#256: Finding Joy In The Midst Of Trying Times

As you know, right now there is an emerging health crisis that most of us are affected by in some way or another. Life can be so unpredictable. And uncertainty can be stressful. Dwelling over negative circumstances can be productive when we’re trying to solve problems or process emotions. But sometimes our negative thoughts can get the best of us. On today’s episode of Life Made Simple, I give you some ideas on how to overcome negative thinking patterns to regain a sense of peace and joy during stressful times.   Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (now 40% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Free Resources: Free Worksheet: "The Perfect Day Itinerary Worksheet" Or send a text to 44222 with the word PERFECTDAY   Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life" Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home" Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode256   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Do you have a huge project on your to-do list that you really want to complete? You’re committed and motivated, yet somehow it never gets done? I’m guessing it never gets done because you continually run into the same roadblock… over and over again. This roadblock, for many people, is time. Do you feel like you just don’t have enough time? Or, you’re overwhelmed with how much time you think it’s going to take? For today’s episode, I give you very specific steps to help you reclaim your time and overcome this common roadblock.   Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (now 40% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Free Resources: Free Worksheet: "The Perfect Day Itinerary Worksheet"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word PERFECTDAY   Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life" Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home" Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Episode #8: How To Make A "Perfect Day Itinerary" Episode #11: How Do I Make A "Perfect Week Itinerary"? (Ask CarlaRae) Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode255   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

In our home, it’s a huge crime to toss practically clean clothes into the laundry basket. But what do you do with worn clothes that aren’t dirty and can be worn again? For most families, “half-clean” clothes tend to pile up on the floor, get tossed on chairs, and wadded up on dressers and nightstands. On today's episode, I give you simple and practical storage solutions for worn clothes that you want to wear again.     Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (now 40% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life" Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home" Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode254   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list. Don’t worry, we promise to keep your email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson  

Clutter can be so exhausting... especially when trying to get rid of it. Parting with things that you have an attachment to, for some people (including myself), can be really hard. In our culture we’re encouraged to buy more and do more. We all grew up acquiring things, but most of us were never taught how to let things go. If you truly want less clutter in your home, but you tend to feel a little overwhelmed or resistant to parting with your some of your stuff, it’s important to ask yourself the right questions when you assess each item. On today’s show, I give you 17 (plus) questions to ask yourself when organizing your home. These questions will help you determine what you should keep and what you should part with.     Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (now 40% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life" Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home" Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode (and other fun ones to check out!): Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Episode #15: Do You Have A "Just In Case" Mentality? Episode #10: Can You Have Too Much Of A Good Thing? Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode253   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson  

The beliefs you have about yourself and the world (which are sometimes subconscious) naturally affect your thoughts… which affect your feelings… which affect your behavior and your actions. So, to put it simply, your deep ingrained beliefs determine what you do each day to accomplish your goals and dreams. On today’s episode, I share with you one very specific belief that can be a total game changer. If you can wrap your brain around it and really embrace it, it will change your perspective on so many things in life. This belief will help you manage your time and it will help you accomplish anything you set out to do. It’s a very simple concept that will help override another negative belief that we all have about certain things in life. Keep in mind this episode is the Part 2 of Episode #250, so definitely listen to that one first.     Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (now 40% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode (and other fun ones to check out!): Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Episode #250: What Really Determines Your Happiness & Success Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode252   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson  

I’m sure you have a few to-do lists (for some ideas on how to manage them, check out Episode #173). You probably write them all down or you may even have an app on your phone (listen to Episode #90 to hear about one of my favorites). And you may even have a daily focus list (if you don’t, you must… just listen to Episode #232 and Episode #68). We all have tasks and daily to-dos that once we’re done with them, we can check them off our list for good. But we also have daily tasks that are repetitive. Ones that we need to do over and over again, every day. Many of these tasks need to be done consistently to help us reach our goals. Unfortunately, these repetitive to-dos become mundane, so they end up getting get overlooked. Sometimes we forget about them or we get just too “busy” to do them. On today’s episode I give you one simple idea to help you focus on those daily to-dos to ensure that they always get done.   Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (now 40% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode (and other fun ones to check out!): Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Episode #173: How To DeClutter Your Brain And Keep It Organized Episode #90: My Favorite To-Do List Tool Episode #232: A Simple To-Do List Strategy To Get Things Done Episode #68: Get More Done With A Focus Frame Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode251   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson    

