum’s railroad exhibit. It offers a fun kid friendly scavenger that the whole family can enjoy and learn the history of Arizona.   Arizona has a lot of history in Copper, Cotton, Citrus, Cattle and Lumber.  

Continue your adventure on the Apache Trail on Hwy 88.  Take your time and drive through the narrow switchbacks. Enjoy the panoramic views of the valley of the Apache Trail.

CANYON LAKE

This body of water was formed by the Salt River and the Salt River’s Project (SRP) harnessing of the surrounding water.  SRP offers a lot of information on the lakes that have been formed and the benefits of harnessing this energy.  https://www.srpnet.com/grid-water-management/water-management/lakes/mormon-flat-dam-canyon-lake

Do enjoy boating, fishing and scenic hikes? Well then, you will totally enjoy this gem of an adventure.  Bring your appetite and enjoy lunch or dinner at theTortilla Flat Saloon.  This saloon is a busy place so there may be a wait, but no worries there are interesting shops and views while you wait.

Canyon Lake
Tortilla Flat

in Hiking

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial

Trail Head

Now is the time to plan your trip to the Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial. We made this trip during the summer and that is not recommended. Early spring or a late fall trip would be ideal. One of my most memorable hikes. Treat yourself and start planning and make this a Hike to Remember. Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Hiking Trail in Yarnell, AZ is great way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting this massive wild fire.

Plan For Your Hike

According to All trials, www.alltrails.com , this one has been reviewed almost 1500 times with a score of 4.8. I definitely would give this a 5-star review for sure. It is not a trail for the faint of heart. It is certainly a physical hike with elevation gain and constant switchbacks. The narrow openings and pebbly stones makes it a slower and more and difficult hike for sure.  Besides being physical it is an emotional and moving experience as you visit the site and read the tributes to the 19 men who lost their lives on June 30, 2013 fighting the Yarnell, AZ Fire. 

This 7+ mile hike is marked as heavily traveled but not so much at the end of June with temps in the 100+ deg. Bring LOTS and LOTS of water. Take more than you usually do. Our group is pretty experienced and we all found ourselves with barely enough water to complete the hike. The elevation gain is 1,699 ft.  The highest point of the trail is at the observation deck, just before moving down the mountain into the area of the final memorial. It has 19 gabions that mark where the 19 firefighters lost their lives.

Memorial Tributes

Throughout the trail you will see a plaque for each of the fallen fire fighters, one about every 600 ft. I was impressed by the lives these young men had lived in such a short amount of time. Many were men of faith and strong family men. The men ranged in ages 21 to 43. The lone survivor, Brendan McDonough, speaks to honor the legacy of the 19 lost, but not forgotten brothers.  There are many other memorials that have been left throughout the trail that honor these men; while we were there several fire fighters and emergency personnel were also there paying their tributes to their fallen brothers which was very moving. 

Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial

History of the Memorial

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial park was opened on November 30, 2016. What a beautiful tribute to those who put their lives on the line for the rest of us. 

Note: The parking lot has very limited parking, but there is a shuttle which runs every half hour from 8 am to 5 pm, Fridays to Sundays which can be picked up that the Yarnell Fire Department. With more than 25,00 visitors each year, Check out https://azdot.com– visiting the site of the Granite Mountain Hotshots? Honor them by doing it safely, or check out azstateparks.com/hotshots for more information.

Remember to bring plenty of water, comfortable shoes and plenty of storage on your camera. It is a long trail to get to the memorial but definately worth the trip.

What hikes are on your bucket list?

in Uncategorized

Actions To Transform Your Life

What do you want 2023 to look like? Do you want it to include Happiness, Success and Adventures? What actions will you take to transform your life? Who or what will you include in the new year? It is up to you to make 2023 Your Best Year Yet!

Every Accomplishment Start With The Decision to Try

Attitude and Actions

Your attitude and actions are important to live your Best Life Now. Look for the simple things in life. Look for opportunities to learn. Where can you encourage someone else? What action can you take to improve your life and move one step closer to your goals?

Successful people read a book each week. While I don’t have that ambitious of a reading schedule, reading opens up your world to new concepts to consider, new places to travel, and new ways to manage time

Always Be Learning

I was given a few new books for my birthday and Christmas. Rather than listen to music or watch a movie while traveling, I spent the time reading to gain new skills for living a more productive life. I learned more about what Christ desires for me and how to build more meaningful relationships with others.

Leadership and Habits

The books I am currently reading are: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett. He has great insights on topics like leadership, time managements, habits and goal setting. I love that he explains “why you must embrace inconveniences in your life”. We can only control certain things the rest we have to embrace and make the best of them. Good habits give us the skills to be great leaders.

“We Can’t Become What We Want By Remaining Who We Are”

Powerful Devotionals

Daily Wisdom for Women , is a 2023 devotional collection that “digs into the idea that as we think in our hearts, so we will be.” (Proverbs 23:7) Our thoughts both positive and negative influence how we live and the actions that we take. These are short devotionals that carry powerful messages.

Relationships

Need help in connecting with the right people to build the life you want? Then Ken Coleman has written a book called The Proximity Principle, where “Ken lays out a clear and simple plan to help you identify the five kinds of people that you should spend time with and the five places you should position yourself in – so you can see and seize career opportunities”. These principles are not only for career minded people but those that want to Live their Best Life Now and make a bigger impact in their world.

Do you see a theme? I love how a variety of books share a common theme. I know that these are the times that God is speaking to me. I use these new skills to learn and move me to live my Best Life Now!

What Actions will you take to Improve 2023 and live your best life now.

in Restaurants, Travel

Happy 2023 New Year Adventures

Wow…. What a whirlwind this past month has been. It started out getting a group of 50 plus people into the Cirque Du Soleil for the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Show, fly to Wisconsin to spend the holidays with my family, have my flight cancelled by Southwest, scramble to find a new flight out of Illinois four days later, get caught up at work to close up the year end and then start some 2023 New Year Adventures. Full on Craziness, but I love it.

ORGAN STOP PIZZA

I love seeing what this great world has to offer. Today a friend and I enjoyed the Organ Stop Pizza place in Mesa, AZ. Check out their website for hours and additional information. https://organstoppizza.com 

I had heard a lot about this spot, but had never been until today. What a treasure. A little noisy but it was a great experience. Fun for the entire family. 3 to 103…..

Fill Out Your Requests

The food is great with a nice variety of options: pizza, pasta, sandwiches, a salad bar (I think this makes it official – – – the “Scam/pandemic” is over)and so much more. The organist will take requests and can play pieces from New York New York, one of my favorites, to movie themes (including Little Mermaid and Star Wars) , to operas and musicals. You will want to add this experience to your 2023 New Year Adventures.

I a clip from the afternoon. Be sure to catch the “Cat Show” in the back when the curtain opens up.

Organist at Organ Stop Pizza
Cat Show at the Organ Stop Pizzeria

History of the Organ Stop Pizza

The original Organ Stop Pizza opened in 1972 in downtown Phoenix, but has since moved to 1149 E Southern Avenue, Mesa AZ. It is the home of the “Mighty Wurlitzer which has been moved, was improved and is now known as the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in the world. Yes, not just the county or state but the entire world.

Where will YOUR 2023 New Year Adventure Take You? Check out my Instagram page @cindymountainstomolehills-com

in Travel

Chandler – Tumbleweed Christmas Tree

Christmas is full of surprises and the Chandler Tumbleweed Christmas Tree is no exception. My mom called me and asked if I have ever seen this unique tree (she saw it referenced in her Dr. David Jeremiah devotional). NO! I had not so I added to my must see Christmas adventures for December.

Chandler, AZ

Last week a couple of my friends and I made the easy 45 minute drive to downtown Chandler AZ. Easy enough when you pick a weekday to go and visit. While a Thursday was still pretty busy – I knew the week would be more difficult to experience the Tumbleweed Christmas Tree. We snagged a parking spot (there were very few to find) and enjoyed the festive tree.

While we did miss the tree lighting ceremony they held the prior week-end it was a great new find to add to my tradition of checking out fun new Christmas lights in different neighborhoods. Come on you know you want to have some new adventures and the joys of Christmas are not just for kids. Check out the Tumbleweed Christmas tree yourself.

1000 Tumbleweeds

This unique Tumbleweed tree has been a tradition since 1957. This tree is made up of nearly 1000 tumbleweeds which make up the massive 25f ft. tall frame. Check out their Christmas tree this year and add the Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights to your Christmas adventures – you will be sure to find Santa there as well. https://www.chandleraz.gov/explore/special-events/tumbleweed-tree-lighting-ceremony I am going to try my hand at creating a tree for my backyard the next time I see some tumbleweed blowing by my windows.

While Christmas is a fun time to explore new communities it is a great way to build new traditions as well. So grab a friend, some family members and perhaps a few kids and go have some adventures. Check out the Tumbleweed Christmas tree in Chandler and you might find a new tradition for your Christmas holiday.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Don’t forget what the True meaning of Christmas is all about. If your not sure watch A Charlie Brown Christmas and then read Luke 2 in the Bible and begin your journey with a life with Jesus.

in Travel

San Antonio Texas Travels

Gems of San Antonio

There is so much to see in the southern part of the U.S. so be sure to add San Antonio Texas Travels to your bucket list. San Antonio is rich in history, wonderful food and fabulous finds in the small eclectic shops during our travels amongst the Gems in San Antonio. I made a quick trip to San Antonio and will definately be back.

The weather during this trip was cold and rainy so the next trip will have to include the Alamo which is rich in American history. This girl has become soft living in the Arizona desert. But I toughed it out with the kids and enjoyed some great spots while I was there.

Guenther House

We visited the Guenther house for a great breakfast. The staff was exceptional. Our server gave us information on the 160 year history of the home and encouraged us to check out the museum and gift shop which is part of the Guenther House. This was a fun start to my first day in San Antonio Texas.

River Walk

Another well known gem in San Antonio is the 15 mile River Walk. This was a definite bucket list item so we enjoyed what we could in spite of the rain and cold weather. We had dinner at Smoke BBQ+Riverbar https://smokedowntown.com/event/smoke-riverbar/. They have a beautiful view of the River Walk and a wide variety of food that even the kids enjoyed. I am anxious to see more of the River Walk on my next San Antonio Texas Travels. 15 miles would give my step watch a great workout.

The Pearl

Another awesome San Antonio Texas Travel find was The Pearl. This was so fascinating. Check out the Website: https://atpearl. Hotel Emma has so much history on and in it’s walls. Beside the quaint shops you will find Week-end markets, cafe’s, coffee shops and fun shop keepers and patrons just steps from The Emma.

Leave it to a woman like Emma Koehler, to take this company through the prohibition and great depression and still flourish.

We had a great time visiting these sights over the week-end and plan to visit again. Until we meet again San Antonio Texas.

in Hiking, Personal Growth

Hiking The White Tank Mountains

Hiking the White Tank Mountains, or to be honest hiking of any kind was not something I did. As I told my friend Stacy – I was not a hiker. I finally relented when someone asked me to join them on the Waterfall trail. Wow this experience gave me a total change of heart. I was never an athletic person and I believed that hiking was just not something I could physically do. But… I was Wrong. Not only are there many trails that are easy walking paths that offer spectacular views of God’s creation but it is a great way to get exercise and spend time with family and friends.

