Tag: motivation

Posted in Clutter Coach

Mini Clutter-Clinics

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Ten minutes is a sweet spot!

Embrace the Power of Small Wins: 10 Mini Clutter Clinics in Just 10 Minutes Each!

In the hustle and bustle of life, finding the time and energy to tackle clutter can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that you could make a significant impact on your space in just 10 minutes? Introducing my 10 Mini Clutter Clinics—a series of quick, focused sessions designed to bring order to your life without the stress. Each clinic is a bite-sized, manageable task that will guide you to declutter and organize different areas of your home or workspace.

Why 10 Minutes? Ten minutes is a sweet spot—it’s short enough to fit into your busiest day, yet long enough to make a noticeable difference. By breaking down the process into these mini-clinics, you’ll experience the joy of small victories that build momentum. Every completed clinic is a step closer to a more organized, peaceful environment.

What Can You Expect?

  • Immediate Impact: You’ll see the difference right away. Whether it’s clearing off a cluttered countertop or organizing a messy drawer, these clinics are designed to give you quick wins that boost your confidence and motivation.
  • Stress-Free Progress: No need to carve out hours of your day. Each clinic is purposefully designed to be completed in just 10 minutes, making it easy to integrate into your daily routine.
  • Empowerment: As you move through each clinic, you’ll feel empowered by your ability to create positive change in your environment. The sense of accomplishment will encourage you to continue your journey toward a clutter-free life.

The Journey Ahead Is Your Path to a more organized life starts here, one clinic at a time. Whether you’re clearing out the junk drawer that’s been bothering you for months or finally organizing that pile of paperwork, each mini-clinic will bring you closer to the peaceful, clutter-free space you deserve.

So, let’s get started! Commit just 10 minutes to your first clinic, and watch how these small, intentional actions can lead to big transformations. Remember, every step forward is a step toward a more serene, organized life. You’ve got this!

  1. Purse/Briefcase/Backpack

Dump the contents from your daily bag. Only add the items you use back in. Let go of the rest. If you choose a day each week this 10-minute task will be a way to change a habit and behavior.

  1. Bathroom

Let go of old cosmetics (see this for expiry guidelines), expired prescriptions, and OTC meds (here’s how to dispose of them). Take an assessment through each drawer and cabinet. Donate to a local homeless shelter if there are unopened items (toothpaste, shampoo, soap) or similar items that you know you will never use.

  1. Hall Closet or Storage Area

I’ve never seen the inside of your hall closet, but I can guarantee there are things in there you don’t need, don’t want, and don’t even remember you have or don’t know how they got there.

  1. Pantry

If there are other things you never use, let them go and make space. Donate unexpired, unopened items to your local food bank. Create a master list of what goes where on what shelf, create something to match the theme of your kitchen, drop it in a Dollar Store frame, and hang it so everyone knows how to keep the pantry tidy.

  1. Nightstand

Make the space near where you sleep peaceful and straightforward. Having a battery-operated clock next to the bed is nice in case of power outages. Have water, and a notebook with a pen/pencil to make those last-minute thoughts before dreamland. 

  1. Outdoor space

Tackle balconies, porches, front yards, and backyards. Even outside clutter is clutter. If your home is on the market or will be short, curb appeal makes that first impression.

  1. Car

From the glove box to the trunk, do a deep dig of your car. You’ll probably eliminate that annoying rattling noise or solve the mystery smell in the process too.

  1. Inbox

If your inbox has become a 2-year to-do list, start deleting it for 10 minutes at a time. Consider email bankruptcy if it’s a lost cause (select.all.delete.). If you don’t remember what emails you were saving and why . . . let them go!

  1. Thoughts

What’s swirling around up there? Write down 10 things on your mind, weighing you down, and preventing you from thinking clearly. Moving your worries from the brain to the paper will help you figure out the next step.

  1. Office

Are there things on your desk, in drawers, or hiding in a filing cabinet that you can easily let go of? Let go of the things in your office that don’t contribute to your purposeful, effective work style.

Now that you’ve let procrastination know that motivation and transformation have taken over, consider other decluttering challenges and resources to continue the momentum of moving forward to a simpler lifestyle.

Peace & Harmony ~

Happy Organizing! Cheryl

Posted in Journey

Who Are You?

