It's the little things

Over the last few months I have started journaling. I started out with a Sentence a day journal. What I discovered from such a simple starting point from someone who thought she couldn't journal, is that I had more to say than one sentence! It was the beginning of a new habit in my life. It has helped me to look at life through new eyes and want to explore life a little more deeply.


My next step was to start a gratitude journal. I am now running both journals side by side and loving it. I know that if a couple of my very good friends read this, they will be cheering. They have both advocated journaling as a way to work through my thoughts, emotions and to see my journey unfold. Before starting this little habit, journalling seemed like such a daunting task. I was scared of what I would write and what people would think it they read it. Not any more. Each day I can now file away the thoughts and stressors of the day into the journal. I can be really honest with myself and not worry if certain people read it. If they do, then so be it.

If you like I did, think that writing a journal is for the too hard basket, I challenge you to give it a go. Just write one sentence a day for 30 days. I almost guarantee you will be a lover of journalling in no time.

PS. Thank you to my friend Raelene for always encouraging me in this. I now I am not there yet, but I am on my way xx.

Your day is what you make it

Changing view, changing moods

Yesterday I was feeling a little glum. I have been feeing unwell and my old pal anxiety had decided to set up camp for a week or 2. I knew I needed a change of scene and a little out time from being Mum. This is a regular need for me, as a special needs mum. Some days are great, and others not so. My eldest has been a little more work over the last week, due to change in routines. So my stress levels were up.

I decided I was going to get out of the house and make a trip to Ikea. It is my favourite place to go for organisation ideas. It was a pretty special day though, as the new kitchens were being released. Yes I am an Ikea nerd and proud of it! I didn't want to go on my own, as I was still feeling a little fragile from the week. So it was time to "phone a friend", Facebook style. With a new friend in tow, we ventured out to see the new kitchens in all their magnificent splendour. After pawing all the new cabinets and fabulous drawer combinations we sat down for a cuppa in the cafe.

After completing the outing with a quick sprint around the bottom floor to grab a few things on my list, we headed home. I was dreaming of my new kitchen and what it was going to look like.

Upon returning home, I received a message thanking me for the time out. The lesson for me here is, never under estimate how much a person needs to hear that they are doing ok. Just to be a listening ear and share a cuppa can help to find that light that mysteriously disappeared from the tunnel of life. For me, it has confirmed why I have been called to ministry.

Oops I got the wrong product.... but hey..

So when I was unpacking my beautiful new boxes, I discovered I grabbed the wrong one after I had already opened it. No problem... time to repurpose it :)

So now I have a lovely storage box for my EPP(English Paper Piecing) papers.

June Challenge starts now!

Get Ready for Tax Time

This is the last month of our financial year, here in Australia. So what better time to get ready for tax time. Even better, get ready for the new tax year. 

Here are some great tips on getting organised for tax time.

1. Have an A4 envelope to hold all of your tax info for this financial year and Label it.

2. Have one for next year too.

3. Gather all deductible receipts and accounts together into the envelope for easy access.

4. Prepare for the next financial year, by purchasing your vehicle logs etc in advance. 

5. Designate a container to carry the envelopes for each year, when completed.

6. Destroy any tax documents over 5 years old, as you only need to keep 5 years worth.

I have found that when I have needed these documents for bank loans or other financial commitments, brokers and financial planners are always surprised how organised I am. It gives so much peace of mind, as well as making everyone's job easier at the end of the day.

My extra goals for June. 

After plowing through my paper clutter last month, I was left with a bit of filing to do. I have also got a pile of fabric that requires pressing and sorting.

So this month is a filing month!

1. File the last of the important paperwork

2. Sort press and "file" my fabric into the required baskets for project work.

3. Sort our tax time paperwork. 

As I do our taxes myself, I will be able to grab the needed information easily, when it is all gathered nicely. 

A Return to Blogging

Lost in Translation

So for the last 17 months I lost my blogging mojo. My health and life were in chaos, not that most people could tell. I have had to make some tough decisions and learn to live with a very changed me. I am not going to go into detail right now about what I have been through, but my focus has shifted slightly.

Decluttering and organisation are still at the heart of what I do, however I have had to simplify our family life for the sake of my health and wellbeing.

