The rest of the January Declutter list

How is your decluttering going?  :)

I know I gave you a pretty long list last time, and don't worry if you didn't get through it, because I didn't either.  I got side tracked on a few projects.  And that's ok! 

So here's the rest of my list for January:

• Catch up on paperwork and year end filing (We were a couple years behind, so just tackle it, wherever you are at!)
• Declutter file cabinets.  (Go through old files, and throw out papers and manuals you don't need)
• Sort through all those "paper piles"  You know, the ones that sit there or get put in a drawer to "do later."  :)

It's a great time to go through paperwork to get ready for tax season, etc.   Plus, you will feel so much better about tackling your other projects if this one is done!

It's a blizzard here today, so what a great afternoon for a cup of coffee and some quality time with my files! 

Good luck!

Declutter!

So I found a great 2012 Declutter and Organize Calendar from mysimplerlife.com/blog

In thinking about keeping things "simpler" this year, I really liked this calendar.  It gives you a task a day that can be done in a short amount of time.  By the end of the year, you have gotten through a log of projects you easily put off!

So I am going to re-blog some of her ideas, as well as incorporate some of my own.  I'm hoping to come up with my own version of a Simpler, Decluttered 2012 Calendar!

As I stated in my last post, don't let the "list" bog you down.  If you have some things that apply, and you would feel better if you prioritized them, then do it!  If not, let it go, and have a great day doing the things you alredy have planned! 

She has hers listed one a day, but I am going to chunk them into a week or two weeks worth of time.  I know that I won't always do the "one a day" approach, but might do a couple items on the list in one day, and then none for a couple. 

Anyway, take it as you wish, and happy Decluttering and Organizing your life!  :)

January 1-14

• Set up a place to donate items you are getting rid of (either for goodwill or garage sale)
• Pick a cabinet in your washroom/entry way and clean out just the top shelf or one drawer
• Declutter the top of your kitchen cabinets and dust
• Go through old spices to discard expired and old ones (and get some fresh ones from your PC consultant! ;) )
• Organize your "can" shelf.  Make it workable-do what works for you!
• Go through your freezer to let go of old, freezer burned food
• Declutter and clean out your nightstand (and the top of it!)
• Clean out under the bed
• Throw out the junk in your junk drawer
• Organize your junk drawer
• Go through and declutter your island (if you have one)

Have a great, productive (or not!) few days!  Please don't feel like a failure if you don't make it through the "list." 

Oh, and make sure you prioritize time with God, your sweet little ones, and yourself!  (I'm speaking to myself on this one too!)

The Beginning of 2012

Happy New Year!  I really can't believe that we will start writing 2012.  I remember when they all predicted the world was going to end when we rolled from 1999 to 2000.  Where do the years go?

We just got back from a week vacation with the Morgan Family on Whidbey Island.  We stayed in a beautiful home that had an incredible view of the water and mountains.  What a fun way to bring in the new year! 

I'm not one for "resolutions."  I think I've tried before, only to feel like I failed when I look back and see what I didn't accomplish.  As with most of those that make resolutions, I think.

I always look forward to the New Year, though, as it seems to bring a fresh start to life. 

So often, I think of all that I need to accomplish in a year/month/week/day, and make my lists accordingly.  I get excited as I "check things off" the list.  One by one, the tasks diminish, until my page is all scratched off.

Then I start a new one.

Sometimes my projects and tasks never do get crossed off.  Sometimes, I just rip the page out, and add those projects that didn't get marked off to my "new" list.

Am I the only one that does this?!

Like I said, it can get easy to get lost in the list, tasks and projects for the day.

Instead, can I pause and remember the One who gave me the ability to...

wash the dishes
clean the bathroom
change a diaper
make a lunch
pick up toys
manage our finances
take care of our home
tend to the yard
pick up toys
make meals
call friends and family
teach lessons
encourage my husband
did I mention pick up toys? :)

...and realize that He doesn't ask me to make a list so I can check it off. 

He asks me to bring Glory to Him as I go throughout each task, praising Him for the ability to do what I can with the time, talents and treasures He has given me.

I pray I will do a better job of keeping this mindset this coming year.  It is hard, as the pace of life continues to pick up speed, trying to rob us of the joys that each moment brings. 

I'm sure I will continue to make my "lists."  But maybe I can have a different perspective.

Be still.  Stop and listen.  You just might hear a voice saying, "well done, my good and faithful servant," rather then the nagging voice of "how come you couldn't get that done?!"

Here is to a simpler 2012!