Happy 2015!!

I always assumed I'd make it to 2015. I'm not that old - unless you ask a kid. So, I usually don't, except when I need a laugh. Unfortunately, I never expected to live in a world where technology is such a main factor of life. I loved computer time when I was at school, but I never really understood the point. Luckily, my teachers did and to this day I remember the little phrases we were tested on to memorize the placement of the keys on the keyboard. "Quick As Zipper" "Wasn't Sue Xcited" "Earl Did Call" and so on... (No index finger picking on the keyboard for this lady.)

I am increasingly intrigued with life and how I fit in and how I don't. There are so many social standards and expectations that I just can't be bothered with right now. I consider it a bonus to get a shower more than twice a week. (I know, some of you are turning green, but know that there are many more relating to me than you think.) I also think it's amazing that I get more than 10 likes on a Facebook post. I know, sad, but is it really? Do I have to impress my  hundreds of "friends" all at once in some fascinating post? No. More than likely, they have too many friends, and now advertisements, to even see what I've posted without the help of notifications. At least that's how I've felt. During the last year I've been missing opportunities to serve and moments to celebrate via Facebook because my feed was so cluttered and distracting. Hence, I started the year off by unfriending a bunch of people. The horror! I know, but really, it got to a point where I needed friends, not opinions, articles, funny videos, or games. I needed someone to call me and ask what my life was about. When was the last time any of those people had called me. Yeah, it had been a long time. I still care about them and wish them the best, so of course I re-friended those who asked again. (So far the number is 3.) Yeah, no one's crying about it. Honestly, if they were and called me to rant, I would have taken them out for dinner just for acting like a friend. You get me? I need more from people than their updates.

Social media can be a useful tool and that's why I don't delete my accounts. I'm just on this fabulous road of learning about what works for me. There is pressure from everywhere to be better. Some of it is valid, and some of it is trash. In lieu of all the trash rolling around in my brain, I have come up with a plan to better myself. I have decided to clear the clutter. I have this WILD IDEA that clearing my home of clutter will allow me to have a place for everything. No, not everything will be in it's place, but making that happen in 15 minutes, instead of several hours on my sacred Saturday, would be a FANTASTIC and welcomed change. I have this other CRAZY idea, that simplifying my day will also lead to more time to play, or serve, or to do as I wish in the moment I wish to do it. Oh, Mary Poppins, what have you done to me. :) But really, it has been marvelous as I come to terms with my most important goals in life and make the changes that I need today.

This past week my bathroom, pantry, and spice drawer were all cleansed from lingering expired things. I also added a few buckets to organize the remaining items. In other aspects of my life, I desire to follow the advise of my church leaders. Making a goal to read the word of God on my own, as well as with my family regularly, is already helping me keep my thoughts on the eternal goals I've made in the past and hope to keep throughout my life. You may or may not believe in God, but I know that doing your best everyday is one way to find satisfaction in life. My best resides in working with God to find my place and happiness. It works for me and it is real to me. What helps you through your day and how will you start to simplify your life?

Last of all, in this post, this is my family and what we look like starting out this new year. My goals are set to help us all overcome the daily and unexpected bumps and pot holes in the road of life. Seriously though, anyone else relating to how hard it is to simplify with such young kids? I didn't even bother to declutter before I had kids. What a waste of time. Haha!

~Michelle

Btw, I'd love for you to ask questions, make comments of worth, and let me know how you're doing. Thanks!