Today I share with you a request that I received from one of our loyal listeners. Imran recently reached out to me and asked if I could spend more time on the topic of sleeping disorders. He explained that he feels like he's tried all the other conventional methods and yet still struggles with getting a good night's rest.
Now while I usually spend most episodes talking about time management and home organizing, every once in awhile I think it's important to talk about how to simplify and un-complicate other areas of life, like relationships and health.
Like I explained back in episodes #67 and 69, for many years I used to struggle with insomnia. I've gotten much better, but I still have trouble every once in awhile. And like Imran, I've tried everything.
On today's episode I share with you one of my most successful strategies to get a good night sleep.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #67: Good Night, Sleep Tight! (Part 1)
Episode #69: Wake Up, Sleepy Head! (Part 2)
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode107
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Over the years, I've seen a wide range of chaotic messes. Overall, the messes may look alike but their root causes are rarely the same. It's my job to make sure that my clients don't spend too much time, energy, or money addressing the wrong issues.
On today's episode we take a very quick look at one very common cause of clutter that I see quite often.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode106
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Have you ever noticed, whenever you go to a scheduled event, meeting, or party, that about 1 in 5 people show up late? If you're a punctual person, you've for sure noticed it... probably because you get a little annoyed by habitually late people.
A study done at San Francisco State University found that about 20% of the U.S. population is chronically late. And while it does seem very rude and inconsiderate (especially to people who tend to always be on time), it’s not necessarily because they don’t value others’ time. It's a lot more complicated than that.
I know this because, like I confessed way back in episode #19, I used to struggle with being on time. Yes, kind of ironic, since I am technically a time management specialist.
Over the years, I've gotten much better. And now, I actually tend to be a little early to events. Considering being about 5-10 minutes late was an ingrained habit since I was in my teens, it took a lot for me to change my ways. Not only did I have to evaluate my mindsets and figure out WHY I was always late, but I also had to change my relationship with time.
Just like chronically late people tend to baffle those who tend to be on time, punctual people tend to bewilder those that are always late. I remember I used to look at who are always on time to everything and I'd wonder, "how is it that they are always on time? How do I turn into someone like that? Someone who shows up early and finishes projects with time to spare?" Yes, to me, those people were mystifying.
But if you ever want to be more successful in any area of life, you need to take a look at what other successful people are doing.
So for today's episode of Life Made Simple, we look at exactly what punctual people do to be punctual. We look at 7 habits of people who are always on time.
It’s never too late to stop being late.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Free Download: "How To Be More Punctual"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ONTIME
Episode #19: Always Late? Here's What To Do About It (CarlaRae Confesses)
Episode #69: Wake Up, Sleepy-Head!
Episode #63: You Need More Margin Time! (CarlaRae Confesses)
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode105
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
What is it in your life that you intend to do, but for some reason you just don't do it as often as you want, or maybe it just doesn't happen at all? Maybe it's something your procrastinating on. Maybe it's something you're subconsciously avoiding because you feel overwhelmed.
Or maybe you don't end up getting around to it because you feel like you just don't have the time. Or, if your honest with yourself, you're just not making the time.
If you have a few things that come to mind, you're not alone. We all have something important in our life that we want to tackle, but we just don't make the time for.
In this episode I introduce you to a simple technique that might help.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #8: "How To Make A Perfect Day Itinerary"
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode104
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
If you follow our show, you may have noticed that we have not released a new episode for the last 2 weeks. First off, I apologize for leaving all of our regular listeners hanging. I've received a handful of emails and messages wondering what's up. I'm happy to say everything is ok and the show is for sure still going strong.
For the last couple weeks, my husband and I have been traveling. We were actually celebrating his 50th birthday. Yes, the big 5-0! Before I left we recorded a few episodes to be released while I was gone, but unfortunately there were a few technical difficulties. So, we will release them sometime this coming month instead.
Now that I'm back from celebrating my husband's birthday, which was a very special occasion for our family. I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts on special occasions, particularly the special things that we save for special occasions.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode103
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
We are in the middle of the back to school season, and if you're a parent of a school aged child like me, your home is probably already getting flooded with drawings, paintings, handprints, coloring pages and worksheets.
On our last episode of Life Made Simple I gave you a handful of organizing tips and routines to help the school year go more smoothly for you and your family. And for today's episode, we're going to take a look at how we can celebrate our children's artwork without drowning in it.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #91: A Unique Strategy To Help You Let Go Of Keepsakes
Episode #10: Can You Have Too Much Of A Good Thing?
