A Scrapbook of the Future

I have just come home from an AMAZING Thirty One National Conference.  This is just a “few” of the friends that I got to hang out with on The Beacon of Hope team.  I am reflecting on all that I heard and realize that this was life changing in so many ways for me.

This year’s theme was “What Matters Most?”.  If you were asked that question, how would you answer it.  Would you say: Family, Faith, Friends, kids, work, travel, or giving back?  For me, it is faith, family and friends.  But I realized that if I looked at where I spend most of my time, it was definitely NOT in that order OR on those 3 things.

What about you…. do you spend your time on the things that matter most to you?  Are you juggling lots of balls (tasks)?  At the end of the day, is your energy drained and you have nothing to give to the things that matter most?  I have been there.  I know what that is like. I actually thought that when I left my crazy full-time job things would be different.  I would have time for the 3 things that matter most to me.  WOW!  Was this weekend an eye opener when I realized that I was so far from where I wanted to be.

I know that many of you have heard of vision boards and if you are like me, maybe you have been unsure what to put there.  Maybe you have even avoided them.  Maybe you put the things on there that you “thought” should be there.  Maybe your fears have kept you from dreaming BIG.  Sound familiar?  Maybe those Pinterest boards or Instagram pictures have you comparing your dreams to that of others.

Let’s change the picture (actually, the mind set).  How many of you have made scrapbooks of your kids, family vacations, life accomplishments, etc?  Things that have happened in the past that we want to cherish their memory, right?  What if you were to do a scrapbook of the future?  I can see the eyes roll as well as the doubts and negativity creeping in.  HOLD ON!!!  Let’s break it down into 4 sections:

• Relationships
• Business
• Finances
• Kids

What if you were to visualize (DREAM) where you want to be in each of these areas?  Set aside about 30 minutes for each one and start making notes or flipping through magazines for ideas.  Focus on one at a time.

Relationships: Not in a relationship, do you long for one?  If so, what would that person be like?  What qualities would he/she possess?  Are you in a relationship, do you want to get married?  Are you married, what kind of relationship do you want with your spouse?  Is your relationship having some rough spots, what would you like to have happen?

Business:  Do you have your own business (or would you like one)?  Do you have a career – what is your goal, where do you want to grow?  If you want your own business, why is it important to you?  What would it look like?  

Finances:  Are you in debt and want to pay it off?  Do you want to own a house? What would it look like?  Do you want money to travel? Travel to where?  Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others – what would that look like?

Kids:  Do you have them or do you want them?  What would you like their life to look like growing up?  

For some this may seem like a silly exercise BUT did you know that if you HEART wants it your HEAD will get you there.  It is true!  Your current circumstances DO NOT control your dreams.  Your dreams are YOUR DREAMS!  They are not anyone else’s.  Others may think they are silly.  Who cares?  They are YOUR DREAMS!  You need to BELIEVE that all things are possible.

I challenge you to make your own scrapbook of the FUTURE!  Share it with us.  I am headed out to find some magazines because we don’t get any at the house.  I am read to get my scrapbook together so my head will start heading to where my heart wants to be.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Let’s Organize Your Photos

Do you have stacks of photos crammed in a closet? Is your digital camera overloaded with images you’ve yet to print? Do you have a “junk drawer” full of pictures?  Do you wish you could remember dates, places and who are in some of those pictures?

I am old school so I have LOTS of pictures floating around.  Since we moved (8 years ago) some are in those dreaded rubbermaid containers, some are in boxes while others are just scattered in drawers.  These tips will get you started – remember baby steps

Are you like me with print pictures, try this:

• As soon as your photos are developed, sort them.  Toss out duplicates or bad shots.
• Place photos in envelopes labeled with the month, year and the event.  This is easy peasy.  You can even put little notes on the back to help you remember things that you might otherwise forget.

• Store by the year or by event in a safe dry place.  Moisture, humidity or extreme temperature will most likely ruin photos over time

Are you a digital person?  Do you only print pictures when you need them or want to share them with someone else?  Honestly, do you know where they are on your computer hard drive? Here are some tips for you:

• Put all of your pictures on a CD or flash drive so that you can save it.
• Label photo cd’s or create separate files on your computer that are labeled. It makes hunting for things so much easier.
• For the techies, there are photo websites that you can use that have unlimited storage as long as you keep your account active (usually with purchases).  Sites include Kodakgallery, Shutterfly and Snapfish

Don’t try to conquer years worth of pictures in one shot.  It can be overwhelming and you may find that it consumes your whole day especially when you start going down the memory trail.  You now have a system in place so  you can keep on track as new photos come in.

Now that you know where to find your pictures, you can share them with family and friends.  Wasn’t that the original plan?  Choose some favorites and use mini albums with sleeves or paper corners to show off a special event or trip. Digital photos can be emailed to family and friends. Or shared on social media.  It is a great way to keep grandparents, relatives and friends in the loop.

Once you have a system in place; you are ready to go back in time and begin the process for years past. Remember it is much easier to deal with a season (or a pile) at a time rather then the entire year.

What is your best tip for organizing photos?  Are you a digital person or a print person?  Love to hear your feedback.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!