Self-Help – Worth Proclaiming

Some Handy & Purposeful Tips

1. Think Always the End-First….When making a choice or decision, give thought to what the “End” results, events, occurrences and what the needs could be or will be. Also, write down these thoughts and what may be needed to resolve issue or dilemmas to are accomplish them. Think of what can happen, whether an experience (good or bad), fun, joy, even the responsibilities or needs it may create (one must be willing to make efforts to uphold their responsibilities it may take) not only for themselves, but for others as well.

2. Always Check The Weather….Either before your day starts or the night before (or for the week) check weather channel or use local weather apps. to help plan your days, traffic driving routes or in planning before a trip (check the weather of that destination), so to know what to expect. It is important to know what the weather will be like, to better plan days for your activities and clothing (cold or hot). Keep a jacket, sweater, extra pair of shoes and a small pop up umbrella (or any type you like) in your car and another umbrella at your home.

3. Prepare Your Days Ahead of Time….Whatever you can get done the night before, can always help with time management for the next day or week. Figure out clothing and/or food or needs for the next day, for yourself, your child, your pet, etc. Whether it’s the laundry, meals planned-out for 4-5 days, planning out what’s needed to get done through the week (month if any events, holidays or birthdays) or projects wanting to finish or get done. Have an area or place you can put your projects to get done aside and that is easy to recall and get to, to get done. **Get and Use calendars and each start of each new month take a moment to write plans, events, birthdays, shopping and how much you spent, laundry, date of paying due bills on-time and such (whatever you need to recall, reminded of or remember). Put them up in areas you frequently can check (like on your bathroom wall or kitchen). So, you can check it often and write on it conveniently.

4. When Making Appointments….Whether making a doctor, dentist, salon reservations or other appointments, coordinate setting up your appt. and in case you have to cancel or change the date, don’t let it be at the last minute. Always try to get in contact or call at the least a 24 hours before or as soon as possible. Being considerate of the schedule and time of the professional and those on a waiting list, someone like yourself may be in need for that time-space. Always keep appt. Reminders on your calendar to help you remember appointments, errands and chores, that need to get done or any event, birthdays or activities (dates and times).

5. Go Through Refrigerator Each Day….Clean out your refrigerator (check expiration dates), get rid of old or spoiling food. Wipe clean the insides daily or weekly, so it doesn’t become a hugh job later. Arrange food closer to the front on the shelves to be eaten first, so you can use them up and to help you recall what you have, so to remember what you have or need at the store to buy what you need to make meals. These are ways foods get eaten and doesn’t spoil, just sitting in there and be wasted. Try and keep food organized, where you can see them all, don’t buy so much food at one time (things go bad and have expiration dates). Buy what you will eat within 3-5 days (even with sealed saved left-over’s), that way you’ll be buying and eating fresh. Remember to check dates on foodstuffs you buy from stores and also, periodically check expiration dates on your stored spices, packaged and can goods etc.

6. Write Contents & Dates on Foods…. Use painters tape (it sticks, but comes off easy, area must be completely dry to stick) write on the ‘painters-tape’ to put upon container of food or other items of what the contents are, date made or write “eat by” a specify date. It can be used on various surfaces without ruining them when removing, it is good to be able to write on with a pen or marker, to leave a message to others as well. This way you can remember something about an item on the refrigerator or to help relay something and communicate with other’s you may live with.

7. Reuse Plastic baggies, all sizes….Rinse by swishing-out with warm water, a tiny bit of soap (if need be use a clean bottle brush), clean-out and wipe dry with clean towel or paper towel. Place over a bottle or something to dry and reuse plastic baggies. Do not try and rewash ones that had onion, garlic, strong odors or oily substances in them (or raw meat of any kind, throw those out after using ). If the plastic baggies had been only used for bread, fruit, cookies such like that or anything that, it can be rinsed-clean, dried and used a couple times before throwing out. I will even reuse paper plates or plastic plates & bowls if just bread or such that can be easily cleanened off and used again.

8. Water Pitcher to Collect Unused Water….Find a water pitcher or container that you can leave-out on the counter as you collect glasses of un-finished water (or plastic bottles of un-finished purified water), dump the water into pitcher as you find them or round them up, before dumping out or throwing away and soon you will be able to re-use that water to water plants, to cleaning or (preferably purified water) for pets. Keep a habit of turning-off running water at sinks, hoses and etc. when washing hands and such. Just amazing how much water we waste.

