2026 Word of the Year: Unhurried

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word of the year 2026 unhurried

 

For many years now, I have chosen a word of the year as a guide for my intentions and purpose. A word of the year keeps me grounded and committed to a big thought for the year. It’s a tool that many people are adopting instead of new year resolutions. I love sharing this word annually here.

 

My Word of the Year: Unhurried

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” 

Anne Lamont

 

The pace of life is one that requires you to do your best on a moment’s notice. This year, I want to take time to notice the small and big things, do my best work, and have time for the most precious people all around me. My word of the year is unhurried.  

These synonyms capture the essence of my word of the year.

  • Leisurely: Done without haste.
  • Deliberate: Slow and careful.
  • Measured: Thoughtful and steady.
  • Easygoing: Relaxed in manner or pace.
  • Methodical: Orderly and systematic. 

When you are working at what you consider full capacity and velocity, there are times you are moving too quickly. You might have missed a moment of conversation at the store that could have meant so much to you or the person in your conversation because of the need to get on to the next thing. You might not savored a beautiful sunrise or sunset to get started on the next task. This year, I want to be able to spend time deliberately and leisurely on priorities.

How to choose a Word of the Year

Picking a word of the year can bring clarity and focus to who we want to become and what we want to accomplish in life. A carefully chosen word is a type of guidepost to help us stay motivated as we move toward our goals throughout the year. Take time to reflect on what you want more of or less of in your life this year. It can be about professional or personal growth, global or specific.  I typically begin thinking in December of my word and wrap up in early January. Give yourself time to choose your word.

  • Pay attention to what you are paying attention to, says Adam Grant and John Green. What have you been saying to yourself that you need to do more or less of? Where have you been spending time, or need to spend time?
  • According to Inc writer Minda Zetlin, ask yourself these questions: What do I need? What’s in my way? What has to go? What needs to be done in me and through me
  • Try on several words of the year for a month. See how these fit with what you are prioritizing. Narrow your list of possibilities that have meaning to you. I usually narrow down to 2 or 3 words, then to my one word.

Once chosen, place your word where you can see it regularly to reflect on it and use it. That might be in your planner, on your bathroom mirror, or your computer desktop. Use it in your weekly planning as you review your tasks and the week ahead.

 

Check out all my Word of the Year posts here!

Surprise! Organizing on a Snow or Ice Day

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snow day organizing

Snow days aren’t just for kids. Many love the idea of having an unexpected day with no plans and with everything cancelled. You have the joy of an unexpected gift of time. A surprise day off can be the perfect opportunity to rest and reset your home. As a Certified Professional Organizer, bite-sized, baby steps are the best way to organize. One focused day can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how to make the most of a snow or ice day intentionally.

Start with rest

The velocity of life is draining. You likely need time to rest. First off, permit yourself to do nothing. The most productive people make time for rest and reset. That is always a great first choice for surprise time off. Snow days can be a time of low energy, cozy vibes, and sometimes cabin fever. Use your energy wisely, and you will be happy with your plans.

 

Prioritize your options

While you cannot do it all, you can focus on what is most important and meaningful to you. Start by making a list of all the possibilities for organizing. You can find the pain points as a direction for your work. Review your list and add time allocations for each project. Now you are ready to determine what is the best use of your time and energy for that day. Options for the day are to choose one primary project and one small bonus task or three small organizing projects. Remember to put your perfectionism aside in order to accomplish more.

 

Set the stage

Before diving in, set yourself up for success. Put on comfy clothes and play your favorite music or podcast. Gather your supplies like bags or bags, post-it notes, paper, and markers. Be ready to work and dive in.

Project possibilities

  • Entryway or Landing Strip: Declutter shoes, outerwear, and bags. Toss trash and distribute items to their original homes. Assign homes for new items.
  • Paper piles, home office or command center: Sort mail and paper into recycle, shred, action, or file. Refresh your command center. Add tasks to your task list.
  • Digital or photo editing:  Edit documents on your computer or organize documents into files. Or edit photos on your phone and create albums to organize them.
  • Pantry or fridge reset: Toss expired items, group items together, and create zones for breakfast, baking, snacks, or lunch.

