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Lindsey Morano 3/5/26 Lindsey Morano 3/5/26

Ten Years of Happy Spaces

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Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

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Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

On March 1st, Happy Spaces turned 10 years old.

Ten.

I can hardly believe it.

When I launched Happy Spaces in 2016, I wanted it to succeed so badly. Not just in a numbers-on-a-spreadsheet way. I wanted a career I believed in. Work that felt meaningful. Work where I could make a real difference.

And I wanted something else, too.

I wanted a career that could evolve.

I didn’t want to feel stuck. I wanted to know that if I ever felt like I wasn’t making a difference anymore, I could pivot. I could learn something new. I could grow in a new direction. I could keep serving people in ways that actually mattered.

Ten years later, I’m so proud of the work we’ve done.

And I say we very intentionally.

I Haven’t Done This Alone

Happy Spaces may have started as an idea on my laptop, but it has never been a solo effort.

I’ve had mentors who generously shared their wisdom (and sometimes their hard truths). I’ve had friends and colleagues cheering me on from the sidelines, and sometimes gently pushing me back into the arena when I needed it. I’ve had partners who believe in the quality of service we provide and help make that possible.

And this blog? It’s a team effort. It wouldn’t be what it is without the AMAZING Nicole Morelle and Lindsey Morano. Their support, talent, and steady presence make it possible for these words to land where they need to land.

And then there are my clients.

The heart of it all.

The Privilege of the Front Row Seat

I am so grateful for the people I get to work with.

They make this work meaningful and fun and deeply gratifying.

I get a front row seat to some of the most beautiful transformations.

I get to watch “my kids” graduate high school and college. I get to see clients genuinely create lives they don’t need vacations from. I watch clients launch businesses of their own—and flourish. I see larger companies build work environments that are not only profitable, but places people actually look forward to coming to.

There is nothing ordinary about that.

This work has never just been about organizing a space or creating a plan. It’s about helping people build lives that feel aligned. Calm. Intentional. Sustainable.

And being trusted in that process is something I will never take lightly.

What Ten Years Have Taught Me

A decade teaches you a few things.

It has taught me the value of making a plan, and then going for it. Not waiting until you feel 100% ready. Not waiting until you have every answer. Just taking the next step.

It has taught me the value of continuing to grow and learn. The version of Happy Spaces that exists today is not the same as the one that launched in 2016, and that’s a good thing. New paths appear when you stay curious. New ways to support clients emerge when you listen.

It has taught me that having savings matters. Financial margin creates creative freedom. It allows you to say yes to opportunities you didn’t even know you would want someday.

It has taught me that you need your people. You need support. You need community. And there is truly room for all of us to succeed together. Collaboration has expanded my world in ways competition never could.

It has taught me that small, consistent action matters more than big, dramatic moves. (You’ve heard me say this before.) The quiet, steady work adds up.

And maybe most importantly:

Sometimes the secret is simply to keep going.

Even when it’s hard. Even when you’re tired. Even when you’re questioning yourself.

If the work still matters to you, you will find a way forward.

The Risk That Changed Everything

I am so grateful I took the risk and started Happy Spaces.

There were easier choices. There were safer choices.

But this one? This one gave me purpose. It gave me growth. It gave me community. It gave me stories I could never have planned for.

Ten years in, I don’t feel finished.

I feel grounded.

I feel grateful.

And I feel excited.

I can’t wait to see what the next ten years look like.

Thank you for being part of this journey, whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just found your way here recently.

There is so much more to build.

And I’m so glad we’re building it together.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.

I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.

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Lindsey Morano 2/26/26 Lindsey Morano 2/26/26

Getting Started Is the Hard Part (And AI Can Help)

Photo by **Luke Southern**‍ on Unsplash.

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

This may be the first post in a series about using AI to support everyday productivity, but I want to start with something very simple, and very real:

For so many people, getting started is the hardest part.