9. Must Have a Clean Mop & Water….You’d be surprised how dirty the mop is that you are using, to clean your floor with. Floors get clean and stay clean, when the mop being used, is clean before using it and when the pail of water is kept clean, as you clean. Floors should be swept thoroughly first, don’t use large amounts of cleaner and use clean hot water to wash and clean cool water to rinse when done. “YOU can’t get a floor or area clean, if you start with with dirty buckets of water or a dirty mop”, you MUST dump the water out (preferably in the toilet or outside) as you clean (possibly several times, even for one area), fill up bucket again with clean water (after dumping dirty water). Use the clean water in the bucket to rinse mop out (dump that water out), then repeat the process of filling bucket up with a little cleanser, then mop and dump. The floors will stay cleaner longer because you won’t be just moving dirt around and letting it dry. If ever using bleach to clean, hot water to clean (opens up surface pores) and then do a cold rinse, to close and seal surface, this keeps the surface from being so porous and gathering dirt faster. Hot water and white vinegar can clean tile floors nicely, but use only cleaning solutions recommended for specific type of flooring.

10. Waiting for Foods to Cook .. I always like to start with a cleaned-up area before I begin to prepare or cook foods. Never start to prepare a meal when you are tired (especially at night close to or before bedtime). Always cook when you will have time to appropriately be able to watch your food and never walk-away from cooking food (in oven or on stove). Always be careful of fire and burning hazards, such as things near your stove or burner areas as well as clothing and hair while cooking, (watch out for your sleeves & always tie hair back or put it up). Think ahead of what you are going to put the food in when it’s done or what to put the rest in, that’s going into the refride or freezer for left overs to eat the next day or after freezing for another time. I use wax paper or parchment paper to line my plastic containers, so that the food smells or residue doesn’t get into the plastic and its a very easy clean up later with just a minimal amount of dish soap and rinse. You can use the time (as food cooks) to clean-up the kitchen and around where you are cooking. Then, you’ll be ready to eat and have minimal time cleaning up and putting things away. If you are waiting for food in the oven or to be delivered, also use this time to clean, organize around the oven area and be ready to eat and clean-up after. Use parchment paper when cooking or baking in the oven, makes it easy for food removal and minimal clean-up. Put some parchment paper down on pan, bake or cook food in oven and when done, remove your cooked food and just roll up the used parchment paper near the trash and throw it out.

11. Easier Clean-Ups..When cooking n a pan or pot, after I’m done cooking, after I remove the food i was cooking, I use a mixture of food grade white vinagar and water mixture (I keep mine in a spray bottle) and spray it in the pan, pot or what have you, then wipe out all the residue and even grilled on stuff (use enough and let it sit on it a minuet), whether it is grease or what have you, then just wipe it out with paper towels and throw them in the garbage. If dealing with hot grease or oil after cooking, let cool a bit, pour in a can (coffee can or such, that won’t melt) if you don’t have anything to pour the excess oil or grease in, let grease cool and use plastic bag (like the ones you get from grocery store and place the plastic bag in garbage and carefully pour cooled grease into it, then use the food grade white vinagar and water mixture as mentiined above. Even if the grease or oil is completely cool and has a more solidified consistency, then use the same method (as above) to remove and wipe out (with paper towels) doing this there will be no big greasy mess to clean on item, in the sink or to transfer to dishes, scrib pads or water. Pour smelly (like tuna fish juice or such) or greasy substance in a paper or plastic cup or can, then put in garbage. These all also cuts down on attracting bugs from all that food, greasy, oil and smelly waste build-up in sink drains.

12. Laundry, Dish Soap (Using Way too much)….I have found that most of us use the wrong amount or use too much laundry detergent, dish soap, liquid hand or body soap and even shampoo. Laundry detergent is used as directed and for smaller load use (divide out clothing and items by material & color and make smaller loads instead of 1 extra large load, as they will clean better and then while one load is washing, another can be drying. Whatever is left in the detergent plastic container (when empty) fill container with some hot water, shake and pour in sink, in toilet to scrub with to clean or to clean hand washing of clothing etc.. Liquid-dish soap, hand soap and shampoo can be a bit trickier, as we squirt or pour those into our hands, try using less at a time because it still will work.

13. Line Small Garbage Pails (Bathroom or any) and cleaning floor-mats…. Using plastic grocery bags or from stores (it would be great if all plastic bags were bio-degradable), but nevertheless it will help keep your garbage pails cleaner, easier to just grab the bag and throw out in trash and you can wash or disinfect the pail out easier as well. Also, another tip is to use a sneaker or thick sturdy rubber-bottom-type-shoe to easily remove fuzz , pet hair and such, off outside/inside mats or rugs. This type of shoe-bottom seems to work (it can also work on rugs in house, on stairs to get excess hair and debris, then vacuum), for cleaning rug or mats; place hand in shoe and brush shoe bottom along one direction and it will pull off the hair and such, then remove all the debris, shake off outside/inside mats or rugs and then hose to wash-clean.

14. Make Efforts to Save Some Money…. Even if you can only put aside a small amount from your paycheck or earnings. Each week put it into a safe, a savings account, safety deposit box, (somewhere not easily taken or stolen) and wherever it will be safe and you won’t be inclined to easily take it out (only for an emergency, but then build up again). Let it be saved and build to larger amounts, even if it is difficult to do, it will add up. Don’t buy a lot of inexpensive little things, if you have your goal set on a bigger more useful item. Find ways to be able to save, go without something or learn more to earn more.

