FINDING A PLACE OF QUIET

In today's busy times, it is important to cultivate a place of quiet to breathe, think, and reflect. This can create space for the self to create and explore. It can create a time for better understanding of what it is you want in life and what you truly hold important.

However, often we get so busy that we don't seek (or eek) out this time for ourselves. We get busy in our lives, whether through work or home responsibilities, and forget to give ourselves time to breathe. We end up absorbing the noise and chaos of the everyday world, and fail to pick up on the signal of our inner heart; its inner feelings, passions, and desires.

Because of this, it is no surprise that so many end up feeling lost at some point in their lives. Too much noise and static has drowned out a person's inner voice -- the one that passionately and patiently guides one in all of life's endeavors. If you find that voice has gotten quiet, or gone away altogether, you need to seek out some quiet time/space.

CUT THE CLUTTER

With the warmer temperatures of spring finally here, many folks' attention turns to "spring cleaning." For some folks this is looked forward to as a kind of catharsis, while others dread anything that requires them to clean out, organize, or chuck old items.

Like many people, I have a natural tendency to hang on to items for far too long, even items that I know I have not used, or worn in months. Therefore, it is really important for me to keep this hoarding tendency in check, so I make sure I don't end up with piles of unnecessary items and detritus from my past.

I would say that the first few months of the year, especially March and April, are great months to get rid of old items that are not being used. One reason is that you can take stock of the first quarter of the year by looking at items you haven't used in the past 90 days. If you haven't used it/worn it in the past 90 days, or plan to use it/wear it in the next 90 days, it may be time to donate or toss.