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode102
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Around this time last year, my son was starting kindergarten. As a home organizer, I naively thought that I was completely prepared for the school year. Boy, was I wrong! After the first week I was so overwhelmed.
No one warned me. There was so much to do! And it was unbelievable how much stuff came home every day in his backpack... letters from the teacher, from the principal, flyers, stuff to fill out, supplies to buy, things to sign, events I needed to put in the calendar, and meetings to arrange. And that was only the half of it.
I was also overwhelmed with how much school work he would bring home to show me. And since I'm so sentimental, in the beginning I kept most of it.
I've had many clients with school aged children and I've helped many of them organize their homework areas, figure out their schedules, and so on. I figured it was going to be easy peasy for me to transition into a new schedule. But until I was actually a parent of a school aged child, I had no idea how much time, energy, and space it was all going to take up in my life.
After I spent the first couple weeks in shock and survival mode, I finally got a grip and developed new routines, rituals and habits that helped our mornings and afternoons go more smoothly.
I also figure out really great systems that helped me to manage the piles of papers and to-dos that flooded our dining room table.
So, this year, for Levi's first week of 1st grade I was totally prepared! I knew exactly what to expect. While it is still a drastic change from our summer routine and kind of a shock to the system in a way, I can confidently say, I've got this!
Unfortunately, I know that there are many other parents out there who are still drowning in the back to school chaos and craziness. I've actually had a handful of listeners reach out to me this month sharing just how stressful the back to school season is for them and asking for some tips and advice.
So, for this episode of Life Made Simple, I share with you some of the organizing tips and routines that we've implemented in our own family that can help get the school year off to a good start for you and your family. While the tips and strategies I give you are mainly geared towards children in elementary school you can still get a lot from this episode even if you have older kids.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #63: You Need More Margin Time (CarlaRae Confesses)
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode101
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Life is messy. It's chaotic. And sometimes it's overwhelming. By clearing out the clutter in all areas of life, we can somehow find peace, happiness, and freedom. But it's a journey that takes time and effort. And to help you on this journey, through this show, I want to offer you all the tips, techniques and action plans that I've successfully taught all my home organizing clients over the years and have also implemented in my own life.
But, like I've mentioned before in previous episodes, a good action plan is not always enough. Many other experts in the field agree that success - in anything in life - is only 20% strategy and 80% psychology.
You not only need good strategies and action plans to simplify your life, but you need good mindsets and discipline to actually implement those strategies.
Which is why on this show, I put a lot of emphasis on not just practical tips and techniques, but also on the psychology behind it all.
Motivation is key. We all must learn how to get motivated and how to stay motivated. You can have a good action plan to change your life, but if you don't have the motivation to do so, the action plan is useless.
But, motivation doesn't always just happen naturally. Back in episode #51, I explained how it's almost impossible to wake up every day feeling motivated to reach all your goals and aspirations in life. You can't wait to feel motivated every day. You can't wait for motivation to find you. You need to find motivation!
And how can you do that? Well, you need to surround yourself with motivational people and things. Daily personal development is one way to do that.
Some people call it self-improvement, some call it self-help, or personal growth, self-actualization, self-transcendence, or even spirituality. Whatever you want to call it, it's about setting time aside for reading books, listening to podcasts like this one, listening to audio books, or reading blogs that help motivate and inspire you to become a better person and live your best life.
We all must make personal development a daily habit. Personal Development, of any kind is one nonnegotiable habit that you need to intentionally engage in every day... even when you don't feel like it. And if you do, I promise you, it will completely change your life.
I know... for some of you the idea of "personal development" seems boring and unnecessary, but it's actually a secret to success for many people out there who are living very abundant lives. And it's so easy to do! And it doesn't have to take up much time. Even just 5-10 minutes is enough.
If you want more info and specific ideas on what to do for personal development, go back and check Episode #9 of Life Made Simple.
So in honor of our 100th episode of Life Made Simple I want to encourage and challenge you, if you haven't already, intentionally make personal development a daily habit.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode100
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
If you listen to the show often you know, my motto, my slogan, my challenge to myself and to all my listeners is to focus on what really matters, and somehow let go of the rest. That's how you simplify your life: focus on what really matters, and let go of anything that doesn't.
But sometimes it's hard to figure out what really matters in our life, know what I mean? The problem - at least for me - is that sometimes EVERYTHING feels like it matters.