15. Finish Your Sentence with Children….Don’t constantly get upset at children, lose patients and contantly feel you have to scold them. Don’t get frustrated or just yell at them for not doing the right things. Tell them and show them (in a calm manner), what it is that they need to be doing and what they should be doing (age appropriate). Keep them busy and feeling like they are accomplishing something, by showing them how to play with toys and using their imagination, giving them something to do (age appropriate). Yet, don’t substitute keeping them busy or watching shows all the time, instead of giving them some of your time and attention. Get outdoors with your children (students, nieces, nephews etc.), look for items in nature (as in a tree, a flower, an insect, a rock), whatever there may or could be around and ask them to find it or point it out.

16. Clean Out Pets Bowls….As days goes by, it is easy to forget to clean-out your pets eating and drinking bowls. Their bowls build-up bacteria in them and get slimy films upon them. Remember to clean-out with hot water, soap and rinse and fully wipe out with paper towel and clean once at least 2 times a month (or more depending upon pet and bowls), it can get gross, unhealthy and cause various harmful and health issues for your pet. “A quick tip is that you can clean all out your pets bowl (in between fully washing), with a paper towel and then, use a spray bottle filled with 1/2 water and white vinegar . Spray this into the bowls and wipe clean in between feedings or cleanings, keeps them from building up slime”.

17. Cut Dog Treat Bones….My dogs get allergic reactions to most dog treats or dog bones on the market, no chicken or wheat ones are difficult to find. Rawhide can be damaging to their insides and the good-ones are very expensive. So I use a strong small garden clippers or larger ones (depending on the size and thickness of bone treats) I cut them up into 1/2 the size (not too small) just smaller portions, so they last longer and have more to give to them, for more days.

18. Think & Remember About Animals and Pets….Our pets (whatever they are dogs, cats, all animals), look at us for direction and for help. They may not be able to speak in the same manner we do, but they have much emotions, expression, much and feelings. In fact, they have similar emotions as; they get scared, often worry, have anxiety, they want to help, they get angry, they are sad, they can get depressed, they get lonely and they like having fun, can get thirsty, hungry, cold and hot and etc.. and we can see this, in observing them. They need to be shown and taught things too. Many a times they are punished or yelled at, when they are just trying to relay what their needs are, they may have to go to the bathroom or are thirsty or hungry etc. Keeping them on some type of schedule in feeding them and being able to go out and go to the bathroom and eliminate, so they can depend upon it. That way they’ll know they will get food and get to go out to the bathroom.. They may claw at you, bark or mis-behave or do something, anything to get you attention, so that you can help them. Give them time to go to bathroom when out, you can get to know when out on walks the signs they have to poo by noting what their behind (anus) looks like, take notice before thry go, it may have a certain color or puffiness, (i know that may sound gtoss, but sadly if theyhad to go and was taken in too soon, it’s not their fault if they have an accident!

“Every Action, may cause a Reaction; may it be positive and purposeful”.

C .STAR. V

More Tips Downsizing, Moving or Selling Home.

I have moved and changed residences many-a-times and for most of us, the progress is not something we look forward to. It seems as though each and every time we go through a move, no matter how much we plan and how much time, money or help we have nor how much or little of stuff we have, it’s never an easy process..

Moving or relocating itself can be soo overwhelming, a process because moving and downsizing, is a process within a process.

Here below : I’ve listed additional and more (then my last post) of general tips of the process, even though it’s kindly lengthy, but wanted to cover some-things, before one decides to move as it gets hectic during a move. Whether you are moving local, out of state into another residence or selling your home and moving, (if been at a residence for more than a couple years or already have a lot of stuff) the sooner you start your researching, use a plan of uncluttering and a downsizing process, the easier it will be to go through, the whole process.

1. First the uncluttering, this can consist of going through each closet, each drawer and each and every space in each room. Evaluating what all you have and what you can rid of, which includes all of what’s in all junk drawers, kitchen drawers, your clothes, your shoes and all your stuff, that means even going through your bathroom toiletries, any papers saved, important paperwork or documents saved, contents of file cabinets and everything all around your home. Cleaning out things that are garbage, or (old and outdated such as: food, spices, medical supplies, medicines, beauty products etc.) also things that are broken (either fix or repair them or if beyond repairing that you’ll ever find the time to do) and things you don’t really need or won’t be really needing (think in terms of what needs for your end goal and what path you are going onto). Separate things into groups, such as, garbage to throw away, items to be donated or given to others or things you could possibly sell.

2. As you start the process, re-organize all things according to what they are, where they need to be, put them or store them (for convenient usage or easy accessibility or if not being used that often, then store away). Example: kitchen (what goes into kitchen area) and what will go in each room, bedrooms, bathrooms, office, closet, drawers and if you have a garage as well. Also, any important documents saved or wanting to save (put in file cabinet or file boxes and on each file folder label the contents or what it is pertaining to.

