Simplicity News July 2004

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In This Issue:

• Happy Independence Day!
• How Many Are FREEcycling Today? 
• Are You Enjoying "Planner Freedom"?
• Special Feature: Fascination Design

Happy Independence Day!

This past Sunday was July 4th, and if you're an American I hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend! During your festivities and fireworks, did you take a moment to remember the real "reason for the season", which is to commemorate the United States' independence from England?

Those of us fortunate enough to live in the United States enjoy such incredible freedoms. We live in a nation that is filled with opportunity for those who have eyes to see it. We are free to worship (or not) as we see fit, without government interference. We are free to own property, homes and marry whomever we choose, if we are so inspired. We can speak freely and express ourselves, even if it is to voice displeasure with our government, without fear of "disappearing", as is the case in many other countries. We are free to publish books, print newspapers, hold peaceful demonstrations, start businesses f rom nothing and grow them into empires if we are able.

Embrace and appreciate these, and the many other freedoms that we often take for granted. And while you're doing so, remember fondly our forefathers, who paid the ultimate price to create this great, strong and free nation where the citizens of the world still long to come, to seize the opportunities which are abundant even today.

Happy Independence Day and a sincere THANK YOU to those who have served in our military in the past and those who are serving now.

How Many Are FREEcycling Today? 

Decluttering your life is a wonderful way to rid yourself of the things that no longer give you value and a great way to help someone in need at the same time. All over the world, people are helping others and decluttering their lives by giving away the things they no longer need, through FREEcycle.org. This means that fewer items are going into the trash and filling up the landfills of our planet. 

It's so simple to join and it's free! You just sign up through the Freecycle web site, and you'll begin getting the emails that people in your local FREEcycle group send out either seeking free items, or offering free items. It's as simple as that! Just go to the site at www.FREEcycle.org to sign up! 

Number of cities FREEcycling last month: 446
Number of cities FREEcycling this month: 941

Number of people FREEcycling last month: 68,308 
Number of people FREEcycling this month: 209,771 
Wow, what an increase in just a month!

Check it out and let me know what you think of the idea. If you've received something great or given something away through this wonderful concept, tell me about that too!

Are You Enjoying "Planner Freedom"?

In the spirit of Independence Day, let's talk about the freedom you can enjoy simply by using a good planning tool and using it consistently. Now you might wonder how you can experience freedom this way, but it's simple if you think about it.

Using a planning tool gives you the freedom of not relying on your memory for your appointments and family schedule. It gives you the freedom to feel confident that you haven't missed anything or forgotten a birthday or anniversary. It frees up your mental energy (your personal RAM, if you will) to focus not on the minutiae of daily life, but on your goals, your priorities and allows you to be fully present in the moments and relationships of your life.

Whether you choose an electonic PDA, a fat and fancy paper planner or just a basic calendar, use it consistently and you'll be amazed at how much more freedom you'll enjoy!

Monica Ricci is an Organizing Specialist, and the founder of Catalyst Organizing Solutions, an Atlanta based company. She is the immediate past president of the GA Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

To schedule Monica to speak to your conference, convention, team, department, or association, or for an on-site organizational evaluation, contact her at 770-569-2642 or at Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com

Catalyst offers on-site productivity consulting, distance coaching, speaking and writing, as well as expert guest appearances on radio and television.