The Key is Preparation

I think I am invincible, don't you?

Every once in a while, I am reminded that I am not. That was the case this morning, when running one of the last errand to prepare for a trip out of town. I was ultra organized and ready to jet, things seemed to be in their proper place.

As I left my home this morning for the bank, I inadvertenly left my keys on the hook. Not having a neighbor with a spare key, I would rely soley on the superintendent to get the keys. I realized this morning after the super did not answer, that an alternate plan was needed.

On my to do list, have an emergency plan. A few choice neighbors will be receiving a key to my home and perhaps a key to my sanity, as well.

I will never go unprepared again, after all I am only human.

I am living better with less

My first book has just been published, "Give it Up! My Year of Learning to Live BetterWith Less!" in which I discuss eliminating the clutter from my life and distraction from my life.

Living on the fast track with designer shoes, cell phone in hand, I spent tons of money on things unneeded, until I learned how to pair down my life. I learned to simplify my life by giving up one thing a month. In the end, chocolate, coffee, shopping, elevators and even multitasking were stopped cold turkey for one month.

One month was enough time for me to review the habit, how much each thing meant in my life as well as giving ample time to long for the return of each item.

Today, I am still practicing the art of living with less, choosing elevators over the steps more than not, drinking only one cup of coffee per day, shopping out of necessity only and eating chocolate as a treat, not everyday.

Living with less has created an awareness for my everyday. I feel more present in the moment and less distracted. Less can truly be more.

Where do I begin?

For many people struggling with their endless supply of stuff, the prospect of starting seems like too overwhelming. Like those now defunct New Year's resolutions, we often bite off too much to chew.

Start small, be practical.

Have a bedroom to remodel? Start with a drawer.

Need to clean out the garage? Tackle the tools first.

Revamping a home office? File first, ask questions later.

The point is to start, start small. The time you take to overthink the project is taking away from the small actions that create the makeover you want.