3. Once de-cluttering is done, (you still may have to decide what you will need to get rid of or keep, if it’s going to your new residence, (always a good idea to take photos or measurements, when viewing or deciding on a new residence even in order to put furniture through doorways to see what would fit), then you’ll know what you’ll be bringing to your new residence. * While de-cluttering, you may also need to get a storage and figure out how large of a storage you will need for the things you want to keep in storage, until you move or for things that you may want to keep, but will not be taking to your new residence (maybe not right away) or you may need to clear out your storage if moving out of state and figure out what you will do with all of those items. You may also need to return anything you borrowed from a neighbor.

4. Get a calendar (especially ones that have large enough square boxes on it, so that you can write things on it. This way you can write down on the calendar the things you have to do and people, contacts or companies you need to tell you are moving. Also, block time off that you will be moving and this helps give you a time frame, keeps you organized and aware of all the things you have to do, get done and when..

5. When planning and before deciding on where to move, always investigate the area in which you’re moving to, the neighborhood itself, the nearby surroundings, including what and who is next-door to you. Going to the closest food store and shopping center at dinner time or whom is out walking after hours, can give you an idea of who visits or lives in the area you may want to move too. Think of safety factors for you and your family.

6. Once you make plans to move (you may need to clean or repair some things in your present residence before you move-out, (a more throughout cleaning can be done once all of your belongings are out). If renting, often security deposits are given back only, if things are clean and in order when you leave or if you are selling your home, you may need to get repairs, painting and things fixed that will be under inspection and take care of those. * When moving, or deciding to move there are all kinds of checklists you can make or find, here are some things to consider, months and weeks before you move. (other things to consider, during and after your move as you scroll down)

A. You may need to review your present lease and (within the terms of lease)plan to notify your current landlord and let them know the date you will be moving-out and coordinate it with the date your new residence will be ready to move-in. As well, you will need a plan if you are selling your home, de-cluttering it, staging it and anticipating a closing date. * You will need to plan ahead of what you will need to set aside before packing up, such as tools, necessities for yourself, children and pets. “Some right-away essential items” to keep in a separate area, later packed up and kept with you (more on that as you scroll down).

B. There will be several contacts you will need to coordinate with at least a week or 2 before you move, making sure to have transferred to your new residence and ready, when you get there.

1. You will need to fill out a change of address form at your local post office, but (now-a-days) it can be done online (you put the date to stop present mail and when to start forwarding your mail) done at the USPS website (united states postal service) you will need your debit card or your credit card and a valid email address to verify it is you.

2. Insurance’s for home residence’s may need to be changed.

3. Services to stop, start and be transferred, such as electric, gas, water (utilities), pest control, phone, internet, pool or lawn services, cable and (You may need to return the cable box to get refund or left with a charge for the box).

4. Let your employer know of when you will be at your new address, to update information so any important mail or tax documents go to correct address. Also let your employer know you need to schedule time to take off work to move, if need be.

C. Moving can have different costs:

1. You will need boxes to put all your things into, packaging paper (for breakable items and the proper packaging tape) grocery stores and liquor packaging stores offer free boxes, just ask them if they have any boxes.

2. You may need to hire movers, check for local reputable ones and get an estimate of the costs and ask questions. Get a folder or plastic bag to save all moving receipts in.

3. If moving by yourself, make arrangements for family or friends that can help you and decide what size rental or uhaul truck you may need and figure out the best driving route from your present address to your new address.

4. If you are moving out of state, you may need to research moving and shipping companies to help you. Make sure they have insurance and check your own auto insurance policy that might cover moving truck insurance and shipping assistance.

5. Make sure to also take your own vehicle in to update any services needed before your move (especially if you’re going to be moving out of state), you will want to have a thorough check of your vehicle, tires, oil changed to make sure your vehicle is going to be running well.

D. If moving with children, you’ll need to talk to your children about moving and having to move. You may need to research childcare and schools in your new community and register them for school and finalize any plans for childcare on moving day. If moving with pets, make sure to take your pet to the vet for a check-up before you move, get all medicines and updated vaccinations if they are necessary and ask for copies of their vet records, get new ID tags and update address on your pets microchip (if they have one).

E. Once you start collecting up boxes, get or purchase boxes that are sturdy and make sure not to pack each box too heavy, and tape them up well. Keep package tape, tools, scissors and some plastic baggies handy, for small items, such as screws, door knobs, keys, brackets and such, this will help find them when you need them or to put things back together.

1. Remember to pack up (in clear boxes so you can see in it or an Essential Bag), things you may need for yourself, any children and one for any pets with at least your first several days of being moved into your new place getting and settled. * For instance : pack up in that essentials bag, phone chargers, paper plates, plastic utensils, a set of beddings, towels and daily necessities or toiletries. When you first arrive at your new residence make your beds, so you’re not having to scramble looking for bedding and having to make it and find things, when you’re already exhausted from your hectic day. If traveling out of state you will need an essential bag and additional traveling needs-essential bag with things for the trip or ride.