Unfortunately, if I look at the big picture of life, all my priorities, my values, my goals, what I really want for my life, I've come to realize that sometimes what I do with my time, and what I hang on to, doesn't always line up with what's really important.
I confess, sometimes what I do and what I hang on to doesn't always match up or synchronize with what I really want in life. And I'm determined to change that. On today's episode I share with you how I came to that realization.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode99
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
On today's show I offer you a unique (and morbid) perspective that just might inspire you to immediately dive right into an organizing frenzy.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode98
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Right now we are nearing the end of summer. My son, Levi starts school in just over a week. We're done with all our summer trips and get-aways. Levi just finished his final summer camp. Summer break is almost over and for the first the first time in months, Levi has absolutely nothing to do.
Now, I have to say, my husband and I are blessed with an only child who is very good at entertaining himself. Levi is very creative and imaginative. But, yesterday, he came up to me while I was working in my office and said something to me that he rarely says, "Momma, I'm bored."
Later that night I was talking to a friend of mine with kids and when I told her about Levi's little dilemma earlier in the day she mentioned that her kids are always saying that their bored... she then asked what I did about it. I gave her my thoughts on the topic and decided I wanted to share them with you as well!
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode97
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
If you tuned in to our last episode you know that we just celebrated our son's 7th birthday. Now that he's getting older and about to start 1st grade, I've been a little over sentimental this past week.
Today, for our quick and brief 3 Minute Thursday episode, I read to you a blog article I came across recently. It's written by a well-know blogger by the name of Rachel Marie Martin.
Her blog is at FindingJoy.net. If you're a crazy busy mom like me, you should really check it out.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Rachel's Blog: FindingJoy.net
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode96
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Today I am a mother of a 6 year old. Tomorrow, I will be the mother of a 7 year old. Yes... tomorrow my son, Levi, turns 7 and I feel like my little baby boy is growing up way too fast!
For last week's episode of Life Made Simple I shared with you how crazy busy my life has been this summer. And I have to be honest, my son's birthday tomorrow is becoming a real eye opener for me. I know it's a cliché, but life is short. And sometimes when life gets crazy busy it's easy to rush through it all forgetting about the little things in life that make it worth living.
As you know, I'm on a quest to simplify my life. Like I always say, I want to focus on what really matters and somehow let go of the rest. And for my husband and I, our son is what really matters. I want to soak up every little moment of these few precious years of his childhood. Because one day they will be gone and he'll be an adult... I am so desperate to wrap up every special moment and hang on to them forever!
On this episode of Life Made Simple, I go over a list with you that I stumbled across a few months ago on a blog written by Erica Layne. I love it so much and have read it many times to myself.
"32 Ways To Savor Your Children While You Have Them" (by Erica Layne)
- Watch them when they sleep.
- Inhale them after they bathe.
- Steal some extra time brushing your child’s hair. She says (A wet brush is a must!) Keep on brushing it straight through the teen years.
- Read the heartfelt things your kids write about you and let them sink in. (When our kids give us valentines or birthday cards, are we really taking their words in? It’s time to start.)
- Break a personal parenting rule or two.
- Be silly. Sing at the top of your lungs in the car, dance in the grocery store, pull a harmless prank.
- Let them climb into bed with you (sometimes).
- Don’t round UP on their ages. She says, even if your child turns 7 in two months, keep thinking of him as 6. There’s need to hurry childhood along, right?
- Fill your home with photos of them.
- Practice living simply so your mind is clearer, which—in my case—helps me experience more moments as they come.
- See your children through a camera lens.
- Capture not just their milestones but the scenes you see every single day.
- Choose one thing you can accept, rather than tolerate. Letting go can alleviate so much agitation.
- When they’re hurting, try to place yourself in a similar situation from your past and really remember what it felt like to be where they are.
- Prop your phone camera up and use the time lapse feature to record a family meal or a homework session. Looking at it later will help you appreciate the beautiful chaos of raising children.
- Watch them closely when their minds are fully engaged in something they love.
- Do something for you. Often. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
- Climb under some blankets and read to them. (And for those moments, choose not to let it bother you when you get sat on and accidentally elbowed a dozen times during your reading session.)
- Get rid of guilt. It’s clouding your view.
- Regularly take some time to remember your childhood. It’ll help you better appreciate theirs.
- Claim for yourself and your family a distraction-free block of time. A morning with your laptop closed, an afternoon away from your phone… you get the idea.
- Figure out and focus on what and who really matters to you.
- Make it your goal for a day to double the amount of eye contact you have with your children.