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Who Are You?

When you take a moment to reflect on who you are deep down, you’re setting the stage for living your life to the fullest. 

It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion to get to the core of your being. This process helps you rediscover your passions, values, and talents that might have been buried under layers of societal expectations or self-doubt. Embrace your true self and start living a life that’s authentically you, expressing your essence without holding back.

Getting to know yourself is like taking a trip that changes you for the better. When you finally figure out who you truly are, you’ll see your strengths and areas where you could grow. This makes it easier to make choices and do things that fit who you are. It’s like everything in your life starts to flow together better, making you feel happier and more content.

You know what? This whole mindfulness thing helps us find joy and satisfaction in the little things, like hanging out with friends and feeling like we’re part of something bigger. It’s like you start to realize what you’re good at and how you can use it to make the world a better place. And when you’re feeling good about yourself, it rubs off on other people, and they start to feel good too. It’s like a wave of positivity that spreads through your community.

Figuring out who we are is a lifelong journey that starts from the moment we’re born and ends when we take our last breath. By staying curious and open-minded, we can appreciate the beauty of life and understand why we’re here on Earth. Taking some time for self-reflection, whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature, can help us understand ourselves better. These practices can help us listen to our hearts and connect with our true selves — our souls.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you design a meaningful self-discovery journey:

1. Set Your Intentions

  • Identify Your Why: Start by understanding why you want to embark on this journey. Are you seeking clarity, healing, personal growth, or something else?
  • Define Your Goals: Set clear, achievable goals for your journey. This could be understanding your passions, identifying your strengths, or overcoming specific challenges.

2. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

  • Choose Your Space: Dedicate a physical or mental space where you feel safe and comfortable to explore your thoughts and feelings.
  • Establish Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries that allow you to focus on your journey without distractions.

3. Self-Reflection Techniques

  • Journaling: Write daily or weekly reflections to track your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Prompt yourself with questions like “What makes me feel fulfilled?” or “What are my core values?”
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay present and connect with your inner self. Meditation can help you quiet your mind and listen to your intuition.
  • Creative Expression: Use art, music, dreamscape (vision board), or writing as a way to express your emotions and discover hidden aspects of yourself.

4. Explore New Perspectives

  • Read and Learn: Engage with books, podcasts, or workshops that challenge your current beliefs and expand your understanding of yourself and the world.
  • Seek Feedback: Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or a therapist to gain insights from others. Sometimes, others can see things about us that we can’t.

5. Take Action

  • Try New Things: Step out of your comfort zone and try activities, hobbies, or experiences that you’ve never done before. This can reveal passions and strengths you didn’t know you had.
  • Set Challenges: Push yourself with small challenges that align with your goals. For example, if you want to build confidence, set a goal to speak up more in meetings or social situations.

6. Reflect and Adjust

  • Regular Check-Ins: Periodically review your progress. Are you moving towards your goals? What have you learned about yourself so far?
  • Be Flexible: Your journey may evolve as you grow. Be open to changing your goals or methods as you gain new insights.

7. Celebrate Your Growth

  • Acknowledge Milestones: Celebrate your achievements and growth along the way, no matter how small.
  • Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout the process. Self-discovery is not always easy, and it’s okay to have setbacks.

8. Integrate Your Discoveries

  • Apply What You’ve Learned: Use the insights you’ve gained to make positive changes in your life. This could involve making decisions that align with your values or pursuing new paths that resonate with your true self.
  • Continue Growing: Self-discovery is an ongoing process. Keep exploring, learning, and evolving as you move forward in life.

Happy Discovering! ♥ Cheryl

Posted in Well Being

Stronger Than . . .

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Stronger Than You Believe

Our ability to handle life’s tough stuff is way better than our tendency to feel nervous.

We can get worked up in the days and hours before something big that we think will push us to the limit. We stress out like crazy until it’s finally here, and then we realize we are worrying for nothing. Turns out, we’re way stronger and more capable than we give ourselves credit for.

Anxiety is not something that can be reasoned away with logic alone. Sure, logic can help us see that worrying too much is pointless, but that doesn’t always make us feel better. Instead, we often find more relief in doing practical things or engaging in activities that take our minds off our worries.