2. If renting a uhaul or truck to move yourself: Pack-up the inside of the truck with the heaviest and largest items first in the back of the uhaul truck, then items such a night stands, lighter and smaller items as you pack truck up and work towards the front of truck’s back opening and don’t put anything that is fragile in the top upper cab space (if it has one), that could fall out and break. * Pack up heavier items in smaller boxes, such as books and for fragile things you may need just a little bigger box to make sure you have blankets, towels or bubble wrap, and packaging paper around the items, so they don’t get broken. Pack-up (in your vehicle, rental truck or in your storage) heavier boxes on bottom then lighter ones on top, make sure all boxes with fragile things in them are secured.

3. If you have smaller valuable items (jewelry and such) you should pack them to travel and kept personally with you.

F. When packing, try to pack up things that go in the same area or room (kitchen things, office things, etc.), use a marker to boldly write on each box, what room or area the boxes will be going into.

1. Specific color-masking-tape can be used on boxes, for each room or different colored labels can also be used, (in addition to the sturdy package tape used) this can help to differentiate the different areas the boxes will need to go.

2. Set aside a broom, mop, dustpan, duster, sponge, cleaning products, paper towels, and old rags for cleaning up when done packing and to have easy locating when you move-into your new residence to clean before putting all your things away.

3. Make sure to back-up all your files on your computer on the cloud or to an external hard drive and take pictures of your electronics (as where it is hooked-up) before you pack them up, so you’ll know how to hook them back up. Make copies of important documents and put them in a folder to take personally with you.

4. If there’s something specific in a box you want to remember, write what that item is inside the box, on the box. This will also help to locate it easier, later on. You may want to number each box as you finish packing them up (1st box # 1. and so on) and writing the contents as well, this way you’ll know how many boxes you have and could also differentiate specific numbers with what rooms or where they go. If shipping items, you may need to print off some moving box labels.

5. With in the last 2 weeks before you move out, re-evaluate what is in your refrigerator and freezer (eat-up, give away or get rid of what you can) and buy only last essentials that you’ll need so that you can clean everything out before you leave (so not to have a lot of food left and wasted). If moving local and there are refrigerated food you want to take with you, you can use some bagged ice and a cooler if need be.

G. You may want to research your new community that you are moving to and update your memberships to community organizations, subscription services, gyms, and clubs and you may also need to update your new address for any health insurance’s or if you receive social security. You may need to locate a new doctor, dentist or pharmacy and you may need to have medical records and prescriptions forwarded. Remember to make sure to say goodbye to your present doctor, dentist and pharmacist.

1. Important contacts to update once you get settled into your new residence or a few days before you move to your new address (depending on if you, will be needing to be ordering things right away or paying bills online) such as paypal, amazon, pet food company or any accounts that deliver things to you.

2. If you update information on bank accounts (make sure your debit and all credit cards match your address and zip codes as they have to match to be valid if using them to purchase online). You may want to go paperless and use online for bills-to pay. * My last move, we were such in a rush and had a little time left during the crunch time of moving, we hadn’t changed over or updated any of our bank information, debit cards, credit cards, none of our accounts online and we waited to the last minute to change your address online. It was a bit of a fiasco, we were lucky to be able to retrieve any important mail (as we had met the people that moved in to our residence after we left), but as far as our online accounts we had to just use our old address for a while to pay our bills online and until we can finish ordering the stuff that we needed to, from our credit cards and debit card and then just change the address it was going to so that we would get the items delivered to our new address.

H. Once you are all packed up and ready to move out: Everything should be cleaned up, the refrigerator and freezer should be cleared and cleaned out, take the garbage and the recycling out for the last time. Keep your phones charged. Have some cash on hand. Keep calm and organized as possible.

1. Once in your new residence, do a walk-through before putting things in place and setting up, making sure there’s no issues that need to be addressed. It may take a couple days to get acclimated to the new space, your new routine and where things should go. If you have small children or pets keep things childproof (such as sharp tools, cleaning chemicals etc.).

2. Locate the fuse box and water shut-off valves. The fuse box and water valve are two things that you don’t want to end up looking for when you really need them.

3. If needed, clean your new residence before putting things away.

4. Test the smoke detectors and A/C unit.

5. Change locks, if need be and get key copies.

6. Meet your neighbors

7. Research and locate local restaurants, eateries, gas stations etc. and learn roads and driving routes.

8. Settle in and enjoy your new residence!

C .Star. V

Any New Year, Starting Out

It’s a new year, let’s realize about starting out…

One of the single most important aspects of enjoying life, is of course making better choices and using our energies in an efficient way. It’s also in not having to be overly worried about things that will either, stress us out all the time or in keep us all, in such a rush.

