I’m a fan of The Lazy Genius podcast, whose tagline is “helping you with the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t. Today’s episode is titled “10 Small Changes I’m Glad I Made.” After she listed hers, I created a list of my own. I’m not sure I’ll hit ten things, but let’s see how it goes.

1. Trash bags – I put an empty trash bag or two underneath the current one I’m using. When I’m ready to throw the current bag in the outside bin, another bag is underneath to open and put in place. It’s super convenient.
2. Folding laundry – I used to fold laundry in front of the TV in the den. Here is the problem with this: I don’t watch a lot of TV. So, the piles sit there until I get around to it. Now, I’m taking the laundry out of the dryer and dumping the clothes on the dining room table. I don’t like a big mess for everyone to see, nor do I want people to see my underwear. So, this small change motivates me to fold all the clothes and put them away as fast as possible.
3. Practical Medicine – I’m supposed to take one medication in the morning. I used to forget because the container lived in my cabinet with the rest of our prescriptions. By the time I remembered to take it, the morning would be over, and sometimes I skipped a dose. Now, I put that medicine downstairs where I make breakfast, so I see it and remember to take it.
4. What’s for dinner? – Before I go to the supermarket, I decide what I’m making for dinner that week and make sure I have everything I need. This decreases the number of times I have to go back to the store during the week. I also set aside Wednesdays or Thursdays for leftovers so they get eaten and don’t go bad.
5. Restocking – On weekends, I restock the bathrooms with tissue boxes and toilet paper rolls. While there, I throw hand towels in the laundry basket and bring the trash downstairs to put away. I’ll take another minute to see if anything needs to be put away. The whole process takes no more than five minutes per bathroom and means less aggravation when someone runs out of toilet paper.
6.  First-Aid – I cleared off a shelf in our hallway linen closet and corralled all our Band-Aids, cortisone creams, Neosporin, aloe lotion, thermometers, and ace bandages. And although they aren’t necessarily considered first aid, I collected all of our COVID test kits and added them to the shelf. This way, we don’t have to search the entire house for one when we aren’t feeling well.
7. Monday Trash Day – According to our township, the garbage trucks come down our street on Tuesday morning to remove our trash. But in my house, Monday is trash day. I go through every room with a few large bags and throw away what is obviously trash. Along the way, I’ll find empty plastic bottles and other recyclables to add to the bin. Once finished, I put everything outside and roll the trash cans to the curb. No more running out of the house in my pajamas to throw out one more thing.
8. Items for the Car – If I’m going out, I look around the house to see if I need to drop off or pick anything up. This past week, I had two library books, some dry cleaning, and something to return to the store.
9. Set an alarm on my iPhone – Time flies during the day, and before I know it, I need to be somewhere. Setting an alarm on my phone 30 minutes before a meeting is super helpful because my phone is always with me. Thirty minutes leaves me enough time to get myself together and get out of the house (or set up Zoom on my laptop) on time.
10. 99-cent cards – I have a drawer in my bedroom full of 99-cent cards for birthdays, thank yous, and other occasions. There is always a special day for someone around the corner. And these cards are pretty nice. Some are thoughtful. Others are funny. I usually find exactly what I need when I open that drawer. 

Okay, it’s your turn. What small changes have you made that have made a difference?! Or, what change do you want to make in the near future? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

XO,

Elisa

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Call me crazy, but I think everyone should have a stash of quotes to start their day. Brief words of wisdom from those who came before us or are living in our time can change your attitude, make you smile, and start your day off on the right foot. You can find quotes just about anywhere—calendars, coffee mugs, books, t-shirts, and so on.

I have a box of quotes called “Crush Your Goals.” Inside the box are 40 affirmation cards. I like to go through them and choose one to put by my desk while I am job hunting, writing, or just catching my breath. Sometimes, I switch them out every day. Often, I leave a quote there for the week. However I’m feeling or whatever situation I find myself in, I can find a card in that box encouraging me to just keep going. Here are some examples.

I read this one when I have writer’s block.

“It’s amazing what we can do if we simply refuse to give up.” – Octavia Butler

I read this one yesterday after receiving a rejection letter from a job I was interested in.

“Please think of the things in your life that you are proud of, that fulfill you, that make you happy and write them down somewhere, and look at that list every time you feel that you are failing” – Jameela Jamil

And when the thought of starting something new overwhelms me…

“I know how it looks. But just start. Nothing is insurmountable.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda

What quotes inspire you? Let me know in the comments.

XO,
Elisa

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