Simplicity Values is about creating easy to use tools that save you time, money and stress.
Everyone wants to get what they want, right? But so often it is more difficult to get than it seems. Try this simple daily trick.
What is the number one thing I want to take care of, get done, have, etc. today?
What do I need to do and think to get it or get it done?
Remember that your thoughts can stop you in your tracks.
Make a list of 5 things you need to do to get to your goal.
Now get started!
No excuses! Just see what you can do today!
Have a great week!
Maria
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Lessons from Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle is all the rage. A contestant from Britain’s Got Talent (the show American Idol was modeled after), she is the one that knocked the socks off the judges, the audience, and anyone else who has had the privilege to hear her breathtaking voice. She sure gave me a wakeup call. There really is something to listen to here, and something much richer than her hypnotic voice.
By the time I watched her on YouTube, I already knew she was a sensation. But I admit, when I clicked “play,” I was chuckling. I mean, how often do you associate knock out beauty with a bushy eye brows and frumpy clothes? I was shocked by her appearance and couldn’t help but have a smile on my face as she began. And then she began to sing. Her voice was like being surrounded in beauty. It was beyond words for me.
After she sang, I had some explaining to do to myself. I had judged her. It brought some deeper thoughts to mind. How often do I judge others because they look or act a certain way? I mean, I am this fabulous, understanding therapist, right? Well, watching and listening to Susan Boyle has taught me an important lesson.
Besides sharing a beautiful voice, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams, she has reminded me not to be so quick to judge. She has reminded me to stop laughing and to start looking and listening to the things I might miss by making assumptions and judgements. When we only look for beauty in limited places, when we decide we don't have to be open anymore, we miss opportunities. Susan Boyle woke me up and reminded me that there there is a powerful, beautiful world out there, as long as I am willing to stop and look and listen to it.
Go ahead and take a little time out and listen to Susan Boyle and think of what you can learn from this woman who has won us over with her striking voice and unusual beauty.
Listen to Susan Boyle here.
By the time I watched her on YouTube, I already knew she was a sensation. But I admit, when I clicked “play,” I was chuckling. I mean, how often do you associate knock out beauty with a bushy eye brows and frumpy clothes? I was shocked by her appearance and couldn’t help but have a smile on my face as she began. And then she began to sing. Her voice was like being surrounded in beauty. It was beyond words for me.
After she sang, I had some explaining to do to myself. I had judged her. It brought some deeper thoughts to mind. How often do I judge others because they look or act a certain way? I mean, I am this fabulous, understanding therapist, right? Well, watching and listening to Susan Boyle has taught me an important lesson.
Besides sharing a beautiful voice, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams, she has reminded me not to be so quick to judge. She has reminded me to stop laughing and to start looking and listening to the things I might miss by making assumptions and judgements. When we only look for beauty in limited places, when we decide we don't have to be open anymore, we miss opportunities. Susan Boyle woke me up and reminded me that there there is a powerful, beautiful world out there, as long as I am willing to stop and look and listen to it.
Go ahead and take a little time out and listen to Susan Boyle and think of what you can learn from this woman who has won us over with her striking voice and unusual beauty.
Listen to Susan Boyle here.
Friday, April 17, 2009
50 Ways to Survive Long Lines
Lines are a fact of life in our busy worlds. But being stuck in them can really get under our skin. What to do?
