stress-free

Success Breeds Success: Finish Something!

By Hazel Thornton | June 19, 2023 |

A senior coworker once gave me a great piece of advice early in my corporate career. I was feeling overwhelmed and whiny about all the projects I had been assigned. I was paralyzed with indecision about what to work on next. What was his advice? Finish something.        

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Organizing to De-Stress Your Holidays (all of them)

By Hazel Thornton | November 18, 2019 |

What are “holidays” and why are they so stressful? A holiday is any special occasion, all year round, which involves extra preparations; extra time, money and energy; and extra people, families in particular. Examples include birthdays, weddings, religious holidays, and secular holidays. Holiday stress comes from having unrealistic expectations of yourself and others. Sometimes it’s the…

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Organizing to De-Stress a Major or Chronic Illness

By Hazel Thornton | July 19, 2019 |

Illness is stressful. The less you have to worry about, the more you can focus your energy on getting well. And getting organized will help you worry less. This concept applies to any prolonged medical condition that results in decreased energy and mobility. Here are some examples: recovery from a planned surgery an unplanned medical…

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The guest-worthy & stress-free home

By Hazel Thornton | November 26, 2018 |

Do you enjoy house guests? Or avoid them? Is your home guest-worthy? Does the thought of having people over cause a small panic attack? In New Mexico the holidays start with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October! Many of us host visitors during that time. Some of us have friends and family who visit…

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Do you follow proper wish list etiquette?

By Hazel Thornton | December 8, 2016 |

Are you reluctant to create a wish list because you think (or have been told) that it’s materialistic? Selfish? Rude? Miss Manners may frown on wish lists, but Miss Hazel thinks they can be very handy communication tools, and a great relief to gift givers and recipients alike. In How (and Why) to Organize Your…

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How (and Why) to Organize Your Wish List

By Hazel Thornton | December 8, 2016 |

  Do you have a wish list? No? Why not? Because you are no longer a child writing letters to Santa? That’s no excuse! Wish lists are a great way to de-stress the holidays and make gift-giving occasions easier all year long. I just updated my Amazon.com wish list and asked my family to do…

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To send, or not to send? No more holiday card guilt!

By Hazel Thornton | December 8, 2016 |

  I love to send and receive holiday cards! My Thanksgiving weekend ritual is to take inventory — while relaxing in front of the fire, with a glass of wine, snacks, and some Christmas music — of my friends, family, clients, colleagues, and those who have been helpful to me throughout the year. It’s a…

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Getting Organized Once And For All

By Hazel Thornton | March 14, 2016 |

So… what does “Getting Organized For Life” really mean, anyway? Consider these three meanings: 1. Getting organized so your life will be easier, less stressful, more balanced, and ultimately more satisfying; so you can find your things when you need them, and get stuff done; so you can spend less time doing what you have…

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Is Your Guest Room Guest Worthy?

By Hazel Thornton | October 17, 2015 |

For some folks Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday house guest season, but around here it’s October’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. People come from all over the world to participate, to experience, and to visit us in our homes. Of course it’s nice to have a spare room devoted to only guests, but not everyone has…

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Clearing Mental Clutter

By Hazel Thornton | May 17, 2013 |

Clutter comes in many forms. If you are worried about something, but aren’t doing anything about it — or can’t do anything about it — it’s mental clutter. For any persistent, worrisome thought, ask yourself: Can you do something about it? If you think so, or if you don’t think so, or if you’re not…

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Hazel's Books

Cover of " What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy"

What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy

Cover of "Go With the Flow! (The Clutter Flow Chart Workbook)"

Go With the Flow! (The Clutter Flow Chart Workbook)

Cover of "Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror"

Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror

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