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Well here we are at the
beginning of a brand new year. Who knows what it will bring to us all
- what challenges, what joys? Let's on this January 1 make a new beginning.
We have the whole year ahead of us - 365 days to accomplish the
things we have only dreamed of. Let this be the year!!! No putting
those dreams off any longer.
I decided several years ago to start my own organizing
business. This idea had been on my mind for some time, so I
read and researched all that I could about professional organizers
and at the beginning of a new year I went out, got a business
license, took out insurance, came up with a logo (well actually my
daughter did that!), created a website, joined NAPO (The National
Association of Professional Organizers), the chamber of
commerce, the WBNCA and a networking group, put a small ad in
the paper and waited for my first client to contact me. And yes, they
did and have been ever since!!!
The point of me telling you this is to encourage you to just do it!
Whatever it is that you have wanted to do. If I could make a change
after being a registered nurse for over 25 years, I know that you can
too. I loved being a nurse and helping my patients, and I have found
that organizing isn't that much different. I am still helping people,
just in a different way.
RESOLUTION #1
So if you are looking for a new career move - ask yourself what it is
that you are passionate about and create a job around that. I love
people, so helping and organizing for me was an easy decision. I have
never been happier professionally than I am right now.
RESOLUTION # 2
At the beginning of a New Year, people usually make the same old
resolution to lose weight and sadly before the month is out, that
resolution has been broken. So this year, if you are truly wanting to
lose weight, JUST DO IT! You can, and it is very easy: eat less at
every meal, eat only what will fit on a salad size plate, don't take
second helpings, substitute water for sodas, eat lots of fruit and
vegetables, eat out less - you can control calories so much better if
you are preparing the food yourself.
Don't deny yourself whatever your weakness is. That's when diets
don't work - when you can't have something. For me, that weakness is
dark chocolate, so instead of denying myself, which would no doubt
make me want it even more, I allow myself once a day to have a few
dark chocolate M&M's. I get to look forward to and enjoy my
favourite candy and I don't feel deprived.
I know this works! I lost 20 pounds in a year by following this
simple plan that I devised for myself. You do have to be somewhat
disciplined, but I was determined and ready. I decided it was up to
me and me alone to be in charge of my health, so that's what I did
and continue to do. I feel better and have heaps more energy, and so
will you too.
RESOLUTION # 3
Exercise!!!
This is another one of those resolutions that goes by the way early
on in the year for a lot of people. Once again, just resolve to do
it! You will feel better and be more energized. Decide what will work
best for you. It has to be realistic and convenient. For me, joining
a gym has been the best approach. For one thing, since I am paying
for it, I feel like I want to get my moneys worth! I also enjoy the
different classes that they offer and find that the variety
keeps me from becoming bored.
If you like walking, then walk. Find a friend or a co-worker and walk
for half an hour each day. Do the same if you like cycling or
swimming. The important thing is to find something that you can enjoy
and them commit to do it at least 3 - 4 days a week. In fact, try to
get some kind of physical exercise each day.
RESOLUTION # 4
Commit to being more organized in 2009. This is the year to take
charge of the stuff in your life, get control of it, deal with it and
then sit back and reap the benefits that a more organized home and
life will give you. I promise you it will make you more energized and
less stressed. It will make you want to actually spend time in your
home rather than want to run away from it! Most of all, it will make
you happier. Start with just a kitchen drawer and see how easy it is
and how rewarding it is to just organize one small area. Then go on to
other areas of your home - attack the areas that actually cause you
the most frustration. Having these areas under control will give you
the most satisfaction and will motivate you to do more.
RESOLUTION # 5
Spend more time with those who mean the most to you - your family and
friends. If you don't already dedicate one night of the week as
"family night", start now. In our house, Thursday was
family night. Even though our kids are college-age now, when they are
home we still have family night on Thursdays. We will have pizza, and
then take turns deciding how we will spend our evening - playing
games, watching a movie together, going to see a film, or going out
for ice cream. I'm sure you can think of many things that your family
enjoys doing together. The important thing is to be spending time
together. Believe me, before you know it, those little ones will be
all grown up and off to college.
Get a bluetooth device for your cell phone and when you are driving
home or stuck in traffic, ring a friend who you haven't talked to in
a while. Nurture these special friendships!
RESOUTION # 6
Give yourself some "me" time. By this I mean allow at least
30 minutes each day where you do something just for yourself. You may
want to get up a half hour early so you can have a quiet time to read
uninterrupted, or you may want to end your day with a half hour of
quiet time, reading a book or magazine, or relaxing in your tub bath
(this is my personal favourite!). The important thing is to each day
do something just for yourself. You will feel less stressed and
frustrated, and you just deserve some me time anyway!!
OK, so those are my suggested resolutions for the New Year, and they
are the ones that I am going to adhere to myself. I wish you a great
2009 - let this be the year to make all the changes that you have
wanted in your life - JUST DO IT!!!!
Merri
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