- When you pack away a size of clothing your child has outgrown, make a little ritual of remembering this last stage and how quickly it passed.
- Take more video footage!
- Build yourself a supportive village. Not a lot of “savoring” goes on when you’re parenting on an island (because Too much energy is going to survival).
- Organize some one-on-one dates with your children.
- If your child is old enough to text, take screen shots of cute text conversations you exchange.
- If hurrying makes you agitated, try building more free space into your schedule so you don’t have to rush so much between activities.
- Snuggle up with them for movie time. We do that a lot in our house.
- Listen.
- Experience something new with them—something they’ve never seen.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #63: You Need More Margin Time (CarlaRae Confesses)
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode95
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
One year ago we released the first 3 episodes of this podcast show. So, I'm excited to say this episode, marks our one-year anniversary!
Since then, we have managed to record, produce, and release 2 episodes every week. Well, almost every week. If you're a regular listener, you may have noticed that we did take a few days off a couple times throughout the year.
For this quick and brief "3 Minute Thursday" episode of Life Made Simple, I wanted to take a little time to say a sincere thank you from the bottom of heart to everyone who has made this show possible. Thank you to all our listeners for continually tuning in, thank you for your ongoing support, your encouragement, your reviews, your topic ideas and feedback. You honestly have no idea how much I've appreciated all of it!
It has been an amazing year... and I'm so excited to see what next year has in store for us!
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode94
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
During our last episode I told you about how crazy busy my summer has been. I told you that I work hard and play hard. But one thing I didn't go into detail about during that quick and brief 3 Minute Thursday episode is that throughout all the crazy business, my priorities and schedule over the past few weeks has become completely derailed.
Important things are falling through the cracks. And while I'm constantly getting stuff done, there's a lot that's not getting done.
So, I confess: right now, when it comes to managing my time, I have somehow gotten completely off track.
On today's episode I share with you exactly how I am going to regain control of my chaotic life. I tell you exactly how I'm going to refocus, reassess, and reset my schedule.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
FREE DOWNLOAD: Perfect Day Itinerary Worksheet
Or send a text to 44222 with the word PERFECTDAY
Episode #92: When You Work Hard And Play Hard
Episode #61: A Sneak Peak At What's In The Works
Episode #9: Why You Must Make Personal Development A Daily Habit
Episode #56: One Habit That Will Completely Change Your Life
Episode #8: How To Make A "Perfect Day Itinerary"
Episode #11: How Do You Make A Perfect Week Itinerary (Ask CarlaRae)
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode93
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
We are officially in the middle of summer and for the Arneson Family that means we work hard and play hard. Summers are crazy busy for us!
The problem is, when life gets busy, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed. Everything feels like it's spinning out of control. And sometimes I lose confidence that I'm on the right track for getting everything done on time without something falling through the cracks.
On today's episode I give you my thoughts own how to handle life when it feels crazy busy.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #62: Is Your Life Crazy Busy?
Episode #70: A Few Thoughts On "Paralysis By Analysis"
Episode #89: How To Declutter Your Brain And Keep It Organized
Episode #90: My Favorite To-Do List Tool
Episode #63: You Need More Margin Time (CarlaRae Confesses)
Episode #40: Always Moving Onward & Upward
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode92
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
On my quest to simplify my home and my life I am learning how to let go. On today's episode I share with you one unique strategy that I have developed that has helped me to successfully let go of so many things in my life.
It's not something that I read in an article or a book. It's actually kind of a concept that came to me one day when I was trying to figure out why it's so hard to let go of certain special things in my home. I started to apply it to my life and realized over time it made a huge difference in how I view those special items I tend to keep. Over time, while embracing this strategy I've successfully changed my relationship with those items.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #10: Can You Have Too Much Of A Good Thing?
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode91
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
I've had many listeners ask me what my recommendations are for to-do list apps. Years ago I tried out a few... some were great, some not so much. Finally I stumbled across one that was exactly what I was looking for. Now keep in mind, I am not an affiliate for this company. They have not paid me to give this review. I just wanted to share with you the app that I use and love.
For more info on to-do lists, check out our last episode when I talked about why to-do lists just don't work for some people. I explained why you should definitely consider having to-do lists, if you don't already. We looked at why it's important to properly maintain those lists and then I gave you some unique tips and techniques on how to do just that.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Google Keep: keep.google.com
Episode #89: How To Declutter Your Brain And Keep It Organized
Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode90
Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com
Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson
Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae
Whether or not you consider yourself to be a "list-maker" type of person, we all have - to some degree - a love/hate relationship with our to-do lists.