This comes up all the time in my work with clients. It’s not that they don’t care. It’s not that they don’t know the task matters. It’s that the blank page, the unanswered email, the undefined starting point feels overwhelming. Sometimes paralyzing.

And this is one place where I’ve found AI can be genuinely helpful, not as a replacement for your thinking, but as a way to get over that initial hump.

Getting Started

Let’s start with emails.

Have you ever needed to write an email but just didn’t know what to say, or how to say it? Maybe it feels awkward. Maybe it feels emotional. Maybe you’re worried about the tone. Instead of staring at the screen, try this: open ChatGPT (or whatever tool you prefer) and just dump your thoughts.

Type everything you’re thinking. Or, if typing feels like too much, use voice-to-text and just say it out loud. Messy is fine. Rambling is fine. Then add a little guidance: “Help me rewrite this in a warm but professional tone,” or “Make this clear and concise.”

Chances are, you’ll get a solid starting point, and once you have that, sending the email suddenly feels doable.

Presentations are another big one.

If you need to create a presentation and don’t know where to begin, try opening your favorite AI tool and explaining what the presentation is about. What’s the goal? Who’s the audience? What topics do you want to cover? You don’t need to have it perfectly organized. Just get it out.

You can even say, “Help me outline this presentation,” or “Help me organize these ideas into a logical flow.” Having a structure as a starting point is often all it takes to move forward.

This can also work for activities or exercises you need to design. You can describe what you’re trying to create and ask the system to help lay it out. Again, you’re not handing over control. You’re creating a starting place.

For students, this is where I want to pause and add an important note.

If you’re in school, you need to be thoughtful and ethical about how you use AI. Always check your school’s policies, and when in doubt, ask your teacher or professor. That said, in my opinion, using AI to help generate an outline or clarify how to approach an assignment can sometimes be an okay way to get started, as long as you’re not using it to write the paper for you.

For example, if you’re stuck on an essay question and don’t know how to structure your response, you might ask for an outline or even for questions you could research and answer yourself. You could paste in the assignment and ask, “What questions should I be thinking about as I approach this?”

That still keeps the thinking, and the writing, yours.

If you’re unsure whether this is allowed, please ask first. That matters.

What I’ve seen again and again is this: once people know how to start, they’re far more likely to finish. The resistance softens. The task feels less intimidating. Momentum builds.

AI can’t do the work for you, but it can sit beside you and help you take the first step. And sometimes, that first step is everything.

I’m curious! Where has AI helped you get started?

And where do you still feel stuck?

This is just the beginning of the conversation.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

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Lindsey Morano 2/19/26 Lindsey Morano 2/19/26

Resilience Starts with Well-Being (and Small Ways to Matter)

Photo by **Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer**‍ on Unsplash.

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Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Lately, so many conversations with parents start the same way:

The world feels like a lot right now.

There’s a heaviness in the air. The news cycle is intense. Big feelings are showing up in our kids—and in us. And many parents are quietly wondering: How do I help my child build resilience when things feel so uncertain?

That’s why I was so grateful to read a recent blog by Kate Garzón of Guided Parenting Support, where she writes beautifully about building resilience in kids during difficult times. Her piece was grounding, practical, and, most importantly, hopeful.

What I loved most was her reminder that resilience isn’t something kids magically have or don’t have. It’s not just about “bouncing back.” It’s about building healthy foundations that make bouncing back possible in the first place.

When I think about everything I’ve read and learned about resilience, it always comes back to the same idea: widening our window of tolerance and increasing frustration tolerance. In other words, helping kids’ nervous systems feel safe, supported, and flexible enough to handle hard things.

Getting Started

Kate talks about how that work starts in everyday life, long before a crisis hits.

It looks like:

Prioritizing sleep
Making space for play
Supporting kids’ overall well-being
And one of my favorite ideas: looking for the helpers and helping kids become helpers themselves

Because when kids feel like they can matter, even in small ways, something shifts.

