Make simplicity a priority in 2016

Okay, so this one's a bit different. But as I was thinking about what I want for this year, I couldn't help thinking about simplicity. That's what I want and I believe it's a worthy goal. How simplicity plays out for each of us may be different, but the goal to simplify our lives can only lead to one thing -- peace. For when we simplify things, our minds are able to rest.

Did you ever notice that the more stuff you get, the more complicated life can be? For instance, trying to put away gifts after the holidays just might have caused a bit of stress for some of you. Examples:

• You received two new sweaters and now you can't fit them in your drawers.
• Your kids received three new board games, but the game cabinet was already full.
• You got some new kitchenware, but it's still sitting on the counter because there's simply no place to put it.

The list could go on and on... and it's as individual as your family is. Right? 

Of course, the solution is to unload some of the old to make way for the new. Sometimes that's easier said than done, however. But the bottom line, in this case, is that you have to make room in order to eliminate the stress of trying to shove things in where there is no room. It's that simple.

But simplifying doesn't just refer to things. It's far reaching and, in my mind, essential to having a peaceful life. Here are some other things to consider when it comes to simplifying:

• Meals -- Finding ways to make mealtime a bit easier, without going the boxed meals route, will help ease that end of day stress so many of us experience.
• Homework -- Having a designated area for the kids to do homework, complete with everything they'll need, makes this time of day a bit easier.
• Pet care -- Does your dog really need that many toys and bones tossed around the house? Does your cat need that many scratching posts or catnip mice? Minimize clutter by carefully considering the actual needs of your pets. And before you adopt your next furry, finned, or feathered friend, decide if the pet will take away from, or add to, your family stress level. 
• Laundry -- Encourage your family members to make good decisions when it comes to their clothing. If it's really, truly dirty (think socks and underwear), put it in the hamper. If it's not and can be worn another day, hang it up or fold it neatly. Clothing tossed onto a pile will eventually end up in the laundry, even if it's not dirty. The wrinkles will dictate a run through the machine.
• Mail -- Try to go through the mail every day. Recycle what doesn't interest you and put the important stuff where it belongs. Don't let it pile up. And consider canceling newspaper delivery and/or magazine subscriptions to publications you rarely read.
• Media -- This is about your collections: books, video games, DVDs, CDs (yes, people like me still have them). Take a few hours to sort through and get rid of the ones you no longer want or need. You'll be amazed at how much easier it is to make selection later when there aren't so many choices.
• Activities -- Give careful thought to which activities truly enrich your lives and, as a family, decide which ones to eliminate.

Of course, I could add more and more to this list, but I trust you get the idea. By making simplicity a priority in 2016, you will inevitably be a calmer, more peaceful person by new year's eve.

Simplifying our minds is part of the whole process. When our homes and lives aren't cluttered with stuff, our minds will be free of clutter as well. Meditation, yoga, exercise, walks in the woods, prayer, and listening to calming/motivating music can help as well. For me, tuning into focus@will.com as I work, read, clean, etc. helps my mind to focus on the task at hand. Sometimes I just tune in to the water channel, close my eyes, and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. In no time, I'm relaxed and ready to face the next task. 

Simplify, folks. I guarantee it will be life changing.

So what area in your life needs for this to be a priority in 2016?

Make kindness a priority in 2016

Have you ever read one of my suggestions and thought, "That's easy for you to say. We don't have that kind of money (or time or resources)?" I understand. But today's 2016 resolution doesn't have to cost you a cent.

Image by Anna YanovaCattoon

In 2016, I'm challenging you to let go of any of the cynicism that prevents you from being kind. Cynicism that says:

• He's too lazy to work
• She shouldn't keep having all those kids
• That cashier won't even smile
• He'll probably just blow the money on booze
• My neighbor's never been nice to me
• If she'd manage her money properly, she wouldn't be in this mess
• She's such a grump, it's no wonder she's all alone
• He probably won't appreciate it anyway
• They'll just bleed me dry if I let them

The list could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea. The thing is, this world needs more kindness. And it's up to us to teach our kids and grandkids what it means to be kind, even to the most undeserving. 

Kindness doesn't have to cost us anything, but if you have extra money, sharing it teaches kids to share.

Kindness can be as simple as helping someone to the car with their groceries, or returning the cart for them.

Kindness can be handing a tangerine to someone on the street or at the tollbooth as you pay your toll.

Kindness can be giving the stressed out mama at the grocery store a $4 bouquet of daisies.

Kindness can be sending someone a note to let them know you're praying for them.

Kindness can be offering to babysit for a single mom so she can run errands without getting kids in and out of car seats. 

Kindness can be as simple as a smile. 

Kindness is contagious. 

As the old song says, "It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around will warm up in the glowing..." (Pass It On by Kurt Kaiser)

Let's spread some sparks in 2016. You and I can change the world, one kind gesture at a time.