On today's episode, we take a look at why to-do lists just don't work for some people. I explain why you should consider having to-do lists, if you don't already. We look at why it's important to properly maintain those lists and then I give you some unique tips and techniques on how to do just that.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #68: Get More Done With A Focus Frame
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Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
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Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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As you know, if you listen to the show often, I am on a quest to simplify my life. Because life can be crazy, chaotic and cluttered... and clutter in my home and schedule causes unnecessary stress and anxiety. Which is why I am on a mission to declutter and simplify my life. I want freedom from the anxiety and stress that comes from clutter. I want to find the freedom of simplicity. And I'm also on a mission to help inspire and motivate YOU to join me in the journey.
On today's quick and brief episode I share with you one of my favorite mottos that I adopted a few years back to help me declutter and simplify my to-do list.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #75: Treat Your Life Like A Rose Bush - "It's Time To Prune!"
Episode #76: How & What To "Prune" Out Of Your Life
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Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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When you clean out your closet, why is it so hard to let go of clothing that for some reason you love, but will never actually wear?
What spurred this topic for me was my recent experience cleaning out my own closet. Every year just before summer, I take time to put away all my winter clothes and pull out all my summer wear. Since we live in the Pacific Northwest, half my fall and winter clothes stay in the closet year round, so that I can layer when needed.
Usually I clean out my closet and my son's closet around April or May. But this year, I have to say, I didn't clean out my own closet until a last weekend (which is mid July). According the National Weather Service, Seattle had its coldest winter season since 1984! And for some reason Jack Frost did not want to let go of spring. The sunshine and warm air didn't begin to appear until late June and it's still a lot cooler than usual.
So, when I finally made the time to clean out my closet, I was so ready. Now remember, if you've listened to the show before, I've been a home organizer for over 15 years, BUT, I am also a recovering pack rat. I have a hard time letting go, which is why I became a home organizer in the first place... to help other people explore the psychology behind clutter and chaos.
For some reason, clothes can be really hard for me to let go of. And this time, it wasn't necessarily any easier than other times. But like I said, I was so ready. I was tired of looking in my closet full clothes yet feeling like I still had nothing to wear. I was ruthless. I was on a roll. That black bag filled up pretty quickly.
And why? Well, over the years I've learned how to develop a different relationship with my clothes. I've had to explore the psychology behind why I hang onto clothes that I love but never end up wearing. I confess, there were quite a few items that I've had for years, yet never wore. I used to justify keeping them, but this year I dug a little deeper.
When I came across a piece of clothing that for some reason I didn't want to part with, yet knew I probably wouldn't wear it, I asked myself a few questions. On today's episode I share exactly what those questions are and what you can do with all those clothes that for some reason you love, but never wear, and just can't let go of.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #21: Here's Your Closet Clean-Out Master Plan
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Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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I'm going to share with you one ugly truth... it's the fact that looks do matter when it comes to home organizing.
I know that a lot of people don't believe this, but it's true. When someone views the organization of their home as strictly utilitarian, they don't put much thought into the aesthetics of their system. And many times, this is their biggest problem.
They figure, "Any old container will do," or "No one will see it but me, so who cares what it looks like." As a result, their organizing system is boring, uninspiring, and ugly to use.... so then they don't use it or maintain it.
On today's episode I share with you a story about a client of mine who discovered that looks really do matter when it comes to your organized space.
Trust me: if you can add a sense of personal style to your space - even if it's behind closed doors - you will be more likely to honor it, use it, and maintain it.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
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Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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Life Made Simple is a podcast show dedicated to helping you simplify all areas of your life: your home, your time and to-do's, your mindsets, your health, and even your messy relationships... which is what I talk about on today's episode. While I've been a professional home organizer for over 15 years now, I am not a neat freak.
This weekend I was chatting with someone I had just met and after she asked what I did for a living she replied, "Your house must be perfectly clean and organized all the time." Yes, I get that a lot. But no... I have no shame in saying that my house is never perfectly clean and organized.
Now technically if you looked in all our cupboards and closets they are definitely very organized... don't get me wrong, everything we own has logical home, which of course is one of the keys to staying organized.
But the fact is I have a husband, a six year old son, a dog, and a full time job. The struggle is real. My house is far from perfect. Now, many years ago before I was married I was definitely considered a "neat freak" and my house was immaculate. I was obsessively tidy.
But now, nooooo way! It would be impossible to keep up with the steady stream of mayhem that flows through our house on a daily basis.
