Smead Tax Organizer™

Remember the old adage (I'm paraphrasing here),that there were only two certainties in life, death and taxes? Well, let's add another-disorganization with taxes. Thankfully Smead and I can help you with two of the three. With tax time quickly approaching you may be searching for a place to keep all of those receipts and papers that will hopefully make your (or your accountant’s) job at tax time a little easier. The Tax Organizer™ by Smead provides six pockets to keep everything neat and in one place, handy pre-printed tabs to label each page and even tips to help you use the Tax Organizer™ to the fullest. Now, we can't guarantee a tax refund, but if used properly, we can guarantee that you will be able to organize all that you need when the tax bell tolls for thee!!


Products are provided free by Smead for review.

Dignity

No one can take away your dignity. But be certain, “YOU” can give it away based on your behavior and language.

Fearful Thinking

Changing old habits, and replacing them with new ones, almost never takes as much time and effort as does the procrastinating, worrying and thinking about it does. Use that energy to implement the change instead.

Embrace Newness

Don't be afraid to try new things. Remember, everything you now consider “old” was once “new”, but probably seems extremely familiar to you now. Embrace newness with a passion and challenge yourself to do something new at LEAST once a week!!

Happy President's Day!!

How do you spend federal holidays? Do you celebrate the day or celebrate the break from work?

Trust: Earned or Given?

Which statement most closely reflects your belief on trust?

1. Trust should be earned over a period of time based on a person's actions or behaviors.

OR

2. Trust should be given, regardless of a person's actions or behaviors and should be theirs to retain or lose.

Motivation

Have you ever had someone suggest changes that YOU should make in your life that seem to benefit them more than you? Take the time to question “why?” If the change doesn’t make you happy, or make your life easier, consider the motive of the person “requesting” the change.

Reality Check

Living with a person with a disorganization/clutter problem is rarely easy since their behaviors are likely to affect you. Clutter often encroaches on shared family, often becomes a point of contention and can snowball out of control if allowed. While it may be difficult to do, it's important to be supportive and encourage the person who has this issue to seek help.

Here are a few tips on what to say to encourage someone to seek help:
1. I want the best for you.
2. You deserve to live a functional life.
3. I'll support you.
4. I won't judge you.
5. I understand that this may be difficult for you.
6. I understand that parting with your things is not easy, but I believe you can do it.

Here are few things NOT to say:
1. You need to clean this mess.
2. Why won't you clean this mess?
3. You need to stop living like a slob.
4. It's all your fault and you're on your own.
5. Stop being lazy.
6. Why don't you just throw it all away!!

This doesn't mean that you condone the living situation or should have to suffer in silence, but remember these points: Don't play the blame game-it doesn't work. Blaming yourself for their position or them for their situation is just a recipe for anger and resentment to build. Try not to become angry and speak from a place of rage. Remain calm and don't lash out with negative and hurtful words. Express your desire for the person to live a more organized life. Remember, most people do not truly desire to live this way, but may lack the skills and resources to change.

Rational?

Don't try to use rational thoughts to figure out irrational people. You will become frustrated every time.

Life Changes

Big life decisions don't have to be made in one swell swoop, but can be accomplished in a series of small, consistent decisions.

Missing Accountability

If you allow people in your life without accountability, don't be surprised when they repeatedly disappoint you. Even adults need rules.

Happy Makers

Don't take on the task of trying to make unhappy people happy. It's too big a task and almost impossible. What you can do is encourage them through their unhappiness and support them as well.

Support

When someone is trying to make positive changes, don't question “Why?”, but simply support them through the journey.