Transforming Times: Get more done with Less Stress

February 2014

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For ideas in being organized at work, read Audrey's latest My Monday Moment, a short newsletter that provides strategies for managing email, using Outlook and applying Lean Office techniques.

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It's February, and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. I realize it's a made-up holiday but it serves as a reminder to let our loved ones know they are cherished.

When our kids were growing up, my husband would buy a Valentine's gift for our daughter and I would get a little something for our son. It was a cute tradition which we had fun with when they were young.

Personally, I will admit that it's much easier to show love towards others vs. myself. I used to struggle with guilt if I put myself first. It seemed selfish somehow; not natural. After all, others needed me.

But after watching two sets of parents deal with major health issues, I realize that self-care is important. And it's okay to love myself! After all, if I take care of myself, I'll be in better shape to help care for others.

So this Valentine's Day, do something for yourself. Take a nap. Eat some chocolate! Or call that friend you've been meaning to catch up with. Be intentional in taking time away from the busyness of life to love on yourself.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Prioritizing at Home

What exactly does it mean to be organized? I had a young mom tell me once that if she knew where her keys, cell phone and kids were, she was organized. We both chuckled but I soon realized she wasn't kidding. In her current season of life, that defined her level of organization.

Here's a very simple and easy-to-repeat definition of what it means to be organized:

So, just what are the most important areas of the home to have running smoothly so you really can get things done when they are due and find things when you need them? Food, Shelter and Clothing are often listed as the basics in life but I think they apply here as well.

FOOD

Whether you rely on weekly shopping trips to the grocery store or you order groceries online to be delivered, having the fridge full and the cupboards stocked helps to keep everyone fed on a regular basis. Developing routines in planning out your meals, creating a shopping list and purchasing food will help you be consistent in an area that requires constant attention. If you struggle with planning out your meals, check out our product What's for Dinner?. Read more about this product in our Featured Products section.

CLOTHING

Laundry. It's never ending. Right? I think this is an area of the home that is downright daunting and depressing if allowed to get out-of-control. I sometimes joke that the best laundry strategy I employed when the kids were young was teaching them at a young age (2nd grade) to do their own laundry. Looking back, it was one of the best things I did as it taught them time management skills, built their confidence level and instilled responsibility at an age when they were eager to embrace it.

Even though it's just my hubby and I at home, I still use the same 3-bag laundry sorter I've used for 20 years. It's simple yet functional. If you decide to purchase one, go with a model built with a metal/steel frame in which each bag lifts out individually.

SHELTER

Knowing your home is safe and snug brings a lot of security. That's why it's important to make sure your bills are paid on time so the utility and mortgage companies are happy as well. When it comes to paying your bills, pay attention to two things:

The timing of paying bills - If makes the most sense to pay your bills when you receive your paycheck. Based on due dates, determine which bills get paid at what time of the month. Have a "home" for your bills as they arrive. This might be a file folder sitting on your kitchen counter or an electronic file folder in your email program if you receive paperless bills via email.
The process of paying bills - If you hand-write checks each month, keep all necessary supplies together, such as checks, envelopes, stamps, return address labels, and perhaps a calculator. A time-saving way of paying bills is to do it electronically. You can sign up for Auto Bill Pay in which the amount due is automatically deducted from your account on a pre-determined date or you can pay your bills via your bank's online program. I use Auto Bill Pay for all utilities, mortgage, and insurance premiums. It saves me from writing over 80 checks each year.

I realize there are many other areas of the home to keep organized, but these three are a good place to start. If you struggle with disorganization, start out small and strategic, by choosing one or two things. Once they become routine, choose another area to work on. Remember my saying of "Slow + Steady = Long Term Success".