 

ADHD-Friendly Tips (Especially on Snow Days)

When you have an unstructured day, it is easy to get distracted. Use these tips to help you accomplish more.

  • Use a timer (25–45 minutes on, short break)

  • FaceTime or phone a friend or ask a family member to be a clutter buddy or body double.

  • Make note of where you stop to restart again. Write in your calendar the next date you can work on that area.

 

Celebrate the day

Wrap up your organizing work before dinner time. Review your successes and share with your family or friends. Get your boxes and bins to the car or curb.  Organizing on a snow or ice day is an intentional time to create peace of mind and calm in your life.

So the next time the forecast brings snow or ice, think of it as a pause button—and a chance to create a little more ease at home. ❄️

Smarter Routines: How to Simplify Your Day and Get More Done

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get organized month smarter routines

January is National Get Organized Month. For that reason, throughout the month, posts are about smarter ways to organize. 

The best organizing includes ways to routinely make life happen around you. Truly, routines aren’t about rigidity. Routines create a structure that supports your life instead of complicating it. As a Certified Professional Organizer, I’ve seen firsthand how smarter routines can transform busy households, improve productivity, and reduce stress. The key is to focus on systems that are simple, repeatable, and adaptable. Creating smart routines supports you best.

Start with the high-impact routines

Not all tasks carry the same weight. Identify the tasks that have the biggest impact on your day. These become your anchors throughout the day at home and at work.

For example:

  • Preparing breakfast and packing lunches the night before

  • Reviewing your daily schedule or priorities

  • Setting aside time for exercise or self-care

When you build routines around these high-impact tasks, the rest of your day falls into place more easily. You can start with just one of these and build on as you see your success.

Build micro-routines for consistency

Smarter routines don’t need to be complicated. Small, repeatable habits are considered micro-routines. A five-minute morning tidy-up, a nightly “landing strip” check for keys and devices, or a weekly planning session can create big results with minimal effort. These small tasks make it easier throughout the day.

Use time blocks

Instead of jumping between tasks, group similar activities together. Time blocking reduces decision fatigue and helps you focus. Batching makes it easier for you to focus. For example:

  • Morning block: emails and work priorities
  • Afternoon block: errands or household chores
  • Evening block: family time and prep for the next day
  • Batch mail processing once a week
  • Batch meal planning and prep on Sundays

This method makes your routine more predictable and sustainable. It creates calm and order by using the same time of day for the same tasks.

Automate and delegate when possible

Smarter routines lean on tools and people to lighten the load. You do not have to do it all. Automate bill payments, reminders, and recurring tasks. Delegate chores to family members according to their strengths. The goal is completion and sustainability.

Build flexibility into your routine

Life is unpredictable. The smartest routines allow for wiggle room and have white space on your calendar. Rarely does a plan go perfectly. If an unexpected appointment arises, your system can bend without breaking. Think of routines as guidelines with extra oomph. Allow for tweaking your routines at an interval that works for you.

The Get Organized Month Takeaway

Smarter routines aren’t about squeezing every minute or being “perfect.” They’re about building intentional, repeatable systems that simplify your day and reduce stress. Start small, focus on high-impact areas, and refine as you go. Over time, these routines create a foundation for a more organized, calm, and productive life.

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday (With Holiday Self Care)

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have a holly jolly holiday with self care

 

The holiday season is filled to the brim with activities and time together.  There’s lots of excitement, not to mention lots of organizing and things to do. Your planning often is about taking care of others and insuring everyone’s happiness. This year we need to practice packing some extra self care with our holiday bags. Check out these ideas to add self care to your holiday planning.

 

Schedule time for self care

It is easy to think, with so much extra to do, when do I have time for self care? Self care is more important during busy times because it is the fuel that keeps you going.  Create self care routines at the same time daily. These priorities can be at the beginning of the day to give you a strong start to each day or at the end of the day to ensure your rest.

 

Keep your gratitude practice going strong

Appreciating the blessings in your life remind us of all that is good and positive.  Whether it is writing a text to a friend, writing in your journal or a note to yourself, keep your practice intact during the holiday season.