If we want to support our kids through challenging times and help them feel resilient, it’s not about shielding them from everything. It’s about helping them feel regulated, connected, and capable.

Kids need balance. They need school and structure, yes. But they also need joy, friendships, movement, and moments where they feel competent and valued. When those pieces are in place, the world feels a little less overwhelming.

Kate also highlights something I find myself reminding families of often: small actions matter. We don’t need kids to fix big, scary problems. We need to give them room to find small ways to make a difference. Writing a note, helping a neighbor, taking care of an animal, contributing to their community in age-appropriate ways.

Those moments build confidence. They build agency. They build hope.

And one last practical reminder that feels especially important right now: be mindful of how much news your kids are consuming. Constant exposure can heighten anxiety quickly. Sometimes reading the news yourself, rather than having it on in the background, can lower the emotional volume in your home.

Resilience isn’t about toughing it out. It’s about care. It’s about connection. It’s about helping kids feel steady enough to face the world, and supported enough to know they don’t have to do it alone.

I’m so grateful to Kate Garzón for naming this so clearly and compassionately. If this is something you’ve been thinking about too, I highly recommend reading her work and reflecting on how these small, steady supports might show up in your family’s daily life.

Because in a world that feels like too much sometimes, helping our kids feel well, and capable, really does matter.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

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Lindsey Morano 2/12/26 Lindsey Morano 2/12/26

The Power of Asking The Right Question

Photo by **Karolina Grabowska** on Unsplash.

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

One of the things I hear most often from clients with ADHD sounds something like this:

“Neurotypical people just do things. They don’t overthink it. It’s not hard for them.”

And I get why it feels that way.

From the outside, it can look like other people simply follow through because they’re “supposed to”. They pay bills on time, return emails, keep up with laundry, and handle everyday tasks without the internal debate that can feel exhausting for someone with ADHD.

But here’s the part that often gets missed: Many people who do follow through aren’t asking, “Do I want to do this?” at all.

They’re asking a completely different question.

Ari Tuckman, a psychologist and ADHD expert whose work I deeply respect, shared this during a recent training, and it immediately stuck with me. He said:

“Do I want to work on this? is never the right question to ask.”

Because honestly, no one ever wants to scoop the cat litter. And yet, somehow, it still gets done.

Not because it’s enjoyable. Not because it feels motivating in the moment. But because we’re able to think a step ahead.

The more helpful question is this:

In the future, how am I going to feel about having done this now?

That question changes everything.

When you ask, “Do I want to do this?” the answer is often no. Especially for tasks that feel boring, uncomfortable, or overwhelming. And for ADHD brains, “no” can shut the whole process down.

But when you ask, “How will future-me feel if this is already done?” you invite a different part of your brain into the conversation.

Future-you might feel relieved. Less stressed. Proud. Free to focus on something else.

Or, just as important, future-you might feel frustrated, rushed, or overwhelmed if it doesn’t get done.

Learning to account for how you’ll feel later is a skill. It’s not about willpower. It’s not about being more disciplined. It’s about asking better questions and thinking about future-you.

And that’s something many neurotypical people have learned. often without realizing it.

When clients start practicing this shift, I see real change. Decisions feel less personal and less emotional. Tasks stop being about whether you want to do them and start being about how you want to feel later.

Getting Started

So the next time you’re stuck, try pausing and asking yourself:

How will I feel tonight if this is already done?
How will tomorrow feel if I don’t do this now?
What would future-me thank me for?

These questions don’t magically make tasks fun. But they often make them doable.

And sometimes, that’s all the difference we need.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

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Lindsey Morano 2/5/26 Lindsey Morano 2/5/26

Winter, Nature, and Why Getting Outside Still Matters

Photo by **Elke Karin Lugert** on Unsplash.

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

I love reading anything that reminds me of this simple truth: getting outside makes us feel better. Full stop.

