I’m learning that living with discipline and intention is the way to living out your purpose in life. Perhaps you, like me, have lived too long thinking you needed to “find you purpose.” This just leads us to feeling like we are missing out on the big things in life while being overwhelmed with the daily acts of living.

But there’s a much different way. When we learn to be content living imperfectly in the moment, we can discover we are living out our purpose simply by leaning into who we are and what we’re called to do right now, today. We needn’t strive for the perfect path, perfect life — that’s an impossible task. It’s unnecessary pressure.

The alternative to pressure is to just BE

Simply be ourselves. Yourself. That crazy wonderful person that looks at you in the mirror every day. Yep, that one.

In my experience, that gal’s a hot mess most days. But you know what? I guarantee you the girl in your mirror has a great heart and a strong soul.

That woman in your mirror is on the battlefield day after day, taking on her own Goliath, watching out with a fierce heart for those she loves. She’s a Mama Bear and I wouldn’t dare to stand between her and a child or even a parent that needs help.

And yet, some days are hard.

Sometimes our messiness overwhelms us

When this picture was taken back in October, I’d just come from presenting my book proposal to an editor. I’d gotten a soft no, not yet, and my heart was wobbly and uncertain.

My glasses had turned dark in the bright sun and the photographer asked me to take them off. You have to understand I’ve worn glasses since I was 17. They’re part of my identity, who I am — right?! Turns out glasses are not my identity. Not. even. close.

And that “no” from an editor? It’s not my identity and it doesn’t define my purpose. Because (I’m learning) my purpose is to live out who I am with determination and intention. This still isn’t my favorite picture but it’s me, imperfect, among some beautiful flowers.

She may not be fancy but she’s fierce

You’re on your way to being your own unique masterpiece, to living out your purpose, with discipline and intention, day by day. One way to think about it is living the repurposed way.

I just finished reading Jordan Lee Dooley’s “Own Your Everyday.” Jordan is a gal after my own heart and her words brought much-needed fire to fuel my sense of purpose. I am an avid reader and books often are like flaming bushes pointing me to him and truths I need to hear.

And, I believe that this book was a much-needed message helping me better understand how to wrap up this series.

Control what you can with discipline and intention

“Instead of pouting about what you can’t control, learn to implement discipline and intentionality in things you can control.”

Jordan Lee Dooley, Own your everyday

Keep stepping forward imperfectly, friends. And may you hear God’s whispers on your soul, giving you strength and purpose for your everyday journey.

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Whether your work space is at home or in an office building, when you declutter your office work space and set up strong routines you clear mental space! For many of us, work has changed dramatically in the past few months.

Not only are more of us working from home, but our homes have become the center of so much more. And our spaces often aren’t the best equipped for our new realities.

Here are a few ways to declutter your office or work space and create positive routines to boost your productivity. With a decluttered work life, you’ll have more time to focus on all the other priorities in your life!

Conventional organizing wisdom

There are plenty of organizational gurus that will tell you simple tips for organizing your space. These lists often start with purging your office of unnecessary supplies, setting up a good organizational system, and ensuring everything has a place.

All of these are great tips — and I encourage you to think about what works for you in these ways.

But here’s what I’m finding is most important

In these days of changing routines, more time at home, and increasing uncertainty over the shape of our lives for who knows how long, it’s important to have a space that you LOVE. For me, this means a space that is cozy, simple, well-organized and happy.

I want to enjoy my work. And what helps me do that are a few simple things that I view as MOST important.

Make your office space and routines work for you

1. Find a space in your home that suits your work — make sure it has good lighting, and room for you to have what you need readily at hand. If space is tight, look for ways to make your home office portable so that you can easily set up and take down your work area.
2. Remove any unnecessary objects that distract you from your work. Myquilyn Smith calls this process “quieting” the room.
3. Have a definitive routine to start and end your day. Our hearts and minds love a good routine and creating a rhythm to begin and finish your day brings calmness.
4. Streamline and “batch process” routine tasks. Several organizational experts recommend setting timers for certain tasks, such as posting to social media or reviewing emails. This increases productivity and helps us focus!
5. Declutter your digital work space. Many of the tips included in the Declutter your digital footprint post also apply to your work life. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and ensure you have the applications and software to effectively do your work.
6. Set clear boundaries. When you’re working from home, it’s easy to be distracted by — well, everything! Our people seem louder than usual, household chores beckon, and maybe just a little snack would be good. Use a “do not disturb” sign and hold yourself accountable for your work time.