 

Acknowledge emotions

During the holidays we experience a range of emotions.  Whether happy, sad, overwhelmed or frenzied, it is good to  name emotions. We can acknowledge what we are experiencing and process this. Give yourself time to pause. Check in with your feelings, acknowledge and sort through the reasons behind these. Manage your expectations and keep these in line with what you can physically and emotionally manage.

 

Keep a list of self care options

When we start down a negative path, we want to have options to make a change. Make your own list of relaxation activities. This can include taking a walk to see holiday lights, sitting down with a hot cup of cocoa, putting on fuzzy slippers for the rest of the day, or any number of soothing activities.

 

Well being first

We all know that our physical wellbeing is critical.  Be sure you keep your health routines like sleep and diet as much as you can. While there are times for a late night and special treats, keeping to your regular bedtime and meals with protein give you the energy and emotional stability you need.

 

It will be a holly jolly holiday in all ways when you take time for your self care.

 

 

 

25 Simple Self-Care Choices to Nurture Your Whole Self and Space

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25 self-care tips

As a Certified Professional Organizer, I often talk about decluttering our homes, productivity strategies, creating systems, and finding peace in order. But there’s another layer to being truly organized—and that’s self-care. When we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for others, manage our responsibilities, and feel calm in the chaos. One of my favorite quotes is “Put your own oxygen mask on first.” Putting self-care into action is just that!

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s simply about tuning in to what you need and giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, or refocus. Don’t wait until you are burning the candle at both ends and you feel like burnt toast. Here are 25 friendly, simple self-care choices that can support your whole self.

Keeping up with self-care for nurturing your mind and brain. 

  • Read for pleasure. Readers are leaders. Choose a topic you love and get lost in a book. Reading at night is a great way to get ready for rest.
  • Write in a journal. Process the day or get your thoughts out with daily journaling.
  • Say “no” without guilt. Easier said than done, being aware of when to say “no” protects your energy and your emotions. Boundaries are a form of self-care.
  • Unplug for an hour whether it is a nap, or simply sitting. Silence the noise with a meditation moment and give your brain a break.
  • Practice gratitude. This daily practice of jotting down three things you’re grateful for changes your entire perspective on life.
  • Try a puzzle, crossword, or game. These are ways to give your brain a playful challenge. Learning something new is another springboard to brain health.
  • Declutter one small area. Feeling the energy to toss? A clear space can help clear your mind.
  • Take a learning break. Listening to a podcast or TED talk inspires and informs you.

Take good care of your physical self. 

  • Take a walk outside. Especially as a start to the day, fresh air and movement can shift your whole mood. Step outside for 10 minutes.
  • Stretch for five minutes. We hold so much tension in our bodies, especially our necks. Release tension and reset your posture.
  • Drink more water.  Enhance your brain power with hydration. Hydration can work wonders for your energy and focus.
  • Take a nap. The wonder of rest can make all the difference. Choose a nap when you feel fatigue coming on.
  • Try a new healthy recipe. Each season calls us to cook differently. For summer, choose fresh-in-season veggies and salads. For winter make a pot of soups or stew.
  • Put on comfy clothes. Each evening I change into jammies especially early to feel comfy. Even just changing into cozy socks can feel like a reset.
  • Sway, tap your toes, or dance to your favorite song. Movement + joy = instant mood boost.
  • Have a “do nothing” moment. A pause makes the biggest difference at times. Regroup, sit, breathe, or stand to give yourself a moment.

Create a space that nurtures you. 

  • Make your bed. Notice how beautiful and inviting your room looks! A simple act that starts your day with a win.
  • Light a candle or choose a diffuser. Scents are a powerful way to soothe and signal relaxation.
  • Tidy a surface. A cleared counter gives us a sense of order, calm, and clarity. This visual cue signals us to slow down.
  • Set a 10-minute timer to clean or organize. A short burst of tidying and organizing can be rewarding.
  • Bring in something fresh. Change the vibe of your space with a plant, flowers, or a new pillow
  • Create a cozy corner. Adding a chair, blanket, and light can create your recharge zone. Adding cozy blankets to any spot makes that an area to reset.
  • Play calming music. From Pandora to Spotify, music is around us. Let sound soothe your space.
  • Put something away that’s been bothering you. That undone task is nagging you. Just do one small task to tidy, Tiny wins build momentum.
  • Create a reset time daily. A tidy space encourages peace and purpose.

