Vision Board Friday: Lose the Fear of Being Wrong

"To live a creative life, we must lose the fear of being wrong."  

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7 Ways to Recycle Old Clothes + Goods

If you read my post on the "Throw Out 100 Things Challenge," you know I got rid of quite a big of clutter recently (especially clothing). I've also posted about my goal to focus on quality vs. quantity when it comes to buying new clothes. While I'm working on simplifying my apartment, I don't like to actually throw anything away if I can help it. I've donated 3 big boxes to Goodwill lately and have a feeling I'll be doing another round of simplifying soon.

I've been testing out different ways to recycle clothing + unwanted goods:

Donate to Goodwill or other charity

• Always a good option. There is no shortage of people who could use help.

Sell on Craigslist 

• This is a good option for big items, like furniture + appliances. When we moved into our current apartment, it already had a washer and dryer, so we had to sell our beloved units. (I was quite attached to that hand-washing option!) Just be careful using Craigslist- talk with the person on the phone first and don't let them inside your home if you can help it. We've never had a problem with the site, but we've all heard about the movie.

Trade items on Freecycle.org

• I've never used this site personally, but I know friends who have. I absolutely love this idea. "It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and keeping good stuff out of landfills."

Sell on eBay

• eBay is good for higher priced, specialty items (like designer handbags). I used to be able to sell decent name-brands but this has been harder in recent years and not worth the time and effort.

Sell in a Facebook yardsale group (now called Marketplace)

• I've had varying success with this option, but it's much cheaper than ebay. You get cash and don't have to worry about shipping. I often feel shady like a drug dealer or something when meeting people, though haha. You can find a local group by searching for your location + yardsale. Then you'll find related groups in the right sidebar so you can choose the most relevant for your needs.

Sell at a consignment shop or Plato's Closet

• Plato's Closet is an excellent option for lightly-worn young adult type clothing. I've had great success selling brands like American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, etc. The last time I stopped by I sold 7 items for $26.

Sell on a consignment website

• There are a few websites out there like Thredup.com.

• I decided to try Thredup.com, but was very disappointed. They provide a calculator on the site to estimate how much you'll get per item. I sent about 30 items, including Express business pants and similar brands, and expected a little bit of money per item according to their website. They accepted 6 items for $5.76. The website claims they donate the remaining items to a charity (but doesn't specify which charity). It's not so much that I wanted the money, but I felt mislead by their website and calculator. I would have much rather donated the clothing to a charity of my choice if I knew I would have gotten so little.

**This is not a sponsored post and is not in conjunction with ThredUp in any way. It's just an honest review or a method I tried. 

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What are your favorite ways to recycle clothing or other unwanted goods?

Vision Board Friday: Taking Time to Live Life Will Only Inspire Your Work

"Taking time to live life will only inspire your work." How many entrepreneurs, small business owners, bloggers {or anyone!}  could use this reminder each week? Each day? It's too easy to get caught up in doing more, more, more to build your business, serve your customers, write another post, finish those projects.

I learned this lesson the hard way. I'm nearing the end of my second year running my business full time and have been reluctant to take days off. The burn-out started creeping in a few months ago, so I've taken a few days here and there this summer. Completely shutting out work made me more motivated when I did return. I had a renewed energy and inspiration. I still struggle with this, so it's definitely appropriate for my vision board.  I need the constant reminder.

If you're a blogger, you can consider this in another way, too. Many of my clients ask, "How will I come up with topics to write about every week? Or multiple times a week?!" My advice is to pay attention to things going on in your life and write down ideas every day. Even if you don't have a lifestyle blog, I promise topics will come to you. What questions are people asking you? What are you struggling with yourself? What have you learned how to do recently? Keep a notepad or app handy to record your ideas.

How does your life inspire your work? Do you take vacations or tech detoxes to renew your energy?

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Vision Board Friday: This Life is Pretty Amazing

"Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing."We could all use this reminder sometimes.

Generally vision boards are meant for visions of the future, but you may have noticed many similar quotes like this on "vision board fridays." The future is made of each individual day strung together, so I believe in filling my board with reminders of how I'd like to feel and to be present in each day.

Also, I believe in making your vision board whatever you want it to be.