Happy New Year! Can you believe we’re in a new decade?!? This is the time of year when many of us reflect and look back at our past. We assess how everything went (good and bad) and then, of course, we resolve to do better. If you want a little inspiration on specific resolutions, go way back to Episode #41 of Life Made Simple and listen to some “Must-Have New Year's Resolutions For A Simplified Life”. For today’s episode, I go over how to actually keep the resolutions you make for yourself.   Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (now 40% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode (and other fun ones to check out!): Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Episode #41: Your Must-Have New Year's Resolutions For A Simplified Life Episode #17: A Simple Mantra To Get Through A Bad Day Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode250   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

Merry Christmas! Today’s episode is our Christmas Special from a couple years ago when my little boy, Levi, joined me on the show. It’s definitely for the whole family to enjoy… if you have kids, have them listen, too!   Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, for a limited time, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (over 50% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.     Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode (and other fun ones to check out!): Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode249   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson  

Everyone knows that there is no creature more persistent than a child trying to get what he or she wants. For today’s episode, I share with you one of my most effective parenting strategies that can help with even the most demanding child. And even if you don’t have kids, you can definitely apply this concept to your own life as an adult, as well.   Simplicity University Our first signature course is now open for pre-registration: Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home. While it’s in the final stages of production, for a limited time, you can pre-enroll for this course at a huge discount (over 50% off)! We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” Get one course enrollment for yourself and give one to a friend for 75% off! Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.  Do you like what you hear on the show? I would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts (previously called iTunes). Just click here to post a review in the iTunes App. Select “Ratings and Reviews” then “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the show is. Thank you so much!   Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode (and other fun ones to check out!): Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com   Episode #167: Retail Therapy vs. Mindful Shopping Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/episode248   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson

I have something to share that I am so incredibly excited about! So I decided to release a bonus episode with all the details. I created Simplicity University as an online school to offer a variety of digital courses and workshops to help you organize your home and simplify your life. Each course can be taken in your own time, while in your own home, and can be completed at your own pace. It's definitely unlike anything you've seen before! They'll include videos, audio clips, worksheets, and other helpful downloads. The courses are compiled of modules and lessons that are specially designed to inspire and motivate you. Over the last few years, I’ve been creating my first signature course, Organizing Basics 101: Mindsets & Action Plans To Simplify Your Home.  It is now in the final stages of production. For a limited time, we will be opening up pre-enrollment for this course at a huge discount (over 50% off). We are also offering a GOGO special… “Get One, Give One!” You can pre-register for the course yourself  AND buy one at 75% off to gift to a friend. Just go to SimplicityU.com for more details.   Subscribe! If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all our new episodes. You can also visit (or share) our website at LifeMadeSimplePodcast.com or CarlaRaeArneson.com. And feel free to subscribe to our mailing list! Don’t worry, we promise to keep you email safe. Do you have any questions, comments, or do you just want to say hi? Click here to send a private message on the “Ask CarlaRae” page of our website.    Free Resources: Free Guide:  "9 Ways to Simplify Your Life"   Or send a text to 44222 with the word 9SIMPLIFY   Free Download: "5 Steps to Organizing Your Home"  Or send a text to 44222 with the word ORGANIZE   Links Mentioned in this Episode (and other fun ones to check out!): Simplicity University: SimplicityU.com Share this Episode: CarlaRaeArneson.com/bonus-episode   Let’s Connect! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/CarlaRaeArneson