Remember that you are worthy of setting aside time for self-care. Your mind and body require this. Connect to yourself, your needs, and what helps you feel more grounded, together, and whole. You don’t need to do all 25 things today or any day. Just pick one that resonates, and let it be enough to bring you clarity and calm. When you’re caring for yourself, your mind is clear, your body cared for, and your space nurtured. That’s when life feels a little lighter, easier, more orderly, and more beautiful.

What’s your favorite form of self-care? I’d love to hear how you make space for yourself in your day. 💛

Creating Quiet Time for Yourself This Summer

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Summer is full of busy calendars, travel plans, mission trips, family reunions, and constant activity. With the buzz of summer fun, many of us who long for the quiet time of summer past. That is the time to sit on a porch during a summer rain shower, watch fireflies in the evening, or talk with family during a reunion. Carving out quiet time in the summer is about time for reflection. It’s a powerful form of self-care that can bring clarity, rest, and reconnection.

Why Quiet Time Matters

Even just 10 to 20 minutes a day of stillness can reduce stress by having a slower pace.  You can support mental clarity by pausing to reflect. Having a moment to sit and think can help improve your emotional well-being by processing complex ideas and incorporating these into your values. With the unpredictability of home and work, a quiet time becomes an anchor to help you stabilize life.

Summer’s Built-in Opportunities for Stillness

Summer’s longer days and slower rhythms create opportunities for moments of rest. You can wake up earlier to sit with your coffee in the yard, or close your eyes in a hammock under the shade of a tree in the afternoon heat. There are natural pauses that are part of Summer. Here are a few ways to create quiet time this summer that blend into your everyday life.

  • Set your alarm just 15 minutes earlier to enjoy alone time. Start an early walk, write in your journal, or step outside in the morning air.

  • Start the day with a big glass of cold water with lemon, mint, or cucumber. Hydration helps you think clearly.

  • Take a morning or evening walk without headphones. Listen to the birds as you walk. Let nature pull you into the sounds of the season.

  • Turn off the radio and drive in silence. Allow yourself to think without hearing extra noise.

  • Set a family quiet time. With your kids or others during the day, set a visual timer and let everyone know it’s “quiet time”, that is a time for books, puzzles, or naps.

  • Give yourself permission for a nap. It will refresh and compose you.

  • Create a comfy rest or reading spot inside or out. Take a learning break.

  • Go tech-free for an afternoon.

For Busy Brains and ADHD

If you have ADHD, quiet time might not feel comfortable and be easy to avoid. You can use guided meditation or a timer to help you start this new routine for a reset. The rest will help you feel more focused. Embrace the idea that quiet has value for clarity and processing.

You Don’t Have to Earn It

Feel like you have to get enough done to have time to rest? Put away your perfectionism and permit yourself to start this new practice. Your future self will thank you.

Summer is the perfect time to start this new stillness practice. It is a gift to yourself.

From Screen Time to Skill Time: Lifelong Learning Through the Summer

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Summer is for more than just vacations, pool time, and downtime. It is also the perfect time to embrace lifelong learning, where, as an adult, you stretch your knowledge beyond book learning. Whether you’re eighteen or eighty, cultivating curiosity and being open to learning new things can boost your brain, improve your mood, and make life feel more vibrant. The best part is that learning can take place in a variety of ways. Summer is the time to think outside the box when it comes to how we learn, because we have the opportunity with more free time and exploration.

Why Lifelong Learning Matters

Lifelong learning keeps our minds active, improves memory, and even increases resilience as we age. More than professional development with a goal and specific use, learning is about discovering new hobbies, revisiting old passions, and staying connected to others. Studies show that people who engage in ongoing learning tend to be more optimistic, less stressed, and more socially engaged. Lifelong learning gives you the opportunity to make new friends, boost your mood by affirming what you love, and keep your brain power sharp.

