Life Made Simple with CarlaRae

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#27: (PART 2) How Can I Help My Child Let Go of Stuff? Nov 14, 2016

Show notes

Now I have to give you a heads up, today's episode is a Part 2 to last week's regular Monday episode, Episode #25. It was a special Ask CarlaRae segment where I addressed a question that I received while speaking at a Mom's group recently. The question was, "How can I help my child let go of stuff?"

If you missed that episode, you might wanna push pause on this one and go back to listen to it. You can find it on my website at CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode25. Or just go to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com.

Sometimes, kids have really hard time letting go of the toys and clothes that they grow out of. Like I explained in last week's episode, I have ALOT of personal experience in regards to this subject. Not only was I a pack rat as a child, but I now have a 6 year old son who is also a pack rat.

There's just so much psychology behind why we hang on to things when we shouldn't. And by understanding that psychology, you can better help guide your child to get to a point where there are comfortable letting things go. But it definitely takes time and a lot of patience!

So in last week's episode I give you some tips and techniques on how and where to help your child donate their unused and unwanted toys, books, and clothes. But many of you are going to find that no matter what you say or do, your child is still going to have a really hard time letting things go.

So what can you do if your child just refuses to let go of anything? What can you do if your child is a true packrat?

Well, that's what I talk about on today's Part 2 episode. I am give you some very specific strategies on how to help your child let go of things if they tend to be overly attached.

And then, whether your child is a packrat or not, I'm going to give you some tips on how to prevent the clutter from coming back into your child's room.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Download from PART 2: "What If My Child Is A Pack Rat?"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word PACKRATKID

Free Download from PART 1: "How To Help Your Child Let Go Of Stuff"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word HELPKIDS

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode27

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript27

#26: Do You Have A "Victory List"? Nov 10, 2016

Show notes

Most of us have to-do lists... lists of things that we intend to get done either today, this week, or hopefully sometime soon. In addition to a to-do list, many of us should also have an ignore list to keep us focused and on track (like I explained in Episode 24).

But have you ever considered having a victory list?

The fact is, life can be so crazy sometimes. Do you ever feel like you're being pulled into hundred directions? Do you ever feel like your to-do list is just never ending? There are some days and I feel like I'd add more tasks to my to-do list, than I actually get crossed off. It can be so overwhelming sometimes!

Unfortunately, for many people, when they feel overwhelmed by too much to do, they then get discouraged. Sometimes it's easy to want to avoid your to-do list all together.

On today's episode, I explain exactly why you should have a "Victory List" and how you can make one.

Do you know anyone who is overwhelmed with a crazy, busy life? Do you know anyone who could use a little motivation to find the freedom of simplicity? Share this podcast show with them. They can find all our episodes on my website at CarlaRaeArneson.com. Or, you can just have them go to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Be sure to stay updated on all our new episodes by subscribing to Life Made Simple on iTunes or whatever podcast app you prefer to use.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode26

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript26

#25: (PART 1) How Can I Help My Child Let Go of Stuff? (Ask CarlaRae) Nov 07, 2016

Show notes

Over the years, as a professional home organizer, I've done many workshops and other special speaking engagements. And I absolutely love any opportunity that comes up to do so! Now, I know that most people dread and fear public speaking, but for some reason I love getting up to talk in front of a huge room full of people.

Well, last week I had the opportunity to speak to a mom's group here in the Seattle area. It was a MOPS group (which stands for mothers of preschoolers) and they invited me to talk about how to clean out your closet, which just so happened to be a recent podcast episode I did a few weeks ago, Episode #21 (so I really didn't have to spend very much time prepping for it).

Anyways, during my talk, we discussed the psychology behind why it's so hard to let things go sometimes. And since it was a room full of mothers, the conversation naturally turned into talking about our kids and going through their closets. Well, during the question and answer time at the end, one woman asked a really good question, " How can I help my child let go of stuff?"

Unfortunately, I was very limited on time while I was speaking to the group and didn't feel like I was able to completely answer her question. So this episode of Life Made Simple is going to be a special "Ask CarlaRae" episode, and I'm going to give you all my thoughts, opinions, and advice to help answer that really great question that many parents have asked me: "How can I help my child let go of stuff?"

I have ALOT of info to give you on this particular subject. So much so, that we had to divide this episode into two parts. This week we'll do Part 1, and then next week we'll release Part 2.

Today, I'm going to give you some techniques and tips on how and where to help your child donate their unused and unwanted toys, books, and clothes. And then next Monday morning, for the Part 2 episode (Episode #27) I'm also going to give you some very specific strategies on how to help your child let go of things if they tend to be overly attached. And then I'm going to give you some tips on how to prevent the clutter from coming back into your child's room.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode25

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Free Download: "How To Help Your Child Let Go Of Stuff"

Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript25

#24: Do You Have An "Ignore List"? Nov 03, 2016

Show notes

I have two questions for you today. First, what's on your to-do list? Do you need to fold the laundry, schedule a dentist appointment? Maybe go to the grocery store, pay the phone bill? Well, on my to-do list is to record this podcast episode, go to a fundraiser assembly at my son's school, make a mortgage payment, and call a client who left me a message this morning. Those are the most important things that I need to get done today. What's on your to-do list today?

