I am so grateful that December’s challenge is to Simplify & Say No. I’ve had a LOT on my plate the past two months.
There are some seasons where life is just full like that. But I always want them to be seasons, not lifestyles. So this month, I’m really going to focus on cutting back on the non-important in order to allow more breathing room.
One change I’m making is working on getting back to normal bed times and wake up times. I’m ready to jump back into going to bed early and getting up early again now that I’m no longer on my crazy book-writing schedule. And I’ve set aside focused blocks of time each day for me to be offline so that I can be fully present for my family.
I’m also going to be doing an impromptu Clear Out the Clutter & Clean the Whole House Challenge next week. My house needs a thorough cleaning from top to bottom and I figured I could use the accountability of getting it done. I’ll be posting challenges/my to-do list each morning and then an update on my progress each evening. I’d love for you to join me, if you’re interested. Look for more details on Saturday!
Who’s joining me and focusing on Simplifying & Saying No this month? What are you planning to do specifically to make that happen?
Steve Kobrin says
I will join you! The local recycling center will be getting lots of paper from my office 🙂
As for sleep: I find that a regular exercise routine helps me fall into a regular sleep pattern. My body learns when to be active and when to rest.
Heidi says
I’m in! The house is always pretty clean, and I just power cleaned several zones in preparation for Thanksgiving. But I want to make sure that everything is in tip-top shape, so count me in.
Florence says
My simplification plan:
1. Put out only decorations that I love and can be easily put up and taken down.
2. Eat healthy and go to bed early.
3. Gifts bought online already.
4. Listen to beautiful music.
5. After Christmas I plan to give away all decorations that I have stored but don’t use.
Crystal Paine says
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
Sonya says
I need to declutter and do some serious cleaning too.
Lori says
I would love to participate in the cleaning challenge. Keeping my house clean is one of my biggest issues. When I get home from work the last thing I want to do is housework. I tend to go overboard with the cleaning when I plan a party, and then let it go by doing the bare minimal.
I need to do a deep cleaning before the holidays and then figure out a way to maintain it throughout the year. I know it will make me feel better about myself if I have a clean and neat home so I won’t panic if someone drops by unannounced.
sharon roller says
I am going o do it! Thanks for the motivation! I wanted to thank you for your website and the time you spend away from your family maintaining it! I am a pastors wife and homeshooling mom of 7! I recently read your book Say Goodbye To Survival Mode and have been encouraged and refreshed by it! Thank you again!!
Sharon Roller
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Suzanne says
I am so in and really need this challenge since I’m moving from the west coast to the east coast early next year. What perfect timing!
Nichole says
How did decluttering/simplifying your home start?
Deborah Auen says
Me!
MaryEllen says
There are times when you need to chip away slowly at the decluttering/deep cleaning/organizing. And then there are the times when you need to set everything aside and do the whole shebang all in one shot. I’ve been doing the latter this week. I’ve actually been gone all day long running stuff to the thrift store to give away, to the post office to send to Thredup, to relatives’ houses to give back the stuff that sits in my entryway to give to them “next time I see them” and never remember to! I just wanted it out! I am so with you on the need to just disconnect, relax, and clean. Can’t wait to have it finished and to enjoy a relaxed Christmas season!
Jessica says
Me! My kitchen island looks like a grocery cart and mail truck barfed on it. We have school, Girl Scouts and family activities every weekend so I’m laying down the law that we’re not traveling on any Sunday, which will be the only day we have home all together. Extended family can come to us!
Jen says
Yes!! Was thinking the other I need to do your 30 day clean out, but maybe in 10-15 days. 🙂 I just sold a bag of stuff today, have 3-4 more to sell or donate after a week or so trying to sell. And that only scratches the surface of what I need to do. I’m trying to do a little everyday to simplify and minimalize.
Kimberly says
I am in!!
Victoria says
I so need to clear out the clutter and clean the whole house. I have 3 boxes of stuff that have sat in our hallway for months that need to go to the local thrifty store, and I have notice some corners are getting really dusty. I just might be joining you next week.
JD says
I finished the minimal shopping we do and am working on the last of the cards we send. I am going back to finish working on eliminating extra or no longer wanted items to donate. It will all be worth it to live with less.