Most of us have a hard time focusing on two different things at once. But this natural limitation can work in our favor when we’re feeling anxious. If we focus on something else, like deep breathing, imagining ourselves succeeding, doing something fun, or exercising, our anxiety will naturally go away.

Meditation can also be a helpful way to deal with stuff when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s like it gives you a way to get centered and focus on the present moment. And those meditation guides can be really helpful too. They give you something to focus on that’s different from whatever else is going on in your life.

You know that feeling you get right before you’re about to do something challenging? That mix of excitement and fear? Yeah, that’s normal. But if you want to enjoy the excitement more and stress less, here’s a tip: focus on getting rid of the fear.

I know it can be tough to stay calm and collected when things get overwhelming, but trust me, being aware of what’s going on inside your head can help you chill out and see that most of the obstacles you face aren’t as big as they seem at first glance.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Keeping Faith

Our Thoughts

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Head Space

Our thoughts pack a powerful punch in shaping our life experiences. 

Think back to a time when you were frustrated due to a misunderstanding, but then, as soon as you understood things differently, that frustration just vanished into thin air. That’s because our interpretation of events determines our experience, and it can change in an instant!

In the grand scheme of things, the present moment is all we’ve got. Instead of just going with the flow and letting life do its thing, we can use the power of our thoughts to create a reality that’s all sunshine and rainbows.

For instance, instead of getting hung up on traffic, we can choose to appreciate the beauty around us. Or, instead of focusing on the negative aspects of people, we can look for their admirable qualities. The way you interpret and define each moment shapes your reality, so choose wisely.

During the day, we can keep an eye on our thoughts to catch ourselves when we’re thinking negatively or focusing on things that aren’t helpful, like limiting beliefs. Instead, we can shift our attention back to the endless opportunities that the present moment offers.

Take a deep breath to help focus on being present in the moment. When we meditate regularly, we can control our minds and quiet our thoughts, allowing us to experience a sense of pure existence.

Listen! If you’re always stuck in the past or dreaming about the future, you’re missing out on the amazing NOW! moment right before your eyes. Setting goals is great, but don’t forget to focus on what you can do right now to make them happen.

Our minds are like super-powered machines that we can use to mold our own reality. It’s like we’re sculpting the universe with our visions and thoughts, turning its unshaped energy into something solid that guides what we say and do.

Every thought we have is like a pebble dropped into a pond, creating ripples that spread out and influence everything they encounter. We have the power to choose what we focus on and how we use our energy. This gives us the freedom to create the life we want, moment by moment.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Embrace Yourself

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Self Love. . . Embrace Yourself!

Through consistent acts of self-kindness, you establish a solid foundation of resilience, strength, and self-assurance. This empowers you to effortlessly navigate life’s challenges and obstacles, allowing you to approach them with unwavering confidence.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, prioritizing self-care might appear like an insurmountable task. Our schedules are brimming with responsibilities, family commitments, and countless obligations that often leave scant time for nurturing our well-being. Nevertheless, dedicating even a few precious moments each day to self-care can have a transformative effect on our overall health and well-being.

Integrating self-care into your daily life doesn’t require drastic overhauls or significant time commitments. Simple actions like taking a brief meditation break, savoring a peaceful cup of tea, having a picnic on the beach, engaging in a short workout, or stepping outside for a few deep breaths can suffice. These micro self-care moments provide opportunities to reset your mental state, enhance energy levels, maintain physical fitness, reduce stress, and foster happiness. It’s crucial to recognize that self-care is not a privilege but a fundamental necessity for achieving a harmonious and balanced life.

The cumulative power of micro self-care is its true beauty. Daily practices, regardless of their duration, can have a significant impact when practiced consistently. These small acts of self-compassion gradually accumulate over time, building a solid foundation of resilience, confidence, and inner strength. This empowers you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.

By prioritizing self-care, even for a few minutes each day, you not only enhance your own life but also positively impact those around you. By becoming a more centered, content, and present individual, you enrich the lives of others. Prioritizing self-care is a profound expression of self-love. Whether it’s scheduling it in your calendar or finding moments throughout your day, make time for self-nurturing activities. Your well-being is worth it!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Wisdom To Know When To Surrender

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Wisdom To Know When To Surrender

Fighting against something often strengthens it by giving it more attention and energy.