Now here's my next question for you. What's on your ignore list for the day? Yes, your ignore list. Do you have an ignore list yet?

On today's quick "3 Minute Thursday" episode of Life Made Simple, I tell you exactly how to focus on the important things in life without letting any other distracting tasks get your undeserved attention.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode24

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript24

#23: How to Exercise Without Really Exercising Nov 02, 2016

Show notes

I'm going to give you one strategy on how to improve your health and clean up your house, WITHOUT taking any additional time out of your schedule... sounds pretty amazing, right?

Back in episode #7 of Life Made Simple, I gave you My Ultimate 3-Day Jumpstart to Good Health. On Day 3 of the jumpstart plan I have you take time to schedule in movement, as in exercise. Why? Because we all know that some sort of physical activity is important... it's what our bodies were designed to do! If we don't use our muscles regularly, if we just sit around all day, they will begin to get stiff and not work as well, which then makes us feel sluggish, and can even make us feel depressed. No movement also leads to a lower metabolism and weight gain.

In that episode, I explain that if your health goals are to lose weight, build muscle, or get in shape, then you must schedule a few full body workout sessions. This could be going to the gym, hiring a trainer, joining a sports league, or even working out from home with a few workout videos.

But, I know that so many of us just don't feel like we have the time to exercise. Or for some of you, if your honest with yourself, you just don't WANT to exercise, because for whatever reason, you just don't like it. Well, then this episode is for you!

And then there's house cleaning and chores. Maybe you already have a really good exercise routine that you love. Maybe you actually enjoy making movement a priority in your life, but you completely dread housecleaning and other mundane activities you have to do throughout your day. I mean how many of us really love to clean house or pick up after our families? Well, then this episode is for you.

Exercise and housecleaning. Two things that most people dread and usually have a hard time making time for. On today's episode I help you change your attitude about both of those activities. Like I said before, I'm going to help you to get healthier, thinner, and stronger while keeping your house clean, without changing a single thing in your schedule. How? Well, I am going to help you change your mindset and approach to both exercise and housecleaning, by - in a way - combining them. Like it says in the title of this episode, I'm going to teach you how to exercise without really exercising.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Printout: "Exercise Without Really Exercising"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word MOVEEVERYDAY

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode23

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript23

#22: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Oct 27, 2016

Show notes

If you know me well and listen often, you might notice that on today's episode I sound a little stuffy and congested. That's because I'm at the tail end of a cold that my little boy gave me. And while I feel very blessed that my family and I are usually pretty healthy throughout the year, it's just inevitable that when the weather changes, some kind germ or bug comes knocking on our door!

It's officially the beginning of the cold and flu season, which is actually the perfect time to clean out your medicine cabinet. And on today's quick 3 Minute Thursday episode I give you some tips on how to do exactly that.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode22

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript22

#21: Here's Your Closet Clean-Out Action Plan! Oct 24, 2016

Show notes

Are you ready for this?!? I'm going to give you an action plan to help you clean out one of the most dreaded areas of your home. Your closet!

For most of the country, we're right now in the middle of Fall. The weather is changing, and therefore, so is your wardrobe. It's getting colder and wetter outside. Goodbye sunshine, hello rain clouds!

Although I'm really resistant to it, it's time to put away our capri pants, tank tops, and those white leather wedges. While the temperature lowers, I'm sure those warm snuggly sweaters and cute high boots are starting to call you name. You might even be drooling over the clothing catalogs that have somehow found their way into your mailbox, showcasing the newest winter trends. But before you go shopping for some new digs, take the time to clean out your closet!

Cause, no matter where you live in the country - or world - and no matter what time of year it is, the changing of the season is the PERFECT time to clean out and update your closet.

Unfortunately, for some people, especially those who haven't done it for awhile, it can be VERY overwhelming.

Now, I can honestly talk for hours on this subject, but I don't have that kinda time. So today, I briefly give you a few ideas that can help inspire and motivate you to tackle that dreaded closet. In this episode, I give you a closet overhaul action plan that will help make your closet organizing simple and easy.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode21

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript21

#20: Uncover the Masterpiece You Have Hiding Inside Oct 20, 2016

Show notes

In life, we often put a lot of focus on what we really want... qualities we want to embody, goals and accomplishments we want to achieve. We especially put a lot of focus on material possessions that we wish to acquire. At times we even put focus on particular relationships that we desire and long for. We're always wanting more, which isn't necessarily bad.

However, instead of always seeking to add something to our life, we must discover what we need to let go of first. By doing so, we can uncover WHO we really are, and therefore, figure out what we really want.

