Hang It, Dang It (how to become a finisher)

Sep 28th, 2010

FREE Teleclass, Thursday, October 7, 2010 
(5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET)

Are you somebody who finishes what you start, or are you someone who stops just short of finishing?

I used to be a non-finisher then I got really, really tired of it and trained myself to be a finisher.  I started finishing everything:

• putting the laundry away
• unloading the dishwasher
• nailing down the final strip of trim
• taking the weed pile to the compost (instead of leaving in the middle of the yard)
• putting a stamp on an envelope and mailing it
• and the beat goes on!

Come to my free teleclass and find out how I became a finisher and how you too can use my strategies to become a finisher.  If I’m feeling generous I may even give you the checklist I used to break the nonfinishing habit!  And I’m the generous type

Feel free to invite your friends to join in the finishing fun by sending them this link…

Info and Registration: 
http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/2teleclass-registration

Got Collections, Got Clutter?

Sep 27th, 2010

Just saw a hilarious video about the collections we hang onto long after the enjoyment has dried up—much like the glue in that collage you made in the 70’s. 

All of us collect things – even neatniks and health nuts (think organic soaps and lotions, organic coffee and teas, Birkenstocks, tunics, glass food containers, floor cushions, yoga mats and essential oils…..).  I collect vases – all sizes, shapes, and colors.  Try wrenching them out of my hands.  You’d lose. 

Watch this little video and share at the comment link below what collections you have.  And then skip to the bottom of this post to find out about a freebie I’m offering this Thursday.

FREE Teleclass – Zen in 2010 (Thursday evening, September 30) 

If you’d like some inspiration for “managing” your intentional and unintentional collections, sign up for the free Zen in 2010 teleclass – we’ll talk about collections and a whole lot more!  Here’s the link to read more and sign up: http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/teleclass-registration

Clean Up, Clean Up, Put Your Things Away

Sep 25th, 2010

Some of us didn’t learn this little clean up song when we were young.  It’s not too late.  Cleaning up is a skill; it can be learned.

If you want to learn to clean up your messes, put your things away, see the freebie below this video. 

FREE TELECLASS – Zen in 2010, Thursday evening, September 30

If you’d like to clean up your inside and outside spaces (think inside your head and inside your house), join me for a free teleclass.  All you need is a telephone.  Here’s the link to read more and sign up: http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/teleclass-registration

Zen in 2010: Increase the Hum in Your Life

Sep 22nd, 2010

NEW 4-WEEK TELECLASS SERIES

How would you like to finally conquer clutter…and even have some fun with it!

If you have better things to do than push clutter around for the rest of your life, you may be interested in my new teleclass series.  It’s called Zen in 2010: How to Get Things Done to Increase the Hum in Your Life.  It’s a tight little package with everything you need to get on the Zen path to living clutter free.

The series will include my 4-Step Zen Process to tackle any cluttered or disorganized spaces.  You will also be invited to participate in discussions, self-reflection exercises, and whatever else it takes to help you be successful. The four weekly topics cover the most critical topics: indoor spaces, outdoor spaces, nooks & crannies, and all things paper.

You can will also participate in several “Zen Days and Nights” if you need help getting off the dime and getting things done (and who doesn’t need help with that!) Find out what these cool calls are about and how they can help you be more Zen in 2010: www.cherylmillerville.com/zen

And check out the bonuses you get when you sign up to participate including the popular Harmonious Home ebook. This ebook takes you step by step through decluttering your bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom so you can live more harmoniously and succeed with your personal self-care goals. This ebook alone will take you half way to being more Zen in 2010. The class experiences will take you the rest of the way. The program is designed to fully support you (oh yeah, and make it fun!) as you take steps to increase the hum (Zen) in your life.

You don’t have to be a task master to be successful in this program.  You just need to keep taking steps closer to your ideal life and I’ll help you with that in any way that I can.   I’m there for you for four full “Zen” weeks. When you start now (actually October 14), you won’t have to put conquering clutter on your 2011 New Year’s Resolution list because you’ll already be on the path. The program is designed to make sure of that. Get the full scoop here: http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/

FREE Teleclass:  How to be More Zen in 2010:  Description and registration click here

This class is free, but it won’t be cheesy – it’ll be loaded with content, experiential experiences and mind shifting exercises.  It’s happening Thursday, September 30 at (5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET).  Even if you’re busy, show yourself some love and carve out time to participate.  Would love to have you join me.  Info and registration here:  http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/teleclass-registration  Let your packrat, paper hound, procrastinating friends know about it too—I say this lovingly because I have been one and am still have shades of the three P’s.  Everyone is invited. 