You know that feeling when something’s bugging you, and no matter how hard you try to ignore it, avoid it, or run away from it, it just won’t leave you alone? It’s like you think you can eliminate it by pushing it away, but it always comes right back. It’s like there’s some law of nature or something that says the more you resist something, the more it persists.

Fighting against something makes it stronger. It’s like giving it more attention and energy. Plus, when you’re resisting something, you’re not open to learning more about it. To understand something, you must be willing to take it in, even if it’s not what you want to hear. Otherwise, you’ll never learn from it.

Do you know that Tibetan story about a monk who went to meditate in a cave and got swarmed by demons? Well, this monk tried everything to get rid of them—he chased them, fought them, and even hid from them. But nothing worked until he finally decided to surrender. He just let the demons do whatever they wanted and poof! They vanished.

So, we’ve got this wisdom, but what do we do with it? We’re not meant to go around getting hurt, right? This story isn’t just about physical injuries, though. It’s also about the things that go on in our heads that bug us and won’t leave us alone. Those things have a way of showing up in our lives as people, events, and problems that seem like they’re out of our control.

Our outer appearances tell a lot about our inner selves. So, to truly conquer our fears and dislikes, we need to look deep within ourselves. It might be scary at first, and you’ll probably face a lot of resistance as you start to open up to your fears. But trust me, the more you let go and surrender, the more those demons that haunt you will fade away. And guess what? You’ll become braver and stronger in the process.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Summer 2024

Posted in Uncategorized

It’s Right There In Front Of You . . .

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

It’s Right There In Front Of You . . . 

You may be using a far-off dream as a way to avoid appreciating the good things you already have in your life.

You know how we always have this never-ending list of things we want? It’s like, no matter how many things we cross off that list, we just keep adding more to it. It’s like this endless cycle of wanting, getting, and then wanting again.

But, hey, that’s all part of the fun, right? The things we want are like the carrots dangling in front of us, keeping us motivated to get up and go after them. So, let’s embrace this dance of desire and keep chasing those carrots, my friend!

Because here’s the thing. We all have desires, right? But sometimes, we get so caught up in wanting something we can’t have that we forget about all the good stuff we already have. It’s like we’re using this desire as an excuse to avoid dealing with the blessings in front of us.

You know how sometimes it feels like we’re running around like headless chickens, wishing for things we already have? We can see it in other people but not ourselves. We hear our friends wishing they were different, but we can clearly see that they’re exactly what they want to be. And there are people with amazing partners who still envy yours. It’s like we need someone to knock some sense into us and show us that what we want is right in front of us.

Have you ever thought that we might be making the same mistake? You know, getting so caught up in “The Chasing” of what we want that we forget to enjoy what we already have? It’s like a kid who’s never satisfied with the toy in their hand and always wants the one they can’t reach.

Please, take a second today to think about all the amazing things you have right in front of you. How can you appreciate and enjoy them more? It’s like holding a precious treasure in your hand. Don’t let it slip away without savoring every moment.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Streamline Your Schedule

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Keep Your Schedule Simple

To prevent burnout, it is essential to streamline your daily schedule and reduce the overwhelming busyness of the day.

In the realm of life, many individuals find themselves trapped in a perpetual cycle of commitments, leaving little space for respite. Paradoxically, true health and happiness often elude those who lack regular periods of downtime. While there is nothing inherently wrong with being busy, excessive commitments and overextension can lead to burnout and exhaustion. In moments of feeling overwhelmed, it becomes imperative to introspect and understand the motivations driving the compulsion to take on so many obligations.

Consider the possibility that fear of no one else accomplishing the task or guilt over not contributing enough is influencing your actions. To achieve balance and declutter your schedule, establish clear boundaries based on your priorities. Doing so will help you simplify your life.

Prioritizing starts with creating two lists: one for well-being-related commitments like work, meditation, and exercise, and the other for activities unrelated to your well-being. While some items on the latter list may be enjoyable, you might realize that a significant part of your time is spent on unnecessary activities.

To streamline your schedule, consider which activities add little value to your life and remove them from your agenda. You may need to ask for assistance, decline requests firmly, or delegate tasks to distance yourself from unnecessary commitments. Shedding non-essential obligations that cause stress, lack purpose, or hinder your ability to recharge will enhance your energy levels and overall enthusiasm for life.