So how do we keep from being overly worried, stressed out and in a rush?

Well, along with learning to prioritize, using time management tips and focusing on being purposeful, living within ones means and making the most out of the time given, is a start.

Most successful people will tell you these few words : “Well, when I started out”

Yes they all “Started Out”, they started somewhere, by doing things they were willing to do; even if they may not have liked it or doing it. However, they also didn’t just wake up and were placed in the place that made them great or successful .. Even those whom have inherited great things, have to be willing to do and learn what they need to do and do it well, otherwise they risk losing it all.

“Things don’t go well and stay well if not taken the time and efforts to keep them going well”. It’s in the efforts, in the interest of purposeful, in the information required and learned and in the actions. As in the saying; with great power comes great responsibility .

Those who feel the need for much, will often need to handle much. Those who can be happy with less, will feel less burdened.

The best thing to do, is make efforts in starting out, it can be the “Starting Out” of anything or at any level (keep it positive) and for youths (as everyone should already) start, figuring out the stability and security in your life, in what you are going to do or ‘learn to do’ to make an income and create a supportive purposeful-self . So, you’ll be able to pay for the roof over your head, transportation to get you around and healthy foods to keep you feeling good. Once those are in place, you will have less to worry about and can concentrate on the next things needed and then, other things wanted

I did say less worry, but not less work or less things to worry about. Although keeping ones priorities straight, boundaries set and proper attitudes in place will help.

If you don’t start to figure out your income, manage your finances, your shelter, and your lifestyle for yourself , while you’re young or ‘get these things started’ for yourself, by the time you are middle aged it will be a lingering plight and then you will have created more stress and worry…

“No one has the ability to turn back time, so don’t waste more time trying to.” Just start to learn things and do things for yourself that will give you a purpose and will be useful to you, even for later (this goes for any age). Your future self , will thank you.

… Use Your Time Wisely…

Happy New Year!!!

C . Star V.

Really No Good or Bad

Some of my past posts have been about choices, the wrongs, rights, goods and bad’s and well, morally or lawfully ; yes there is a wrong and a right..

However, basically there is no good or bad, when it involves our choices, but only choices we will deal with. You see, when we choose things and it put us in paths of being around, involved in/with or doing things and if it ends up being a bad thing (even ingesting wrong things), then we just are are dealing with what we have chosen..

If things begin to really go haywire, it’s not that we have to accept our choices and drown in our mistakes..we can right the wrongs.. Unfortunately, this may be easier said than done. However the first step is to realize our wrongdoings or the wrongdoings of others and forgive ourselves and others. Then, coming to an understanding of why we may have made that choice in the first place and it’s OK if we might’ve made a wrong decision or wrong choice and it may be possible to be corrected or have things be turned around.

However, sometimes it’s just not right to continue on with those choices because in some instances, trying to make things right is not always going to be right or work-out the way you want, (unless being forgiven or an apology, is all that is needed). For the times where things just won’t be turned around .. the key here is realizing for starters; is it morally or lawfully right or wrong and what makes it so..and why it will or will not be turned around into something good. Which, this now will turn into another choice-often called ‘a decision’ and these types of choices are usually made from what efforts we are willing to put forth from there.

Yet, it isn’t always right to try to keep in a wrong situation, trying to make it right either, it just depends (on what it actually is) and before making a major decision, we should reach out and talk about it (to those who really care about us or get professional opinion or advice) because sometimes, it’s just learning how to cope or make a better choice and what we should and should not do or we may have to just forgive ourselves and any others involved and move on from it and cope with it the best we can.

C .Star. V

A Life, is a Journey

As we all continue in our life’s journey, we will need to learn better coping skills, have more awareness of ourselves and our surroundings. Realize there’s more to our physical living that completes us, stop to take deep breaths, make your daily life less chaotic and slow it down bit. Within this, begin to take notice of insights and messages, be more careful and caring, eat food for nutrition not just taste, make time to enjoy more and stress less.

In doing so, we can create pleasant memories and more efficiently utilize our energies. Sadly many of us are convinced that Happiness and Goodness can not be easily created by themselves (especially, if they have ill feelings and traumatic past experiences) or they feel these realities are beyond their abilities.

The only difference between those who are able to achieve this and make better choices and decisions, are those whom make the choice to think outside the normal boundaries and understand that the key to achieving happiness , insight and enjoyment, is only believing …You can.

C .Star. V

Out of Under a Grey Cloud

As the Choices we make will be bring us on different paths in our life, some will bring us into the light of positive outcomes and some may end-up leading us into the dark. While in this process (of our thoughts and intuitions of making choices and decisions), we often hear others express to us; that we may use our heart, head or gut when making choices and decisions.

However, most of it will depend upon our intent and purpose for choosing, but in doing so it all goes back to what we are making our choice or decision upon and how we will carry it out, deal with it and how we will allow it to relate to us.