How I Stop Whining About How Much I Have to Do

Sep 20th, 2010

I’m basically lazy about doing chores.  I’d rather sit on my deck or front porch with my dog Toby and my laptop – watching the world go by.  It’s a great front porch isn’t it – like years gone by.  Getting up to do housework is the last thing I want to do.  I’m a right-brained, creative type and I have a high tolerance for leaving things undone.  Thankfully this lazy streak is offset by my vision for my life which I express in two words:  beauty and efficiency.  My lazy, creative self battles it out regularly with my vision for how I want to live my life.  Thankfully, my vision always wins, but it sometimes takes time—a week or two, or longer.

Here’s an example.  I woke up this morning a little tense.  I figured it had something to do with all that I need to get done but I wanted more clarity.  So I did what I frequently do—I went to my journal and asked myself a series of questions.  Amazing how smart I can be when I’m asking questions that are compassionate, nonjudgmental, and guilt-free. 

In a nutshell here is what I discovered.  I work hard and when I get a chance to sit on my deck at the end of the day and on weekends, I don’t want to have to do another thing.  It’s called demand resistance.  Now don’t worry and start giving me advice that it’s OK to rest and play.  I know that all too well – remember that’s what I’m battling and writing about here.  I want to rest and play all the time – seriously.  I’m such a kid!  But even after working hard at a job or business, there’s a household that needs to be taken care of, groceries to buy, food to prepare, weeds to pull, repairs to be made, fun to have with friends, potlucks to prepare food for and the beat goes on. 

I would love to be somebody who has that stuff taken care of for them.  Of would I?  Another belief I have is that it’s my duty and an honor to take care of my domain.  When I finally get up off my couch (on the porch) and get to work, I’m really pleased to engage with my yard.  I connect with the worms, caterpillars, squirrels, birds, and bugs of all kinds.  As I tidy up my domain (inside and outside), I feel a sense of pride and achievement.  So there’s another conflicting value – lazy – beauty and efficiency – pride in taking care of my domain.  No wonder I need to journal to get it all straight. 

I just need to give in to who I am and how I operate.  In the end it works out really well, so what’s the fuss?  This translates into being OK with whining to myself about getting up off the couch to take care of business, being pleased as punch about how neat my yard looks after a couple of hours of weeding and tidying.  In fact, the bottom line here is that happiness and peace of mind come with being OK with what is (says Byron Katie). 

Ah, I’m more Zen now.  

Speaking of Zen, did know I’m offering a free teleclass Thursday, September 30 at 7pm Central time.  It’s about being more Zen – one of the key things we’ll look at is whether you’re an accidental collector.  I think most of us collect things – even if we’re not packrats.  We collect plastic containers, rubber bands, batteries, ball caps, body lotion, toilet paper, whatever.  These collections start to edge us out of our homes (and cost a ton of $$).  Sign up for the teleclass – we’ll talk about how to be more Zen in 2010:  http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/teleclass-registration

LIVE in Kansas—Harmonious Home Workshop Retreat

Sep 18th, 2010

LIVE at Matfield Green, Kansas–Harmonious Home Workshop Retreat:  Three Rooms that Can Make or Break Your Self-Care Routine, facilitated by Cheryl Miller

Location:  Tallgrass Spiritual Retreat Center … Where Women Find Their Way

1780 Thurman Creek Road, Matfield Green, Kansas 66862

Dates:  October 1-2, 2010 – Fri 7:00pm – Sat 4:00p

Fee:  A steal at $80 including the workshop, overnight stay in the retreat bunkhouse, meals, workbook, and the lovely setting where you can walk and wander … and sit a spell to reflect on the place harmony plays in your life.  Plenty of breaks to walk to prairie labyrinth too!

About the Harmonious Home Workshop/Retreat

Your home is the starting place for everything that happens in your life.  It’s the foundation, and it’s the backbone of a regular healthy eating and fitness routine.  Your home is at the heart of your rest and relaxation.  It’s your wellness environment – or could be.  That’s why at the beautiful Tall Grass Spiritual Retreat (LIVE) we’ll be focusing on the three most important rooms in your home:  the kitchen, the bathroom, and your bedroom.  Find out why these three rooms are so important to your health and well-being.

Through instruction and interaction, you will learn to . . .

• Create a personal vision for your home
• Make an awesome Harmonious Home ™ action plan
• Troubleshoot (and solve!) problem areas in the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen
• Get rid of the excess                                     
• Take consistent action each day – small steps will get you there!
• Create organized zones in each room
• Use inexpensive containers and other organizing tools to simplify storage and retrieval
• Eliminate dread and procrastination
• Use tricks to help you stick with it – even when you want to chicken out
• Discover how to finish what you start!
• Streamline daily routines and create pleasant rituals

And there’s more!

