Life Made Simple With Carlarae Motivation Inspiration Home Organizing Time Management Lifestyle & Wellnes

Two weeks ago, for Episode #53 I explained the differences between a hoarder and a pack rat. Which then led us to the following week's Monday morning episode, episode #55, when I read to you a story about a woman who was married to a pack rat. In that episode we looked a dilemma that many people have. How do you live with someone who just won't change? What do you do when you want simplicity in your own life and home, but a close family member seems to be working against your efforts? And if you remember, the concepts and strategies that I gave you aren't just for people living with pack rats. You can actually apply them to any difficult relationship. Any relationship where you struggle with wanting and wishing that the other person was different in some sort of way. Any relationship, where you wish they would make positive changes and for some reason, they just don't. How do you peacefully live with someone who you so desperately want to change? If you haven't listened to that episode, go back and push play

There is one non-negotiable habit that you MUST have in your life... on today's episode I tell you exactly what that is and I give you practical ways to make it happen. And do you know anyone who could use a little motivation and inspiration in their life? Share our show with them by having them go to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com   Links Mentioned in this Show: Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode56 Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com   Episode #9: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode9 Episode #51: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode51   Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Website: CarlaRaeArneson.com Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson   Submit Questions: CarlaRaeArneson.com/AskCarlaRae

Do you know someone who either has too much stuff in their life? Or has a hard time letting go of their unused and unneeded items?  On today's episode of Life Made Simple, I give you my thoughts on how to live with someone who could be considered a pack rat. Now you may not actually live with someone who is a pack rat, but maybe you have one in your family.  Maybe you have parents who are pack rats.  Even if you don't currently live with a pack rat, this episode is still for you. And if you're listening, and you don't live with a pack rat, and you don't have one in your family, and you don't even know a pack rat at all, well, this episode is still for you. All the things I talk about on today's show are concepts that you can actually apply to ANY relationship in your life.  Any relationship where you struggle with wanting and wishing that the other person was different in some sort of way. Any relationship, particularly with someone you live with, where you wish they would make positive changes and for some r

On today's show I give you an inside look at one major predicament I've come across many times in my adventures of being a home organizer. I also share with you my simple strategy for solving the problem once and for all.  And many of you just might relate! Let me tell you all about it. Now, I'm sure you can imagine, while working with my clients I get so excited when I watch them purge all of their useless, unwanted junk. But, while I usually have a big smile on my face, they are not so enthusiastic about the process. Here’s how it usually goes: I stand there holding the donation bag wide open. My helpless victim slowly places the unwanted item into it, teeth clinched, with a  furrowed brow, and a low pitch moan coming from the depths of their despair. I, of course, am very confident that they will soon forget about their precious rusty cheese grater simply because they have two more just like it. Besides that, its home for the past eight years has been under a pile of plastic bags stuffed in the back corner

One question that I've received a few times from listeners and have been asked many times throughout the years is this: Is there a difference between a "pack rat" and a "hoarder"? Well, some people would say that both terms mean the same thing. And while I would agree there is overlap, there are differences between the two. And that's what we look at on today's episode of Life Made Simple. I define and explain the differences and similarities between a hoarder and a pack rat. I then dive into a lot of the psychology behind it all. Do you know anyone who would enjoy listening Life Made Simple? You can share all my episodes with them by having them go LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com. I would so appreciate it if you could help spread the word about our show! And don't forget to subscribe on itunes or whatever podcast app you prefer, to stay updated on all our new episodes. If you've liked what you've heard so far, I would love it if you would take a minute and leave us a review on itunes. It would help us out immensel

All of us, of course, want to flourish and be successful in every aspect of our life. Right? Unfortunately, in this day and age, it is a common misconception that in order to be a better people, in order to BE more, we need to DO more. And the result? Well, we spread ourselves thin and then wonder why we aren't more productive. What if, instead of resolving to do more with our time, we try to do less? What kind of a positive effect could that have on us? Maybe we need to focus our energy into taking things off our plate rather than putting more things on. We all must come this realization: while many ideas and opportunities that cross our path charm us with their novelty, they are actually the arch-enemy of achieving our goals and dreams. New ideas and pursuits can sometimes be beneficial to us, but many times are just distractions that steer us off-course. So, how do we say "no" when we're faced with a variety of tasks that look appealing but might actually pull us in the wrong direction? Well, that's exactl

Like I often talk about on the show, the key to simplifying your life is to figure out what's really important to you, focus only on those things that really matter, and let go of anything and everything that doesn't.  In order to have the life you've always dreamed of and become the person you've always wanted to be, you must put your time and efforts into pursuing your dreams, goals, and everything you value... and somehow let go of anything holding you back. And that's what we talk about today. On this episode of Life Made Simple, I talk about one amazing tool that will empower you to focus on what's really important in your life so that you can push forward and accomplish all your goals, dreams, and anything that you aspire to be. This one tool can be a total game changer if you give it a chance.  I started using it about two years ago and it's completely changed my life. That incredible tool that I'm referring to is called a Vision Board.  Do you have a vision board yet?  Well if you don't, then definite