This trail is very easy except for getting over the rocks that allow you into the actual waterfall. Check out the videos to see what got me started on this adventure that I have been enjoying over the last few years. Hiking the White Tanks in Waddell AZ is just one of the many Regional parks that offer great trails, horseback riding, biking, camping and a great educational center and library.

Information on Regional Parks

The White Tank Mountains are part of the Regional Parks in Maricopa County Arizona. Check out their website for up to date information on events, camping, entry costs and improvements: www.maricopacountyparks.net Hiking in the White Tanks offers a variety of trails rated easy to difficult.

Tools

I research trails using an app called Alltrails. This gives detailed information on trails around the world, offers downloadable maps, pictures and so much more. Check out hiking at the White Tanks and any other place you want to explore.

Give me your feed back about what you would like to see on future posts. I am planning to show more of the adventures I am enjoying here in Arizona. Let me know if you would like to join me!!

Waterfall Trail @ White Tank Mountains, AZ
Base of Waterfall at White Tank Mountains AZ
Windmill near the horse barns

in Travel

Pack Like a Pro

The holidays are quickly approaching. How will you Pack like a Pro to make the best of your travel plans? Properly packed travel bags are half the battle when you plan your holiday trips.

I attended a women’s expo this week-end and found an interesting group called Club Adventures. While thinking about possible trips in the future I realized I first needed to think about my travel plans for November and December. I am looking forward to both of these exciting trips. I have to think about how I am going to Pack Like a Pro and not forget anything.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Dig out your To Do List and figure out the best way to Pack Like a Pro! But first you have to figure out the following:

Who will you be traveling with? What events will you attend? When will you be traveling? Where will you be going? and How will you get there?

Traveling Companions

Will you be traveling with your family, friends or solo? All of these scenarios require different packing? If you need to pack for an entire family it will require more luggage. Be sure to purchase or borrow what you will need in advance. Bags with 4 wheels are the easiest for airports but may take up more room in a car. If you are traveling with children let them take a personal back pack that they can carry for their games, books and some personal items.

Traveling With Kids

I usually travel solo so I am responsible for only packing for myself and I try to plan light. Packing monochrome clothing and versatile accessories make it much easier to pack less.

What Events Will You Attend?

Holidays, weddings and reunions may require dressy items, extra shoes and gifts. Pack Like a Pro to be sure you have what is needed for each event. I recently purchased items on line and had them shipped ahead so they will not take up room in my bag, be forgotten or get broken.

What Time of Year Will You Be Traveling?

Winter is fast approaching and has probably already reached a city near you. Check out the weather forecast for your destination. We all know the weather forecaster can get it wrong BIG TIME so dress in layers! Be prepared and pack and plan accordingly.

I fell in love with Chico’s clothing many years ago. It mixes and matches well and makes it to your destination with little to no wrinkles. If you thrift you will find this name brand is highly desirably and can be purchased for a fraction of the retail prices. http://www.chicos.com/store

PLANE, TRAIN OR AUTOMOBILE

How will you get to your destination? Packing like a pro for air travel is much different than for traveling in your car. Depending on the airline you can be limited on the size and quantity of the bags you are allowed to take. One of the reasons I fly Southwest when possible. They allow 2 bags to be checked for free and that is a big deal when I have to work while I am traveling.

Traveling in your auto allows for overpacking and gives you more flexibility. Pillow, extra shoes and your sleeping aids etc. can all be tucked into a car much easier than packing them in your suitcase.

Check out Erica Finamore’s article in the October 2022 issue of Real Simple: “How to Pack Like a Pro” in the travel section.

in Organizing, Personal Growth

FALL DECLUTTERING

What are your fall decluttering plans for 2022?   You have two months until the end of the year so what will make the biggest impact on your decluttering?  Does fall cleaning even rank on your list of goals for this year?   How do you feel when your home is clean and everything is in its place?

Create a list of projects that you would really like to get done. Can you find two or three that you can get started on today? If you start on a project, even a small project; how will you feel when it is completed? Just get started. It is the most important thing to help get you where you need to be.  Here are some fall decluttering ideas that don’t include soap and water.

DIGITAL

Before backing up your digital items, be sure to free up space on your phone and laptop by deleting old emails, unused apps and files that are no longer needed.  While these items are easily ignored, out of sight and out of mind. . . .  A lot of time is wasted going through unused apps, old files along with duplicate & blurry photos. Decluttering these items will free up space and make backups much faster.

There are a variety of back up services including cloud options such as; Carbonite, One Drive, Google Drive and of course a USB which is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to back up and save your files.  Check out this link for USB options: https://www.lifewire.com/best-usb-flash-drives-4141193.

The cost, the ease of the app and the amount of storage needed are all things to look into when choosing how you will back up your valuable files and photos. https://www.photoworkout.com/store-digital-photos/

Storage

After backing up your files and photos store them in a fire proof safe to keep everything secure. You will be able to quickly restore this information if your computer ever crashes.  I know we hate to think about this happening, but it has probably happened or will happen to all of us.   

Take the time to clearly name your files and folders. Doin so will allow you to easily search and find what you are looking for in the future.  Be sure to add digital items to your fall decluttering list.

CALENDARS

Go through your calendar for the current year.   What things could you eliminate and what needs to be there?  Doctor appointments, weddings and vacations are a few that we can plan ahead so get those dates on your calendar now so they are not missed or cause additional stress later.   Emotional and social clutter can fill your calendar.  Be mindful of what you add to your calendar!  

I Give Up Freely What No Longer Serves Me
I Give Up Freely What No Longer Serves Me!

Don’t overbook your calendar.   Leave room for things that come up but get those vacation dates on the calendar and on your employer’s calendar as well so you can start planning.   Planning a trip is half the excitement of your vacation.

TRASH

One of the easiest ways get started on your fall decluttering list is to simply walk through your home and get rid of anything that is not important or needed.  Mail, grocery bags and unneeded receipts are some of the biggest clutter culprits and some of the easiest to clean up.  Be brutal and honest with what you really need or want.  If it is something that you know that you don’t want but is still in really good shape add that to a donate box but be sure to not let that box be future clutter. Get the box donated right away.

Seasonal Items, Expired things, Mail, Bills, Books etc. are all things you will find around your home that fall into these categories.   If you see receipts that will be needed for your taxes be sure to get them into your TAX FILE now so you reduce your stress later.  

MISPLACED ITEMS

  • Use a box or laundry basket and go through your home and put everything in the basket that does not belong in that particular room.  
  • Drop off everything in your basket to the area/room that it belongs in
  • Take 30 minutes or less each week to run through this task. This will make a huge difference in controlling your clutter
  • Get your kids involved so they understand the importance of putting away their clothes and toys

2023 GOALS

Now is the time to think about your goals.    We talk a lot about goals and dreams.  If you want to accomplish them they need to be top of mind.   Don’t clutter your life up with “THINGS”  fill it with what you love and what gives you purpose. Then write down what steps you need to accomplish those goals and add them to your calendar!

This is the time to plan and prepare for the next year. Get your Fall Decluttering list together and let’s get started.

«Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3»

in Personal Growth

Who or What is Influencing My Life?

Over the past few years I have been asking myself “Who or What is Influencing My Life?” I am sure that we all want to live a great and influential life.  I want to, and know that I can live a better life than I did the year before.   But how do I get myself to actually living the life that I want? What changes can I make that will allow me to Live My Best Life?

Changes

Some of the changes I made that have been influential to me are:  paring down the activities on my calendar, limiting the amount of TV that I watch, and controlling the unnecessary obligations in my life so that I have more time to invest in myself:  Spiritually, Physically and Mentally.   I must continually decide who or what will influence my life. 

New Habits

It is up to me to change my bad habits that so that I begin to think differently and in turn will cause me to take different actions.   New Habits, New Thoughts, New Actions  (i.e when I decided it was time to live a healthier life style I started taking a new route to work (to avoid McDonalds) and I packed a gym bag and put it in my car the night before (to eliminate my excuses not to work out after work).  Being consistent with the new habit of going to the gym, resulted in thoughts of being a healthy  which then created new actions in my life.

If you want to change where you are tomorrow
Change to be Different

Listening to books and podcasts that provoke thoughts and actions has been an almost constant in my ear buds over this past year.   I love being inspired and motivated to action with ideas that improve my life.   I have a wide genre of respected authors and speakers that I listen to weekly.

The authors and speakers that I listen have both “failed and succeeded” and they give me aa different perspective. Habits have been a topic I have been learning about. I knew I had to change my habits in order to have a new outcome in my life.  I get to decide who and what was going to influence my life. 

Thoughts

These are a few things that I heard that grabbed my attention over the past few weeks.

  • Fear Causes Procrastination
  • Movements Brings Momentum
  • You are in Control of YOUR Actions
  • Don’t allow others to tell you Who YOU are
  • Be the Best Version of Yourself
  • We Are the Stories We Tell Ourselves – We Can Change the Story

The quality of decisions we make will determine the quality of the life we will have

Habits for Greatness, Dr Tim Sharp

AUDIBLE.COM/PD/HABITS-FOR-GREATNESS-PODCAST/B09N9X446R

Shut off the remote and turn on some good music or pick up a great book to get your thoughts pumping and start to moving forward.  Take Action

This past summer I took action and completed some classes to learn more about how to start a business and how to use certain aspects of social media.  OK we all know the ladder is a moving target so it will be something that I will continually have to learn about in order to stay up on the latest tools and tricks. 

Take Action

Who or What is Influencing Your Life?  How will you take action to improve your life? You get to decide how you will live your best life now and in the future

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”

in Closets, Organizing

IMPROVE YOUR WARDROBE

How will you improve your wardrobe this fall?   Downsizing or adding new pieces or maybe both?  This is an exciting time to change your look and feel better about how you dress and it does not need to be expensive.  When we feel better about ourselves it shows in our outlook and attitude. 

SPEND TIME NOW

Take a little time this fall to go through your closet.   What didn’t you wear this past summer – get rid of it!   If you didn’t love it enough to wear it and it is in good shape add it to your DONATE bin now.  Don’t wait until next spring and waste time trying it on once again or thinking about it.  Out it goes.  This action alone will improve the look of not only your closet but will help you next spring when pulling out your warm weather clothes.

Start by using the list below to go through each of these items and decide if you love them (wash and put away for next season) or Not and then and add them to your Donate bin.   You will thank me next season when you pull out your warm weather clothes and smile that you love them ALL!

CHECK LIST:

Sandals & Tennis Shoes

Swim Suits & Cover ups

T-Shirts & Shorts

Shorts & Skirts

Dresses & Assessories

WINTER WARDROBE

What items would you like to add to improve your wardrobe this fall?   Will you add a new color, a jacket or a classic pair of pants or jeans?   Don’t run to the store just yet.   Go through your items that you will be wearing this fall and winter including your shoes, boots and jackets.  Be tough and ask yourself did I wear it last year?  BONUS…… If you did this last year you are ahead of the game and are only looking at items that you LOVE and USE. 