You’ll  also receive a 40-page workbook: Harmonious Home™:30 Days to More Harmonious Living by Cheryl Miller

To learn more and to register to attend LIVE at the Tall Grass Spiritual Retreat:  visit this link:  http://www.tallgrassretreats.com/HarmoniousHome.html

If you haven’t already heard, I’m also offering a free Zen in 2010 teleclass September 30 at 7pm Central.  This class will focus on all the unintentional collections we have of all kinds including books, jewelry, beauty products, souvenirs, plastic food containers … and the list goes on.  Find out why you collect the things you collect and what you can do about it (if you want to do anything about it).  Get the details and signup here:  http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/teleclass-registration

Are you always running late? Wanna Change?

Sep 16th, 2010

How dinosaurs became extinct—one theory

Running late is not very Zen.

Sometimes I plan to be late, but when I want to/need to show up on time, it’s easy for me.  Don’t be jealous.  I came by this in an unpleasant way.

Every Sunday when I was a kid my dad would polish the headlights on the car while waiting for my mother to come out so we could go to church.  My sister was late too.  He was upset and impatient every Sunday, for years.  He’d honk and grouse as I sat nervously in the back seat vowing to always be on time—and for the most part, I’ve kept my vow.  I saw first hand, week after week, the stress effects of being late (and of being impatient).  My dad wasn’t right about pacing and frothing at the mouth, but I understood it. 

In the spirit of full disclosure, here’s what I do when I choose to be late:

• I plan one more thing I want to get done before I leave for the event/date/appointment.
• I “forget” what time I’m supposed to be there or I forget to check for directions.
• I know what time I’m supposed to be there but think what I’m doing is more important than what somebody else is doing (the one who’s waiting for me).
• I lose my keys or notebook or cell phone so I have to spend time looking for things. 

If you see yourself in this list, here are a few things you can do to be on time (if you want to change).  Just do the opposite of the list above.

• Instead of planning one more thing to do, head off to the meeting or appointment – early!  Gasp!
• Keep a calendar (electronic or paper) of all of your commitments so you’ll know when you have engagements.  Check the calendar at the beginning of the day so you know what’s up ahead.  I also scan the week ahead so I have a sense for how busy or available I’ll be so I don’t overbook.
• What I’m doing is really important.  But what my friend, colleague, boss, dentist is doing is really important too.  If your friends and family and dentist are important to you, it might be a worthy goal to work on being on time. 
• Being organized helps.  If you have a special hook where you hang your car keys, you’ve got a planning system, and you don’t overbook, you should be good to go (and be on time) . 

If  you’d like help being more Zen in life, check out a free teleclass I’m offering Thursday, September 30 at 7pm CT.  Would be great to have you join us: 

http://www.cherylmillerville.com/zen/teleclass-registration

Are you Zen in 2010?

Sep 12th, 2010

Learn How to be More Zen in 2010 – A new telecourse, my treat!

Are you an aspiring neatnik but just can’t shake your packrat ways? Have you vowed (once again) to get on top of your messy situation but can’t quite get there?

I know how you feel.

Yet, I do get inspired…

In honor of National Garage Clean up Day (it was Saturday if you didn’t know) I’ve swept the garage, organized the recycling, and taken the giveaways to Goodwill.

And you know what? Today I’m looking forward to spending a relaxed and calm Sunday, just puttering and pondering, and enjoying the fruits of my labor (sitting in the lotus position, of course).

Can you imagine how good it feels to have clear spaces, tidy shelves, and organized cabinets and drawers? Well, I’d have to say, it’s Zen-like. Add in the sunny 70-degree weather and plenty of time for watching the world go by on my front porch, and I’d say this is going to be a perfectly lovely day.

Do you need a little extra oomph when it comes to something like cleaning up your garage, organizing your closets or dealing with all those “someday” projects? Do you want to be Zen in 2010?

All you really need is a little inspiration. And a few secret weapons. I want you to be Zen in 2010 so I’ve picked the date for a lively, interactive telecourse (my treat)!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 30 (5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET).  Click here to learn more.

You Call THAT Dinner?

Sep 7th, 2010

This summer I’ve got a new love – veggie sandwiches for dinner with steamed, fresh corn on the cob on the side.  What you may not know is that I’m a carnivore. Carnivores eat veggies, don’t they?  In fact I eat a lot of veggies.  Fresh summer produce just calls out to be eaten.  Here’s a description of my awfully wonderful veggie sandwich that I can eat dinner after dinner, day after day:

• Toasted 10-grain homemade bread from the Farmer’s Market in Topeka
• Sliced cucumbers (also from the FM)
• Sliced tomatoes … ditto
• Sliced green peppers….you got it, from the Farmers’ Market
• A light smear of mayo and/or spicy mustard (a slice of avocado is nice too!)

Even meat eaters can enjoy meals that don’t include meat – I’m proof!  Come to think about it, many of my meals don’t include meat.  How about you?  Are you a carnivore who chooses to eat lots of veggies?  Tell us all about it at the comment link below.