Eeeek!!! I honestly can't believe we are already on episode #50!!! If you're listening to today's episode on the day it was released, then let me remind you that we are only 5 days away from Valentine's Day, a time to celebrate love and romance - with of course chocolate and flowers. Although, in our family, we actually celebrate every year with sushi. My amazing hubby makes my son and I homemade sushi for Valentine's Day, because I'm not really big fan of chocolate. Does the thought of Valentine's Day make you feel all mushy, gushy, and sentimental inside? If so, then now is the perfect time to create a special keepsake “Love Box”. In today's episode of Life Made Simple I tell you how.   Do you want more ideas on how to find the Freedom of Simplicity?  Just download my free guide called "The 9 Ways to Simplify Your Life".  You can find the link to it in my show notes, or send a text to the number 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY.    Links Mentioned in this Show:   Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode

I want to share with you all the details about a very special online 5-day event that will take place next week starting Wednesday February 15th (of 2017) and goes through Sunday February 19th. And it's completely free! That's right, it doesn't cost anything... it's FREE! Don't worry... if you're tuning in sometime after February 15th, it's not too late to join in the fun! Just click on the registration link and you can sign up to get notified when it becomes available in a couple months after the original event. The online event is called The Simple Living Summit. (A summit, if you don't know, is an online conference with interviews, presentations, and workshops from top experts in a field who teach and share their knowledge.) A few months ago, I was approached by the creator of The Simple Living Summit and I was asked to be a guest speaker for the program. I was so honored and of course couldn't turn the opportunity down! The purpose of this particular Summit is to spread the principle of simple living by g

While I am a professional home organizer, I'm here to talk about gaining control of not just your home, not just your time and to-dos, but also your attitude and outlook on life, your relationships, and so even your health... because a healthier you is a happier you!   And on today's episode, I give you a few quick tips on how to help simplify one aspect of your health: your vitamins and supplements. So often, when I'm helping clients manage their homes and their schedules, the topic of vitamins and supplements come up. Many of my clients have certain vitamins - and sometimes even special medicines - that they intend to take every day, but for some reason they find that it's really hard to get in the habit of taking them consistently. My family and I used to struggle with this a lot a few years ago, until I figured out a little system that works well for us. And that's what I share with you today.     Want more tips on how to find the freedom of simplicity? Download my free guide, called the "9 Ways to Simpli

These days we all rely on technology to stay informed, to stay connected, and hopefully stay productive. If you use digital technology at some point during the day or if you know someone who uses it on a regular basis, then this episode is for you! While I know that technology has many positive influences on our life, it definitely can have a down side. And that's what we talk about today... we take a look at the negative effects of digital distractions. I then give you some tips on how to prevent digital distractions (and I'm pretty sure some of them you haven't thought of before).   Do you know anyone who needs to simplify the digital overload in their life?  Share this episode with them by having them go to CarlaRae Arneson.com/episode47.  You can also share all our previous episodes with them by having them go to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com. Be sure to stay updated on all our future episodes by subscribing to life made simple on iTunes or whatever podcast app you prefer to use. If you're new to the whole po

Today I share with you a light-hearted poem that a client gave me about 10 years ago. It's called "Stuff! Stuff! Stuff!" I'm hoping that maybe by the end of it you’ll get so sick and tired of hearing me say the word “stuff” that you’ll be inspired to go purge some of your own!   Do you know anyone who could use a little inspiration to get rid of their stuff? Anyone who could use a little motivation to simplify their life? Share our show with them by having them go to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com. There, they can easily check out all our previous episodes. And 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. If you like what you hear on the show, please take a minute to leave me a rating and review on iTunes.  I would appreciate it more than you know!   Links Mentioned in this Show: Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode46 Share this Podcast: LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com   Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or

This episode is a part two to last week's Monday show, episode #43.  If you haven't listened to that entire episode yet, go back and push play on that episode.  You'll definitely not want to miss anything from part one of this show! Whether it's something that you just already have too many of, something that's just not your taste, something you simply just don't have room for, something you might never use, something that maybe you loved long ago but not anymore, or something that was once treasured by a family member that you are now inheriting... whatever it is, when you receive a gift that you don't really want and you don't really need, it can bring out so many uncomfortable awkward feelings! In last week's episode, I gave you some ideas on how to navigate those feelings that naturally come up sometimes.  I explained that you can simply put all your focus on the ACT of giving rather than the actual gift itself, by showing your appreciation for the efforts and thought behind the gift. I then gave you all