We know it. The research backs it up. Time in nature increases focus, supports regulation, boosts mood, and improves overall health—for kids and adults. Sunlight helps. Fresh air helps. Movement helps. Nature helps.

In the summer, this feels easy. The weather cooperates. The days are longer. Being outside doesn’t require quite so much planning.

Winter is different.

Cold mornings, short days, heavy coats. It can feel like a lot. And because it feels hard, we often default to staying inside, telling ourselves we’ll “get back outside when the weather warms up.”

But winter is long. And our brains, bodies, and nervous systems still need what nature provides.

So today, I want to invite you to pause, not to add another thing to your to-do list, but to gently think about how you might get a little more outdoor time this winter.

For our family, that has looked like skiing.

We commit to it ahead of time. We’ve already paid for it, which helps us follow through. One day each week, we show up, dress for the weather so we’re not cold, and spend hours outside. We move our bodies. We soak up sunlight when it appears. We connect with nature. We see friends.

We started doing this weekly last winter, and honestly, it made a noticeable difference. The winter blues felt lighter. The season felt more manageable. Having a built-in reason to get outside changed everything.

Getting Started

Your version doesn’t have to look like skiing.

Maybe your child waits for the bus outside. Could you wait with them instead of staying inside? A few extra minutes of sunlight, fresh air, and quiet connection can be surprisingly grounding, for both of you.

Maybe it’s a short walk. If the cold is the barrier, could the solution be as simple as warmer clothes? A big puffy coat, good boots, and gloves that actually keep your hands warm can make winter walks feel doable, even cozy.

Do you love hiking in the summer? Many trails are still accessible in winter with the right gear. The quiet, the snow, the stillness, it’s a different experience, but a beautiful one.

Or maybe the key is accountability. Is there a friend who would meet you for a walk once a week, even when it’s cold? Sometimes knowing someone is waiting makes it much easier to step outside.

None of this has to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be long. It just has to be intentional.

Winter doesn’t have to mean retreating completely indoors. With a little planning, and a lot of self-compassion, we can still give ourselves and our kids the benefits of fresh air, movement, and nature.

I’d love to hear from you:

What are some ways you get outside in the winter? What has worked for you?

Let’s share ideas and make this season feel a little brighter together.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 1/29/26 Lindsey Morano 1/29/26

Let’s Talk About Your New Year’s Resolution

Photo by **Ashley West Edwards** on Unsplash.

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

It’s the last Thursday in January, which means we’re just about a month into the new year. How are your New Year’s resolutions going?

It’s a question that’s both practical and reflective, and it’s worth asking yourself. Have you taken a little time to pause and think about what’s gone well so far? What’s been harder than you expected?

Sometimes a resolution seems clear and doable in theory, but in practice, it can be a little different. Maybe it’s bigger than you realized. Maybe it doesn’t actually feel meaningful anymore. Or maybe you just need a little tweak to make it more manageable, realistic, and, ultimately, maintainable.

Getting Started

This is the perfect time to reflect: Do you want to refine your resolution into something smaller and more achievable? Is there a way to add accountability to make it stick? Did you set this resolution with one intention, only to realize it’s not actually something you care about?

At Happy Spaces, this is what we love to do. Whether it’s implementing new habits, creating routines that last, or building systems that are sustainable, the goal is the same: making your resolutions truly stick by turning them into real, maintainable habits.

So take a few minutes, check in with yourself, and remember that it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. What small adjustments could help you follow through? How can you make your goals feel supportive instead of stressful?

January isn’t over yet. There’s still time to recalibrate, refine, and recommit in a way that works for you.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 1/22/26 Lindsey Morano 1/22/26

Better Together

Photo by **Curated Lifestyle** on Unsplash.

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

As we move through the week following Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to honor his legacy, not just in words, but in the way we live, work, and show up for one another.

