Taking Some Quiet Time

I've been doing this thing lately, taking an hour in the afternoon as my "quiet time." When I was a kid, my mom would enforce quiet time after our morning swim and dive practice at the pool and after we ate lunch in the summer. Although we disliked the concept, we looked forward to it during practice each day. In the afternoon's white heat, our blinds closed we didn’t have to nap, but we could read. As long as we were quiet. 

Now that I'm a mom, I'm pretty certain my mom started this quiet time for her peace of mind, but over time, it instilled this love for peace and quiet in the afternoon.

Cut to 2024, after breast cancer and a full hysterectomy, I’ve realized I need some down time in my day. I may lay down on my bed and sleep. I slept for an hour and a half the other day. Some days I may lay down and stare out the window. I love gazing at and daydreaming under the gorgeous cypress tree located in my neighbor's yard next door.

I notice that when I take this time I’m in a much better mood when I’m making dinner in the evening. I’m more refreshed. I have energy to do a few chores before bed.

What would you do with some quiet time each day? 

My Non-Negotiables

I first heard the phrase non-negotiables at a yoga retreat.  It reminded me of a business term and was interested in what it had to do with yoga.  The teacher explained that if we don’t honor our body by listening to it each day we can get into trouble.  We can get grumpy, can’t sleep and worse get sick. 

Our assignment was to list 5 things we couldn’t live without each day.  Bare bones.  As in physically.  She mentioned things as basic as drinking water and eating nutritious food.  Maybe movement would be on our list or singing. Here’s mine:

• Water
  

• Eating nutritious food
  

• Quiet time (reading, zoning out and no device)
  

• 8-10 hours of sleep each night
  

• Movement
  

And on a perfect day I’d also get sunshine on my face and spend time with family and friends. 

If you struggle with every one of these every day, you are not alone.  If I’m lucky I get two of them right a day, some days more.  But the older I get the more I realize how important they are.  For instance, if you struggle with drinking enough water try different water bottles or adding yummy things like lemon to make it taste better.

What are your non-negotiables?  

What  helps you move through the day with more ease?  

I’d love to know what yours are.

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If you ever feel buried under your schedule, have too many things going on or just feel overwhelmed, I’d love to talk to you.  Book a call here and let’s powwow about how I can help you feel more grounded and mindful in your day to day.  

How much fun are you having?

I think I received at least 5 things in my inbox this week that had to do with having more fun.  Maybe it’s a hint from the universe.  There were articles from the New York Times, webinars hosted and things posted on Instagram.  It really made me think more about what having fun really means to me.  Personally, I know that I need and want to have more fun in my life.  Laugh more.  Have more deep belly laughs.  I can’t remember the last time my face hurt from smiling too much.  I want that in my life.  Do you?

I especially loved this article from NPR that listed 5 easy ways to make sure you’re having more fun.

• Stop worrying about how happy you are.  In contrast, having fun is pretty easy to achieve.
  

• Find your FUN magnets. Are there activities that you’d like to try that sound fun?  It’s really what tickles your sense of delight.
  

• Put fun on the calendar.  Once you identify what’s fun to you, schedule more of it.  
  

• Unplug.  Technology can be the enemy of fun.  We’re always connected to our phone.  Checking that last email.  And that means we’re not present.  Real fun involves sensory experiences and often interactions with others.
  

• Share the fun and amplify it.  Try sharing what brings you delight with others. Send your friend a silly photo that makes you laugh.
  

  What will you do for fun this week?

Organizing For My Surgery

It seems like right now so many people I know are having some kind of medical issue.  I’m having surgery in a few weeks and I’m trying to get myself organized for it. I’ve been told the recovery is about 4-6 weeks to get back to feeling like my old self.  I’d love to have maximum resting time while I’m recuperating but I’m realizing that what I need to remember is that it’s ok to let some things go.  I’m really going to have to lean on friends and family for a little while. And this is ok, too.  It hasn’t always come naturally to me to allow other people to take care of me but I’m ready.

Besides letting all my clients know and scheduling accordingly in my business I’m going to craft my out of the office email to let everyone know I’ll get back to them as soon as I can.  I’m also trying to do the little things like stock the house with the essentials like toilet paper and laundry detergent.  A few days before the big day I’ll make sure I’ve got lots of healthy, nourishing food on hand.  I feel so grateful that my mom will come out from the east coast to stay with me for a week and realize that not everyone has this luxury.  I also have a few friends who have offered to bring food over in those first few days and I am so grateful for this.

I’m looking forward to reading a new book I’ve ordered and catching up on some shows and know I’ll be back on my feet in no time.

I’d love to teach you strategies for how to be more organized!  Schedule a call with me and I’ll tell you more. If you’d like to book a call with me to find out more, click here. 

'Tis the Season to let some things go

‘Tis the Season to feel exhausted and overwhelmed.  I know I already do to some extent.  As much as I love this time of year: the lights, the festivities and the oh so yummy food I also don’t love how many directions I feel like I’m being pulled in.  How many things I feel like I should be doing or buying.  I’m officially giving myself permission to let some things go this year and I hope you will, too.

I’m starting with a list for myself of the absolute necessities to get through the holidays.  And reminding myself it’s okay to say no to the things that aren’t.  Years ago I let go of holiday cards and that has continued to feel like the right decision for me.  I love the idea of less is more in terms of gifts and spending instead on experiences.  What are some things that you can let go of this year?

And I’m saying out loud to myself that each day during this holiday season I will:

• Drink plenty of water
  

• Rest when I need to
  

• Say No to the things that I need to for my well being
  

• Enjoy the holidays for what they are intended to be; spending time with family and friends.

I have gift certificates available for that gift of organizing you’d like to give to that special someone.  I’d love to help your friends and loved ones feel more organized in the New Year!  Feel free to reach out with any questions you have.

Fall is just around the corner

Can you feel the days getting shorter? I know I do.  I’m an early riser and have noticed the sunrise has been gradually getting later and later.  Today it was at 6:39 am and the sun will set at 7:11 here in Santa Barbara.  And tomorrow the sunrise will be 6:40. On as many days as I can, I greet the sun by jumping in the ocean.  This is the warmest time of year in the Pacific and I savor it.  I can always tell when the ocean is warm that fall is just around the corner.

I wanted to let you know that I’m hosting a free webinar over zoom on Wednesday October 18 at noon pst.  It’s called Simple Ways to Feel More Organized Now. It will help you  feel more organized right where you are in this moment.  Whether you’re a business owner, busy mom or just someone who wants to feel more centered and grounded, this talk is for you.

I’ll give you practical strategies for creating a life that is more aligned with who you really are.  Someone who embodies strong time management, work life balance and good organizational skills.  I’ll give you tips for streamlining your day and finding extra time for you.

Click on the link to sign up and mark your calendar for Wednesday October 18 at noon pst for my free webinar.

https://www.thoughtfulorganizing.com/optin

Come join me!