Christine Gipple, Author at Life Coaching by Christine Gipple

Are books becoming obsolete? Attention – book lovers!

Ok, so I’ll be totally transparent. I’m resisting our digital age. In a round of decluttering, I have a 22 volume set of Encyclopedias that I’m resisting releasing. The story I tell myself is: My daughter needs to know how to use them as reference tools, and they’ll be really helpful when doing research projects. And, she may need them to site resources, just like I did in school. Yet, in today’s world, everything is online, and the truth is, we probably don’t “need” them. My truth: It’s important to me she knows how to use resources other than on-line.

Which brings me to the question – are books becoming obsolete? Will there be a time when we are no longer reading books, in our hands, and everything will be digitized?

I hope not. I’m old school. I want a book in hand. I highlight, underline, use Post-it flags, arrows, and make notations throughout my books as I read. Even with fiction.

The idea of moving toward a completely digital age is less than thrilling to me. While I love the convenience of the internet, my cell phone, iPad, etc., I still buy books. It’s been one of my two vices my entire life – books and music. Yes, I still buy CD’s too – not as much as books, because I download a lot, but I do buy CD’s. If you’re like me, you used to buy albums, and can remember spending hours listening to them, reading the covers and inserts, and maybe you even crossed your fingers like I did, hoping the lyrics would be written on the sleeve inserts.

Friends of mine teach and have shared that in some districts, books are obsolete and have been replaced by iPads in their curriculum. This floored me. I just can’t imagine a world without books, or libraries without books, or my home without them.

What about you? Do you think books will eventually be obsolete? Many magazines are all digital. Will our libraries be replaced with all media files? What’s our future hold for us? Do you still read books or do you prefer digital? If you’re a book lover, I want to hear from you. I’d love to know I’m not alone in my desire for an actual book in hand!

By Christine Gipple|2017-05-30T02:45:50-04:00May 30th, 2017|Uncategorized|0 Comments

How fiberglass curtains and salsa reminded me to choose peace

Last night my daughter had a sleepover. As parents, we believe in giving children choice, permission, and freedom. We trust that with our guidance and their intuition, they’ll make wise choices that’ll give them the best learning experiences.

So when I went into the living room after the girls were all set in her room for the night, what I found surprised me.

On the wooden ledge of the futon, there was a soaking wet Handi-Wipe filled with Salsa rolled up in a ball. As I started moving pillows and blankets, I noticed a huge wet spot under one of the blankets where salsa was cleaned up, along with a few straggler chips.

I was annoyed. She knows better. Wood ledges – water drenches wood and warps it. She knows this. Food was left out in the kitchen.

As I reminded her of these things, after walking in her room with the Handi-Wipe evidenced full of salsa, she cowered, apologized. She’d tried to clean it up the best she could. She felt bad. Still, I reminded her of what I knew she was already told – water ruins wood and it’s important to clean up messes – when they happen.

Her dad stood by and listened and I saw something in his eyes that I was missing. “She tried”, he said. And she did. She’s 10.

I immediately was catapulted back to my Fairview kitchen and was 10 years old. I’d been in school all day and couldn’t wait to get home to remove my intensely itchy white uniform shirt. I didn’t know what was wrong, but all day it was burning and itching against my skin. As I stood by the washing machine in our kitchen – scratching, red, and in tears – my older brother walked in and asked me what was wrong. As I shared my day and told him about my shirt, I shared how I’d washed my shirts with our living room curtains the day before.

The living room curtains were made of fiberglass.

Ouch.

I’ll never forget his reaction – it was like, “Duh! You don’t wash fiberglass curtains with anything!

What did I know? I was 10. I just needed clean shirts for school. Why not multi-task? Yes, even at 10, I was like this.

Last night, I saw myself in my daughter’s actions. She was given the freedom to choose and she did what she thought was best. She’d cleaned up the spilled salsa and just forgot to move the rag and the wet blanket.

I was reminded of how little she is. I was reminded how delicate each learning experience can be. And how our experiences can often imprint on us for years to come.

I stopped to snuggle her, share the curtain story, and assure her I know she did her best – because she did. I hesitated because she had a friend sleeping over – but this is what we do – talk and snuggle it out.

So the next time your child does something that triggers you, I invite you to remember how little they are, and how often they’re coming from their best place of experience as they know it. They look to us for guidance on how to handle situations.

We’re not perfect. But we can create perfect relationships for us and our families, through empathy and seeing things through another set of eyes.

We just have to be willing to see.

How about you? Is there a place you need to soften? A place where you and your family could benefit from seeing something a little differently?

I’d love to hear your experiences! Share your comments below and if you liked this article, please share it!

xo

By Christine Gipple|2017-04-22T19:37:35-04:00June 18th, 2016|Lifestyle, Parenting|0 Comments

Are you resisting the flow? Or riding waves with ease?

I wasn’t in the flow today.

I’m not sure what tipped me off first – the guy abruptly backing into my car while I waited at the stop sign, or my windshield wiper flying off as I drove down the Black Horse Pike – in the rain. But I was definitely NOT in the flow, and felt my day spiraling into chaos.

Maybe it was the meltdown that came before I left my house after getting an upsetting call, reminding me of the conflict I feel about a decision that must be made, soon. Or being woken up by outrageously loud saws, music and voices coming from my next door neighbors roof as men installed fascia on his home. Or when my vacuum cleaner spit OUT the items it was supposed to be taking in. Maybe it was when the water spilled all over the paperwork I needed to take with me when I left the house. Or the torrential rain and winds that took down a tree near my house, causing me to drive down a different street, placing me at that stop sign so the kind gentleman could smash into me in the first place.

Yeah, it was all of that. One after another, things were happening, reminding me to stop. To slow down. To pause, and feel the emotions flooding through me.

I knew it was time to get quiet.

But my intention was clear when I woke up. We were driving to North Jersey to see the documentary, Vaxxed. “My plan” was to get out of the house – despite the prediction of rain later in the day, despite my car needing to be dropped off for service, despite seeing unfinished signs to be made for a yard sale, despite dishes in my sink, despite my printer needing fixing so I can get it to scan, despite my home needing attention, and “me” needing attention.

I wanted to stick with “the plan”.

But my daughter wasn’t embracing spending a chunk of the day in the car, which would’ve been the case. Honoring her needs as well as mine is a core value to me. So I amended the plan. But I didn’t really want to. I was all in my head thinking how important this film is, and how we can only make change if we all see the facts. I’ve seen the film in NY but my daughter hasn’t. My real resistance to cancelling our plans though had little to do with the actual film, and more to do with the mayhem I felt inside. I needed order, and going with the plan allowed me to feel in control – of something.

Here’s the truth.

Our “plan” really has no place in our day. We can plan, sure. And, we need to be aware, (for me, much more quickly), when our plans need amending. It was one of those days – I wanted to do what I intended, and I didn’t feel like being flexible.

How many times have you had days like this? Where things weren’t lining up the way you wanted, where you were resisting, and received constant blocks trying to redirect you? What will you do next time this happens?

I know what I’ll do. I’ll get on my yoga mat and meditate. Or write. Or breathe. Or cry. Or all of those.

There’s a time to plow through and stick with the plan, and there’s a time to allow things to unfold naturally. When those blocks come, it’s a reminder to slow down, to pause.

It’s not time to plow – it’s time to allow.

Because sometimes we need to allow stuff to move through us before it can leave us.

I’d love to hear what you do when this happens for you. How do you reset yourself? How do you tune back in? I often will organize or clear clutter, but that just wasn’t in my energetic field today. The universe had other plans.

Leave a comment below, and if this helped you, please share it!

With love and blessings,

Chris

By Christine Gipple|2017-04-22T19:37:36-04:00June 8th, 2016|Holistic Health, Intuition|0 Comments

Less = More. Simplify Your Wardrobe To 33 Items

My resistance surprised me. I’d been finalizing my website, so my delay in starting this challenge on June 1st was reasonably justified, but beyond that, I really procrastinated mentally. My inner voice kept telling me there was no way I was going from 100 items of clothing down to only 33, especially since I’d already downsized to 100 items! (see previous posts). The final 33 counted accessories like sunglasses, earrings, shoes, sandals, jackets, etc. Honestly, I didn’t think I could do it. When I approached the 40 item mark, I was ready to amend the rules a bit. I told myself I couldn’t simplify or release any more. As I reached 36, I was too close not to make it work, so the final 3 had to go!

But I did it – I’ve chosen my final 33 items to wear for the next 3 months! From June 5th to September 5th, I’ll use only the final 33 that made the cut. Project 333 Underway – Thanks Courtney Carver for the inspiration!

Here’s what I started with:

Here’s what I chose: One pair of sneakers, two sandals (one not shown because I was wearing them), one pair of earrings, one necklace, one hat, one pair of sunglasses and the rest clothing. (Workout wear and sleepwear don’t count – thank God!)

Result – I feel completely empowered, more mindful, and less stressed. I’m no longer sliding over item after item in my closet that I don’t feel great, searching for the ones I do feel great in. The visual plus – every time I open my closet door, I see only what I need, want and love. It feels simple, easy, and less overwhelming. I also feel less guilt. I don’t know about you, but I had a lot of clothes I didn’t wear. But because I paid good money for them, they stayed in my closet – even though I’d slide them aside looking for something else to wear.

I’ll admit I felt close to giving up. I felt close to backing out. The impossibility of 33 felt like more than I wanted to embrace. But it’s clothes – not people. It’s stuff. And I choose to live with less stuff.

I’m a little dorky and am always simplifying & organizing because I LOVE to, but this particular project has inspired me to simplify even more, beyond clothes. No “thing” is guaranteed a spot to live within our home. My family’s made me promise their stuff is off limits! I’ve agreed to only work on mine. Yet, I see them adding things to the donate pile as a result of my constant clearing. Releasing is contagious, and not by force – simply by doing.

Maybe you could live with less? Let go of items you keep sliding aside in your closet? Share your comments below. If this inspired you or you think it will inspire someone you know to action, please share this!

By Christine Gipple|2017-04-22T19:37:36-04:00June 5th, 2016|Feng Shui for Home, Organizing Tips|0 Comments

Project 333 Challenge, Day 2

Let the sorting begin!

I started the day going to an estate sale, followed by a long morning walk. When I got home, the sorting process began upstairs where I had corporate, winter and summer items mixed in. Many items went right to the no pile while my potential yes’s went into the 333 Challenge pile for later sorting. I also had some in-between items (more than I want to admit), but those got packed away for review in September when the process begins again.

Taking the recommended break helped keep my energy up. Trying on lots of clothes in the heat, making decisions on what stays, what goes, and what gets packed away until later is mentally draining. So the green smoothie of kale, spinach, banana and blueberries definitely helped reset me. Then, back to work!

At the end of the day, 57 clothing items are leaving my house, plus 4 accessory bags and two coats! Picture below. My intention is to find a local women’s shelter or a place that allows women to come shop for free. If you know of a great place you love, please share it with me!

I still have about 100 clothing items in my room (what stayed plus some extra in my room that I didn’t sort yet). The final cut of 33 items needs to include accessories, outerwear and shoes. I’m not sure how, but I’m determined to make this work. For incentive in between the clothes challenge, I weeded the wealth corner of my garden, cleaned and replenished my outside fountains, and released 27 items my kitchen cabinets & dining room server.

I’m combining Feng Shui with the Project 333 challenge to amplify the benefits. I can’t wait to see the changes that result!

How about you? If you were to minimize one aspect of your life, where would you start? What’s one area you know you need to simplify and feel hesitant? Share your comments or challenge below.

If you liked this article and think it might help someone you know, please share it!

By Christine Gipple|2016-05-31T18:47:31-04:00May 29th, 2016|Feng Shui for Home, Organizing Tips|0 Comments

Taking on The Project 333 Challenge – Minimizing My Wardrobe

“Can you live with a total of 33 items of clothing and accessories for 90 days?”

I’ve been claiming for years that I want to live more simply, to have less stuff distracting me, and to feel more empowered and free. Truth is it’s a constant practice of revisiting what matters most to me at any given point in my life.

I’d been eagerly waiting for the screening of, “Minimalism – A Documentary About the Important Things”, and finally saw it this past Wednesday. I left inspired to move closer to the simplicity I crave to create more ease, more time, more space in my mind and home. And not just simplicity for simplicity’s sake. Simplicity in being mindful that each choice I make creates my future.

As we drove around in the steaming heat here in the Northeast today, I was sharing with my family how I needed a bigger challenge. I’m always decluttering and simplifying, but I needed something more specific and quickly measurable. My 10 yr. old daughter, who saw the film with us, reminded me of Project 333 that Courtney Carver talks about in the film.

Project 333 is a fashion challenge where you choose only 33 items to live with and wear for the next 3 months. This includes accessories, outerwear (shoes/coats), and clothes.

This is a HUGE challenge for me as I own lots of clothes – in my dresser drawers, my bedroom closet, downstairs in bins, and hanging upstairs on a rack (includes coats). To be transparent, I’ve been out of corporate for almost 10 years and I saved a lot that I used to wear, but haven’t worn most since. Not to mention it may not even fit the same, if at all.

But I said I needed something big. And for me – this is BIG!
Even though I declutter and clear spaces for others, it’s still an area I personally need to revisit constantly.

I’m choosing to document my experience to be accountable to myself, and in hopes to inspire you to live more simply too!

The next few days will be spent sorting, discarding and choosing my final 33 items for the next 90 days. Starting June 1st, I’ll be living with my lucky 33.

If you haven’t seen the film Minimalism, check out www.theminimalsists.com to locate a screening near you. (There’s one in Cherry Hill on June 16th!) And if you want more information about this challenge, check out Courtney’s site, www.theproject333.com, or her main site www.bemorewithless.com.

So, how about you? Has this inspired you to dig a little deeper into your closets and see what transformations result?

If you’re inspired to change, share what you did and what happened as a result. If you think this article would be helpful to someone, by all means, share it!

By Christine Gipple|2017-04-22T19:37:36-04:00May 28th, 2016|Feng Shui for Home, Organizing Tips|0 Comments

Are You Listening to Your Intuition?

It’s critical we pay attention to our intuitive hits, the first time.

Ever feel like you’re starting from scratch on something that you thought you had under control? Whether it’s your weight, quieting your inner critic, getting into physical shape, or changing the way you eat?

Ever wonder why we experience those setbacks in the first place? Where we find ourselves asking, “How did I get HERE again?” Me too. For me, it’s about true alignment. It’s about knowing when to say yes, and when to say no, on your *first* intuitive hit.

Several years ago I was exercising at least 4-5 times a week with yoga, walking, weights, etc, and my body and mind felt alive, connected – I was passionate in my world. I felt a sense of freedom and curiosity about life that I hadn’t experienced for a long time.

Around this time I took on a job that started off flexible. As time went on, my intrinsic desires for organizing and managing seeped through and I found myself responsible for a lot more than I was initially hired for. I wanted to change all the processes that were inefficient or ineffective. My job required working every weekend and holidays. I missed chunks of family time. My sitters did homework with my daughter. My kid was sick a lot. I was sick a lot. My diet was poor. I was stressed, spent, and overwhelmed. I wasn’t exercising because I was working. I no longer liked going to work.

I was totally out of alignment. I knew it in my core.

As universe would have it, I fell – hard on both knees onto rocks – and knocked myself physically out of alignment, making it feel almost impossible to continue doing my job.

What now though? I made decent money. I was accomplishing my financial goals. But I was sick. My family was often sick. And now I was hurt on top of it. Energetically, the fall forced me out. I had to heal.

I had a fracture in my back from falling, though I didn’t know it at the time. All I knew was I was in some serious pain and my reflective impulse was to push through any physical discomfort because I didn’t see another way out. That’s just what I did. Even though I knew I was out of alignment in my work, I continued pushing through the pain. Until I couldn’t anymore.

Falling was a massive wake up call. And it gave me back me.

But I had to be ready to embrace me, and realized I didn’t know who that was anymore. So here I was AGAIN – creating, cultivating, re-birthing me.

I was in that space that Nancy Levin calls, “the space between no longer and not yet.” And I was on a MAJOR course correction.

I admit I stayed in anger and resentment far longer than was healthy, or necessary. I feel into self-pity too.

But now, I’m grateful. I’m back in alignment with what’s true for me today, right now.

While I could’ve saved myself a lot of time, energy, and well-being if I’d stopped to look at my choices sooner, none of it was a mistake.

There is no wrong choice. There’s simply a consequence of our action. We choose – there’s a result. Period.

It’s what we do with those results when they’re not what we thought they’d be. What do we do when we need to course correct? Do we self-sabotage like I did for several months? Do we lay in self pity and blame? I did that too. It served no one, especially me.

How about you? What do you do now that you’ve realized you’re so far off course and it feels it’s going to take lightyears to get back to where you were? Or to where you think you now want to be?

You take one step. Then another. Then another.

So I ask you… Where do you need to make a course correction? Where are you out of alignment? What intuitive hunches have you been ignoring?

I invite you to share comments below and invite you to move from self-sabotage to self-empowerment.

What’s your first step?

Has this been helpful to you? If so, please share it!

By Christine Gipple|2017-04-22T19:37:36-04:00December 16th, 2015|Feng Shui for Home, Organizing Tips|0 Comments

About Christine Gipple

Are books becoming obsolete? Attention – book lovers!

How fiberglass curtains and salsa reminded me to choose peace

Are you resisting the flow? Or riding waves with ease?

Less = More. Simplify Your Wardrobe To 33 Items

Project 333 Challenge, Day 2

Taking on The Project 333 Challenge – Minimizing My Wardrobe

Are You Listening to Your Intuition?