Winter items are bulky and take up more room so be selective when deciding how to improve your wardrobe.   Do you like to layer?  If so then you can still use your t-shirts to layer up and they will not take up as much room (Cuddl Duds are great for laying without being bulky – I still have a couple to use on those cold desert evenings).  Buying quality items and washing them correctly will allow you to save time and money by not having to replace them.  It is always great to have some solid staples in your wardrobe that can be used year round.   This limits the amount of space you need in your closet or out of season storage (for my Midwest friends).

KEEP IT SIMPLE

You can improve your wardrobe by using a basic color pallet.    The article linked here:  HOW TO WEAR A MONOCHROMATIC OUTFIT [COLORS, DEFINITION & STYLE TIPS] https://stylishlyme.com/style/what-is-monochromatic-outfit/ will give you an idea on how to simplify your wardrobe by allowing you to mix and match so much easier.  Side Note:  this is also a great travel hack – one we will follow up with at a later date.

I use a basic black palate but use grey, royal blue, cream with some oranges and pinks to give my outfits a pop of color.  Almost all of my tops and bottoms can be used together which makes putting outfits together so much easier.   It is not for everyone but it does save me time and is great for a classic all around look.

SHOPPING LIST

Decide how you want to put outfits together?   Do you need a new scarf, a piece of jewelry or a blazer that will add to your outfit and  give it some of your personality?   Make a list of what you think you are missing.  Look on line and get some ideas of what catches your eye.    Make sure what you purchase will go with a majority of the clothes in your closet.   Fall is the time you will get your best selection so go now before things have been picked over and your sizes are gone.

Bonus:   Check out your local thrift and consignment stores.   They often have name brand items for a fraction of the price.   I love Chico’s and Travelers by Chico’s.   Most consignment stores have separate racks or sections for what is most popular.   I just picked up several pieces (ok 5 tops) along with a rust and black scarf for around $60 – the price of 1 top at the store.   I love each piece and can use them in the summer and layer them with jackets and sweaters for the cooler months.  Smart Girls in Prescott is one of my favorite stores and is where I snagged my last great deals.  https://smartgirlsfashion.com/

Now is the time to improve your wardrobe.   The statistic is we only wear 20% of what is in our closet 80% of the time.  Take some time and invest in yourself.   Remember you don’t need to spend a lot, but scrutinizing your closet now and taking the time to ask yourself: 

Do I Love It and Do I Wear It? 

He has told you, O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

in Priorities

Happiness Depends . . . .

Happiness depends not on your number of free hours but on how you spend whatever time you have.  This was a header to an article by Catherine Hong “How to Be Less Busy”.  This headline really caught my attention.   It is so true but we don’t need to make our To Do List our priority.   

Your To Do List

Your To Do List will always be there . . . . . The items on your list are Never Ending, but our lives do have an expiration date.  So what you busy yourself with is Up To You. What do you really want to do with your life? Your Happiness Depends on You.

Happiness Depends on You

Time

When is your expiration date?   None of us know for sure.   We just keep living as if we have infinite time.  But we don’t! How do you want to spend your hours, days, weeks, years?  What do you want between your dashes?  Happiness depends on You!

I was introduced to this thought of The Dash by one of my employers long ago.   It has been a constant reminder to me when I contemplate what is important in my life and what my purpose is in life,

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.  He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash.  What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change?  For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.

To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?    

the Book of Poems: Linda Ellis

https://hellopoetry.com/poem/1184764/the-dash-poem-by-linda-ellis/

What Is Between Your Dash

Happiness depends on what you put between your dash!  Stop and really assess who and what is important to YOU!

What will be between your dash?

  • Accept the fact that you will never completely do everything on your To Do List.
  • Say Yes to the things you really want to do and not what is expected of you.
  • Learn to say NO to things you are only doing to please someone else
  • Start out with the items on your  To Do List that you least want to do.  Once that is done you will feel some momentum to work “smarter not harder”
  • Plug in FUN TIME on your list. This is so IMPORTANT.    As the saying goes all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Just like organizing and minimalizing what you have you must find out what works for You!  Everyone is different and a one size fits all approach will not work.    If one way of keeping “a list” does not work then find another alternative that works for you.   Calendars with notes, To Do Lists, Mobile Apps such as Evernote, Taskito, Any.co and many others options are available.  Remember:  Happiness Depends on You.


Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

James 4:14

in Organizing, Uncategorized

Mountains of Pictures

Chiseling Down Mountains

What a great week going through mountains of pictures.  I spent time chiseling some of my mountains down to smaller mountains and in the future…… I want them to be just a small collection of a few digital molehills.    My mountains of pictures have proved I have lived through some crazy, silly and unforgettable times.  Yes there have been Happy, Sad, Crazy, Fun, Foolish and Unforgettable times but there are Mountains of pictures.

My unforgettable life started in Edgerton Wisconsin.  I am fortunate to have several pictures from when I was small along with a bill from the Edgerton hospital when I was born.  Back in the day…. for less than $ 200 you could bring a kid home that will cost you so much more….. much more money, more sleepless nights and much more grey hair.  Oh… my poor parents.  I am kid #5 what were they thinking?   Well they went on to have kid # 6 so I guess I wasn’t that bad.

Manageable and Transportable

I have truly enjoyed the walk through this clutter, but I need it to be more manageable and more transportable.   I know that retirement is still a few years away, but I am a planner and pictures are something that I want to keep and securely store. But I have to ask myself do I really need that many pictures of an old boyfriend, an “unforgettable” marriage and a menagerie of animals (believe me pictures of the animals alone were unsurmountable but what a blessing they were). 

As I go through the trips I have taken with my family, my friends that I have done  life with and the homes that have held so many memories, I was reminded of the blessed life that I have had this far.    Pictures allow me to see the hard times and super fun times, but these memories are all forever etched in my heart and soul.   Nothing can take those away. How many pictures do I really need.

Minimize and Downsize

While memories are always with us I still need to minimize what I own and it is a battle of time.   What is the best way to spend my time to create the biggest impact on my “paper clutter”.   A few weeks ago I set up several tables throughout my home.  I pulled out the boxes of pictures.   I used to sort everything in photo albums chronologically, but when I moved to Arizona I pulled everything from the books.  The books were starting to yellow and the pictures were cracking.   I needed a new way to downsize and store them.  Boxes were the answer until now.   I really need to get them digitized so I can easily access them.  

Negatives, Duplicates and CDs

I knew that digitizing them was how I wanted to store but I still had negatives, duplicates upon duplicates (remember that blessing? LOL)  and then they came a CD with all of the pictures.   Ok the negatives were no help, I threw out the duplicates, but I have been able to add the CDs to my hard drive.  Yeah!!!    I am down to scanning the ones that are prior to computers.  https://bmiimaging.com/blog/document-management/digital-file-formats. Hopefully the end is in site.   I will take a break for now but the progress has been great!

Downsizing Pictures
Keeping The Best Memories

Where are you with your digital clutter?  Do you have “Mountains of Pictures”?  You have to start somewhere or you get nowhere.  Start today with a box or an album.   Working on a few each day will eventually get you to your goal.   What Mountain will you start making a molehill?

Saving Digital Files

I am sorting the pictures into digital albums.   Location, Family, Friends, Pets, Work, Trips, Hikes etc.   I will put them on my One Drive, create a file for them on my external hard drive and then keep a thumb drive just in case.    All of those pictures will eventually all be digital so I can find them when I need them and keep them with me in several locations in case my computer crashes.  I want to live with less, but I do know the down falls of electronics.  #Mountains to Molehills

in Organizing, Priorities

National Clean Up Day

September 17, 2022 is national clean-up day.   From coast to coast people will be cleaning up beaches, trails, parks, mountains and any other public space they see fit.  What do you want to clean up in your personal space?  Clean-up can be anything you want it to be.   Your office, garage or relationships are all great places to start.

Clean Up Your Tax Files

Start your National Clean Up Day in your office.  Your office may have files that are beyond what is legally needed.  According to the IRS you need to “keep files for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return.  Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction”.   https://irs.gov

Check Out Your Tax Files

Go ahead and check your records.  How long do they go back:  five or ten years or more?   Mine went back to the beginning of my work history.  Yikes! Talk about a need for National Clean-Up Day in my office.    Grab those records out of storage, dust them off and dispose of them properly.  Do you keep your old files in your office, under your bed or in the garage? 

Clean Out Your Garage

If those tax records are in your garage…. BONUS this will help you downsize and start clean up in your garage as well.  What else is stored in your garage?  Along with files that may be hiding out you may have boxes, bikes, bins or skate or snow boards.    The garage is often a dumping ground of everything we don’t know what to do with.   If you take a look in your garage how many boxes are you storing for old computer equipment or tools?  If you move, there are other options and really what are the odds you will find those particular boxes and that you will still have those exact items in five years?

Besides boxes, ask yourself when was the last time you rode the bikes or used the boards?   If they are items that you use and want to keep you need to create a way to store them so they are easily assessible.  Check out wall racks for items that you want to keep or store.   You can find great storage units and wall mounts at your local Ace Hardware stores, big box or even on your local online market place.

Now is the time to really take a hard look at items in your garage.   This truly is the flood gate to a lot of clutter that makes its way into your home on a daily basis.   Stop the clutter from even entering your home.   This alone will save you time and money.   Make a conscience decision to think about everything that you allow into your garage which will eventually make its way into every nook and cranny of your home.  Your garage is just another area of your home to consider on National Clean Up Day.

Strengthen Your Relationships

Now the fun part of National Clean Up Day.   Relationships!   According to Eugenetherapy.com

“They are a cornerstone of happiness and living a full life.  This is because they come with a wide array of rewards.   They provide us with friends and family to share our lives and people who can help us out in tough times”.  

Eugenetherapy.com

 Start by making a list of those people that you not only need to spend time with but those that you love to spend time with; you know those friends that just get you and you laugh so hard that wine comes out your nose.   Now that is a Great Relationship!   Being intentional in these relationships is key.  Dust off and Clean Up the cob webs on those relationships.  Grab your calendar, a phone and a box of notecards.  

Make a call to reconnect and make plans for getting together. Even, if you have to plan for a future date on your calendar . . . .  make plans.   If distance is too great or the timing is not good, take the time to write a hand note to that special person to tell them how much you care about them.   Remember Clean Up Day is for more than just the clutter in your life…..  Clean up the distance in your relationships and let those you care about know just what they mean to you.

Grow Your Friendships

I Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing”

in Personal Growth

How decisions Influence your life

How have your decisions influenced your life?  When is the last time you looked back and reflected on your life?   Do you want your future to be something different than it currently is?  Most of us have a few regrets by decisions we have made but that is part of learning. It is often major life events that cause us to reflect on our past and give hope for our future.  

