On Decluttering

It’s a new year, and another shot at living. May it be the best for everyone!

With each passing year, I have a tendency (and constant yearning) to declutter my life. I do this decluttering in order to maintain balance, joy and freedom to do things I really want to do.

Robberg Hiking Trail – SA

And so, I continue to weed. The following are some of the changes, I’ve made (and continue to make this year) in order to simplify my life:

Books…

Everyone who writes a book buys more books that they will ever write. This abundance mentality keeps us happy, too!” – Joanna Penn

The quote above is so true. Just to be clear, I won’t stop reading as long as I still have a good eyesight. So, in an attempt to take care of my eyesight I’ll reading considerable less e-books from now on, and stick with the print format. This will hopefully help me curb expenses, too.

“Do not shrink yourself in order to fit into spaces you’ve outgrown.”

I can’t tell you how good it felt to get rid of the clothes and shoes that no longer fitted or I’ve simply outgrown. The same goes for human relations.

Stiletto Boots

Clear the Runaway

This term, which loosely means focus and align, I heard from my god-daughter who is a pilot. In addition to focusing on the positive and aligning myself with supportive people, I’m constantly working at being mindful of my thoughts to eliminate self-limiting beliefs.

Scarlet ibis

Commitments

A while back, I created a NOW page on my site in order to address time issues. This helps me not to overcommit and be able to say no to requests, invitations, requirements, etc., if I don’t have the time to fit them in.

Social Media and such

– I clung to Google+ for a long time, not sure why, but it’s gone now.
– Deleted my photo/personal blog, cocoaupnorth. I didn’t have the energy to maintain it anymore.
– I’m in the process of building a new cyber home; a rebranding exercise. I’ll let you know when I’m packing this side.
– Busy editing my Instagram feed to leave only photography. Micropoems will go for print publication (in one form or another) in a distant future. I’m also moving conversations about books to Goodreads. Still getting myself comfortable there, but come join me anytime!

By now you might have guessed my word, simplify, for 2019.

In 2018, my word was self-belief. This word helped me focus on things I wanted to achieve and as well as taking risks. I’m happy with the results.

I’d love to hear your “word” too, if you have any or how you motivate yourself to stay on course, that is, your new year’s resolutions, so to speak.

note: I’ll revert to my weekly blogging schedule, where I’ll also be sharing bits of my Writing and Living and Such… (blogging with friends).

Giveaway: Book Lovers {CLOSED}

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” – John Burroughs

YAY! I see snow, at last. It’s winter, my favourite season. Now, and just because it’s the season for giving (and receiving), I’ve got a little something for you.

Book Lover Pendant

This hand-carved wooden book pendant by the multitalented artist, Iona Orbinski, is yours if you are a book (and a nature) lover.

So, you’ve read my chapbook, Seasons Defined. You even took time to write a review on your blog and elsewhere (despite that “Big Brother” is determined not to support this endeavour), I can’t THANK YOU enough for your support.

Now, entering the giveaway is as simple as quoting your favourite line or two (or a stanza) from one of the poems in the collection, Seasons Defined. Leave your entry in the comments section below.

Here is my example, and quoting from Poems by Emily Dickinson, Three Series, Complete:

A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.
I say it just
Begins to live
That day. (from ‘A Word’)

special notes: I assume you’re already following my blog, public posts on Facebook or Instagram in order to keep up to date. If not, please don’t forget to add your email to the comments section so that I can be able to contact you, if you win.

The giveaway is open from Dec. Wed, 12th – Wed, 19th to anyone who can legally enter it. I will draw and announce the winner on Thursday, Dec 20th and no later than 20:00 EET time. The winner has 24 hours to claim the prize, failing which another winner will be drawn. So, do come back to check!

That’s all, folks. All the best!

UPDATE: The winner of Winter Giveaway: for Book Lovers is KC Redding-Gonzalez.

Congratulations, KC!

Please contact me at khaya.ronkainen(at)gmail(dot) com to claim your prize.