So often, this holiday invites big ideas: justice, equality, freedom. Important ideas. Necessary ideas. But this week, my reflection keeps coming back to something both simpler and deeply personal.

We are better together.

Different ideas. Different backgrounds. Different life experiences. Different strengths.

When those differences are welcomed, not merely tolerated, but truly valued, something powerful happens. Life gets richer. Work gets better. Communities get stronger. And honestly? We become happier people.

I see this play out in small, everyday ways. In conversations where someone offers a perspective I hadn’t considered. In teams where one person’s creativity pairs beautifully with another’s structure. In families, classrooms, neighborhoods, and workplaces where no one person is expected to be everything.

Diversity isn’t just about representation. It’s about collaboration.

Getting Started

It’s about recognizing that we don’t all need to think the same way, move at the same pace, or bring the same skills to the table in order to belong. In fact, it’s precisely because we don’t that growth happens.

When we allow different strengths to shine, the pressure to be perfect softens. We stop asking people to fit a mold and start asking a better question: What do you bring that I don’t?

That question opens doors.

It creates room for learning instead of defensiveness. For curiosity instead of fear. For connection instead of division.

Dr. King’s vision wasn’t just about equality under the law. It was about building a world rooted in dignity, mutual respect, and shared humanity. A world where differences weren’t seen as threats, but as assets.

That vision still matters.

It matters in how we listen. In who we invite into the room. In whose voices we amplify. In how willing we are to sit with ideas that challenge our own.

And it matters in the quiet, daily choices we make, Choosing openness over assumption, collaboration over competition, and compassion over comfort.

As we reflect on the week that has passed, my hope is simple: that we continue creating spaces at home, at work, and in our communities, where people feel seen, valued, and welcomed exactly as they are.

Because the world Dr. King imagined wasn’t built by sameness.

It was built by people coming together.

Different. Imperfect. Hopeful.

Better together.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 1/15/26 Lindsey Morano 1/15/26

The Surprising Productivity Boost of Hosting

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

There’s a certain kind of motivation that only shows up when someone is coming over.

Not panic-cleaning-the-night-before motivation. Not hiding piles in closets motivation.

But that gentle, oh right, this matters kind of motivation.

I didn’t always feel that way.

I grew up in a house where having people over meant hours—and I mean hours—of cleaning beforehand. I was the oldest of nine kids. There weren’t consistent routines. Things would pile up, explode all over, and then suddenly I'd be forced into cleanup mode because company was coming. I remember resenting it. Dreading it. Feeling like the house only mattered when someone else was going to see it.

So as an adult, I made a quiet promise to myself: I wasn’t going to live like that.

My house is what it is. It’s generally picked up, never perfect, and very much lived in. And I’m okay with people coming over as-is. No apology tours. No frantic last-minute scrubbing. Just real life.

And yet…

Even with all of that, I’ve noticed something.

When I know people are coming over, even people I’m completely comfortable with, I feel a little spark of motivation. Not to overhaul the whole house, but to tackle one small thing.

Getting Started

Maybe it’s finally opening that amazon package and finding it a new home. Maybe it’s restocking the seltzer in the fridge. Maybe it’s putting away the items that collected on the top of the entry way bookcase.

Not because I have to. But because it feels good.

I see this all the time with my clients too. Some people genuinely thrive with that extra layer of accountability. Knowing that someone will be in their space gives them a reason, not rooted in shame, but in pride, to check a few things off the list.

And then there’s the bonus: the “your house feels so nice,” the “wow, you got a lot done,” the quiet internal I did that moment.

That kind of positive reinforcement matters.

If you’re someone who struggles to maintain organizational systems, or who has a hard time getting started on home projects, regularly having people over can actually be a really supportive tool.

Not in an all-or-nothing way. Not in a “my house must be perfect” way.

But in a use what works kind of way.

It could be a book club once a month. A standing family dinner once a week. Coffee with a friend every other Friday.

