Last month's habit was Home and Function. Were you successful in putting all your things in HOMEs? Could you find anything and everything in 30 seconds or less because things lived in their HOMEs? How did you do letting go of things that had no function? Remember to keep Habit One going as you concentrate on Habit Two.

When you SIMPLIFY – letting go of things you do not love, use, or need – you create MORE time and energy because you have LESS to deal with. You also have MORE money because you are spending LESS. And you have MORE space because it is filled with LESS stuff. Read what Lisa Guyman, speaker, life coach and meditation instructor, has to say about simplifying by de-cluttering. She reminds us how easy it is to “get bogged down by our stuff and to forget that we have this unique opportunity to navigate this magical journey of our lives.” Start with these five action steps to simplify in January so you can experience the magic of your life.

Remember the 80/20 rule. You only use 20 percent of your stuff 80 percent of the time. You know the favorites you reach for every time: discard or find second homes for the rest.

• Open your clothes closet. Put all your favorite clothes (the ones that fit and that make you feel fabulous) together on one side of your closet and the rest in a different closet (or on the other side). See how seldom you are choosing clothes “from the other side” that are not your favorites. Consider packing them up and donating to a charity, friend, family member.
• Do the same thing with books, CDs, DVDs, jewelry, files, shoes, small appliances (that bread machine or slicer-dicer?) and kitchen utensils, tools, linens, craft supplies, makeup, toiletries, shoes and socks, cleaning supplies. Keep only your favorites!
• Simplify your daily 'to do' list to 5 or fewer tasks. Prioritize in order of importance. If you only get three done, you know you've accomplished the three most important tasks. Then celebrate your achievement!
• Eliminate 18 items in 18 minutes. Set your timer for 18 minutes, open a black garbage bag, open drawers and closets and fill that bag until the timer rings. Take the filled bag out to your car and drop off at the charity of your choice on your way to work.

Conquering Clutter: Getting Started and Staying Clutter Free at Colorado Free University, 6-9 pm, Tuesdays, January 23 and February 6.

• Conquering Clutter: Getting Started and Staying Clutter Free at Arapahoe Community College, 9 am to noon, Saturdays, January 27 and February 10.
• Feng Shui Basics at Arapahoe Community College, 1-4 pm, Saturday, Feb. 10
• Feng Shui Basics at Arapahoe Community College, 6-9 pm, Tuesday, May 8
• Advanced Feng Shui Series Tuesdays, 6- 9 pm, May 15 through June 5: Chi and Intention, Orienting the Ba-Gua, The Five Elements of Feng Shui, and Cures and Enhancements.

NEW Certification Program. Build a business to assist clients in organizing and clutter clearing the Feng Shui way. One-year program begins Monday, March 19, 2007. Call Kathie at 303.779.4717 for details.

When you simplify your environment you create

• an environment that feels good
• that supports your goals and desires
• where positive Ch'i (life force energy) flows freely
• that is balanced and harmonious

"In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that when you organize and clear your physical environment, then 'drala' (or magic) can enter your life. If your space is messy and chaotic, then no drala will descend into it. When your life is not clogged with clutter, you feel lighter, and it is easier to hear the inner message from your soul." -- Denise Linn. What message do you want to hear?

Make 2007 the year you let go of perfection. In her letter from the angels, Janelle Washburne (http://www.liveyourtruth.com) reminds us that "perfection is a moving target--it's different things to different people, therefore it doesn't really exist". Do your best and forget the rest.

Sincerely,