For those with ADHD, lifelong learning can be a powerful and healthy alternative to falling into the trap of too many half-started projects or excessive screen time. Engaging in intentional learning with a structured class, a hands-on hobby, or exploring a new topic in depth can satisfy the brain’s need for novelty and stimulation in a focused, rewarding way. Rather than juggling scattered to-dos or getting stuck in the scroll, learning something new provides a sense of purpose, progress, and accomplishment. It’s a positive outlet that nurtures curiosity without overwhelming the mind.

Summer is the ideal time to try something new

The more flexible pace of summer opens up time and space in our schedules. That’s the time to capitalize on what you have been imagining. You might wonder what are some creative ways to try new learning?  Here are some options you may not have thought of as lifelong learning.

Try Mahjong

Mahjong is more than a game. In playing, you are using memory, strategy, and social connection. Learning this traditional Chinese game can be a fun mental workout and a way to bond with others. Look for local game nights or online tutorials to get started.

Explore art in new ways.

There are many ways to start learning a new art. Take a watercolor class at your local art center, visit a new museum, or start a sketchbook habit. Learn to sew at adult sewing classes. Visual learning sparks creativity and offers a calming, meditative experience. Not only is this a brain boost, but it refines your fine motor skills.

Learn a musical instrument or join a choir.

Even a few notes on a recorder or a casual community singing group can bring joy and connection. Music activates multiple parts of the brain, supports emotional expression, and builds confidence. Join your community choir this summer to get started.

Cook something new

Learning a cuisine from a different culture can be a flavorful and fun adventure. You are doing more than following a recipe, as you are exploring history, tradition, and new techniques.

Puzzle it up or play a new game

Assembling a tricky puzzle or playing logic-based games all count as brain-building activities that are also fun and relaxing. Host a game night for family and friends to join the fun.

 Take up a new sport

Wondering about the pickleball craze? Summer is a great time to dive in!

Stretch as needed

Is that technology being frustrating? Working harder at something that used to be simple? As uncomfortable as our daily tasks may be, these are also great learning opportunities. Unprecedented change has a positive side, too, if we take a learning perspective. Approach those difficult tasks with a sense of curiosity and resourcefulness.

Learning is for everyone.

Make it a goal this summer to build both your curiosity and skills. Keep active, engaged, and connected as well as cognitively together. Try something new for the joy of it. Don’t worry about being perfect at it. Include learning this summer as naturally as going on vacation.

Unplug to Recharge: Why a Digital Detox Might Be Exactly What You Need

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Today’s world is constantly on, 24/7, without a break. There is always one more ping or message coming in no matter the time of day. You reach for your phone first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. But what would it take to take a break, even for a few hours or a day?  This is the idea behind a digital detox. It is an intentional pause from screens to reconnect with yourself and your relationships. It falls under the category of self-care because it is so powerful for your wellbeing. It is also a wonderful way to process what’s going on in the world around you.

What Is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox is any period of intentional disconnection from digital devices, especially smartphones, social media, email, and other screen-based distractions. It can last an afternoon, a weekend, or even longer. The goal isn’t to give up technology forever. It is a pause and reset of your relationship with technology.

The Benefits of a Digital Detox

There are many benefits to a digital detox including physical rest, improved cognition, and improved relationships. With digital notifications always on, you feel overwhelmed by the amount and velocity of information coming in. A detox helps you reclaim your attention and increase your productivity because you are no longer constantly distracted by jumping between apps or losing efficiency because you have been interrupted. You can prioritize getting a good night’s rest. Blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. By unplugging an hour before bed, your body gets a chance to unwind naturally, improving both the quality and quantity of your rest. Choose real rest over playing an online game to unwind. Attention is the world’s most valuable resource. Whether it’s dinner with family or time with friends, being present matters. A digital detox encourages real conversations and deeper connections without the distraction of phones during a meal. You often get your news about the world and your friends in digital form. Endless scrolling often leads to comparison, overwhelm, or even doomscrolling. A break from newsfeeds and inboxes can lighten your mental load and boost your mood. Tap into your own “why” to reap the benefits of this pause in technology.