34 Little Reasons to Smile

Happiness doesn't only come from hitting big milestones and reaching goals. There are small things in everyday life we can appreciate, and these things are worth celebrating! Below are some of my favorite moments and things that make me smile. 1. A perfectly ripe banana

2. The 1st sip of coffee in the morning

3. Cold sheets and the cold side of your pillow

4. The first warm, sunny day after a cold winter

5. Finding a book you can't put down

6. Wearing your favorite outfit

7. Finding a great deal on something you've had your eye on

8. Visiting your home town

9. Reminiscing with an old friend

10. The silent calm before a snow fall

11. A cool breeze coming in your window

12. Birthday cake or birthday traditions

13. Baby animals

14. Clean sheets (especially fresh, white sheets)

15. Fresh fruit on a hot summer day

16. The first kiss with a new love

17. That feeling after a great workout

18. Lying down when you're exhausted

19. The anticipation before a vacation

20. Christmas morning

21. Inspiration for a new project or creation

22. Getting in the "flow" of what you're doing

23. Finding the last of something you've wanted (especially if it's a piece of clothing in your exact size!)

24. Sleeping or relaxing on a rainy day

25. The smell of fresh baking cookies

26. A new jar of peanut butter or nut butter

27. An unexpected day off (like a snow day)

28. Sleeping in your own bed after being away from home

29. The release of a book or movie you've been waiting for

30.  The moment when something finally clicks in your mind

31. The sound of rain on a tin roof

32. The sound of lawnmowers and airplanes during the summertime

33. Receiving an unexpected compliment

34. Helping someone (or animals) in need

What moments are you grateful for? What small thing makes you smile? Share in the comments below!

Vision Board Friday: Live in the Moment

This requires daily, or rather, constant practice, but it can be done.Be grateful + positive. Let go of the past and leave room for growth + change in the future.

image credit: I couldn't find the original source, so if you know, please let me know!

VIsion Board Friday: The Grass is Greener Where You Water It

"The grass is greener where you water it." - Neil Barringham I love this quote. It's so relevant to life, work and the comparison trap. Put that energy into your work and see what happens!

Vision Board Friday: No Act of Kindness is Ever Wasted

"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." -Aesop  

I couldn't find the original source. If this is yours, sorry! Let me know!

Vision Board Friday: Be All There

"Wherever you are, be all there" - Jim Elliot  

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Vision Board Friday: Choose to See the Good Stuff

Perception is everything, right? Choose to see the good in the world and people around you.

Vision Board Friday: Live Simply

"Live simply. Expect little. Give much. Love extravagantly." This seemed appropriate as I'm working on simplifying my life this week and thinking about long term goals. Focus on the things that really matter.

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Vision Board Friday: Create Healthy Habits, Not Restrictions

At the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, we learned about the practice of "crowding out." Instead of making a lot of huge changes at once and making foods off limits, try slowly adding in healthier options like fruits, vegetables and more water.

The produce and water will start filling you up and you won't have as much room for the unhealthier options. Soon enough, you'll even start craving the good stuff! Plus, putting restrictions on your diet can backfire.

Remember, you're creating a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet change.

Vision Board Friday: Choose to be Calm

Don't forget that you're in control. Take a few deep breaths and choose to be calm.

Vision Board Friday: Follow Your Own Path

Don't be afraid to deviate from the path you were taught as a child. High school, college, corporate job, marriage, family.

If that path doesn't feel right to you and bring you joy, make your own. There are unlimited ways to live you life. You only get one, so make it what you want.

Vision Board Friday: Be the Best Version of You

"Be the very best version of you." Self-improvement is great, but it's even better when you remain true to yourself! Make sure your goals are your own.

Vision Board Friday: Do What You Can

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Stop waiting to get started. You have enough and you are enough.

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Vision Board Friday: Elements of Glow

I came across this last year and love it! No explanation necessary. Elements of Glow:

1. Eat well.
2. Sleep.
3. Drink lots of water.
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise!
5. Meditate.
6. Tend to your hair, skin and nails.
7. Breathe consciously.
8. Laugh often.
9. Pamper yourself.
10. Don't worry.
11. Don't judge.
12. Slow down.
13. Pay attention.
14. Be kind.

Vision Board Friday: Be a Light to the World

"Be a Light to the World." When you experience a positive, uplifting person, don't you feel amazing? You can be that person too. Trade positive energy.

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Vision Board Friday: Believe You Can and You're Halfway There

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theadore Roosevelt  

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