1. Get in line at off times.
2. Sort out your bag or pockets while waiting.
3. Bring a book.
4. Play a game like "I Spy" or "20 Questions" with your kids.
5. Tell yourself "this wait won't even matter in a couple of hours, so don't sweat it."
6. Get the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.
7. Strike up a conversation and chat with your waiting neighbor.
8. Decide that you are not going to be angry.
9. Give yourself more time than you need. If you are not in a rush, you will be less likely to be angry.
10. People watch. Try and figure out people's stories.
11. Organize your wallet or purse.
12. Text some people you have been meaning to contact.
13. If you have your blackberry, do some emails.
14. Listen to music on your iPod.
15. Work your calf muscles by stepping up on your toes. (A little weird, but who really cares?)
16. Bring a magazine or read a magazine in line.
17. Smile instead of being a sour puss. You just might start to believe your own press.
18. Solve a problem you haven't had the time to think about.
19. Close your eyes and visualize yourself in a relaxing place.
20. Make a To Do list.
21. Schedule your day.
22. Listen to a book on tape.
23. Grab something out of your car before you get in line to keep you busy.
24. Always have a small notebook and pen on hand.
25. Keep music with you, even if it is a portable CD player or, rue the thought, a cassette.
26. Go through your messages on your cell or even your home phone.
27. Concentrate on either doing something productive or relaxing.
28. Try some deep breathing, while you close your eyes.
29. Bring a hand held electronic game. Fun, but turn the sound off.
30. Pay a bill.
31. Write a note to someone.
32. Listen to the sounds around you. Tune out everything else.
33. Plan to do something fun later in the day and daydream about it.
34. Keep a couple of things in the car or your bag to always keep you busy when you are waiting.
35. Organize your receipts.
36. Always have a pen on you.
37. If you have to write a note and don't have a card, you can always jot down a draft and transfer it when you have the right card or note paper.
38. Tell yourself waiting is a part of life. No big deal.
39. Double your estimate of how long you think it will take and you will be pleasantly surprised.
40. Think of a happy memory and put yourself there.
41. Organize your money so it is not little bunches of misshapen bills scrunched together.
42. Pick a pocket of your briefcase or bag and organize it.
43. Get all garbage out.
44. Smile at someone.
45. Model patience for your children.
46. Play "rock, paper, scissors" with your kids.
47. Make a list of the appointments you need to make.
48. Make a master list of things you want to do for your home.
49. Dream of where you want to be in 5 years.
50. Think about where you would like your next vacation to be.
Try any of these tools and stop the madness of waiting in line!
Have a great week!
Maria
1. Get in line at off times.
2. Sort out your bag or pockets while waiting.
3. Bring a book.
4. Play a game like "I Spy" or "20 Questions" with your kids.
5. Tell yourself "this wait won't even matter in a couple of hours, so don't sweat it."
6. Get the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.
7. Strike up a conversation and chat with your waiting neighbor.
8. Decide that you are not going to be angry.
9. Give yourself more time than you need. If you are not in a rush, you will be less likely to be angry.
10. People watch. Try and figure out people's stories.
11. Organize your wallet or purse.
12. Text some people you have been meaning to contact.
13. If you have your blackberry, do some emails.
14. Listen to music on your iPod.
15. Work your calf muscles by stepping up on your toes. (A little weird, but who really cares?)
16. Bring a magazine or read a magazine in line.
17. Smile instead of being a sour puss. You just might start to believe your own press.
18. Solve a problem you haven't had the time to think about.
19. Close your eyes and visualize yourself in a relaxing place.
20. Make a To Do list.
21. Schedule your day.
22. Listen to a book on tape.
23. Grab something out of your car before you get in line to keep you busy.
24. Always have a small notebook and pen on hand.
25. Keep music with you, even if it is a portable CD player or, rue the thought, a cassette.
26. Go through your messages on your cell or even your home phone.
27. Concentrate on either doing something productive or relaxing.
28. Try some deep breathing, while you close your eyes.
29. Bring a hand held electronic game. Fun, but turn the sound off.
30. Pay a bill.
31. Write a note to someone.
32. Listen to the sounds around you. Tune out everything else.
33. Plan to do something fun later in the day and daydream about it.
34. Keep a couple of things in the car or your bag to always keep you busy when you are waiting.
35. Organize your receipts.
36. Always have a pen on you.
37. If you have to write a note and don't have a card, you can always jot down a draft and transfer it when you have the right card or note paper.
38. Tell yourself waiting is a part of life. No big deal.
39. Double your estimate of how long you think it will take and you will be pleasantly surprised.
40. Think of a happy memory and put yourself there.
41. Organize your money so it is not little bunches of misshapen bills scrunched together.
42. Pick a pocket of your briefcase or bag and organize it.
43. Get all garbage out.
44. Smile at someone.
45. Model patience for your children.
46. Play "rock, paper, scissors" with your kids.
47. Make a list of the appointments you need to make.
48. Make a master list of things you want to do for your home.
49. Dream of where you want to be in 5 years.
50. Think about where you would like your next vacation to be.
Try any of these tools and stop the madness of waiting in line!
Have a great week!
Maria
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Get Some Inspiration from the Sky
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Click here to read my article, Look to the Sky for Rejuvenation.
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Click here to read my article, Look to the Sky for Rejuvenation.
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