As I embrace the start of 2024, I am excited to reflect on what was, learn from what went well or what didn’t, and think about what I’d like to do more or less of in the future. The vast horizon is vibrating with abundant opportunities, surprises, and experiences.

I appreciate the practice of having a word and motto for the year. It helps me focus on what is most important and ground myself when challenges arise. I have also created vision boards for the last two years but decided not to do one for 2024. It worked well in 2022, but the vision board process felt stale and forced for 2023.

I’m doing my year-end review and selecting a word and motto. By the time you read this, I hope to complete that process. Right now, my ideas are still percolating. Look for an upcoming blog post to discover where I land.

I am deeply grateful to you and the connection we share. I wish you a happy, healthy, and joy-filled New Year!

As I walk by the river or through the woods, it’s impossible not to notice.  A burst of red here, a swath of yellow there. The landscape and season is changing. I feel conflicting things with this transformation. On the one hand, I receive comfort in nature’s continuous cycles. However, those same patterns also indicate change. This creates negative and positive thoughts and feelings.

The negative ones look like . . .

• Oh, no! The cold weather is coming.

• The year is almost over.

• How will I accomplish all that I hoped to do?

The positive ones sound like . . .

• These fall colors are gorgeous!

• I’m grateful for the seasonal nudge to embrace change.

• The new season is an opportunity to review, reset, and accomplish my goals.

• Possibilities are abundant.

Let’s change the conversation and choose a positive lens. What becomes possible for you this season? How can I help?

There is a relaxed quality to summer that I’m appreciating even more. The longer days, warmer weather, vacations, and long weekends encourage me to slow down. Why slow down? Changing my pace is no small thing for someone who has a deep need to be productive and not waste this one precious life.

Yet I also recognize that pausing, slowing down, and taking breaks is essential to my well-being. They aren’t a waste of time. In fact, these breaks enhance my time. They yield clearer thoughts and a calmer, restored system.

My husband and I recently returned from a beautiful vacation in Turk and Caicos. We allowed the days to unfold with minimal plans and no to-do list. We spent hours each day floating and swimming in the gorgeous, clear, turquoise water.

What helps you rejuvenate?

While I enjoy all seasons, I feel incredibly hopeful as the magic of spring brings new daily blooms and the return of a color-filled landscape. I hunt for newly blossomed flowers and plants on my daily walks, feeling elated and surprised by each new discovery. It’s a season of growth both outside and within. It’s a season of tending to the garden and extending care to myself. Weeds take over the flower beds if I don’t pull them. If I don’t make time to edit my stuff, clutter can become invasive in my space and mind.

Will you give yourself time this spring to nurture what needs attention? It’s impossible to work on every area at once. Be kind to yourself and select one thing you want to focus on- relationships, home life, work, energy management, self-care, a specific project, or something else. Gift yourself time to tend. Your attention will yield beautiful blooms.

Change is all around. Winter weather is here. The holidays have come and gone, and the New Year has arrived. I sense the seasonal pressure for change and a reset. Before moving forward, it’s helpful to reflect. I’m doing this by reading my journals, going through blog posts, reviewing stats, photos, the calendar, and more.

The year-end audit helps me understand what was, so I can future-think and plan for the new year. What will I let go of or embrace? What deserves more time, energy, and attention? Which goals will I pursue? The possibilities are exciting and also, in truth, a bit overwhelming. Only by doing the work will I get clarity.

I need quiet time to think, read, research, and reflect. Then, I’ll create a vision for 2023. Last year was the first time I made a vision board. It was so empowering that I’m doing it again. Elements included were a Word of the Year, a motto, and three big themed buckets with 9 to 12 goals each. With changes in mind, I’m open to altering the vision board process and outcome as needed. What do you want more or less of this year?

Wishing you a happy, healthy, joy-filled, and organized 2023!

The other day I was walking on my favorite path along the Hudson River. It was a gorgeous late afternoon with a coolish early fall temperature, a slight breeze, and the sun peeking in and out from the clouds above.

I’m always looking for visible changes, especially this time of year. Trees hold the magic and never disappoint. Catching my gaze was a small maple tree full of mostly green leaves. But what drew me close was one bright red leaf nestled among all the green ones. It was a sign!

Change was evident in its most visible, bold way. It was as if the red leaf had invited me to join it. The intense color and swaying movement encouraged me to be brave, step outside my comfort zone, and embrace change and what’s possible. OK. Maybe it wasn’t indicating all that, but I felt something visceral.

For me, hosting my first online workshop (How to Conquer Clutter) is a significant change. I’m so excited! It has been a long time in the making. So many of you have encouraged, guided, and inspired me. I’m deeply grateful to you.

If you have already registered, thank you. I can’t wait to see you on October 20th! Please invite others you think would enjoy it. Let’s clear the clutter and make space for what’s possible.