help to be inspired
Light Shining Into Woods
Leave it to an artist to say something so profound yet simple. Thomas Kinkaide points out in a beautiful way that when we get our priorities right, the stress leaves our lives and we have a clarity that brings peace.
Things that really matter to me:
1) God
2) Family
3) Freedom
4) Creativity
Take a few moments and think about what really matters to you.
Now think about ways to say ‘yes’ to more of these things in your life.
“Making the simple complicated is commonplace;
making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”
Love this quote! This year I am attempting to simplify my life so that I can have less stress and more joy.
Some of the actions I am taking include:
1) Decluttering papers, magazines and books
2) Simplifying my filing system (physical and on my computer)
3) Asking myself the question “Do I really need to buy this now?” before every purchase
4) Unsubscribing from ezines and magazines
5) Having streamlined goals
6) Simplifying my exercise routine
7) Purging my closet and bookcases
What ideas do you have?
Share the actions you are or will take this year to have more joy, simplify, or be happier and more productive and less stressed this year.
Blessings!
Since January has arrived, the world is focused on setting goals and resolutions. I, too, am focused on what I want to accomplish for the year. I have tried as many different goal setting programs as the number of the socks in my chest drawer. Unfortunately not many of them have worked—or is it me that hasn’t worked them?
Either way, most of the time I find them too complicated to keep up with. In years past, I have ended up with pages of lists, goals and visions for what I want the New Year to hold. It all sounds good and looks good on paper but proves to be impossible to implement.
I discovered that I am a simple person, free-spirited and artistic. I don’t like schedules or a long list of to-do’s. You may be the opposite of me—orderly, scheduled, and time conscious.
Whatever personality you have, I believe in using what works. This year I am going with the simple path. I have written a few goals on a 4”x6” index card. That’s it.
There are two reasons I am going simple and small:
Suggestions for your goal setting process:
Example:
Purpose—to sell Girl Scout cookies
Goal—sell 100 boxes
Action steps—ask 20 friends, ask women in ladies group, and set up table at Wal-mart
Whatever method you choose, I wish for you a very productive 2011.
2011 — A brand new glorious year! Can you believe 2010 went by so fast? If you are like me there are many things you accomplished in the past year but many you had planned that did not get done.
One way we can move on from 2010 and be sure that 2011 will move us in the direction we want to go is to choose a word for the year-a word of intention. Many blogs have been addressing this concept lately and I wholeheartedly endorse it. I first got the idea from my art journaling group, “Blissfully Art Journaling” ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Blissfully_Art_Journaling/)
My chosen word for 2011 is JOY! I want and need more joy in my life through creating, celebrating, friends, and laughter.
So, what will your intention be for 2011? Just pick a word…
My husband used this expression the other day when we were praying together. I immediately thought, “Those are exactly the issues I need to deal with in the new year.”
Don’t we all have hang-ups that we need to just move on from? Those crazy things that bug us or issues we are stuck in? Perhaps it is time to literally hang them up.
What about habits? Most of the known world will be making New Year’s Resolutions tomorrow. Isn’t that really just all about forming new habits? Decide what you want in your life in 2011 and make a habit of it.
And then there are hurts. Sometimes these are the hardest. I know the hurts in my heart have way more influence over me than they should. What about making an intention in 2011 to let go of all those all hurts by letting God take them and heal them. Wouldn’t it be wonderful not to have to stress out over or think about those hurts anymore?
As you think about your goals, desires, and dreams for 2011 you might think about your hang-ups, habits and hurts. It could possibly lead you on a path to greater happiness in the new year.
Wishing all of you a Happy New Year!
May the coming year bring you happiness, peace, laughter, good health and the wealth that only knowing God can bring.
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” John Maxwell
Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines.
– Brian Tracy