Life Events That Effect Your Decisions

What major events in your life have caused you to reflect on you past and think about your future?   Often life events are not something you can control like  when losing a family member or a friend, but you can make life choices that either enhance your life or take your life in a difficult direction.   It is never too late to make better decisions that will create a brighter future.   As the saying goes:  If you don’t like where you are, then change it, you are not a tree. 

Our choices are often influenced by the friends that we do life with.  My mom often told me that my friends would make or break me.   I thought I made my own choices and my friends didn’t have anything to do with it.   Boy…… was I wrong.   

How Others Influence Our Decisions

Over the course of a life time our friends will influence us both for the good and Not So Good choices that we make. Most people like being part of a community. That community gives you opportunities to learn and grow based on those around us.

My parents made sacrifices to give me the opportunities to meet and spend time with great people.   The schools, churches, groups and camp that I attended all influenced my future opportunities and decisions.  At the time I never thought about how the impact some of my decisions would make in my future and I let life happen to me.  I have since learned to make better choices that would shape my future self.

What Decisions Have Influenced Your Life?

What things have influenced the decisions that you have made for your life?   While we all have regrets or times that we wish we could go back and change some of our decisions, it is never too late to move forward and begin making better decisions.  https://mountainstomolehills.com/?p=418

Maggie Wooll’s article in Betterup gives 3 habits that will make you a better decision-maker and gives 10 effective decision-making tips for you.

10 effective decision-making tips

1. Imagine yourself one year into the future 

2. Write down your goals

3. Identify at least four alternatives

4. Figure out what you don’t know

5. Step away from the situation

6. Face your mistakes

7. Seek out feedback 

8. Look at the long-term and short-term consequences

9. Analyze data

10. Identify your values and stay true to them

For more great ideas on making better decisions Check out:  https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-make-better-decisions

How will you make better decisions today that will impact your future?   Do you need to take some classes to move your career forward?  A simple decision to take a free class at the library can impact your future employment or teach you a new hobby.   Taking a walk can relieve stress, clear your head and start you on a path to a healthier life style.  What change can you make today that will give you more opportunities and create a better future for you?

 Choose wisely my friend, but remember you are not a tree and it is never too late to make new choices.  Also remember that some of the decisions that you may also impact the lives of others as well.   Spend some time reflecting on “How decisions Impact your Life.”

Mountains To Molehills

in Personal Growth

No One is Coming

No one is coming to force you forward. You are an adult and you are responsible for your life.  Your actions will either move you forward or hold you back.  What do you want in your life?   What do you need to do to get you there?  What motivation do you need to Live Your Best Life Now?

Living Your Best Life

Living Your Best Life can mean many things to many people.   No One is going to force you to better your life, but Ken Coleman, Career Coach “gives advice to help you discover the role you were born to play – and map out a plan to get you there!”  Now doesn’t that sound exciting, a purpose with a plan?   Finding motivation is just one piece you need to move forward. An action plan that you follow through with will move your forward and get you closer to your purpose.  Where can you find motivation and realize your purpose?

Finding Motivation

You can find a lot of motivation through a wide range of speakers though local or on line classes and YouTube’s podcasts and TedX Talks.  No one is going to force to listen. You can listen to your heart’s content, but it will still not get you where you want to go if you don’t take ACTION.  What area of your life would you like to improve?  Again, you can listen to speakers and read a lot of books on motivation, but until you use the information and take action you will remain unchanged. 

Click and Learn

You can learn so much and any topic with just a click of your mouse.  You can find podcasters that teach leadership, provide motivation, encourage growth, learn tools to find your purpose and of course offer some comedic fun. 

No one is coming to force you to learn something new, but learning something new will help move you forward.  Hard skills are important for your career but there are a lot of soft skills that you can learn to help you build both your business and personal relationships as well.  Instead of scrolling FB or listening to music spend some of your time developing your skills. 

Time

A change in how you spend your time can benefit you in so many ways.  Below is a list of current podcasters that I highly recommend that will motivate you, help you find purpose, build your faith and enjoy some great laughs.

Great Podcasts

Get ready to learn, be inspired and enjoy some funnies with a few of these great podcasters:

More Options

If listening is not the way you like to learn, check some other learning options at your local college or library.  Often you can take noncredit classes at the community college for a small cost or begin taking some credit classes to work towards a degree.   Check out their catalogs for something that interests you.  What dreams do you have?   What is your next step to get up to level up? There are so many exciting opportunities.

What’s In Your Library?

Your next opportunity may be found in your local library. I was amazed to find that libraries have really changed and offer so much more than books, music and movies.  Classes in person and on line, audible books (good bye monthly fee), book clubs, science kits, culture passes, help with homework, reading programs, study rooms for your groups and all things currently being offered at the library      

Not only does the library offer so much more than it did 20 years ago these are low to no cost options. Think of how this will eliminates even more clutter in your home.   What a bargain!  No Cost and No Clutter.

“What Mountain will you make into a Molehill this Week?”

Mountains to Molehills

in Personal Growth

LEAVING A LEGACY FOR YOUR FAMILY

Parents are often told they should leave a legacy for their children.  But, does legacy always mean leaving your family money? People often think of a “Legacy” as a gift of money or property but legacy also includes ideas, values and traditions received from an ancestor or predecessor from the past. 

Bestow.com defines a lasting legacy in life “as the actions you take during your life and the way those actions affect how people remember you”.   When people give a eulogy it is about how the person lived their life, how they gave back to their community, the ideas and dreams that they lived and the memories those left behind will hold in their hearts.

Whether you have a family, live alone or are more as a community,  we all leave a legacy behind when we go.  Either good or bad we all impact those that we do life with.  What type of legacy will you leave behind?

TYPES OF LEGACIES

A legacy comes in many forms. Personal, family and social are three different types of legacies that you can leave for others.  Your faith, values, a strong work ethic and sense of family are all pieces of who we are and are much more important than money. 

Personal Legacy

Thebeaconnewspapers.com defines a Personal Legacy as “a declaration of the kind of person you hope to become, the values you wish to live by, and how you expect to impact others”.   Where to Begin:  Start by making a listing of how you want others to remember you.  Work backwards and begin taking action steps that you get you to those goals.  Check out this link for ways to add value to other people’s lives.  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-easy-ways-add-value-other-people-every-day-david-br%C3%BChlmann 

SOCIAL LEGACY

A Social Legacy is how you impact those in society?  Do you make good choices that cause greater cohesion and participation in the social settings of your life?   Volunteering, improving the health and wellness of your neighborhood are important aspects of a better social legacy.   Look for opportunities to impact your local neighborhood and city.  We can all leave a better social legacy behind and enjoy the improved impact on others.

FAMILY LEGACY

A Family Legacy is a hope for the future.  Using your wealth for the benefit of others….. Giving to charities and nonprofits whose work you value.

Centerofparentingeducation.org defines Family Social Legacy as a “set of beliefs, values, and attitudes that are passed down from generation to generation through the messages that children receive from their parents.  These then become part of the growing child’s worldview”.

Besides a worldview parents often leave material things that can be either an added value or a burden to their family. Furniture, antiques, pictures and scrapbooks of information are all things that get left behind when we pass away.   But ask yourself who will enjoy these things and get the most out of what has been accumulated over my lifetime?  The answer is not the same for everyone.  So ask prudent questions when thinking about the legacy you will want to leave behind and plan accordingly.

Family Conversations

Have a conversation with your family and find out what they value the most.   Ask their thoughts on what you want to hand down.  What does that look like to them?  

For some it is hard to have the conversation.   What is going to happen to your “STUFF” once you are gone?  I mean really gone, not just moved but totally checked out.  Do you even care?  Would you really rather keep it all or downsize your belongings and only live with what you LOVE?  Your ideas, values and how you made others feel will have more of an impact than your material possessions.

Who would have thought that legacy is so much more than money.   We will all leave behind a legacy?   What type of legacy will you leave for the world?  Start by making your Mountain of Ideas into small Molehills to accomplish your goals and dreams so you can leave behind a Great Legacy.

in Personal Growth

Man’s Plans Versus God’s Will

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the Lord will prevail”.   

Proverbs 19:21

Lists and Planners

What? God’s will is going to ultimately prevail? Not mine? I have this verse on my bathroom mirror.  It reminds me daily that I am not in control.   God’s will, no matter what he allows, will ultimately prevail. What a lesson to learn. It has been a hard one for me but I am learning. God knows I am a planner.  I love to buy a new calendar, a moleskin, and a few fancy pens each year to start my lists.  I am not only a planner but a list maker through and through. My lists include:  

  • pros and cons for decisions I plan to make that year
  • future employment choices
  • travel destinations
  • retirement plans
  • books to read
  • podcasters to follow
What Is In Your Planner?

Happy and Organized

Lists are all part of what makes me happy and helps me stay organized. My lists have changed over the years and my goals are no longer what they were when I was 25 but I have learned that sometimes they are only thoughts and ideas. The lists no longer contain classes that I need for a degree…….but instead a goal accomplished. The lists no longer hold the qualities that I am looking for in a spouse…… instead that goal has changed and I found I enjoy my freedom. While some of the goals have changed I continue to write out yearly goals, books to read and mountains to hike.

Technology

Hiking mountains and destinations to explore are now tracked on a laptop and cell phone. I have upgraded to new technology and my lists include Podcasters that I like to follow, calendars that are done on my cell phone and my lists are on an app or an excel spreadsheet; but I still like buying notebooks and pens.  Our world of technology has changed so we must adjust to the changes as well.  Are you looking for a list of inspiring podcasters or Ted Talk speakers? I can share my lists just email me cindy@mountainstomolehills.com.   

While calendars and lists help keep us somewhat on track…..  I believed I was in control of my life.  I know God is still laughing at that.  We cannot control others only how we respond.  We do have the ability to make choices for ourselves.  But whether good or bad we have to live with the decisions that we make.  You know the adage: You made your bed now lie in it.  A friend used the phrase but added her mom’s words:  But you can get up and change the sheets!  

Change Your Sheets

Change your sheets! I love that!   Yes!   There may be consequences to our decisions and we cannot change the past; Instead we can learn and grow but we must move on.  Start that new calendar no matter what month of the year and start fresh.   God allows fresh starts:  Isaiah 43:19  “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

You might be surprised that while these lists bring some structure and exciting plans, they can also bring disappointments when they are left uncompleted.  Use them only as a tool but be open to new opportunities that cause you to pause and perhaps reprioritize your plans. 

Proverbs 6:6

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!   King Solomon provided so much wisdom in this book of Proverbs.  If you have never read the book of Proverbs check it out! It includes wisdom that has been passed down for thousands of years.

New Future

The past couple of years have certainly forced me to look at my future a little differently.   Just when I thought I had a plan in place with my finances in check…… Life changed, the market dropped and I no longer felt in control.   But I was never really in control.  I need to keep my head up, listen to God’s leading and move forward.  I will Continue to plan and make my lists, but I will keep pages and lines open for to make the changes that are necessary to live the life He has for me.   Finally I have figured out I would rather live my life with Him as the guide but I will be sure to come prepared with my list of thoughts and ideas. 