Declutter your office work space and gain control

We have so much going on in this middle adulthood period of life — and gaining control of each portion brings calmness, perspective, and a better sense of priority. Next week, we’ll cover another important aspect of our lives: relationships.

The post Declutter your office / work space appeared first on Elaine Junge, Writer & Blogger.

Declutter your digital footprint and bring added calm to your life! Computers, tablets and phones bring the world to our fingertips — in both positive and challenging ways.

When we think about what we can truly control in our lives, smart digital usage helps us manage our time wisely. And that gives us more time to spend on truly fulfilling activities. Managing your digital world can be difficult, but a few simple changes reap big rewards!

We all use technology more these days

Even prior to the impact of COVID-10, technology use had increased at rapid rates. A 2018 article on medium.com showed:

• A 40% increase in total digital media usage since 2013
• Doubling of smartphone usage in 3 years
• More than half of internet time was on “leisure activities,” including social media, video viewing, entertainment/music, and games.

And the pandemic has only intensified digital usage. According to the Pew Research Center, “a majority of Americans are turning to digital means to stay connected and track information about the outbreak.”

Technology brings many benefits

Across the globe, we use the internet to work, educate our children, shop, and connect with loved ones long distance. We use technology for many valid reasons, including connecting and relaxing.

And yet, the average person now spends more than 3 hours a day on mobile devices. And, social media accounts for 20% of the total time spent online.

We must remember it’s a tool

Increasingly, technology experts caution that technology is a tool which can easily overcome our lives. Unless we use it intentionally. Cal Newport’s 2019 New York Times best-selling book, Digital Minimalism, is revolutionizing how many people approach digital tools.

Cal explains, “Digital minimalism is a philosophy that helps you question what digital communication tools (and behaviors surrounding these tools) add the most value to your life.”

The digital minimalist philosophy is grounded in simplicity and intentionality. Essentially, digital minimalism is decluttering your digital footprint. Think of it as clearing away low-value digital noise and reducing your technology to tools that significantly improve your life.

Six simple tips to declutter your digital footprint (curated from leading experts)

Inspired by digital minimalism? Want to declutter and simplify your digital footprint to clear out low-value digital noise?

Try these six simple (not always easy) tips for being intentional about your tech!

1. Intentionally make space for technology you love and eliminate everything else.

This philosophy is the heart of minimalism in every area of your life and it works digitally as well. Delete anything you don’t use regularly and can go find if / when you need it, especially in these four areas: a) Applications on your tablet or phone, b) Software programs on your computer, c) News subscriptions, d) Email subscriptions, including retailers, bloggers, and more.

2. Be aware of how much you consume versus how much you produce (consumption:production ratio).

Many people find that they’re spending way more time consuming (reading, viewing, following, liking) than they are producing. If you’ve ever taken “just a minute” to look at a social media feed, you know what I mean. Monitor your usage statistics on your device — and set limits if you’re having difficulty managing your habits.

3. Turn off your notifications and schedule designated technology time.

Leading experts recommend checking email twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You can do the same thing with social media and news. If you need to rein yourself in, set a timer to manage your time! Also, you can use a simple out of office message that explains when you’ll respond to manage expectations with your digital community or with clients.

4. Set dedicated “no technology” zones and times.

Many people choose to preserve meal times as technology-free. This is especially important with children in the household as your habits become theirs rather quickly. You might also designate a period of time prior to bedtime as cell phone free. And definitely

5. Consider a news fast and/or social media sabbatical

Setting intentional time away from technology feeds your soul. Often, we don’t realize how much time we’re dedicating to our devices and technology until we have an extended break from them. If this is hard for you, start small and leave your phone behind for an hour. Some people find it beneficial to take a week or more untethered!

