Are You ready for the New Year?

I think I'm ready.  And I'm not just talking about writing here.  I'm talking about the wholeness of your life.  This is the perfect time of year to donate, have a garage sale, or trash the stuff that's adding stress to your life.

Stress isn't worth it, people.  The medical community has proven the point time and time again.  Many, many years ago, I learned that if I can't change the outcome of something then why worry about it.  Why worry about the outcome when agent/editor who has your manuscript?  If you've done your job, then it's the best it can be. If it gets rejected then it simply wasn't for them at this time. What's done is done.  Don't dwell on the past, all it does is give you ulcers and wrinkles (and I have enough of these, thank you very much!). 

If you tend to gather 'stuff' over the years, then declutter.  And yes, I'm as guilty as the next person of storing 'stuff' in closets and not getting rid of it!  If you're thinking about moving because you don't have enough space in your house, then get rid of stuff!

If you have kids and their 'stuff' breeds more stuff.  Have a day(s) to thin out their closets, drawers, toys, and games.  Donate or trash.  Does your kid really need all those McDonalds toys?  I don't think so--Okay, she can keep the cute little animals (I have a few bunnies stashed in my desk drawer, too!)

Go through your own closets and drawers.  Yes, I know you want to get into that pair of pants, shirt, or dress that you wore when you were 20 pounds lighter, but REALLY??  Styles change.  It's time to let go. I know, I know, I'm as guilty as the next person, but you can get rid of some of the junk.  Trust me, it's easier once you get started.

If you--like so many others in this economy--are having financial issues, don't just worry about it, ACTIVELY TRY TO ALLEVIATE THE SITUATION.  Do you really need cable?  Granted, you might need it for the Internet connectivity for job searches, eBay, etc.--you can go to the nearest McDonalds for that if you have a laptop--but do you really need all the premium channels?  I doubt it.  I don't remember the last time I actually watched a movie on HBO.  Cut the extraneous.
 
--take all the stuff you've decluttered and sell it in a garage sale.---use the extra cash to pay for the next week's groceries, or bills. DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY MORE STUFF!

--don't plan to 're-gift' Christmas presents. It adds to the clutter you're trying to get rid of!  Send the giver a nice thank you note and then sell the item.  If it's a family 'heirloom', find a nice, safe spot up on the attic.

If you want to write a story, a book, or simply keep a log of your family recipes, then QUIT TALKING ABOUT IT AND MAKE SOME TIME TO DO IT! (sorry, Nike!) 

Do you realize that buying healthy is ACTUALLY cheaper than buying processed and prepackaged food?  Buy more fruits and veggies.  There's a reason to buy the food that's in season.  One, it's cheaper AND two, it isn't imported.  Yes, I know you have that craving for cherries in the middle of winter, but they're grown in Chile and imported, adding to the cost.  An apple is just as good.  Your body will thank you along with your bank account.

I'm sure I could come up with more 'gems of wisdom', but it's time to let the dog back in.

Later, Peeps!