Downsizing and moving to the southwest was one of my goals which God has blessed. I continue to wonder what the next ten years will bring.   We all know that our world has changed tremendously over the past couple of years.  Along with these changes dreams may change as well but be flexible and open to new adventures. God wants only the BEST for you,

Dashboard List

I have put off keeping a list on my dash board for my daily trip to the office:  Phone, Earbuds, Planner, Lunch, Gym Bag and Purse.   Really I am only 58 I should be able to remember these few things each day.   But somehow I fail a couple of time a month and have to drive halfway home to get at least one of them.   I think I will go put that post it on my dashboard.

in Living Minimal

15 Things to Declutter in Your Home

What 15 things can you quickly and easily declutter? These things will take a short amount of time and give you a great feeling when you let go of them. These 15 things are a great start to create more space in your closets, cupboards and possibly give you the push you need to tackle more down the road.

ENTERTAINMENT:

  • Books – This is probably a very difficult item for many.  Often we have a sentimental attachment to certain novels or children’s book that bring back memories.  Select just a few of your favorite books and give them a prominent spot on display. This will allow you to really enjoy them.  Most books can be downloaded with a streaming service or stored on your kindle.   I used to have great intention when I would go to the book sales. Instead of the books being something I enjoyed, they took up space and made me feel guilty.
  •   Sporting Equipment or Games – What are the current interests and hobbies in your home?  Do you have sport equipment or games that you no longer use? Are they taking up valuable space in your closets or garage?  Check-out https://www.playitagainsports to sell your used sporting equipment and get cash or store credit.

CLOSETS:

  • Blankets and Towels – Declutter towels that do not match your décor, are worn or that you no longer use.  Check in with your local animal shelter or vet to see if they can use them. This type of donation can be used for bedding in the cages.  These types of donations cut expenses and give the animals a soft comfortable bed while recouping or waiting for their forever home.
  • Totes and Bags – How many free bags are hiding in your coat closet?   Yes, there are a lot of cute reusable bags, but admit you don’t remember to take them to the stores and you have more than you can use.   Weed them out and only keep a very few.   Use your extra bags to fill the things that you are planning to donate.  The donation center will appreciate them more than you will use them.

KITCHEN:

  • Tupperware/Storage Containers – Empty out the cupboards that house all of you storage containers.   Put like kinds together and all lids in another pile.   Match up all your containers to their lids.   No Lid?  It Goes!!   Then depending on your space store the containers with their lids on or stack containers together and the lids together in a bin to coral them and keep them from  getting lost.
  • Glasses and Mugs – We all know that cupboards get overstuffed with these items.   How many mismatched glasses and World’s Greatest Mom Mugs do you need?  Keep only those that feel great in your hand and keep your drinks hot or cold as needed.  Keep Calm and Let Go! 
  • Expired Refrigerated Food – Pull everything out of your refrigerator.   It does not take that long and you will be surprised how much has gone bad and needs to be thrown out.   Pull the drawers out and wipe down the entire refrigerator.   Check every item before you put it back.   You will be amazed at what you find, especially the condiments.  Cleaning out your refrigerator before grocery shopping you can easily see what you have and only purchase what you need.
  • Spices – according to McCormick:  Vanilla, extract and salt last almost indefinitely, whole spices generally last 3 to 4 years and most other spices start to lose their potency in 2 to 3 years.   Ok, go ahead and throw out the bottles that have traveled with you over the past 10 years.   No one is judging. 

 

PAPER AND ELECTRONICS

  • Receipts – Is your wallet thick from all the cash and cards you have or is it stuffed with outdated receipts? Most will be easy to throw away but be sure to set aside anything that you need for your taxes.  As my friend Tammy would say…. Be sure to tuck that future ticket money back into your wallet …. You never know when those red and blue lights will show up in your rearview mirror.
  • Delivery Menus – These used to be very handy….. Before the internet!    These no not need to exist in YOUR kitchen.   They fill numerous spaces in your kitchen, are out of date and are never where you can find them.
  • Emails – We know that inboxes get overwhelming.  Each day spend a couple of minutes going through new emails that have come in.    Be sure to unsubscribe to any junk that comes in, you can re-subscribe at a later date if needed.  

HEALTH AND BEAUTY:

  • Expired and Unused Makeup – We all have those “mistakes” that we purchased, but because of the money spent we find it difficult to throw them out. It is the wrong shade, isn’t waterproof or it just isn’t what you thought.  Like spices, makeup does expire. Most expire within a couple of years from purchase. Mascara and eyeliner should be tossed within three months.  Keep your eyes safe and your guilt to a minimum and just throw them. 
  • Styling Tools and Products – Do you have blow-dryers, irons , hair accessories  or products that you tried but no longer use?  Tools can be donated. Products lose their potency after three years so give them to a friend or count it as a loss and toss them out.

New Habits: 

When you open up your mail be sure to immediately drop any junk mail into the recycle bin.  Never allow junk mail to come into your home.  The rest of the mail should be sorted into files. Most of your mail can fit into three categories: Bills to Pay, Items to File or Future Items to handle.  

Future Declutter:  Christmas Decorations

If you got through the list above think about a declutter for the month of December.   Do you remember all those decorations you didn’t use? The serving trays that just didn’t work? Maybe they just aren’t your style any more.  Tastes and needs change over the years. Don’t feel guilty about donating the decorations that you bought for your first apartment or getting rid of the homemade paper angels. Your will appreciate that you held on to them, but will be happy for you to let them go.

in Personal Growth

Change Brings Challenges and Growth

Change Brings Challenges and Growth. How are you going to handle it or better yet embrace it rather than fear it? As much as we may like to have things stay the same, there is much to be said about the benefits of change.   But let’s face it; we do not have any say about the changes that are beyond our control.  Job loss is just one example of change.

Change Brings Challenges and Growth

Job Loss or Fear of Failure

Job loss or fear of failure is something we all experience at one time or another. When it happens we have to face the fear AND the change it brings.  It is best to learn how to deal with this change and use it as an opportunity to grow.   By continually growing you learn new skills to help navigate life.

The positive side of a job loss can be an opportunity to explore new careers that you may not have even thought about.  I follow The Ken Coleman Show which gives great career advice on all levels. While I am not looking to change careers I still want to grow and be open for opportunity when it arises; another set of tools to have in your career bag.  Ken has a Get Clear Career Assessment that you can take to learn what you were born to do. Don’t we all want to use our God given abilities to live our best life now?   You can check out his show @ https://www.ramseysolutions.com/shows/the-ken-coleman-show

Personal Development

Your God given abilities along with organization, communication, self-confidence, problem solving and leadership are all personal development skills that you can use throughout your entire life no matter what stage.   We should be constantly learning and growing.   There is a whole world out there to learn about and the more we learn the more tools we have in our tool bag.  Your tool bag should have a variety of skill sets to help deal with life and the changes it brings.  You can only do so much with a hammer, but adding some nails, a saw and some wood opens all kinds of opportunities.

Step out now to learn skills that will benefit you throughout your life and even more so if you are ever faced with a job loss.  Indeed.com has some great advice to grow not only your employment skills but soft skills as well. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/improve-your-personal-development-skills

Big Changes and Stressors

In one year I experienced a divorce, a move and the loss of my job; three big changes and stressors for sure.  But I decided either I could lie down and cry about my circumstances (which I admit I did for a few weeks) and live my life with  a victim mentality or I could get out there and face the changes head one.   It was not easy but I was a fighter and familiar with change.  I remembered: Change Brings Challenges and Growth

My childhood taught me to learned to deal with change when I was moved to several different schools over a few short years.  I hated the changes at the time but the experiences served me well.  New tools in my bag included how to be more outspoken and not follow the crowd, skills to make new “lifetime” friendships and how to get through a season of life and move on without being bitter. At the time I never thought I would be thankful for those hard years, but I am. So maybe algebra will still come in handy after all.

Growing Your Skills

Growing your skills often brings new opportunities and a new perspective or lens in which to see the world.  Step out and embrace change.  Change can bring on new jobs, new relationships, new adventures and an abundance of new opportunities.  Do live in fear of change or let it control you.

The fear of change will keep you stuck and unable to move forward.   How much longer will you stay in your job that is unfulfilling just because it is comfortable even if you are miserable?  Each day that you wait to explore new opportunities in the job market will keep you tied to exactly where you are now.  Without change your life will be the same in 5 years, 10 years and most likely for a lifetime.

Fighting Change

When we fight change we are often fighting against the current.     While you don’t want to change for the sake of change, you need to know when things are totally out of our control and when to let go.  Remember: Change Brings Challenges and Growth

Even small changes will give you new opportunities.  Start with a new route home from work.   It may be a little longer but it will allow you to see new things in your area?  Perhaps you will find new store or restaurant to try. 

Results Through Small Changes

What about your wardrobe.  Are there items in there that you love but think they are “too good” to wear every day.   Grab those items and wear them.   It can give your daily look an upgrade and make you feel better every time you look at it.

I am NOT suggesting that we give up our moral values, or change for the sake of change, unless you know it is going to give you some great experiences to grow as a person.  Hold on to what is good and True but not just because it is comfortable or familiar.

I took a class several years ago and we discussed that when holding on tightly to what we have or what is familiar it keeps our hands closed and no longer open to better things and more blessings.  We learned we should hold things loosely with palms open to receive God’s blessings. 

in Living Minimal

Simple Life Big Style

As retirement looms many of us are seeking a simple life but big in style.   Tiny living, Van Life, RV Living, Life on the Road… no matter what you call it this phenomenon is taking, not just Americans, but the world by storm.   I have been following this type of lifestyle for the last couple of years.  I find it intriguing and exciting to say the least.  I hope to be joining this movement in the next couple of years.  Interested in finding out more?  Meet the Hixson’s.

Retirement to Newlyweds

The Hixon’s are not a couple facing retirement, but young newlyweds. They share their first year of life on the road.   Oh the adventures they have had.  Check out their documentary on YouTube to see firsthand how it all started for them and their adventures with their “little piggy” Mose.  Newly Nomads (2021) – Full Documentary | Wild Hixsons | Full-time RV Travel Documentary.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7y_mfYweSI

There are so many stories like the Hixon’s.  Just search YouTube for inspiring videos of those living on the road. I learned a new term “boon docking”. Not sure if that is how I would want to live on the road, but maybe for a night or two.  If you love remote living boon docking might be for you.  Watching these adventures may give you the bug to be a nomad too.  What excites you as you think about living a more fulfilling life?  Dream Big, Live Simple but with Big Style!

Lifestyle On The Road

Living on the road used to be a lifestyle that only a few took on full time.  Travel photographers, salesmen, musicians and ball players were living life in hotels or buses and moving from town to town.   But, thanks to the pandemic “tiny” living has opened the door for many people of all ages to live a more simple and adventurous life on the road yet big on style. Full sized RV’s offer all the benefits of a brick and mortar home.

Now, home no longer needs to be brick and mortar but can be anywhere you choose.  RV living allows for new views, new destinations, new adventures and new people every day.  The commute is no longer a boring trek to the office, but anywhere.  What adventures would you seek if you could live on the road?  Living a simple life on the road can be done in Big Style!

