New Year, New Start: Day 7

Baubles, bangles, and …beadless, backless, and broken.  Take a jaunt through your jewelry box and throw something away! If you need help deciding what is no longer in style, find a teenager. Trust me, if it makes them roll their eyes – out it goes!

New Year, New Start: Day 6

The games people play…or don’t! It might have been fun once, but perhaps a piece or two is missing, no one remembers the directions, or your kids have simply aged out. Tastes change so do people. Don’t hang on to something that’s not useful any more.

This is a good time to put in a note about blessing others. Why keep something that someone else might be able to enjoy?  Sometimes we need help to recognize what should have gone in the trash a long time ago. Other times we need a gentle nudge to let things go and let them have a new home. If one of your games or puzzles (in good condition!) can be shared, and it will take you less than 5 minutes to put a “donation bag” in your trunk, then go right ahead!

New Year, New Start: Day 5

Let’s spice things up! Oops…not with those old things. Something in your spice cabinet has definitely lost its savor. I’ll save the “fresh herbs” post for later, but for now – find an ancient bottle or tin and pitch it. Your palate will praise you.

New Year, New Start: Day 4

Somewhere there is a stack of magazines that you are meaning to read “someday.” Guess what? Life goes on and whatever benefit would have been gained by that bit of information buried in those pages, has since been lost by the negative impact of walking by that stack and feeling guilty. Pick one issue and toss it.

New Year, New Start: Day 3

Sundays are a day of rest, to be set aside and focused on others. Did you know the Lord builds in 52 days of vacation for you every year? What a blessing! Share one of your biggest, brightest smiles with someone today.
"A glad heart makes a cheerful face..." Proverbs 15:13

New Year, New Start: Day 2

(Reminder: 5 minutes or less, you can do this!)

One of your holiday decorations is looking a little tired. Its “ho ho ho” has “go go gone.” Don’t store it for another year and decide to toss it next December. Do it now. If it doesn’t make you smile with joy, it hasn’t earned its spot.

New Year, New Start: Day 1

This project is guaranteed to make you feel better about yourself and your surroundings. It's easy, won't cost you a penny, and doesn't require any more exercise than walking to your trash can. Post "done" when you're finished and pat yourself on the back! This is not about setting goals you can’t meet or resolving to do something that only induces guilt later. Feel free to share with friends.

Rules (or “Suggestions” if the “R word” makes you uncomfortable and/or rebellious.) – Each task should take less than five minutes. Don’t be tempted to get sucked in and spend all day. Prove to yourself that you can accomplish measurable progress quickly. Each task  is for you and you alone. If you want a family member to join in, fine, but they need to accomplish their own tasks. You can’t do it for them.  Ready? Here we go…

Somewhere in your sock drawer there is an unmatched sock that has been there for ages. There is no hope for this poor singleton. There is no e-hosiery-harmony and this thing will never find its partner. Throw it out.

Congratulations! You’re on your way.