Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips. And a big, warm welcome to the new subscribers from Pinterest. And yes, there will be a declutter calendar for 2012. I got lots of questions on that this week I’m working on it now.

I found these cute printable gift tags on Pinterest.

Are you noticing the seasonal joys right now? It’s no fun, if it’s all about work. This weekend we saw the Lakeshore Chorus do a Christmas concert. Definitely put us in the spirit. And then we drove around to look at all the lights. 

1. Set an alarm for stopping time when you watch TV, surf the internet, play computer games or anything else you have a hard time quitting.
2. Put things away that belong in other rooms using a laundry basket.
3. Unstuff a drawer that has become difficult to open.
4. Clear off your work space before you begin working.
5. When you have a to do idea, put it on a sheet of paper for later instead of bouncing right over to the new idea.
6. Take a break from shopping to catch up on a little reading.
7. Deliberately take time to enjoy something about the season.

Solutions

Simple Holiday Plan PLUS Simple Annual Plan Bundle

Do you want a holiday plan that doesn’t have you do a million things you just don’t have time for?

I’ve tried the holiday plans that are online. But, I never finished them. Having simplified my Christmas I didn’t use many of the parts of those plans. And they just made me feel guilty.

Would you like a simpler holiday plan ?

I created a plan that I use to keep my holidays organized without overwhelming me.

Plan includes:

• a checklist for each week
• simple steps to take to create the holiday you want
• short cuts and simplifications for many holiday tasks
• questions to help you decide what is important to you and your family
• worksheets and forms

Bundle it with the Simple Annual Plan to help plan your year ahead.

Simple Holiday Plan PLUS the Simple Annual Plan Bundle

Or get the holiday plan alone: Simple Holiday Plan

***

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips. And especially welcome to the rush of new readers that came in this week!

My daughter and I had fun seeing a Shakespeare at my Alma Mater, Hope College this past weekend. I had a ton of calls and work this week, so I played most of the weekend.

And yesterday we made thanksgiving cards.

I also touched up and bundled together the Simple Holiday Plan and the Simple Annual Plan (see below).

1. Print out and fill in 100 Things I Am Thankful For
2. Catch up on your pet care.
3. Celebrate one thing you have accomplished the last few months.
4. Go through the photo albums and reminisce with your family.
5. Clean out the coat closet so there is room for company.
6. Check your camera batteries.
7. Locate your battery chargers for your cell phones, etc.

Solutions

Simple Holiday Plan PLUS Simple Annual Plan Bundle

Do you want a holiday plan that doesn’t have you do a million things you just don’t have time for?

I’ve tried the holiday plans that are online. But, I never finished them. Having simplified my Christmas I didn’t use many of the parts of those plans. And they just made me feel guilty.

Would you like a simpler holiday plan ?

I created a plan that I use to keep my holidays organized without overwhelming me.

Plan includes:

• a checklist for each week
• simple steps to take to create the holiday you want
• short cuts and simplifications for many holiday tasks
• questions to help you decide what is important to you and your family
• worksheets and forms

Bundle it with the Simple Annual Plan to help plan your year ahead.

Simple Holiday Plan PLUS the Simple Annual Plan Bundle

Or get the holiday plan alone: Simple Holiday Plan

***

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

Our first snow of the season didn’t last long. It melted in time for my family to take a few long hikes.

Me sending milkweed fluff into the air

1. Put all your clothes away and finish the laundry cycles completely.
2. Make sure you have all the necessary gear for the upcoming season (gloves, swimsuit, hat)
3. Plan the Thanksgiving menu and if it’s at your house ask for help.
4. Fix anything that is annoying you in the kitchen.
5. Scan or photograph some of the cards you want to keep so you don’t have many to store.
6. Order freebies now, to get them in time for stocking stuffers.
7. Hold hands for your blood pressure (and because it’s fun.)

Solutions

Starts Monday Nov. 14th

For the past couple years, I have gone from seeing time as a tyrannical task master to seeing time as an abstract concept. It’s fluid and subjective.

Now:

• I rarely rush even when I think I will be late.
• I no longer have to do lists that seize me up as soon as I look at them.
• I know the difference between Soft Time and Hard Time
• My priorities are actual priorities
• I listen to my intution more when finding my next to do
• I have quit my over-planning tendency

Just the other day a friend and I were lost in Grand Rapids, MI. She said, "I am so glad you aren’t getting all upset that we will be late for the concert." Time just isn’t a concept I like to get upset about anymore.

I want to help you change your whole relationship with time.

http://www.encouragingcoach.com/programs-timecourse.html

The class is coming up Monday, the 14th, so if this interests you sign up now!

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

My husband had to take an unpaid day off on Friday, so we had a glorious time driving in the country and going hiking. Then Saturday was dinner and music with some friends. I love being with people I can say almost anything to.