RV Statistics

The Rvtravel.com/study shows in 2020 there were 11.2 million U.S. households that owned an RV but only 5.5 million are 55 or older.   5.7 million owners are under 54 and that range is mostly made up of 18-34 year olds.  Of those that own RVs, it is estimated that more than 1 million Americans live in them full-time.   So with those stats you will see a wide variety of ages on the road.  Do these stats make you think you might want to add some new adventure to your life?  

50 years ago when families traveled across the USA on vacation they knew that it would be short lived and then…. back to reality. But with the internet and social media creating many new jobs, the options have changed our world immensely.   Of course the pandemic pushed the options to a new level and now the “work and learn from home” allow us more opportunities to live the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation for ourselves. 

Basic to Luxury RV Living

RV’s are no longer basic vehicles with a bed and refrigerator.  The adventures that can be experienced with living life in an RV today allows for almost anything. The RV’s or Adventure Vans that people are living in now offer almost all the benefits of a full home.  Bedrooms, bathrooms, solar panels, washer and dryer, internet and TV’s are just a few things available in upgraded RV’s.   Perhaps living a more simple life with fewer things but some upgraded amenities would make this lifestyle easier.  What adventure would entice you to hit the road?   You just might meet the Griswold on their Great Christmas Vacation.

in Living Minimal

Living More Life With Less Stuff

What life would you live if could live MORE Life with less Stuff?  What would your life look like if you lived it with more purpose and intention?   How would your life change if had less but loved everything that you owned?

Being More Intentional

Being more intentional with what you own offers so many benefits both physically and mentally.  A smaller home means less maintenance, taxes, utilities and a smaller mortgage or rent payment.  How much time do you spend taking care of the “inventory” in your home?  Do you have a larger home or pay for storage to house everything?  Do you worry about some of those items getting ruined while in storage?  What is in those stored boxes?

When I sold most of what I owned it gave me a sense of freedom to be more intentional about how I wanted to live my life.  I no longer had to work long hours to maintain a larger home. Living with less also gave me more time to work on projects that I want to take into retirement, spend more time with family and friends and explore new hobbies.  I discovered the love of hiking!  

Benefits of Hiking

Hiking has given me the benefit of great exercise, meet new friends (check out some local hiking groups or start your own) and of course try out some fabulous restaurants for brunch.  Because we all know hiking burns calories and builds muscles, great food is a must!

Our group loves to eat after hitting the trails.  Great food and mimosas help keep us refueled and hydrated.  Check out some of my past hiking trips along with some restaurant reviews. https://fromwisleettoazdesertheat.com/ 

Trails, Sidewalk or Waterfront

“Hiking” can be found anywhere: a trail in the desert, a winding sidewalk in a through downtown square or simply a walk along the waterfront.   Being able to take time and really see what is around us is so important.  How much do we really pay attention to what goes on around us?  We are all guilty of being too “busy”.  Hiking will give you and excuse to get out and enjoy the trails around you.

If you are new to hiking be sure to look up reviews on the trail (all trails.com is a great resource) Those that have hiked the trail often leave comments based on their experience.   Note the time of year.  The weather will play a big part in how long the hike will take and what supplies you will need to complete the trail.  Reviews are so valuable.  Know before you go.

Trail Amenities

What amenities are available in the area? Are bathrooms, ranger stations and parking available at the trail head?  If you have a dog you will want to know if they are welcome on the trail or not.  Most trails require that dogs are leashed and be sure to know the heat index to keep your pet safe. Alltrails.com, Peakfinder.com and nationalparks.org are all great resources to get you started on a new adventure. 

There is so much information on the internet.  Be wise and knowledgeable before you go.  Cost, available facilities and trail rating is all information that you will appreciate before you get to the trailhead.  Often there is a fee so be sure to have cash in hand.  The fee is usually minimal ($ 3.00 ) at county parks but a little more expensive at national parks (up to $30.00).

Senior Citizen Discount

Are you a senior citizen?  One of the benefits of being a “Senior” is that they often have a discounted rate up to 50% off.  Be sure to check out the park you are interested in before you go.  Sometimes it is worth purchasing an annual pass if you plan to use the park more often.

Always, always, always plan for more water than you think you will need.   It is always safer to have too much water than not enough.   The Hot Shot Hike in Yarnell, AZ taught me this very valuable lesson.   I never want to experience a water shortage on a hike ever again.   I would rather water my plants with the extra water than to need more water on the trail.  NOTE:  Check out Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park honoring the fireman who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire.   

Rangers are a great resource for trail conditions and needs.   The temperatures and trail conditions are important to Know Before You Go!

What Do You Need?

What do you need before you hit the trails:

  • Hiking Shoes (or a pair of tennis shoes with heavy souls) Currently I have a pair of Merrill and a pair of Keen in my closet.
  • Hiking Pole or…. two (Your knees with thank you)
  • Water/ Camel backpack (www.momgoescamping.com for suggested quantiles based on elevation, length etc.)
  • Nuts, granola or something easy to transport
  • Camera  (so many great nature views and moments)

I personally use All Trails and Arizona Highway Magazine to find inspiration for new trails and a logbook to keep track and make notes on hikes I have taken.

What will be your trail of choice a Mountain or a Molehill?   They both offer great adventures.

Grab a comfortable pair of shoes, a bottle of water and your camera and get started. 

Which adventure will you start with… an easy, a moderate, or a difficult trail?  Perhaps, it is not a trail at all, but something else that inspires you to live your best life now!  Get out there and enjoy the adventure.

in Survival

Stocking A Bug Out Bag

Emergency Bag, Bug Out Bag or Go Bag whatever you call it you should have one. A Bug out Bag is definately needed just in case you are ever forced to leave your home in a hurry.  We all hope we NEVER have to use the bugout bag, but it is still worth being prepared for an evacuation.

Why Do I Need A Bug Out Bag?

Evacuations can happen for a number of reasons.   While evacuations are often caused by natural disasters, there are other reasons for being evacuated. We are living in unstable times. Auto accidents, gas leaks, domestic abuse, terrorist attacks, structural issues and war are possibilities. Anyone one of these situations is a very real possibility and for that reason you need to consider being more prepared. Being prepared will assure that you and your family, including your fur babies, are more comfortable and safe during any unstable times. Your bugout bag literally will be a life saver.

Types of Bug Out Bags

Getting your bugout bag prepared will take more than just a few minutes. You need to take the time and plan for a number of scenarios and lengths of time. Bugout bags can literally be a backpack, a tote, laundry basket or any container that can securely and safely hold the items you will need for a duration of time.  

Bugout bags can be purchased in a wide range of prices and styles.  The following websites will give you an idea of the types of prepacked bags that are available. https://www.stealthangelsurvival.com/collections/1-person-emergency-kits

1 Person Emergency Kits
Types of Emergency Kits

Costs of Bug Out Bags

The bags can range in price from $ 50.00 to more than $ 500.00 – Yikes! While costs can vary you don’t need an expensive bag but you must have one that meets YOUR needs. 

Including Your Personal Items

While you may be able to purchase a “survival bag” you still need to have your personal items to add to the bag.  Those items will vary for each family member. 

Basic Needs:

  • Granola, nuts & water,
  • Cash (ATMs may not be available or empty)
  • Flashlight & solar phone chargers,
  • Clothes for each family member
  • Document bag (to hold copies of everyone’s personal ids, an emergency contact list, recent pictures of kids and animals in case you are separated and a permanent marker to write info on children’s arms if needed)
  • Pet food and leashes
  • Sanitation needs
  • Comfort items, especially for kids and animals.   

This is just a small list to get you by for a short period of time.  For a more complete list there are other websites to check out such as: https://bugoutbagacademy.com/free-bug-out-bag-list/ and https://unchartedsupplyco.com/blogs/news/bug-out-bag-checklist

Now is the time to think about your bug out bag before you actually need it. 

Stocking A Bug Out Bag

in Priorities

Time Management

Do you know how to manage your time by prioritizing your values? There is a great story that I heard many years ago about setting priorities and making the most of our time.

Prioritizing your Rocks, Pebbles and Sand

        A professor came to class with a jar full of rocks.  He asked his students: Was the jar full?   They responded yes.  But then he put in some pebbles and shook the jar around to make room for them to fill in the spaces.  He asked the same question.  Is the jar full?  Their response was yes, now it is full.  

        Next he put in sand, moved the jar around some more and continued to fill in all the empty spaces.  Now the jar was full no more could be added to the jar no matter how hard he shook it to make room.

        If he had put sand in the entire jar he could not have fit the rocks and pebbles.   So you need to ask yourself:  What do you consider your Rocks, Pebbles and Sand?

Jar

The Jar symbolizes your life.  You only have one life and you must ask yourself:  What are you going to fill it with?   Do you want your life to be big or small?  That also is your choice.   Don’t let someone decide for you what is important.  You are in control of what goes into your jar.

Analyzing your Rocks, Pebbles and Sand

Rocks are your faith, family and health.   Without these the rest of life will be difficult to maneuver.  

Pebbles are your job, friends, volunteer work and hobbies.  These may change throughout your life but are still very important to maintain and enjoy a great life.

Sand my be social media, movies or books. These are the fluff in life. They are enjoyable and fun, but should not be given such a high priority as your family. If you filled your jar with these first how will you possibly fit in the rocks and pebbles?

Is the Jar Full? The Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand in a Jar Story
Rock, Pebbles and Sand

Managing Your Jar

How do you manage what is in your Jar? Does your Jar in life reflect what you value most? Don’t we all wish we had a little more time each day to get things done that are important to us?   While you can’t create more hours in your day you can learn to prioritize what you value to get the most out of our day.

Prioritizing what to put in the jar first, is the same way we need to look at how we live our lives. We all get the same 24 hours each day but it seems that some people get more done than one can imagine.    Do they get more done because they have great time management? Or perhaps they know what is most important to them, focus on those priorities first and are more content with their lives when they see their priorities completed.

If we are able to accomplish our top priorities this alone gives us so much reward and will create more drive. Priorities will change from one person to the next as well as change from year to year. We are all on a different journey in life.  The variables in your life are your circumstances, talents, careers, families and obligations etc. They are unique to you. Stop comparing your life to some else’s.

24 Hours In A Day

The only constant is that every person has the the same 24 hours in a day to be all that God created them to be. These 24 hrs. are represented as the jar. We must ask ourselves what are the big items that You value? Are you on track to reach your goals for the next year?  If not how can you rearrange the priorities in your life to reach them next year? 

What will you fill your jar with?  Only you can prioritize what you put in your Jar of Life. Truly think about what is most important to You. How will you change your life by rearranging what is in your jar?

in Closets

Organizing Your Linen Closet

Do you struggle organizing and pairing down your linen closet? You can get better results by trying some new ideas.  We all know that the linen closets can be home to a lot of “extra, lost or miscellaneous.” items. 

