SECOND. A long-time reader, Cec from Elizabeth, drove all the way to my garage sale in May to say hello. It was nice to reconnect with her, and her generous feedback reminded me why I've enjoyed sending out Feng Shui Fridays every week for so many years.  She recalled phrases and sayings I've repeated hundreds of times at presentations, in classes, to clients, and in newsletters and blogs.  So here are three favorites that you can adopt in June, July and August to keep your chi meandering this summer. 

 

June. Three is the magic number. Do three things each day toward your goal of decluttering. Make three phone calls. Spend three minutes letting go of clothes in your closet.  Answer three emails.  Let go of three pair of shoes, CDs, DVDs, books. Downsize your linens to three sets of sheets or towels. Practice the 3Ds: Dump. Donate. Deliver.  Take three minutes to create new open space on your desk, counter, table, or the floor. 

 

July. Love it, use it or need it. This summer as you prepare for the seasonal change let go of anything you do not love, use, or need. If the beach towels are threadbare, donate to a pet shelter. If you haven't used that BBQ recipe book, re-gift it to the chef at the next cook-out.  If you don't love those sandals or shorts, give them to someone who might.  Toss the broken plastic chairs and the floaties with holes in them. Call 1.800.775.VETS (8387) to schedule a charity pickup each week or at the end of the month.  

 

August. Limit the Incoming. The best way to avoid clutter is not to let it in. Limit souvenirs and impulse buying while on vacation so you won't have the incoming of another bag to bring it home in.  See what you can limit from your calendar by not over-scheduling, from emails by using filters, or not purchasing at garage sales. 

 

THIRD.  Let me hear from you. Keep me posted on your progress. If you have a thought or a question, you can email me.  

 

This summer let's simplify and downsize. Are you ready for change?  Let's not do the same thing over and over and expect the results to be different. Let's develop a sense of curiosity and look under rocks, adopt new behaviors and routines, travel to new places (city, state or world), and create the environment that supports who we are and where we're going, the feng shui way.  Happy, Happy Summer!