How to Start Your Own Detox

  • Set a time frame with intention. You can start small by choosing a few specific hours each day, one evening a week, or a weekend to be offline.
  • Set up a common charging spot for your devices to ensure they are ready to go the next day fully charged and put away.
  • Establish areas in your home that are screen-free, such as your bedroom, dinner table, or a reading nook as screen-free.
  • Plan analog activities that fill your cup and your time. These could be cooking, drawing, playing games, writing, or going outside.
  • After your detox, note what changed. Did you feel more relaxed? More connected? Use that insight to shape your ongoing tech habits.
  • Quick start your detox with phones away at meals. You will feel an amazing benefit right away.

A Reset Worth Taking

Technology can be an amazing tool when used with intention. Sometimes the best way to reconnect is to step away for a bit. As Anne Lamott says: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”  A digital detox gives you the space to recharge, refocus, and return with a clearer sense of what really matters. You might be surprised by what you notice when you finally look up.

Click here for your digital detox quick start bingo! 

5 Calming Ways to Work with Anxiety (instead of Fighting It)

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5 calming ways to work with anxiety

 

Anxiety can pop up at any time, whether it is a big event or a worst-case scenario. It is common for you and for those around you. For people with ADHD, it is often a co-existing condition that seesaws in intensity. There are ways to fight anxiety focusing on strategies on how to work with anxiety when it happens. Here are some practical management strategies to feel more in control.

Name what you are feeling

Awareness is the first step in managing anxiety. Naming it helps you reframe and shift from panic to problem-solving. As Brene Brown says, this gives you space between the feeling and your actions. You can respond with intention after this pause.

 

Create routines and structure

Anxiety thrives in unpredictability. When you create a daily routine, you are providing structure and stability. Knowing what’s coming next helps reduce mental clutter and overwhelm. Start small with set wake-up and wind-down times, or create a short morning routine you can stick to.

Get moving

A physical response to anxiety can help. You can take a walk, do deep breathing, or do a yoga pose. Movement supports emotional regulation, one of the executive functions in our brain, and helps focus on something different.

 

Write it down

Journaling is a powerful way to process anxious thoughts. You can do a brain dump, write a list of what’s stressing you out, or even keep a gratitude journal to shift your focus. Writing things down makes your inner world feel a little more m

 

Make a connection

Processing anxiety by verbal processing can help your clarity. That connection can be a friend, coach or therapist who can be a mirror to your processing without judgment. For many, this processing creates clarity and promotes problem-solving.

 

Be proactive about your strategies for anxiety. Create a routine that starts when anxiety starts. It can be a combination of strategies such as prayer or reciting a mantra. Prayer gives you a higher power to connect to. Mantras are recitations that support strength and resilience. My mantra is “things tend to work out.” With this mantra, I know that this moment of anxiety will pass. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support in moments of anxiety. There is so much support around you.

 

Click here for more ideas on how to thrive in this crazy, mixed-up world.

Get Organized for Rodeo Houston

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rodeo houston

 

One of the biggest highlights of the year in Houston is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is held at the NRG Stadium. Rodeo time brings lots of fun and excitement. However, if it is your first rodeo, you might not be aware of all the required organizing! Here is a snapshot of what to expect and what to plan for a well-organized evening at Rodeo Houston.

 

Digital access

All tickets are managed digitally for Rodeo. You need both the tickets app AXS and the app Rodeo Houston. Create accounts online and access your tickets for entry into the grounds, stadium entry, parking, and carnival tickets.

 

Arrival at the location

There are many ways to get to the rodeo. You can purchase parking from those selling access to various parking lots. There is also a parking lot adjacent on South 610 that is a credit card payment. You can also arrive by bus from various Metro stations and there is paid bus access from The Woodlands. Allow plenty of time for travel to this venue as lines are long!

 

Plan your fun

Rodeo Houston offers amazing treats on the grounds at the carnival and world-class restaurants outside the stadium.  Be sure to plan ahead with time to shop and dine. You can browse all the stores and eat to your heart’s content. It is one of the best spots for real funnel cake and fried anything!

 

Rodeo attire

Boots are not required! However, you will see amazing rodeo attire at Rodeo Houston. Rodeo fashion includes a hat, denim, flowers, and flowy dresses. Be prepared by shopping ahead and organizing your closet.

 

Rodeo is a 21-day event in Houston and not to be missed. It is a long day to plan for and lots of excitement to take in. For our family, we have attended since 1988 and make it an annual family tradition!