Something simple. Something that doesn’t require a massive reset, but offers just enough motivation to handle the things that have been lingering.

The goal isn’t a spotless house. The goal is momentum.

Sometimes knowing someone is coming over helps you finish the project you’ve been avoiding. Sometimes it helps you reset a space you’ve been meaning to tend to. And sometimes it just reminds you that your home is meant to be lived in and shared.

I’m curious. Do you ever use this technique to check off home projects or get yourself unstuck? Or is this something you might want to experiment with?

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 1/8/26 Lindsey Morano 1/8/26

It All Comes Down To Sleep

Photo by **Victoria Romulo** on Unsplash.

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

I keep circling back to the same simple truth, no matter how many planners I buy, routines I tweak, or productivity hacks I try:

It all comes down to sleep. Period.

I’ve always been someone who needs more sleep than the “average” person. At least based on what people tell me. If I say I’m in bed for eight hours a night, I often get raised eyebrows or comments like, That sounds amazing. But here’s the part that doesn’t always translate: eight hours in bed usually means about seven hours of actual sleep for me. On a really good night.

In a perfect world, I’m in bed for nine hours and getting a solid eight. That’s when I feel rested. That’s when I feel like myself. Period.

And the older I get, the more obvious it becomes that everything—everything—is harder when I’m tired.

Not just when I’m completely exhausted. Even when I’m a little tired. That low-grade, day-in-and-day-out tiredness that we so easily normalize.

When I’m tired, my productivity drops. Things take longer. My patience gets thinner. My mood shifts in ways that feel subtle but heavy. Decisions feel bigger. Small inconveniences feel personal. Motivation feels farther away. Life just… weighs more.

Period.

Last month, our family got sick. The actual sickness part probably lasted a week—maybe not even that long. But the cough lingered. And the exhaustion lingered even longer. Weeks, really. And during that time, I kept noticing how much harder everything felt.

Not impossible. Just harder.

The same tasks. The same responsibilities. The same life.

But with less energy, less patience, and far less margin.

It was a powerful reminder of something I already know but clearly need to keep relearning: sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s not a bonus. It’s not something to squeeze in once everything else is done.

Sleep is foundational.

It’s the foundation for productivity. For emotional regulation. For clarity. For joy. For showing up as the version of yourself you actually like.

Getting Started

We often look for complex solutions—new systems, new habits, new goals—when what we really need is more rest. More consistency. More permission to honor what our bodies are asking for.

And yes, I know sleep isn’t always simple. Life gets in the way. Kids wake up. Stress shows up. Our minds don’t always cooperate. I’m not pretending this is an easy fix or a one-size-fits-all answer.

But I am saying this: when sleep improves, so much else quietly follows.

Mood improves. Focus improves. Patience improves. Life feels lighter.

Period.

So lately, instead of asking myself how to do more, I’ve been asking a different question:

How can I protect my sleep?

Because when I do, everything else becomes just a little more manageable. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

I’m curious, what are your thoughts on sleep? How does it show up (or not) in your life right now?

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 1/1/26 Lindsey Morano 1/1/26

New Year - Fresh Start

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

As the New Year approaches, we get something we don’t often give ourselves, permission to hit reset and choose one focus.

You might be thinking, Why the New Year? New Year’s resolutions never stick. I hear you. And you’re not wrong.

There’s nothing magical about January 1st.

What is true is that every change has to start somewhere, and the New Year is one of the few moments when many people in your life are also starting (or restarting) their own goals. Having a strong start, surrounded by others doing the same thing, goes a long way.

So if you’re going to choose a goal, be thoughtful. Be specific.

Don’t pick “I want to be healthier.” Instead try: I want to eat a whole-food, home-cooked meal five days a week.

Don’t pick “I want to read more.” Pick: I want to read for 20 minutes before bed on weeknights. or I want to read to my kids for 20 minutes before bed.

