Step 1: The Consolidating Begins

Everything always comes in threes.

So as I’m looking at this year and trying to plan how to put my my three words into perspective, I see all the piles of stuff I’ve got going on: things I haven’t finished, and things I want to do vs need to do it only makes sense to pick three. It sounds easier than done. Trust me.

The big question this week is how to narrow down those things and find three?

It’s an experiment of sorts. Finding what works and doesn’t work is an individual journey we all have to take on our own. Unfortunately, what works for one doesn’t always apply to another.

You can only find out by trail and error. So I sat down and wrote myself a list today. This is a little how my list looks: husband, kids, kid activities, part-time job, etsy shops (3), board member for writing association & treasurer duties, bookkeeping, assisting with social media, website design, ebook formatting and publication, creative endeavors, travel to see family, and then writing.

If I broke this all down into details the list would be more than a handwritten page long.

As I look at the list I’ve decided the best way to reinvest and untangle this year in order to do what I need to do to move forward in 2016 is to consolidate in order to begin the process of simplifying my life.

Consolidation plan #1 – I have three etsy shops currently. For the past several years this has been a source of income for me and my family. I realize though, that having three spreads me too thin and so over these next few months I’ve set the goal of by the end of the year my three shops will become one. (I’ll share a little more about my shops and update you on the process as the year goes on.)

Consolidation plan #2 – While I would love to be able to do all things for all persons, there isn’t enough of me to go around. So I’ve made a calendar this year with one day of the week for just for me time. I can craft those days, read a book, hang with a friend, write, do what ever to re-energize myself. And another day of the week for helping others. When those days for helping others are filled I can do no more. Saying “No” will be the hardest struggle I have this year, but I know it will make me and those who seek my assistance stronger in the long run.

Consolidation plan #3 – Time to move on. We’ve had our home for sale for almost a year. All the time I spend on the road traveling to see family can wear a girl down. Not to mention ranks up a lot mileage on the family taxi. We’ve out grown our home in many ways and are praying and hoping for our home to sell so we can relocate in this new year. With that being said, it’s time to declutter and let go of what we no longer need. It’s not only about the stuff in our house, but memories and relationships, too.

Here’s to step one of making 2016 the best year yet.

featured photo credit ArTeTeTrA via flickrr creative commons