Extras

What kind of extra items are you storing in your linen closet? Extra sheets and blankets take up a lot of room. How many sheet sets do you really need?  The magic number is One!  You only really need one high quality and comfortable set of sheets for each bed in your home.  

Sheets

Investing in a great set of sheets will allow you to enjoy them for a very long time to come and not over crowd your linen closet.  

Only one set you ask?  Are you crazy?  Your laundry day will be so much easier with less. Plan your wash day so that you can wash and dry your sheets, wipe and spray down the mattress and immediately put the clean sheets back on your bed.   Ask yourself….. What if you really didn’t have to fold those fitted sheets?   Need help on selecting a good sheet set?

Check out Great Life Tips information on selecting a good set of sheets. You might be surprised that thread count is not the only factor.  https://www.greatlifetips.net/how-to-choose-the-best-sheets-for-your-sleep-needs.

Folding Sheets

How many time have you attempted to fold your fitted sheets but in the end gave up and rolled them into a pile and stashed them in the closet? If you only have one set per bed it really not only simplifies your laundry day, it is also a great way to save space in your linen closet.  

When you put the sheets into the linen closet it is hard to know if they are twin, double, queen or king size sets when you pull them out again in a week or two, especially if your sheets are the same color for all your beds.   They usually become messy and unorganized by the time you pull them out to use again.  

**An exception to this is: If you have small children then you might need two and only two for when they are sick. They usually have single beds and those sheets are easier to fold and store.**

More Sheet Storage

If you feel that you must have more than one set of sheets per bed then here are a few ways to store them that will make life easier when changing out your sheets.  

1) Store sheets in the room they will be used

2) Store all in the main linen closet together on one shelf. Print out a label with the size of sheets and put it on the shelf just underneath the sheet set.   Keeping the fitted and flat sheet together along with the pillow cases and shams will make organizing so much easier. 

3) If the pillow cases are large enough, fold and store them inside the pillow case to keep them all together. 

Simplifying this small part of your closet will make things so much easier.  

Organizing Your Linen Closet

Start getting organized by pulling out everything in your linen closet.  You will be surprised by how much is in the closet. How many half empty bottles of shampoo and soaps do you need?  This will be a reminder the next time you want to bring home those cute bottles from the hotel room to “just say no”.  You can only store and use so many “travel” size items before they are part of your organizing problem.   

Travel size items are not your only problem. How many mismatched thread worn towels do you have?  Animal shelters will love your donation of old towels, blankets and sheets.  https://www.obol.info/shelter-rescue. Check out similar projects in your area.

Steps to Sorting

 Wipe down all the shelfs.  If you are really feeling ambitious and want to spruce it up, paint the inside a bright color. Sort your items and like kinds together.

  1. Lotions
  2. Hair products
  3. Sewing kit
  4. Nail Polish, polish remover, files and clippers etc.
  5. Medications:   These should not be stored in your bathroom because of moisture
  6. Sheets
  7. Towels
  8. Summer Items: Sunscreen, Swim suites, Beach towels
  9. etc.
Before Organizing
Before Sorting and Organizing

Use containers to coral your items.   Don’t go out and purchase anything until you know what you really need.   Often you already have boxes or containers you can use to keep the items together and they do not need to match.  Be creative.  I personally use a variety of storage items just to put some interest in my linen closet.

Container Idea

I do like to switch out my shampoos and conditioner every few weeks so I keep one set in the shower and the other set in the linen closet.   .

Maintaining Your Supplies

I do not need to stock up ten bottles.  When one shampoo and conditioner run out I still have what is in the linen closet and then and only then do I purchase a new set. I do keep one container to coral any extras I have of anything.  I check that container before purchasing anything new.

Once you have everything out and sorted think about how often you use the items and where they should be in the closet.  During the winter months you will want to keep extra blankets within reach and store your beach towels and swimsuits on the top shelves.  When the seasons change….. just switch them around.   Think about the amount of closet space you have and only keep what is needed and does not “overstuff” the space.

Minimal Linen Closet
Organized Linen Closet

What you need and how you organize your space will be different with each family. You do you and what is right for your family.   These are just some suggestions on getting you started to live with less and be more organized to keep your life running smoothly.

Labeling your shelves and containers will help your family and visitors know where things belong and that can help you stay organized.  You should be able to open your linen closet door and immediately see what you have.   If not?   You may want to pare down some more.  What will you do to make your Mountains To Molehills this week?

Nat Robinson’s article has some more great ideas to organizing your linen.  https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-linen-closet.htm

in Closets

What Is Hiding in Your Closet?

The question we need to ask ourselves:  What is hiding my closet?  Possibly more than you thought?  Where is that red sweater?  What did I do with the belt that goes with these pants?  I see one black sandal….. Where is the other one?   Do these types of questions ever run through your head as you are rushing to get out the door?

Getting out the door each day and on time is a goal for most of us.  But then we all have “those days” we are running late and can’t find what we are looking for! Wouldn’t it be great if we had fewer of them?  A little more peace and calm will help your morning routine be much saner.  Perhaps that will spill over into your morning meeting at the office, your conversation with your kids and maybe even follow you throughout the day.

Your Closet Holds More Than Clothes

A day that goes well creates a positive feeling when you meet up with your family and friends later in the day.   So yes, the state of your closet can help create a state of harmony through the rest of your day.   Who would have thought? 

Do you even know what our closet really contains?  The saying out of sight and out of mind is often why we lose track of things that we are looking for in our closet.  Did you know that often the sight of certain things in our closet can bring on heavy emotional feelings as well?

I bet you are wondering how emotions are tied to your closet?  You might think it just holds your clothes and a few of your favorite memories from your past . . . . A t-shirt from a concert you attended in high school and maybe a pair of parachute pants that you secretly hope come back in style – Oh I hope not!  They may be shoved in the back of your closet and only take up a small amount of space, but you will be surprised what else those memories hold. 

Not only do your memories take up a prime piece of real estate in your closet but often feelings of regret, guilt and shame are hiding behind that same door.  Is that really how you want to feel each time you open the door?  Is that really how you want start your day….  Guilt Ridden?

Regret… Guilt… and Shame

Is Regret, Guilt and Shame lurking among your hangers, dresses and shoes?   I am talking about the jacket you see each time you open the closet.  The jacket that you paid more than you should have and it still has the price tag hanging from the sleeve….. BAM Regret!  

What about the dress that you “use to wear”? The dress that made you feel beautiful, but the one that is now a couple of sizes to small …. BAM Guilt!  And then . . . There is also the prom or wedding dress….. It may no longer fit or it has memories from broken relationships. . . . BAM Sham!  

We allow these feeling to hit us each time we open the closet door.   You may not consciously think about these each time, but your sub-conscious keeps reminding you.  It knows that they are there and will keep reminding you until you REMOVE these items not only from your view but from your life!

Five Steps To An Organized Closet

  1. Start with removing EVERYTHING from your closet. Wipe down all the shelves, shoe racks and the rods as well.  
  2. After cleaning the closet and you feel real ambitious, pick out a light colored paint to really bring life to the inside of the bedroom closet. Installing a light inside the closet will also go a long way in being able to see what is and allow you to find things quicker.
  3. Be sure you check over each piece of clothing.  Is it in great shape or does it need any repairs or ironing?   Never allow your closet to hold anything that is not ready to put on and wear immediately.  Try on each and every piece and when you have it on does it really fit?  Do you feel great in it?   Do you have something to go with it or do you need to purchase something else to make it a functional WOW piece? Only the WOW pieces go back into the closet.
  4. Get out a large box for DONATIONS.  If any items makes you feel frumpy or blah?  They go DIRECTLY into the Donation Box.  The current statistic is that we only wear 20% of what is in our closet.   Remove the other 80% that is just taking up space.  These items are also continually picked up, tried on and put back in the closet.  Do not allow yourself to waste time and feel frustration over these items week after week.  You deserve better.  Do NOT allow them to make another round in the closet and take up valuable real estate.
  5. Group your clothes to help you find them easier.  
    • Slacks, Jeans, Skirts (i.e. bottoms) in one area. 
    • Dresses and Suits
    • Shirts and Sweaters
    • Jackets and Cardigans
Selecting Your Style

When you are putting together an outfit you need to move from one section of clothing to the next rather than going through every piece in your closet.  If you are a little OCD like I am, the next step in grouping them is from short sleeved to long sleeve and light to dark.   You may feel this is going too far, but it only takes a few minutes when putting your clothes and shoes away.   

Leaving shoes at the front door, under the sofa or some other obscure place will leave you frustrated in the morning. Get into the habit of removing your shoes immediately when you enter your home and put them in your closet. Sorting them: casual, dressy, work, tennis shoes, slippers etc. will make it much easier to grab and go.

Bedroom Closet Left
Bedroom Closet
Bedroom Closet Right
Bedroom Closet

You may feel color sorting your clothes and categorizing shoes is going too far, but it only takes a few minutes when putting your things away. This also is another piece to putting together an easy style and a capsule wardrobe (more on these topics later)

OTHER OPTIONS

I do not use dressers (Bonus:  more floor space in the bedroom).    I currently have a reach in closet that has top shelves that I use for a few totes and purses, hobbies and reference material.   My closet bar runs the entire length of the closet which I use for all of my hanging clothes, a shoe organizer for slippers and flip flops and a hanging organizer that holds folded clothes which include T-shirts, workout gear and pajamas.   Nothing is just thrown on the floor of the closet. 

The floor of my closet has a great organizer that my nephew built for me.  I asked and he built one that not only holds shoes, but baskets that I use for undergarments and socks.    I love the look of the baskets and it gives some color to my closet.

Reminder:  Even if you have a nice large walk in closet we all are guilty of filling up with whatever we have room for.   What change can you make in your closet to change that Mountain into a Molehill?

in Organizing

Small Intentional Changes Make Great Impact

Small intentional changes have a greater impact on your lives if you stay consistent. Consistency over time make a Great Impact. In order to see change you must start!   Start now to see the change you want. How will you get organized? 

Being organized is a quality that benefits all parts of your life.   Your home and your family are one area, but what about your car?  This is one thing that you use almost every day, it will take less than a couple of hours to organize and yet have a huge impact each time you get behind the wheel. The car may seem to be no big deal to you but it is something you can start today and see results.   A clean and organized car has a bigger impact than many people realize.

Is your commute long or a relatively short?   It actually does not matter.   If your car is clean and organized, it will create a more peaceful commute and give you a jump start on your day with less stress.   Isn’t that what we all need in the morning?   But in order have a peaceful morning you must start now.

How will you make your Mountain into a Molehill?

               

What if you were sure when you pull out of your driveway that you have everything that you need.  No going back home after 2 miles because you realize that you forgot your phone, charger or that file you need for your morning meeting?  You thought they were in your car, but you really could not tell because of all the excess “Stuff”.   Did you close the garage door? Start today!  Grab a trash bag and get started.   You know you have a fast food bag or cup stowed next to your seat or door. 