Simplifying your schedule might seem daunting, but it’s crucial to consider the impact of each new commitment before agreeing. Evaluating the hassle associated with unnecessary obligations may reveal that your schedule is hindering your personal growth. Gradually paring down your agenda will empower you to regain control of your life and shape the person you want to be.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Transform your space and your life with our expert organization skills & services! 

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

 Call or Text us at 860-941-8630 /  Email us at envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Simplify Your Space, Elevate Your Lifestyle . . . 

Posted in Uncategorized

Create A More Meaningful Workplace

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Finding a deeper sense of meaning and connection at work involves integrating your values, beliefs, and spirituality into your professional life.

Integrating your values, beliefs, and spirituality into your professional life is a journey that can profoundly impact your overall well-being and satisfaction. By aligning your work with what truly matters to you, you not only enhance your sense of purpose but also create a more authentic and fulfilling professional experience. This process often involves reflection, self-discovery, and a conscious effort to weave your core principles into the fabric of your career. When you bring your whole self to work, you can contribute in a way that is deeply meaningful to you, and in turn, positively influences those around you.

Creating a Meaningful Workplace

Here are some strategies to help you achieve this:

1. Identify Your Core Values and Beliefs

Reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your core values and beliefs? Understanding these can help you align your work with your deeper sense of purpose.

2. Seek Purpose in Your Work

Look for ways your job contributes to the greater good. How does your work help others or make a positive impact on the world? Focusing on this can provide a sense of purpose.

3. Integrate Your Spiritual Practices

Incorporate spiritual practices into your daily work routine. This could include:

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Take a few moments each day to meditate or practice mindfulness. This can help you stay grounded and connected to your spiritual self.
  • Gratitude Practices: Regularly express gratitude for your job, your colleagues, and the opportunities you have. This can foster a positive mindset and a sense of connection.
  • Workplace Journaling:  Keep a little notebook at work to jot down important items of the day, clients you wanna remember, along with amazing moments. And if there’s someone you’re clashing with, try writing something nice about them – it’ll change your whole outlook.

4. Foster Meaningful Relationships

Build strong, authentic relationships with your colleagues. Share your values and listen to theirs. This can create a supportive community and a sense of belonging at work.

5. Serve Others

Look for ways to serve others in your workplace. Acts of kindness, mentorship, and support can help you feel more connected to your colleagues and the larger mission of your organization.

6. Align Your Work with Your Passions

Whenever possible, take on projects or roles that align with your passions and interests. This alignment can make your work feel more meaningful and fulfilling.

7. Reflect and Find Meaning in Your Work

Regularly reflect on your work and its impact. Journaling about your experiences and how your job connects to your larger purpose can reinforce a sense of meaning.

8. Create a Positive Work Environment

Contribute to creating a work environment that values integrity, respect, and collaboration. A positive atmosphere can enhance your sense of fulfillment and connection.

9. Engage in Lifelong Learning

Continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. Learning new skills and gaining new insights can keep you engaged and connected to a larger purpose.

10. Balance Work and Life

Maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can help ensure that your work does not become overwhelming and allows you to bring your whole self to your job.

11. Advocate for Meaningful Work

If possible, advocate for changes in your workplace that align with your values. This could include promoting ethical practices, sustainability, or corporate social responsibility.

12. Connect Your Work to a Larger Mission

If your organization has a larger mission or vision that resonates with you, find ways to connect your daily tasks to that mission. This alignment can provide a deeper sense of purpose.

13. Volunteer or Participate in Community Service

Engage in volunteer activities or community service through your workplace. This can help you feel more connected to your community and give you a sense of contributing to the greater good.

14. Practice Ethical Leadership

If you are in a leadership position, lead with integrity and compassion. Inspire and empower others, and make decisions that reflect your values.

15. Mindfully Navigate Challenges

Approach work challenges with a mindful and resilient attitude. See them as opportunities for growth and learning, and as a part of your larger journey.

By integrating these practices, you can cultivate a deeper connection to your work, making it a more meaningful and fulfilling part of your life.

keep me posted to let me know which ones worked for you and which did not serve with purpose. ♥

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl