September is the new January

Written by Heather Foley

Have you ever noticed that the fall is like January 2.0 for resolution-like life changes?  Well, we have.  Once the summer is over people start buckling down; hitting the gym, eating better, drinking less, et cetera, et cetera.  Since so many of us are working on getting our lives together anyway, we here at Caught In Southie figured why not make that the theme for fall?  Now you may be asking, “Heather, didn’t I just see you getting takeout at Porto Bello in dirty sweatpants…and paying with a jar of loose nickels?”  Yes, yes you did, but that was the old Heather.  The new Heather has a plan, and she is sharing that plan with you.  Don’t worry, I’m still lazy and terrible at delaying gratification, so my plan is just 10 things you can do to get your life together right now, or at least a little bit together.

Make your bed.  I like to start with baby steps, like What About Bob.

Clean off your desk.  My desk has become a waiting room for everything that doesn’t have a designated space and it’s super cluttered.  I guess I don’t need that Women’s Health from 2008 or the wedding program from a couple who have since gotten divorced and remarried to other people.

Throw away old makeup and products.  Fun fact, mascara should not be powder and your moisturizer should not smell July garbage.

Make a budget.  How much money do you have coming in?  How much money do you have going out?  You know how a budget works, I don’t have to tell you.

Attack your inbox.  Delete any emails you don’t need and unscubscribe your ass off.

Start an emergency fund.  Now that you have a budget, figure out how much you can set aside for an emergency.  Anything is better than nothing!

Throw away anything stained, yellow, or pilling.  I’m sorry you washed a chapstick with your favorite turtleneck (everyone has a favorite turtleneck, right?) and it’s ruined, but throw it away!  And come on, you’re better than wearing anything with yellowy pit stains, aren’t you?

Call your doctor or dentist.  When was the last time you went in for a checkup or teeth cleaning?  WebMD doesn’t count.

Set your alarm for thirty minutes earlier.  Get up a little earlier so you’re not so rushed in the morning.  Feeling rushed is the WORST.

And go to bed an hour earlier.  Did you think I would steal half an hour of sleep from you?  Do you even know me?

Alright Southie, now it’s your turn, what are your tips for getting your sh*t together?