Brea is finishing up her college applications this week. And I’m excited to finish up the planning for my ‘Change Your Relationship With Time’ class (see below).

1. Get together with your most optimistic friend.
2. Catch up on your thank you notes.
3. Do you need to call a sibling or other relative?
4. Finish something.
5. Talk to someone else in line.
6. Cook double for one meal and freeze half.
7. Don’t check your work email tonight.

Solutions

Starts Nov. 14th

I’ve been saying I am going to do a time workbook or class for years, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to focus on until now.

I didn’t want to do a time tips or time management type class. I didn’t want to tell you how to stuff more things into your already full day.

I want to help you change your whole relationship with time.

http://www.encouragingcoach.com/programs-timecourse.html

The class is coming up next week, so if this interests you sign up today. Can’t wait to join you!

All my courses, programs, calls and groups for one low price

Your Simpler Life Bundle

***

Sign up for the Declutter Calendar and Weekly Tips Here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts about the sentencing. The rest of the week was much better – seeing a bald eagle up close before it flew off, dessert with friends, and a concert with a friend (AG Silver, a local Christian group. Love their song Love Keeps No Score )

1. Think of something you want to accomplish and visualize a positive outcome.
2. Repair or let go of something that is broken.
3. Finish one project that has been hanging on and feel the extra energy.
4. Think of a health tweak that would help you and implement it.
5. Instead of a December party, plan one in the doldrums of January.
6. Think about sending Thanksgiving cards instead of Christmas cards.
7. Have a family meeting to decide on the most important holiday traditions to do.

Solutions

Missed the class? Here’s the workbook and transcripts.

Someone ordered the Simplify Your Money Systems class the other day and I had to refund her because the class is over. I felt badly, but remembered I still have the workbook and all the transcripts from the classes. So I thought I’d put it together for anyone else that didn’t get to do the class, but would like to simplify their money systems.

If the below sounds like you and you didn’t get a chance to do the class, I’m happy to offer you the workbook with transcripts.

Attention overwhelmed individuals whose financial lives seem out of control

Ask yourself: do you want be paralyzed with worry because you don’t know if you’ll have enough money to pay your bills?

Do you know where all your bills are?

Is your current money system scattered and not working?

Or worse, do you have no money system except hope?

We all want more financial security, but how do you do it?

Let me help you simplify your money systems:

http://www.encouragingcoach.com/moneyworkbook.htm

All my courses, programs, calls and groups for one low price

Your Simpler Life Bundle

***

Sign up for the Declutter Calendar and Weekly Tips Here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

I spent this week in an abundance of self care: daily exercise and quiet time, time with friends, getting outside, a massage and haircut, extra sleep, church, hanging out with my family and I feel myself healing.

Photo by Brea Dargis

1. Plan where you are going for Thanksgiving.
2. If you have a desk job, move every half hour.
3. Eat a more seasonal breakfast. What sounds good right now?
4. Put a good hand moisturizer at your desk.
5. Listen to a new music artist you haven’t heard before.
6. When it’s time to replace your next cosmetic, choose an all natural one.
7. Let go of any perfume that is going darker or no longer smells good.

Solutions

Why Do You Need a Retreat?

Ask yourself: when was the last time I took time alone?

Have you been stuffing down feelings trying to keep it all together?

Do you want to escape your life for a little while? Does everyone seem to annoy you?

Do you feel hollowed out mentally, spiritually or physically?

Are you in the midst of transition and change? Or have a decision you need to make?

Perhaps you have felt you have lost yourself under stacks of to do lists and other people’s expectations?

Learn more:

http://www.mysimplerlife.com/retreatkit.htm

All my courses, programs, calls and groups for one low price

Your Simpler Life Bundle

***

Sign up for the Declutter Calendar and Weekly Tips Here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

 My daughter and I enjoyed our day at Art Prize in Grand Rapids. We loved the monkeys hanging from the bridge: http://bit.ly/pPAIK6

1. Get yourself in a good mood before you start the job.
2. Give yourself the compassion you give others.
3. Turn old dishtowels into rags.
4. Clean up your outdoor equipment.
5. Put a hold on a current collection for a month.
6. Connect with a neighbor.
7. Walk or bike to do errands this week.

Solutions

Why Do You Need a Retreat?

Ask yourself: when was the last time I took time alone?

Have you been stuffing down feelings trying to keep it all together?

Do you want to escape your life for a little while? Does everyone seem to annoy you?

Do you feel hollowed out mentally, spiritually or physically?

Are you in the midst of transition and change? Or have a decision you need to make?

Perhaps you have felt you have lost yourself under stacks of to do lists and other people’s expectations?

Learn more:

http://www.mysimplerlife.com/retreatkit.htm

100 Day Challenge

If you need a kick start to finish up your goals from 2011, join people like Mike Wilcox of Sarasota, FL who paid off his ENTIRE mortgage, became debt-free and launched a profitable new business in just 100 days.

