Three…two…one…the ball drops. We yell (or whisper if the kids are in bed), “Happy New Year!”, and then something magical happens. We “magically” decide to be more organized, read through the Bible at lightning speed, and eat healthier meals. We just know that this will be the year. Until the following week arrives with its usual set of trials and temptations. Out with the new resolutions, in with the same old habits.
I have to admit that I’m great at the starting line, but rarely make it to the finish line. I like new beginnings, but tend to fizzle out pretty quickly. So I thought I’d try something new. I thought that maybe I’d try to finish well. As this year is winding down, it seemed like the perfect time to get some things in life in order. That way, when the “magic ball” drops in a few weeks, I will already have some of the groundwork laid for the goals I’ll undoubtedly set.
This week I’m continuing to establish my Quiet Time routine, and I’m trying to drink lots of water for my health. On top of those two items which always end up on my New Year’s list, I’m also tackling some organizing. Lots and lots of organizing.
My organizing focus for this week is the paper clutter that seems to invade our little home, attacking my sanity and every empty counter space.
-Trash old magazines. Every day I’ll attempt to quickly flip through a couple magazines, pull what I want, and put the rest of it into the recycle bin.
-Attack the clutter magnets. I’ll go through the stacks of papers that seem to multiply like rabbits if left alone too long. With the holidays coming up, I don’t want to waste time searching for a missing bill that needs paid or waste money on late fees when I don’t find it.
-Update my files. From instruction books and receipts to billing statements and insurance policies, my files are a disaster area. Actually, it isn’t just the files themselves, it’s all the papers that are awaiting a home in the files. I’ve got stacks of things that need filed or shredded. Now is the time!
-Just do my List Breakers. Is there a doctor’s appointment that you need to schedule before the year ends? Have you been meaning to search for a new insurance company? Is there a pile of clothes needing mended, or maybe a bag of outgrown items to drop off at a donation center? Get those things marked off the list before the busy holiday season pushes them into next year.
I hope to finish well. Maybe this really will be “the year”. Happy Old Year!
Branding Company