Many-a-times, we then spend our lives trying to make decisions in changing or correcting them and this can have us feeling overwhelmed. Our lives can seem to become all-encompassing and trying constantly, to get out from under a grey cloud. Especially, when we have chaos, confusion, disappointment, defeat, turmoil, unhappiness or stress that sets-in and we often use our energies up; just trying to correct or change things. All this begins to create an imbalance.

In this imbalanced state can lead into being a not so good-thing. Since, living day-to-day is a multifaceted act and trying continuously to get past our troubles (that have already been created), can cause our perceptions of things begin to shift and this often creates even more chaos, fear an imbalance.

All of this is governed by our will (free-will), which creates a force of energy that becomes an unstoppable action, which produces results. Either way, the result is a force that could allow us to attain our goals, our deepest desires or to just choose what we are going to wear or eat on a daily basis or choosing things we may regret.

As humans, we often can be very stubborn, arrogant and persistent upon thinking, we know more than anyone else about what’s best for ourselves and therefore we do everything we can to try to force our-will into existence. Yet, when we are not on the right track and don’t find the sufficient way to balance the energies out, the universe will be right there to balance it all out for us ( one example, is karma).

Most of us will just ignore this fact, which is why most people struggle in/with life so much. “Meanwhile, we can get so busy trying to live a life we think we want, instead of being responsible for the one we already have chosen”. Yet, whatever it is that has or has not worked out for us, we must realize, all of us have been given a task here on earth and we could be creating additional chores that need to be finished, all in order to keep us balanced. If it has not had the outcomes the way we wanted, it may never unless we take steps to change our attitudes in what we are doing and in what we are having to do to change it and finish our tasks.

This way, not to be destined to what we have chosen insufficiently. In order to do this and steer ourselves out of the darkness, we need to only see that all of us, must keep a balance (of Physical and Spiritual) and need to take positive actions in order to move past our past, away from the negative and direct ourselves accordingly. Some of the best forms of this positive action (or energy) comes from, forgiveness, random acts of kindness, better judgment and educating oneself. So to be creating a force more powerful than you can imagine.

C .Star. V

Good vs Bad Choices

How are we really supposed to decipher between good and bad choices? Besides the obvious of knowing right from wrong and of what we have been taught or witnessed out of outcomes and observations. We can also use the 10 commandments as a set of 10 good ‘common sense rules’ and we can use our own senses. Some people call it using our heads, hearts or gut feelings. Others may call it being mindful or being aware. It doesn’t matter what we call it, but using it properly when we need to, is what counts.

At one time or another, we envision how we want things in our life to be or how we imagine them, in our own minds to be. I say imagine because often we have an unrealistic perception of what it is or how things really need to be. Even in the efforts it takes, in order to have what it is that we desire or want in our lives. This can disappoint, frustrate and cause chaos in many of our lives. How many times, do we want something, such as, a relationship, marriage, a pet, raising children, a certain job or lifestyle or even just good health, but our lives don’t seem to turn out how we envisioned or imagined it to be? We hear of many people, children and pets abused, neglected and others stricken with illnesses and diseased.

It seems as though our society rushes to make choices or decisions without really understanding, preparing or realizing the whole picture. Many people make choices because of what others do or what others say to do, or what they feel they should do. Once a choice is made, it is often too late to undo it. However, there really isn’t a bad choice (well, unless it’s one that is against those 10 common sense rules, stated above) and depending on which one, will depend upon the Karma we will deal with in coping with it. However, making good choices vs making bad choices starts with learning to have good intent that runs parallel with it’s purpose.

The good news is, if our choices (doesn’t happen to turn out good), were made with good intent; we will be able to adjust the purpose to end-up parallel with the intent. *Example, we wanted a pet, choose to get one, the intent was to have a furry-friend, to have fun with, and to love and one that will love us back. Yet, the pet isn’t obedient, feels like too much of a responsibility, causes chaos, stress and unpleasantness.

So instead of the happy and pleasant outcome, the purpose is not seeming to run parallel with the intent. However, in taking the steps to learn tips and get advice on putting the pet and yourself upon a schedule, along with being patient with and understanding the pets feelings these efforts help . As well as, realizing what the pets needs are and making the efforts to make things right. From this, it will end-up with a successful purpose, which will now be parallel with the intent; which was to have a furry-friend, to have fun with and to love and one that will love us back.

In choosing and making good decisions, (in any situation) we must first research, evaluate and prepare ourselves for the true whole picture and responsibilities, not just the one imagined in our minds or to fill our time or the needs only felt in our hearts.

C . Star V.

UnClutter Yourself

It seems as though if we have a lot of choices, it can get more difficult to choose the correct ones. Yet, if we don’t have many choices, it seems as though we can end up making bad ones.

This all plays out, each day in our lives and we have to first grasp the concept that there really is no good or bad choice.. Well the results might end up good or bad in our opinion and of our thinking of what is good(right) or bad(wrong) to us; of course there is obviously the reality of right and wrong.