Goals Guy 100 Day Challenge

(I’ve done this challenge 3 times now and it really helps me get goals accomplished. Full disclosure: this is an affiliate link.)

All my courses, programs, calls and groups for one low price

Your Simpler Life Bundle

***

Sign up for the Declutter Calendar and Weekly Tips Here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

I learned a lot at a writer’s workshop this week with Heather Sellers, author of "You Don’t Look Like Anyone I Know." She is so smart, funny and resilient.

It’s been a quiet week with cider and donuts, apples and rain.

1. Spend a few minutes thinking about what you would really love to do.
2. Make a decision you have been putting off.
3. Try reading one book until it is finished.
4. Take 15 minutes for escapism – novel, magazine, imagination, music.
5. Forgive yourself for a recent mistake.
6. Leave 10 minutes earlier if you have been late too often.
7. How can you make this coming week easier?

Solutions

Why Do You Need a Retreat?

Ask yourself: when was the last time I took time alone?

Have you been stuffing down feelings trying to keep it all together?

Do you want to escape your life for a little while? Does everyone seem to annoy you?

Do you feel hollowed out mentally, spiritually or physically?

Are you in the midst of transition and change? Or have a decision you need to make?

Perhaps you have felt you have lost yourself under stacks of to do lists and other people’s expectations?

Learn more:

http://www.mysimplerlife.com/retreatkit.htm

100 Day Challenge

If you need a kick start to finish up your goals from 2011, join people like Mike Wilcox of Sarasota, FL who paid off his ENTIRE mortgage, became debt-free and launched a profitable new business in just 100 days.

Goals Guy 100 Day Challenge

(I’ve done this challenge 3 times now and it really helps me get goals accomplished. Full disclosure: this is an affiliate link.)

All my courses, programs, calls and groups for one low price

Your Simpler Life Bundle

***

Sign up for the Declutter Calendar and Weekly Tips Here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

My daughter’s school received iPads with a grant and we are having so much fun playing Garage Band. We created some great music and some hideously bad.

It’s been a gorgeous fall week for hikes, the farmer’s market and walking everywhere we can.

I’ve also been planning the time course for October.

1. Revamp your exercise schedule for fall.
2. Research a bank that has less checking account fees.
3. Think about taking off your overdraft protections on your checking account.
4. Take time to come up with some solutions for something you are frustrated about.
5. Where are you wasting time?
6. Enjoy seasonal food or drink. Had some warm apple cider last night.
7. Take a real day off this weekend.

Solutions

Why Do You Need a Retreat?

Ask yourself: when was the last time I took time alone?

Have you been stuffing down feelings trying to keep it all together?

Do you want to escape your life for a little while? Does everyone seem to annoy you?

Do you feel hollowed out mentally, spiritually or physically?

Are you in the midst of transition and change? Or have a decision you need to make?

Perhaps you have felt you have lost yourself under stacks of to do lists and other people’s expectations?

Learn more:

http://www.mysimplerlife.com/retreatkit.htm

100 Day Challenge

If you need a kick start to finish up your goals from 2011, join people like Mike Wilcox of Sarasota, FL who paid off his ENTIRE mortgage, became debt-free and launched a profitable new business in just 100 days.

Goals Guy 100 Day Challenge

(I’ve done this challenge 3 times now and it really helps me get goals accomplished. Full disclosure: this is an affiliate link.)

All my courses, programs, calls and groups for one low price

Your Simpler Life Bundle

***

Sign up for the Declutter Calendar and Weekly Tips Here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm

Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Simplicity Tips.

I am so excited, I have finished the Retreat Kit! You can find more about it below.

I also had a refreshing retreat myself this weekend. I’ve needed these retreats to help me heal this year.

1. Schedule a retreat in the next month, even if it’s just a few hours.
2. Update your chore system if it’s not working.
3. You have chosen much of the life you are living now.
4. You can choose a new direction.
5. What quality do you want to bring into your day.
6. Turn off the news if it is zapping your energy.
7. Many of your decisions are made by emotions, make sure you know what you are feeling.

Solutions

Why Do You Need a Retreat?

Ask yourself: when was the last time I took time alone?

Have you been stuffing down feelings trying to keep it all together?

Do you want to escape your life for a little while? Does everyone seem to annoy you?

Do you feel hollowed out mentally, spiritually or physically?

Are you in the midst of transition and change? Or have a decision you need to make?

Perhaps you have felt you have lost yourself under stacks of to do lists and other people’s expectations?

Learn more:

http://www.mysimplerlife.com/retreatkit.htm

All my courses, programs, calls and groups for one low price

Your Simpler Life Bundle

***

Sign up for the Declutter Calendar and Weekly Tips Here: http://www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm