Someone amazing — whose name escapes me — gave me this 30-second secret to a happier home. So simple, so easy. It is Today’s Sip, the first of many I’ll share.
Today’s Sip is the 30-second secret.
Tell yourself,
your kids,
grandkids,
hubby (if you’re married),
the dog,
~ OK, not the dog ~
to practice this one simple, 30-second secret: If you can do it in 30 seconds, do it.
In 30 seconds or less, can you put the coffee cup in the sink, even better: the dishwasher? Yes? By golly, put it in the dishwasher.
Can you toss yesterday’s undies/boxers/socks in the hamper in 30 tick-tocks? Toss!
Coats on hooks? Shoes on shelves? Backpacks in rooms (or wherever you keep these backbreakers)? Then hook, shelve, and room.
Even a 30-second counter wipe sparkles a difference, ushering instant peace and joy.
There’s More
Extend the 30-second secret from things to people. Simple 30-second, heart-to-heart connections.
Can you say “Thank you” to the Walmart cashier in 30 seconds or less? You know you can. Do it. A simple heart-to-heart, expanding your heart three sizes.
What else?
Hmm. Hug your kid? Yep. Leave a short comment on a blogpost? Another yep. Text a friend? Oh, yeah.
Send up a prayer?
Read a Scripture?
Sit quietly and breathe deep?
Eat a piece of fruit? Or chocolate?
You CAN make these 30-second secrets happen. I know you can. (You do too!)
Big Changes
Guess what happens when you practice 30-second secrets? They exponentially transform you and your family. Just think about it. Less clutter at home and in the workplace. The car too. Less clutter frees you and your loved ones. It translates into less stress, opening your heart to abundant joy overflowing.
As abundant joy overflows your days, you experience rest. Burdens lift. You feel energized. You WANT to thank the cashier, to breathe deep, to thank God.
Start with yourself then share it with your family. EnJOY. I’d love to hear your 30-second secrets.
Question: What is a 30-second secret you’ll start today?
With Joy Overflowing!
I love thinking about what we can do in such a short time. Thanks for the reminder.
Kay, little changes in just 30-second increments have made a big difference with attitude toward my kids and small things, like a towel left on the bathroom floor. Now instead of stressing, I say, “Pick up the towel, please. Thirty seconds.” I know and they know “30 seconds” is our secret code for getting simple things done.
Big blessings to you!
a 30 second thing I do for my husband..when I go to bed (he is asleep before me due to conflicting work hours) I set up the coffee pot for morning. (takes 30 seconds)…when he gets up, he just turns it on. Once I forgot to do it…he was upset when I got up and asked me if I was mad at him. I said I wasn’t …he then told me how much it means to him when I do this little act of kindness for him , and he noticed when I did NOT do it ! I make it a point now.. a little ‘I love you’ without words……..another one I do at work….I draw a smiley face on any notes I have to leave coworker (unoffically, of course..not on legal documents or anything)…One time I forgot to do it…and a coworker asked me if I was upset w/ him…I said no….then he proceeded to tell me how everyone likes the smileys from me…and missed it when I did NOT do it! funny how little things do make a difference . those are important 30 seconds! I love this concept…
I’ve stumbled upon your blog…..and I’m so glad I did.
Love your 30 second tips!! Something so simple..yet so powerful.
Kim~
Cindy, great examples! So easy to do and highly meaningful. Coffee cups and smiley faces — I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing.
I love it , so many days I find myself overwhelmed with daily stuff such as clutter but the thirty second rule is something I believe will help !
Amanda, it IS amazing how picking up a sock here, putting away a book there, starting a small load of laundry, emptying a trash can and so on REDUCES clutter stress and opens you joy door. Teach your daughter too. Just 30 seconds. Simple, easy.
Hello dear Lucy,
We said “hello” to one another back in November on the Practical Housewife forum (so sorry that closed). Anyway, Happy New Year! I loved the post. It reminded me how my girls and I used to have up a “miracle in a minute” list. All the things we could do if we had a spare minute-we had everything on there from unloading some of the dishwasher to sing a hymn to tell a joke. I’m gonna see if I can find that list, or maybe we will just start a new one!
Peace and Strength,
Leigh
Love the miracle in a minute idea! Happy New Year to you too. I pray you are well and remaining strong in the Lord. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Lucy