Quick List For Greater Impact:

  • Remove all trash – (ok a couple and I mean a couple of napkins or straws stowed in a glove compartment are ok but not 10 or 20). Remove all trash at the end of each day! Do not let this pile up.
  • Take everything out of ALL the glove compartments, doors, trunk etc. Use a basket or box with no holes.  Remember you are removing EVERYTHING…… even the coins or earrings in your cubbies
  • Your car should be completely empty of everything.
  • Vacuum and wash your car.  $ 15 now will give you a great feeling when you are putting things back in.
  • Wash the inside of your windows – a clear view from the windows will give you a GREAT feeling.  No worries the kids and dogs will make new imprints.
  • Get a basket or small box to contain items that you need on a regular basis.  I have a leather storage container to keep: Wipes, a couple of pens and paper, hand lotion/sun screen, dental picks (you most likely eat in your car and these are great to have) , and a few Cd’s – yes, my car still have a player.  You don’t need much.  Just what you need.
  • The glove compartment should only have your registration, insurance cards, coupons, passes etc. and your baggie with the extra napkins and straws.  I use a small plastic divided  file folder that I update when I get new cards or coupons and leave only the CURRENT information (don’t keep the expired cards – this just get confusing).  I use one similar to the noted below.
Product Image thumbnail 1
Small File Folder

Quick Organizing Tool

https://www.staples.com/staples-13-pocket-expanding-file-folder-check-assorted-51829/product_2757020?

Believe me from first hand experience, it is easier to get this from the glove compartment for the police officer or park ranger when you need it rather than scrambling nervously through everything.  I am sure we have all been there. 

These small intentional changes make great Impact on your life long term.  It is easier to make an impact on your life with that small change that is consistent than a large change or statement of change that fizzles out in a matter of days. (i.e. I will lose 50 lbs. vs. I will lose 2 lbs. this week.)   The mountain is still there.   But taking one steps at a time is the easiest way to conquer your mountain and make it into a molehill.

What are the easiest steps?  If you keep things so they are easily accessible and you see them as you go out the door this helps so MUCH!  I keep my purse, workbag and workout clothes right by the door. When I leave in the morning they are right in my view.   I just collect them and put them into the car – assuring myself that I am ready for work and the gym afterwards.  No going back home or skipping the gym all together because I forgot something.

Keep things SIMPLE and Consistent

  1. Schedule your car for Regular Oil changes – it is a big investment and needs regular maintenance.  Tires and Wiper Blades are often over looked and need to be checked regularly. I live in the south and they dry out quickly but I still need them.
  2. Do I really use or need it? Think: When I am in my car what do I always look for but don’t have?

3. Put a note on your dashboard for any items you regularly take to work:

  • Phone
  • Charger
  • Lunch
  • Laptop
  • Is the garage door closed?

It helps to see this brief reminder each day.   It saves you from making those trips back home to check. How will you save time and create a stress free morning?

How will you make your Mountain into a Molehill?

in Uncategorized

Planning and Organizing

How will planning and organizing help you with your future goals? Do you enjoy planning in advance or are you a free spirit?  Do you need to consider others before making plans?  These are questions you have to ask yourself while making decisions on what your future will look like.  Do you like to live life large or more simplistic?   Perhaps you are a mixture of these things?  Remember YOU are in control of your future.

Avoid Delays and Detours With Plans

As you move through different stages of your life the planning may change or you may change your goals altogether.  You need to be prepared with a plan yet be flexible when implementing the course of action. Does the time frame needs to be adjusted? Sometimes your life may take a detour. Detours can cause delays in yours goals or cause you to right our sail and change courses. What is YOUR time frame for your goals? 

Improve Your Destiny with Planning and Organizing

Do you want to Improve your relationships, health, education or retirement? These are all areas of our lives that benefit by planning ahead.  The time spent planning will help you make better decisions. Where are you currently? Where do you want to be and how quickly can you accomplish your goal? What “Chances” will you take? What “Choices” will you make that will cause you to “Change” course?

Planning Organizing our future takes Change

Detours in Education

Planning for college or other education courses will be much less expensive when you plan what is needed to get you where you want to be. If you don’t plan for this journey you could spend time and money on courses that are not needed or that may take you in a wrong direction.  https://www.tellearning.org/6-tips-for-planning-your-life-learning-journey/

I went back to finish my degree when I was in my 40’s.  There was a lot of planning that was involved. I wanted to finish in less than 2 years.  This was one of my Mountains to Molehills that I implemented to get where I wanted to be in my time frame.

  1. Get transcripts.
  2. Research colleges that offered accelerated classes that met in person and not on line.
  3. Meet with the colleges to see if they would take all of my previous credits –In the End this saved me a lot of time and money by knowing this information.
  4. Meet with my employer to discuss my plans – Bonus he offered to pay half my costs.   Most of my college was paid for by my employers.  A huge benefit!
  5. Plan my courses and workload – I gave up a lot during this time but I stayed focused because my main priority was to finish on time with good grades.

Think about steps you can take to move your mountain into a molehill.

Bucket List

I was able to mark a large item off of my bucket list. This was a goal I had set for myself years earlier. I let things detour me and I lost my path.  But, I righted my sails and began to move along again. By planning and staying focused I was able to reach my goal with more intention. I have no regrets on completing this life time goal.

Planning can help us stay organized. It can minimalize what we have, and keep us from accumulating things that do not serve a purpose.   I love Joshua Becker’s definition of minimalism.

“It is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it”.  

Joshua Becker

How will planning and organizing help you with your future goals? Contact me at:  cindy@mountainstomolehills.com  and work together to plan and create steps to keep you on track to help your reach your future goals.

Remember we are all on a different journey.   Sometimes our journey will take us on highways that we share with others and sometimes our journey will take us on a back country road or trail that is far less traveled.   You may seem alone and sometimes lost.   It is then that we develop and grow.  Psalm 37:23  The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.

in Uncategorized

Create Your BETTER Future Self

How do you want to spend the next 5, 10 or even 20 years?  What are your goals? How do you see your future?  How do you want people to remember you?  What changes do you need to make today, next month and in the next year to get you closer to where you want to be in the future?

My Journey

These questions are what started my journey to create this website. I want to help others to live their Best Life Now.   Ask yourself, what decisions can I make NOW, to get me where you want to be in 5, 10 or 20 years from NOW!  

How Decisions Shape Your Future:

The things you do, the decisions you make and how you see yourself will affect your future destination.   Therefore you need to be purposeful in your actions. 

Remember back to when you were in high school.  How did the decisions that you made in regards to studying, working and friendships affect your future?  Not just that next week but in the next decade? It is Never to late to shape your future.

Are You Carrying Bricks From Your Past?

“If you continue to carry the bricks from your past, you will end up building the same house”. 

The Minimalists

What are your bricks? What decisions do you continue to make that hold you back? If you love your life then GREAT! Continue doing what you are doing?    If not, think about what you can change to get one step closer to your future goals.

These steps often include having better habits, thinking differently about who you are and following through on taking steps in a new direction.  Weekly exercise and a car purchase will impact your life for many years to come.

Better Decisions = Great Impact

The foods you eat and how much exercise you get will decide how your body looks and feels.  Walking just a couple of miles a few times a week will result in more energy and lower blood pressure. But, that is not all, you can use the time to contemplate new ideas, learn a new skill by listening a podcast or simply listen to your favorite music to relax, all this just by investing in yourself, a couple of hours a week.

A car will get you to your destination, but when you buy a car for more money that you can afford then will result in the amount of money, or lack thereof, that you have left to pay your mortgage or purchase groceries.   By deciding to purchase a less expensive used car you can ease your budget from an $800 a month payment to $400 a month payment.   Is driving an expensive car worth the stress over the payment?   What will matter 5, 10 or 20 years from now?   Is it that you drove an expensive vehicle or that you now have a saving account and an IRA started for your future? 

What changes will you make to your life that will impact your future self?

in Living Minimal, Organizing, Uncategorized

Let Go of the Past and Move to the Future

How do you Let Go of the Past and Move Forward to Living your Best Life?

What does your best life look like?

We want to start there because we all have different Ideas of what we want our lives to look like. Ask yourself what do I love? Is it things, people or adventures? Sure you probably have some in each of these categories that you “love” and of course we use the word Love very flippantly and interchangeably with things we enjoy.

Life has so many options but as we know many of these options cause us to be overwhelmed, stressed and above all disappointed that our choices didn’t give us the satisfaction that we thought they would. But how do we change the outcome of these decisions? How do we do “better the next time”?

Being Intentional

We must be intentional about our choices much like a reporter should give us facts about Who, What, When, Where and Why…… We all need to ask ourselves – WHO brings me the most joy in my life? WHAT do I truly enjoy doing? WHEN am I going to take the time to make the changes needed to live my best life? Where do I want to truly see change in my life and Why do I want to live a better version of myself?

Many people have never asked themselves these questions, instead they live their lives reacting to their circumstances. We are in charge of our destiny. Sadder still, others believe that they don’t deserve to have a better life.

New Decisions = New Life

I allowed a few bad decisions to control so many aspects of my life for years. But by the grace of God I was challenged to create a better life for myself. I realized only I could change my circumstances. What a freeing thought: I was ultimately responsible for my decisions and decided I was going to “Let Go of the Past and Move on to the Future” I could and would make new decisions that would change the outcome of my life. I decided to live my best life NOW!

If You Don’t Like Where You Are, Change It. You Are Not A Tree!

Dawn Hafner has a Great Article: When you Start to Let Go of your Past, These 10 things will happen https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/when-you-start-let-your-past-these-10-things-will-happen.html

Start to ask yourself: What brings me joy? How do I get from my past to a Great New Future? Am I willing to make these change? Am I ready to Life My Best Life?

in Uncategorized

Creating Your Best New Year . . .2022

What Can You Accomplish in 2022

December 26, 2021

What is your biggest challenge going into the New Year?  Goals, Relationships or Organizing your life so the rest of it will flow more easily?

Changes For Your Best Life:

Welcome to my website Mountains to Molehills! We going to work together to change how you Organize your life and learn how to live your best life yet! Organizing is not done all at once but one well thought out change that is made in small steps. Small changes and habits are where you will see the best results. These changes get you to where you want to be by the end of 2022.

Fresh Start:

The New Year is just around the corner.   This is the time of year that we all dream of a fresh start.  We want to believe that things can change and that 2022 will be better than the year we are leaving behind. We all have to agree that the past couple of years have been exceptionally hard. Hard on not only ourselves, but our families, our community and our world.  If anything this is a feeling that has united us all.   But perhaps we can work together to make 2022 the best year ever.

Let’s continue to have Hope – something that we all need throughout each year.

We may see our world as mountains right now but we can certainly work together to cut them down to molehills.

The Clutter fairy has some great ideas to get you started https://www.clutterfairyhouston.com/make-room-for-the-life-you-love-setting-organizing-goals-for-2022/

Goals:

We will move throughout the year with doable changes that will make your life easier not only in your home, but give you more time for the most important things in your life. What is your biggest challenge going into the New Year?

Please watch for upcoming blogs that are going to give you great ideas on keeping your home, your car, your family and your life running smoothly with less bumps along the way.

Wishing you the Best in 2022!!

mountainstomolehills.com