Now, I know that our home isn't as bad as most... especially families with more kids. Luckily my husband isn't a complete slob and he always helps with cleaning up the house when it gets out of control. I've also been training my son to pick up his toys and put his dirty clothes in the hamper. But he's only six. I can really only expect so much. Years ago, for the sake of my sanity, I had to let go of my unrealistic expectations of keeping a perfectly tidy home
There is nothing more frustrating than living with a spouse, a child, or even a roommate whose messy habits thwart your own efforts to stay organized. And when you're trying your hardest to simplify your home, trying to clean up after an untidy family member can be demoralizing. It's easy to just want to throw in the towel and give up.
On today's episode we look at how to live with a messy family member without going insane.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode #55: (PART 1) How To Live With Someone Who Won't Change - "I Married A Pack Rat"
Episode #57: (PART 1) How To Live With Someone Who Won't Change
Episode #13: How To Simplify Any Messy Relationship In Your Life
Episode #72: Try To Turn People Into Trees
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Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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I recently ran across this amazing quote by Vironika Tugaleva, a life coach, speaker, and award-winning author of The Love Mindset. Here's what she says...
“They say, 'Look before you leap.' So look. But do not look for too long. Do not look into the void of uncertainty trying to predict each and every possible outcome, to evaluate every possible mistake, to prevent each possible failure. Look for the opportunity to leap, and leap faster than your fear can grab you. Leap before you talk yourself out of it, before you convince yourself to set up a temporary camp that turns into a permanent delay on your journey into your own heart.”
The phrase that really stands out to me is "leap faster than your fear can grab you".
In life, it is so easy to let our fears, worries, and anxieties stop us from living the life that we've dreamed of. Most goals and dreams aren't easy to accomplish and sometimes the things that we need to do in order to accomplish what we want are uncomfortable and scary.
I've seen it so often with my clients... when tackling a huge project like organizing your entire home or even just one room can be terrifying! So many thoughts run through their mind, like "How am I ever going to get his done?" Or "What if I can't let go of anything?"
Like Vironika says, it's ok to look before you leap, but don't look too long.
Back in episode #70 I confessed to you that I am an over-thinker. And sometimes my over-thinking along with my tendency to be a perfectionist, stops me from pushing forward in life. I call it paralysis by analysis..
Sometimes, we just have to face our fears... sometimes we just need to stop over-analyzing and just take the leap.
And yes, taking a leap into the unknown is scary! And when you face your fears, you may still FEEL afraid, which is a very real emotion. But that emotion doesn't have to dictate what you do. Make the decision to act, face your fear, and then leap faster than your fear can grab you.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
Episode 66: What Are You Afraid Of? "Do It Anyway!"
Episode 70: A Few Thoughts On Paralysis By Analysis
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Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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I have been a Professional Home Organizer in the Seattle area for over 15 years now, and like I’ve said in previous episodes, I have seen it all! No organizing project is too big or crazy for me.
My key to success is to always have in mind the fact that everyone is different. Everyone has different personalities, quirks, interests, tastes, hobbies, values, priorities, and so on. And when it comes to organizing someone’s home or helping them with time management I’ve learned that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.
More often than not, when I pull a strategy from my huge arsenal, I have to custom fit all the different tips and techniques for each individual client. But, there are a number of tried and true organizing tactics that consistently work with most people.
One of those is what I call the Category Game. In general, when it comes to organizing your home, in a lot of ways you’re playing one big category game. Everything you own falls into a particular category and within each category are sub-categories… and then sub-categories of sub-categories. Each category in your home should be assigned a home, so that you can find the items when your need them.
But sometimes, when I’m helping a client organize their home, we come across a few very random items that don’t seem to fall into any specific category. When you’re sorting, purging, and organizing all your stuff, what do you do with some of those very random items that don’t seem to have a home anywhere in your house?
When you come across something that doesn’t fit one of the obvious categories, it’s easy to get stuck, frustrated, and overwhelmed. On today’s episode of Life Made Simple I give you a solution for all those little random items that don’t seem to have a specific home.
Now I have to say, when we put this topic on the podcast schedule, it was originally going to be about the random little junky things our children have in their rooms. But, the truth is, even as grown-ups those little random items tend float around and clutter up our space as well. So not only do I specifically apply this unique organizing solution to organizing a child’s room, I also tell you how you can apply this solution to your own random stuff lying around.
Links Mentioned in this Show:
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Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com
Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY
Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"
Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE
Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com
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