Won't you join me?

Make family a priority in 2016

Make family a priority? What are you talking about? My family's always my priority.

Of course, it is. But if you're like the rest of us, there may be times your priorities get a bit messed up. I know mine do. 

By being mindful of our priorities, it makes it easier to make decisions. And when decision-making is simpler, stress is naturally reduced.

Photo by Steve Buissinne

For example, someone asks you to bake 3 dozen cookies for the PTA bake sale. Before you respond, consider your family. 

• It will upset your son who is struggling with not being able to eat cookies due to a specially-prescribed diet. Say no.
• It creates a nice Saturday activity to do with your 9-year-old. Say yes.
• It straps your grocery budget and will force you to cut corners on healthier options for your kids. Say no.
• It is something you can do when the kids are at school and spouse is at work and you have all the ingredients left over from baking Christmas cookies last month. Say yes.

If you struggle to say no to the PTA, church, or other organizations asking for your time, offer an alternative. "I'm sorry, I can't bake cookies right now, but I'll be happy to help organize games for the spring picnic." Even if you can't come up with an alternative suggestion at the time, there's no room for guilt over saying no if your reasons center on your family as a priority.

Another scenario: Your best friend calls and asks you to go shopping with her. "The after-Christmas sales at the mall are amazing. Let's go!" Again, before saying yes, because you know you want to, consider your family.

Photo by Peter Griffin

• It's your scheduled date night with your spouse. Say no.
• You promised your son you would help him with his science project. Say no.
• It's family game night. Say no. 
• You spent too much over the holidays and your husband asked you to cut back for awhile. Say no.
• It's movie night with your daughters and, even though you've watched it with them at least a dozen times, Frozen is on the agenda. Say no (then Let it Go).
• Your kids are at their grandma's, husband's working late, and you have gift cards burning a hole in your wallet. Jump on that 'yes,' baby! And have fun!

By keeping the needs of your family front and center, you'll be able to give honest answers with less internal struggle.

And for those of us with grown children and grandkids, we have to do the same thing.

"Mom, can you babysit tonight?"

• Your husband just opened a bottle of wine and put steaks on the grill. Say no.
• You finally have some work in your inbox and the bills are pilling up. Your plan was to focus on those paying projects. Say no.
• You realize how badly your daughter and her husband need a night out and you were just going to catch up on your emails anyway. Say yes. 
• You haven't had any cuddle time with the grandbabies lately and your husband could use some time to himself. Say yes. Absolutely. Say yes!

Of course, monitoring outside activity against the backdrop of family is only one way to make them a priority in 2016. What about the time you actually spend with them? When's the last time you put your phone down and had dinner with your spouse without checking your messages even once? If you haven't done that, do it! Do your little ones have to compete with your tablet for your attention? Stop it. The last thing you want is for them to embarrass you at school. When the teacher asks them to draw a picture of you showing what you like to do, wouldn't it be nice if the picture showed you reading to them, cooking, playing board games, or gardening? But what are the chances your kids will draw you looking at your phone or tablet? This goes for you, too, dads. Do you want them to portray you sitting at the computer or plopped down on the couch watching sports programs that are of little interest to them?

Now I'm not saying not to do any of these things. Obviously, I hope you're spending some time catching up with Green Grandma on a regular basis. But not at the expense of your spouse or children. This year, I challenge you to focus on raising kids who, if you're married, see you making your marriage a priority, watch you carefully managing your finances, and know, without a doubt, that they are central to your life. 

These are types of New Year's resolutions that can transform families. Who's with me?

Make recycling a priority in 2016

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post

As we start off the first week of the new year, I want to encourage you to make a commitment to recycling more in 2016. If we're honest, we all have room for improvement here. Maybe you haven't started recycling your mail. Most communities have drop off boxes for paper recycling. There are guidelines on the side of the receptacles you need to adhere to, such as, don't drop off your paper in a plastic bag! I also recommend either blacking out or cutting out your name and address from everything you recycle. 

While the price for recycled aluminum has dropped dramatically, it's still smart to recycle it anyway. If you don't have curbside recycling, there are lots of places that recycle all sorts of metals and glass, and they pay you for it. Maybe it's a bit inconvenient, but isn't the planet worth it?

In the UK, waste balers are the perfect recycling option for companies, and can actually reduce a company's cardboard and plastic waste by as much as 90%. Not bad. Miltek balers have 60 locations worldwide, including 9 in the UK alone. So, while a commitment to personal recycling is important, it's also important for companies and corporations to jump on board. Like I said, a waste baler is a perfect option. Whether your company purchases their own waste baler, hires a waste baling company, or buys a refurbished baler, the end result is the same: less trash in the landfill. And that's a good thing. 

Let's all work together to make 2016 the year of the least waste possible. I'm in. How about you?