Like I always say, this show is dedicated to helping you simplify ALL areas of your life. But there is one area that I'm probably most passionate about and it actually encompasses and has a direct affect on all other areas of your life.  And that's your mindsets... your attitudes, your thoughts, and your beliefs.  And why am I so passionate about helping people with their mindsets?  Well there's really no way to successfully simplify any area of your life, if you don't have healthy and positive mindsets for success.  It all starts with your mind! On today's episode I talk about one quote that I love and live by.  The truth is I could probably talk hours about this subject, but this "3 Minute Thursday" episode is meant to offer you a little dose of inspiration to get you through your week, so I keep it short and sweet. Do you know anyone would enjoying listening to the show? Just send them to LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com and they can check out all our previous episodes. And be sure to stay updated on all our new

Have you ever had this problem? Someone gives you something that you don't really like - or you don't really need - and yet somehow you feel bad about telling them. So you reluctantly keep it. You hold onto the gift, and out of obligation you allow it to take up space in your home. Or, you get the courage to return it to the store (if it's returnable) yet then feel sheepish and guilty about it. And heaven forbid, the gift giver ever ask about the missing gift! Because I'm sure you would be mortified if you had to tell them you no longer have it. Maybe it's an issue of already having too many. Or maybe whatever it is it's just “not your taste.” Or maybe it's something you simply don't have room for. Or it's something you'll probably never use. Or maybe, you have an item that someone gave you a long time ago, that you really did love at some point, but you no longer use or enjoy it for whatever reason. Or maybe the so-called gift is something that was once special to a member of your family that you have someho

We just celebrated New Years and we are now officially in the year 2017! Like most Professional Home Organizers and other Life Coaches, I love January! Yes, I always get a handful of new clients this time of year - people seeking help and support to help keep their New Years Resolutions - but that's not the main reason I love January.   You see, in November during Thanksgiving we tend to focus on what we're thankful for in life, the blessing and good things that have come our way. In December, the world celebrates holidays that are full of life, light, and hope. And then comes January... time to reflect, reassess where we are in life, and redirect. I love this month, because to me it represents a fresh start. I love the excitement and anticipation for what the next year will bring. On our Monday episode of this week, I shared with you the New Year's Resolutions and commitments I made for myself this year to help simplify my life. Today, for our short and brief "3 Minute Thursday" episode I propose a little ch

If you're listening to this episode on the week it was released, then Happy New Year! January is the perfect time to reassess your long-term goals and recommit to specific ways of reaching them. On today's episode I give you a detailed look at some New Year's Resolutions that I've committed to implementing this upcoming year to help build better habits that will simplify my life. And my hope is that you will consider putting some of these habits into practice in your own life this year, as well.  Now, if you are one of the many people who have resolved to NOT make any New Year's Resolutions, or if you're tuning in to this episode some other time of the year... no big deal! The habits and commitments I offer you don't have to be considered New Year's Resolutions, just think about them as being some of my top tips and techniques on how to find the freedom of simplicity. Do you want more ideas on how to simplify your life?  Just download my free guide called "The 9 Ways to Simplify Your Life".  And do you know a

When you embark on a journey of personal change – whether it be transforming your home, health, relationships, or anything in life – one of the common pitfalls is believing the idea that you are either good or bad. That you are either a success or a failure. On today's episode, I share with you a story about a long time client of mine who got really discouraged when she had a rough few weeks at work and allowed her house to get a little messy and out of control. The fact is, you will always have up and down days. But during those down days, don’t be too hard on yourself, and don't just give up. Here is the key to making good changes in your life:  No matter how good or bad your day is, just be sure you are always moving onward and trending upward and, therefore, always improving over time. Imagine a traditional line graph chart of a business in growth mode… if you look at the details of the growth line, it has smaller jagged lines going up and down, but if you look at the graph as a whole, it's in the long ru

You might have noticed in the title of for today's show it says "CarlaRae Confesses". That's because every month or so on Life Made Simple, we feature a special  segment when yours truly admits to an area of my own life where I've fallen short in the whole simplicity department... certain areas of life where even I need a little extra help in. You've probably heard me talk about this before, but long before my days of being a Professional Home Organizer, I was actually a pack rat as a child. I was completely attached to everything I owned! Everything felt special to me and I wanted to keep it all. I'm also a recovering overachiever who used to commit to WAY more than one person could possible handle. And to this day (you can ask my husband) I still sometimes bite off more than I can chew. The fact is, in our crazy busy world it's HARD to simplify. And there's so much psychology behind it all! While I love helping all my client's push past anything holding them back from discovering true simplicity in life, I

When it’s time to leave the house, in the morning, when you're on your way to work, to an event, run errands, or to drop the kids off at school, do you struggle getting out the door on time? Do you feel like you’re participating in an elaborate scavenger hunt every time you need to go somewhere or get something done? On today's "3 Minute Thursday" episode I share some tips to help you save a few minutes... and to help you save your sanity! Want more info on how to be on time? Check out Episode #19 of Life Made Simple. In that episode, I confess to you about my own struggles with being habitually late and I give you 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. You should also check out the free downloadable printout I made for that episode. You can find the link for it at the bottom of my show notes or you can just text the word ONTIME (all one word with no spaces and no dashes) to 44222. Know anyone would love li