Let me introduce you to the "Michelangelo Method." Legend has it that when Michelangelo finished his statue of David, a local patron of the arts approached him, awestruck, and asked how he did it. The artist responded simply, "David was always there in the marble. I just took away everything that was not David."

What many people don't know is that the a giant block of stone that Michelangelo started sculpting was so damaged that his contemporaries considered it "ruined" and "a thing of no value." But that didn't stop the passionate artist from seeing his masterpiece inside.

Let me tell you how we can apply this amazing principle to so many areas of our life…

We can easily apply the Michelangelo Method to organizing our home. What sort of insignificant clutter do you have? What do you need to let go of to create a space that you enjoy? What sort of items do you have hanging around that tend to have negative feelings or associations attached to them?

When it comes to managing your time, what sort of things do you need to say "no" to? What time-suckers and distractions do you indulge yourself in? What sort of unimportant, but seemingly urgent tasks are on your to-do list that should be moved to an "Ignore List"?

Now let's take it even deeper. What needs to be cleared away in your life in order to reveal what you really want and to become the person you desire to be? What is stopping you from living the life you were meant to live? What fears, false beliefs, and negative perceptions do you tend to cling to that prevent you from reaching your full potential? It's time to work towards letting them go. Uncover the masterpiece you have hiding inside.

Begin today to follow Michelangelo's wise example… look within, overcome obstacles and setbacks, chip away at all the unimportant "stuff", and begin sculpting a more authentic and simple life.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode20

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Book by Kenneth Schuman: The Michelangelo Method

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript20

#19: Always Late? Here's What To Do About It! (CarlaRae Confesses) Oct 18, 2016

Show notes

Have you ever wondered why some people never seem to arrive to places on time? Now I know that everyone is late now and then, but I'm talking about people who tend to run late most of the time. Surely you must know someone in your life who is habitually late for almost everything.

Some may run only 5, 10, 15 minutes late on occasion, so it's not always so noticeable. In those cases, they are late enough that it isn't detrimental to their event, but still a little annoying to those around them. But then there are those who run anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour late. Know anyone like that?

Well, no matter how late one might tend to be or how often, being late can become a bad habit. It's never good! Chronically late people can be so frustrating and baffling to anyone stuck waiting for them. Yet, it can be so hard to change that habit.

Unfortunately, for a good percentage of Americans, three little words accompany their entrance into most business meetings, gym class, dinner with friends, or even dates... those three words are "Sorry, I'm late."

Again, I'm sure you know people who say those three words on a daily basis. And you might actually be able to admit that you are, in fact, one of those people. Are you a habitually late person?

Well, I'm not sure if you noticed, but in the title of this episode it says "CarlaRae Confesses"... that's because every once in awhile on Life Made Simple, we are going to feature a special "CarlaRae Confesses" episode where Yours Truly confesses and talks about an area of my own life that I need extra help in... areas of my life that I need to simplify. Because, I'm definitely not perfect!

So today, I have a confession for you. My confession is that I struggle with being on time. Yup, I hate to admit it, but I tend to run late sometimes. Kinda ironic, isn't it, considering I'm technically a Time Management Specialist. I guess it's just a classic case of "the cobbler's children go barefoot and have no shoes."

Now, I can say that I've gotten MUCH better over the years, because I used to be really bad. I was rarely ever more than 20 minutes late, but I was chronically 5-15 minutes late most of the time. Like I said, I've gotten much better, but I still find that I struggle with it.

In today's episode I reveal WHY most people are habitually late... because there is a lot of psychology behind it. And then we talk about a handful of practical solutions, tips, and techniques that I've applied to my own life that can definitely help you to be on time more often.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Free Download: "How To Be More Punctual"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word ONTIME

More on how to strengthen your willpower muscle: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode3

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode19

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript19

#18: How to Stop Unwanted Junk Mail For Good! Oct 13, 2016

Show notes

In this day in age, you'd think that the technology and our world of digital everything would at some point replace paper coming into our homes. But nope, it's just not the case! No matter how much we try to do online, paper just seems to keep piling up.

I could talk hours about how to take care of paper piles and how to organize good filing systems, but I only had 3 minutes for this "3 minute Thursday" episode, so I kept it super brief and short.

In this episode, I give you one quick tip on how to prevent paper from even coming into your home in the first place... specifically how to prevent it from coming into your mailbox.

The holiday season is just around the corner, and soon, you are going to be inundated with unwanted catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, donation requests, and other junk mail.

You see, most companies send you all that stuff because you because you most likely did business with them at some point in time. But many other companies send you mail because they bought your information from a data broker — who sells your information to any company looking to market to you.

Are you tired of all that unwanted junk mail? Want to declutter your mailbox? In this episode, I tell you about two great websites that can help.

Links Mentioned in this Show:

Catalog Choice Website: CatalogChoice.org

DMAchoice Website: DMAchoice.org

Free Guide: "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"

Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY

Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode18

Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com

Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Full Transcript of this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/transcript18