6. Be where you are, right now.

I’m talking to myself here. This is one of the hardest ones for me because I LOVE a good photo opportunity. I value preserving moments but sometimes I need to just savor them in my heart and mind. Be mindful of when you’re present or not present!

Resources to help declutter your digital footprint:

• Susan B. Arico, a fellow Hopewriter that I admire greatly, writes about soul over cell (phones). Check out this excellent article on “What do we do when we’re overwhelmed“!
• Cal Newport’s book, Digital Minimalism, provides practical tips to help you rethink your relationship to social media, experience the world around you and use regular intervals of solitude to reconnect with your inner self.
• SLOWW focuses on slowing down in a fast-paced world, living simpler, and finding purpose.
• The Social Dilemna documentary discusses social networking in today’s world.

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Your physical surroundings contribute substantially to your mood and your resilience and when you declutter your home you control more than just your space. Even small steps can make a big difference in your overall perspective.

This is especially true when change strikes fast and hard. Sometimes you just need to do the dishes or organize a closet to gain some control when everything around you seems to be chaos.

Your mind needs a place to focus

There’s a reason I started this series with decluttering your mind and emotions. When we encounter uncertainty, change, or unfamiliar situations, our brains seek solutions by going into reactive mode. As humans, we are wired to protect ourselves from danger at a very basic level (think sabre-tooth tiger).

In today’s world, we may not immediately see the threat — but our brains react to uncertainty or change as if it means impending danger. So our brains are simply trying to identify the threat and provide solutions to protect us. I experience this sometimes as unending questions or circular thought patterns.

One way to stop the “chatter” is to give your brain a place to focus that you CAN control.

External calm quiets the internal space

One of my favorite influences in creating a physical space that feeds your sense of calm and control is The Nester, Myquillyn Smith. In her book, Cozy Minimalist Home, Myquillyn talks about the connection between our homes and our minds.

“When home feels out of control, no matter what the reason, unsettledness and anxiety can seep in, and then the chaos becomes internal as well as external.” 

—Myquillyn Smith, “Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff“

Myquillyn has many fantastic practical tips for creating a home you love, but one in particular revolutionized my thoughts: “quieting your space.”

A decluttered home = a quiet home

Removing clutter from any space softens the visual impact. We don’t always realize how visually loud our homes are until we remove items from the space. Myquillyn recommends temporarily removing items so that a room has a “chance to breathe.”

When you’re down to only the largest items, usually the furniture, the room may at first seem stark. But as you work through the process, you’re adding in only items that are visually appealing, functional and suited to you and your lifestyle.

You don’t need a spotless home — just one that you find comfortable, functional and calming. And when mama’s happy, everyone’s happy, right?

Start small, think long-term

I encourage you to tackle your entire home, over time. But I’ve also found that smaller steps add up.

Here are 4 “quick fix” ways to declutter your home!

4 “Quick Fix” steps to declutter your home

1. Focus on your entry / exit area. Walk in your front door as if you were a visitor. As you step into your home, take note of what you feel, see, smell, and hear. Does entering your home make you more relaxed or more tense? Notice any areas that create chaos rather than calm in your mind. What can you add, subtract or change even slightly to improve how you enter and exit your home?
2. Organize the area of your home that you spend the most time in with your family (often the living room). As you step into your main gathering space, what is the overall look and feel? Are you comfortable and happy? What creates stress? Remove any areas of clutter to another room to tackle when you have time later. Tidy or straighten if needed. And, make sure you have included items that make you and your family smile when they walk in the room!
3. Simplify your kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is the room in our homes that needs to function the smoothest and often is last on our lists to declutter. in our home. Most of us prepare or at least organize three meals a day for our families, even if some of those are actually eaten outside the home. Spend your time in the kitchen and dining area ensuring that you have what you need readily at hand for the tasks that you manage daily. Consider if your dishes, cooking utensils and towels are easily accessible. Look at your pantry and use/eliminate any food items that you’re not using or have expired. And of course, put away any mail, papers or other non-food-related items on countertops or other flat surfaces!
4. Finally, tackle your bedrooms and bathrooms. Make sure that each person in your household has a calm and relaxing place to retreat, sleep and rejuvenate.

