A FRESH START FOR A NEW YEAR

As we enter another year January is a great month to organize your life. To prepare. Here are a few things that you can organize now that will help you throughout all of this new year.

1. Let’s start with YOUR CALENDAR. A wall mounted, or in this case refrigerator mounted calendar, can be so helpful for families balancing multiple schedules. This set of two is from Amazon (amazon.com), but there are options everywhere. An option like this would be especially helpful for families with kids so they can see the schedule, and the extra plain acrylic board is an added bonus for meal planning or even just for your kids to doodle on while they’re in the kitchen with you. 

Now is also a great time to get a paper calendar if that’s your thing. You can add birthdays or special dates you don’t want to miss. You may find due dates for your bills helpful, or even want to mark out some of your goals as a reminder to help you stay on track. Another tip I find especially helpful is to mark all annual renewals on your calendar. Those items that only come around once a year so that you don’t forget them. If paper calendars are your thing this is probably something you already do since I think that’s half the fun, amiright?

But the reality is that many of us are now using our phones to manage our calendars, and since it’s ongoing and not brand new this might not be something you’ve thought of or are thinking about, so let me be the first to say this is a great time to make sure your digital calendar is up to date as well.

Bottom line: you know what needs to be on your calendar, but simply spending 5 minutes making sure you have it all is key. It will add peace to know it’s all there because I don’t know about you, but my brain can only hold so much information.

2. Ok next up let’s take a little time to organize YOUR PHONE and computers. That’s right my friends. Those gadgets that keep all the trains moving! 

For your phone, this is a great time to do things like: deleting old contacts, deleting unused apps (this is also a great time to cancel app subscriptions you no longer need), updating your privacy settings or making updates to your notifications. You may even find it helpful to use this time to set up a new app you want to try. It would be a great time to add a new screen saver too - maybe one that inspires you for this new year. And finally, but definitely not last, give your phone a good cleaning. I mean when was the last time you did that?

For your computer, I think cleaning up saved documents, photos and any other items you may find helpful will be key. You may even wish to update some of the computer’s software to make sure it’s ready for another year. Again a good cleaning never hurt.

Bottom line: if you spend even 5 minutes on any of these things they are sure to help bring peace. Plus finishing small, easily accomplished projects like this builds great momentum.

3. The BAG you carry everyday or your WALLET for the men who pack light. I think you know what needs to be done here my friends. I mean do you really need 3 lipglosses? Or how about the 6 business cards you’ve been given that you didn’t even want? But also it’s a great time to clean them or even update them if needed. Your wallet a little worse for wear? Now’s a great time for a new one! Perhaps you haven’t had your bag cleaned since you started using it? Might be time. No judgment I promise! These are the little things that tend to fall by the wayside. For ALL of us.

Bottom line: a clean (or new) bag or wallet makes you feel ready. Ready for a new day. A new year. Basically ready for literally everything! Remember momentum?

4. YOUR CAR. Now I know some of you are thinking why would I need to do that? While the rest of your are thinking ugh! I don’t even want to know what’s under those seats. 🥴 But let’s be honest, even if you fall into the first category you could probably find something to do. First, let’s get everything out of the car that doesn’t need to be there. Your kid’s soccer shoes? Nope doesn’t belong in the car. Your makeup? Friends don’t let friends do makeup while they’re driving. You know what it is my friends, and it’s time for it to go.

Now, and I think this applies to everyone, head to the carwash (ok fine or do it yourself if that floats your boat!), and my friends get the wash that does it all. Have them wash her (or maybe him???), and polish her so you can touch up your makeup BEFORE you get in just by looking at your own reflection in that sparkle. Have the whole interior vacuumed, have them wipe every surface, and clean the inside of the wind shield too - funny story - a couple of my guy friends changed my oil, and cleaned my car for me. One mentioned how dirty the inside of my wind shield was. Legitimately I had never thought to clean it! I had been driving for a decade and I had never once cleaned the inside of the wind shield. Don’t be like me friends! Drink your coffee or pop and let the pros take care of you! Then drive away in your fresh car like the king or queen that you are!

Alright that got a little out of hand for a second, but we’re bringing it all back together with this one. Restock the random things you DO want in your car. Tissues. Always! Hand sanitizer. A must! Floss. Essential! Reusable grocery bags. Saving the world one grocery bag at a time! You do you and load her up. Did I mention my car is a girl? Maybe once? Or twice?

Bottom line: this is another 5 minute task that will have you feeling like you’re ready to conquer the world! 

5. And for my last item, YOUR MEDICINE CABINET. This is a great time to stock up on the things you need when you need them. The items you don’t want to have to run out and get in the moment: I’m talking bandaids, pain relievers, stomach aids, cold supplies, allergy medications, eye drops. Hop in anytime with your own items! This is one of those tasks that may require a bit more than 5 minutes, but what peace knowing you’re ready to go in case of an emergency!

Bottom line: MO-MEN-TUM! Hello new year!

XOXO, Kylie