Saying Goodbye to 2014

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Can you please share your year-end advice?

Wow. Once again, we are at the end of another year. The older I get, the more I am brought back to the importance of appreciating each moment and making the most of our experiences. Let’s set clear intentions and foster being present in our lives, otherwise we will get to the end of 2015 feeling that we failed to maximize our potential and possibilities. Your home and environment can support you in what you want to create in the new year, but you must first get clear about what you want.

Ask yourself what you want

What do you want for yourself this coming year? Take some time to think about what’s important to you, and then set the intent to create it. The clearer you are, the better and easier your year will unfold. This is vital to your happiness and success.

Look around your home

I marvel at how much we collect in just one year, and I know that we are energetically tied to things in our environment. So, make the effort to prepare your home to support you in all of your endeavors in the year ahead.

If you don’t know where to start, use the points below as a guide. Engage every person in the house. My customary tips are meant to be a fast way to make a big difference.

Discard

Put your mind in “I’m on a mission” mode. Then, go from room to room, spending no longer than 10 minutes in each area, putting into a trash bag everything you no longer use or need.

Get rid of expired food items, old newspapers, junk mail, chipped cups, old cosmetics, broken items, warped Tupperware and other things that no longer serve you. Be quick and snappy. This is an easy step that takes no thought at all.

Donate

Next, in a large plastic bag, put clothes you haven’t worn and CDs, books, figurines and other items with which you no longer resonate. For now, remove only the items that will fit into a few bags, and don’t think too much; just do it. If you have a hard time letting things go, imagine the smile on the face of the person who needs the item more than you do.

Clear and clean

Clutter creates lethargy and overwhelm. Make space to welcome the opportunities for the upcoming year by clearing off surfaces where things have settled — kitchen and bathroom counters and dining room tables.

Here’s to a fantastic close to 2014. I’ll be back in 2015 with more insights. Thank you so much for your growing support, letters and emails. I love and appreciate you all so much.

Do you have a question for Alice? If so, send it to alice@yourhappinessu.com. Alice Inoue is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Happiness U, a friendly educational establishment, where you’ll find inspiring classes geared toward personal growth and self development. www.YourHappinessU.com.