Keep it simple!

It’s cliche but small steps do add up to big change over time. And decluttering is inevitably an ongoing process, a journey we return to again and again as our lives evolve and change.

Whenever you notice that you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed or your mind is racing in circles — stop, breathe, and look around you to see if you have a quick “declutter” you can do in your home. And then, take a step back and look at what’s going on in your heart and mind! Often, you’ll find you’ve gained a fresh perspective by controlling what you can control in your physical space.

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Declutter your mind and emotions on Election Day 2020? Taking control of our emotions and our thought processes means choosing to focus on the positive and not allowing the negative to hold court in our heads. This may seem daunting when so much is up in the air, yet during unsettled times we need to exercise our “control muscles” more than ever.

This day carries many emotions for Americans, particularly in this year of political, cultural and personal uncertainty. And on top of the general election chaos (I think it’s fair to call it that no matter your political views), we’re living in a global crisis. Much of what we took for granted in prior years has been shaken to the core by the pandemic. Controlling what we can grounds us in the midst of uncertainty.

Uncertainty can lead to anxiety

While clearing the clutter from our hearts and minds sounds simple, this task can be one of the most difficult. When life is uncertain, we humans find it difficult to prepare efficiently and effectively for the future. And when we can’t prepare, we often feel anxious or scared. When emotions run high, we can easily become overwhelmed.

During uncertain times — whether elections and holidays or major life changes — it’s more important than ever to streamline our thinking. So, I came up with a few simple tips to get us started.

6 Steps to declutter your mind and emotions

1. Clear your head by actively unwinding. Taking care of yourself is an automatic “declutterer” for your mind and emotions. When we are stressed or overloaded, our mind and emotions can overpower us, limiting our ability to take action. Take regular walks, do your favorite exercises, eat well, meditate or pray, read positive books!
2. Take inventory of your feelings. Remember, feelings are not good or bad, they’re simply there. Emotions protect us and help us navigate the world, but they don’t always accurately depict a situation. Often, we need to “fact-check” our feelings. My friend Sara Clime has a great four-step “Facts Over Fear” exercise you might consider when you want to make sure your emotions give you accurate information.
3. Let go of negative thoughts and emotions. This sounds so simple and can be so difficult. It’s human nature to hold onto negative thought patterns. Your inner critic unintentionally feeds you lies, and your brain will latch onto this negativity. There’s an ancient Native American legend that says whichever “wolf” we feed will grow — we choose the dark, negative one or the positive, light one by which one we feed. Choose to feed your positive thoughts and emotions!
4. Set priorities. Simplifying experts tell us that knowing what to keep is the most important step in decluttering. Knowing your priorities gives you a lot of power and simplifies choices. For example, if you’ve set your family as a priority, then you can easily decide to put boundaries around your work time. When you prioritize one area of your life, and keep it a priority, you rein in your focus — thus removing areas that don’t need your attention.
5. Decide to decide. Much of what fills our brain is a host of large and small decisions to be made. When we put off decisions, our brains hold space for the pending decision. Start with the simple decisions and check off as many as you can. You’ll be surprised how much mental weight you can lose by removing items from your “list.” If a decision is bigger than you’re ready to handle, break it down so that you can take at least one next step, clearing the way for another and another.
6. Connect with supportive friends and family. Limiting your contact with negativity will help you stay positive. Period. People who criticize, judge or talk down to you create needless “mind chatter” and drain your emotions. And, those who build you up and encourage you are the ones you want more of in your life. This applies to your social media and news habits also — seek out the positive, practical and productive.

So, on this Election Day, or any time you feel unsettled or uncertain, declutter your mind and emotions with these simple steps: 1) Clear the headspace, 2) Take inventory, 3) Let go of the negative, 4) Set priorities, 5) Decide, and 6) Connect with your support.

Choose simple, especially in your head and your heart.

May you feel the comfort of a clear mind and open heart. May you find peace on this day and always remember that God works through every circumstance.

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