However, even though we all should have a good idea of what is actually ‘right and wrong’ (morally and legally), it may differ from each other since, we may not have been taught or learned in the same way . As there are different views and different opinions on what is good or bad . This can cause confusion as we use those aspects of good and bad before we make choice.

Subsequently, if we already live in a life with much chaos, clutter and distraction, we can be blindsided and easily steered into making choices that are not so good and that we may even regret.

All of us seem to live in a world of ‘have-to’s’ and ‘need-to’s’, meanwhile constantly trying to find a way of the ‘getting to’s’ with the ‘want-to’s’.

A good way to start setting up an atmosphere of creating a series of better choices and success is to start with uncluttering and re-organizing (some people call it regrouping) because doing this clears the mind, soul and space! The art of uncluttering, is not just limited to only material things we have around us, but also of the uncluttering of our minds. We all have different methods and ideas in doing so and again, there isn’t any good or bad way of doing it, but possibly a more efficient and successful way.

The 1st step could be to begin to get rid of excessive material things around ourselves and in our living space (at the least to go through, clean up, reorganize and put away or store), especially things that are just literally taking up space and not necessarily something that you will be readily using or needing for awhile. This will get you going in the right direction, then create (a go-to or place) for things ‘as a home to put items in where it goes’ and this also begins to help.

From there, we can begin to see some clarity, what’s really important to us, focusing on what we next need to in creating more actions that will begin to steer us in the right directions. All this will begin to help us achieve the things we want to, instead of spending time purchasing more things, collecting stuff we don’t need and spending time trying to keep things cleaned-up and less chaotic.

This will make it easy to figure out, more of what it is we really need.

One of the biggest dilemma’s I find in many people, is that they are constantly worried about not having something or not having enough of something. This is not only a common issue, but it is a very sensitive and personal one and it brings us into such a monumental cause in worrying, stressing- over and even hoarding. Yet, so much time and energy is spent purchasing, worrying, stressing-over and hoarding ; sadly most of ‘these things’ we won’t even ever use, many of the things will expire or go bad (by the time we use them) and other these things we will really, never need.

I suppose it all stems from the fear of not having or not being able to get them, but it would only seem logical to use the energy and time in doing something more positive, that will ensure you won’t have to fear about that anymore.. Such as surrounding yourself with positive, caring and loving people, making friends and groups to socialize with (maybe even to barter things with) and spend more time learning skills, having fun and enjoying your life, instead of worrying about things you may not have.

This may even include relocating yourself and moving to an area that’s accessible for things that you feel you’re going to need.

Most importantly, nothing is guaranteed even if you were saving something or hoarding some things that you think you’re going to need or that you feel is going to save or help you in one way or another, it may not end up that way. Since by the time you need it, there might have to be another solution, in fact …one that you should’ve already been working on.

C .Star. V

Our Choices Have Value

“Our choices make up our world”

How do we learn right from wrong? How are we all suppose to know exactly what to do, when to do it, where to do it at and with whom? Our lives seem to bring us confusion, disappointment, hurt, pain, struggles and stress, as we figure it all out. Meanwhile, we wonder what we are here for in this world as we are trying to just survive.

There really is no one answer that fits it all, but we all need to understand just how important and monumental our choices in life can be and more importantly, is how we allow them to affect us.

Our lives start as infants, then toddlers, then pre-teens, teens, young adults, then older adults, as seniors and then as an elder. Our world has been filled with more and more people, this means more and more opinions, views and choices. Often we, misinterpret one another because of the lack of, ‘wanting to understand’ or care about one another’s feelings, struggles or needs. Along with, living in a society that doesn’t realizes the need to teach our children coping and ‘every-day’ living skills. We then are left dealing with a society of adults, whom already don’t know how to cope well with every-day life, either.

We may be steered into a way of life that may not be realistic, nor have allowed us to have learned how to cope with the basics in life. Then, we may end-up being mistreated or misunderstood and with each passing day we may not be as grateful and happy as we could be.

We all continue to use our free-will to choose and do what we feel that we want to or can do. Yet, there’s so much more then just the physical aspect of our lives and what we can only see, that controls our outcomes and our choices.

It is the energies put forth in our choices and decisions we make, that create our life and this, creates our world. So, until we learn how to become more aware of our spiritual factors, we as humans will make our share of blunders, uh-oh’s and mistakes.

Yet, by finding solutions to educate ourselves so not to be misunderstood and in taking the responsibility of wrong choices, we can be creating good outcomes, regardless. Meanwhile, asking for forgiveness, forgiving ourselves and others and then moving on from whatever it is bothering us. This will give value to our lives.

Now that might sound a bit strange “To value our mistakes”, but after all those were our choices. In doing so, it will bring forth growth, strength and the ability to make better choices in our lives.

C .Star. V