Taking control of my life

I now use a handwritten planner rather than relying on technology to tell me what is happening. I started with a large family planner diary, but found it was too overwhelming to carry and use. So I recently splurged and collected a Kikki K planner while it was on sale. I love that I have been able to customise it to suit my life and the way I want to use it. I am not a fanatical planner user, nor am I the fancy shmancey decorate every page kind of gal. I do however love that it look pretty and is functional at the same time.

As a working and studying mum, I need to be organised. I have learned over the first semester of my study, when my most productive time is. So now I use my evenings (when the kids are in bed) to do my study, my pre readings are done while waiting to collect kids from school and all other errands are done during school hours on my days off. 

I now get up 40 minutes earlier than I used to and start my day in prayer and planning my day.

As a family, we got serious about our debt. As of today, we are down to just over $10,000.00 of debt (other than our mortgage). This has shrunk significantly from 12 months ago. This time last year, we had around $30,000.00 in debt.

Where to now?

I have learned over the course of the last couple of years, I NEED focus. So I now set myself a challenge each month. I hope that over the next few months, I can inspire myself and others to focus, simplify and regain control of mental, emotional and spiritual health, as I prepare for a life in Christian Ministry.

Get organised in 30 days, The Grand Finale!

CONGRATULATIONS!

I hope that you have enjoyed this series of challenges over the last month. I know I have. Now that the challenge has officially come to an end, I implore you to keep up with what you have learned. Getting organised is a journey. It will take time and a lot of patience for some of you. Please feel free to come back and re read over the posts. 

Today we are going to go back into our offices and spend 15 minutes tidying your office again. A tidy office is an inviting office.

Thankyou for joining me in this series

I am now going to return to my sewing, just for a little while at least :)

Take care and God Bless

Rivkah

Get organised in 30 days, Day 29

Can you believe we have nearly completed this challenge?? What an achievement. You should all be very proud of what you have done in your homes over the last month. You have decluttered, got financially aware, made better use of your time, cleaned your kitchens and bedrooms. We have learned about planning "Me" time and projects, made time for our families and I have managed to walk you through all of this and not completely fall apart!

I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me to share my knowledge and techniques. Without these people I would not have even considered writing on a regular basis. It has been a major challenge for me to transfer thoughts to paper and then expand them onto this blog. I have had to open up about myself in a way I have not been able to do in the past. This journey for me has also helped me reduce my anxiety and may one day lead to write the book that I have also been challenged to write.

For now, I am going to enjoy working on my quilt project, which I will share with you tomorrow.

Organisation Day

Well for the 2nd to last day of our challenge is a tough one for some. I can proudly state that my decluttering buddy Tash, did this over the weekend and the difference is amazing!

Today we are going to go through our DVD collections and decide what you love and what you really don't need. If your anything like me, you have kids DVD's that the kids are no longer watching or have grown out of. 

Our other task today is going to be to organise one area in your craft room or your kids' craft supplies.

Once you have completed these tasks, remove the donations and place them in your car immediately. Next time you are out, donate them to your favourite charity. 

Have a wonderful and Blessed day!

God Bless

Rivkah

Get Organised in 30 Days, Day 28

Wow! The weekend seems to have flown by and I straight out forgot to write my Post!! However I have been busy helping my Decluttering Buddy, Natasha to regain another room in her home. Nothing like releasing the clutter of toys no longer wanted, costumes that have long since had it and videos that have been replaced by DVDs. Over 2 days and a total of 6 hours, we cleared out 3 boxes of kids clutter, a TV cabinet and created a study station for her 2 kids. A book case got a complete makeover and there are now boxes upon boxes of stuff going to a garage sale this weekend. The wheelie bin is full and there is a great deal of satisfaction being felt for the achievements this weekend. It wasn't all work though, as  we took time out to have a swim, a couple of BBQ sessions and spending time with the kids.

TUESDAY HOUR OF POWER!

Today we are going to a bunch of 10 minute jobs to get the house ship shape before school starts next week.

Ok Set your timer for 10 minutes for each of these 6 jobs

1. Sweep your floors and give a quick Mop.
2. Sweep your Patio/balcony
3. Clean your bathroom (just a quick swish and swipe)
4. Clean mirrors and glass.
5. Tidy your junk drawer
6. damp dust your lounge room.

Getting these few tasks done will help to get your home looking ready for any surprise visitors. Have a great day and enjoy the journey!

God Bless

Rivkah