Don’t pick “Inbox Zero.” Pick: I want to dedicate two uninterrupted 30-minute blocks each day to processing email.

And depending on where you live, the New Year comes with one hidden advantage: it’s the dead of winter. From January to March, life often slows down. It’s freezing outside. It’s dark at 5 PM. And once you’re home after work or daycare pickup, the odds of going back out again are… slim.

If we’re thoughtful and intentional, winter gives us space and extra time that spring, summer, and fall swallow up with activities, obligations, and spontaneity.

Getting Started

So ask yourself:

What is one change you’d like to make in the New Year, one that might actually be easier to start in the cold, dark, quiet winter months?

(For example: going to the gym at 5 AM probably isn’t the January 1st goal I’d recommend.)

Define Your Goal

Get specific:

What one action do you want to take?
Where will you do it?
When (exact time) will you do it?
How long will it take?
How many days per week?
Who else in your life has this same goal, either as a start or as part of their routine?
How can you feel surrounded by others who share this identity? (Is there a Facebook group or local community you can join?)
How will you remember? (Do you want a labeled phone alarm that goes off on your chosen days?)

Let’s take advantage of a fresh beginning.

Let’s take advantage of the quiet winter months.

Let’s make one small, intentional change, one that makes your life a little lighter, a little calmer, and a little more yours.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 12/25/25 Lindsey Morano 12/25/25

A Season For What Matters Most

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

There’s something about this time of year, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, or simply the quiet pause that late December brings, that invites us to slow down and look around.

The world feels softer for a moment. People smile a little more. We gather, we reconnect, we remember.

No matter your background or beliefs, the holiday season holds a certain kind of magic. And it’s not really about gifts, lights, or perfectly decorated cookies (although I’ll happily take all three). It’s about something deeper, something that doesn’t require a religion, a ritual, or a specific date on the calendar.

It’s about meaning.

A Time for Family and Friends

This is the time of year when we try, often imperfectly, but sincerely, to come together. Sometimes that’s around a dinner table. Sometimes it’s over a FaceTime call, or a cozy movie night on the couch.

It doesn’t have to be fancy.

In fact, the simplest moments often create the best memories. A slow morning with people you love. A shared laugh. A familiar ritual. A story you’ve heard a hundred times but still love because of who’s telling it.

Family doesn’t have to be biological. Friends don’t have to be many. What matters is connection, the feeling of belonging to someone and having someone belong to you.

A Time for Experiences

Every year I’m reminded that experiences stay with us long after gifts lose their shine.

The warmth and glow of the fireplace. The sound of kids running around, sticky with frosting. The quiet of a snowy morning. The chaos of getting everyone out the door (yes, even that becomes part of the story). The feeling of being present, even for a moment, in a world that moves too fast.

This season nudges us to be part of these moments, to notice them, savor them, and tuck them away for later.

A Time for Gratitude

I love that gratitude doesn’t need anything big or extraordinary. It thrives in the small things:

Warm socks. Good food. A text from someone you haven’t talked to in a while. A child’s excitement. A quiet night.

When we pause, even briefly, we start to see how much there is to be grateful for, even in a year that may have been complicated, heavy, or messy.

Gratitude doesn’t erase hard things. It simply reminds us we’re not walking through them alone.

A Time for Joy

Joy isn’t the same as perfection. It isn’t the same as everything going right. Joy is the little spark that sneaks in anyway.

It’s the contentment of being exactly where you are. It’s the laughter that bubbles up unexpectedly. It’s the moment when you look around and think, Okay. This is enough.

The holiday season gives us permission to look for joy, and to create it.

And joy, like most good things, grows the more we notice it.

My Wish for You

As we close the year, my wish for you is simple:

May you find connection. May you see beauty in the small things. May you feel gratitude for what is here, and hope for what is coming. May you experience joy, not because everything is perfect, but because you made space for it.

Whatever you celebrate, and however you celebrate it, I’m wishing you a season filled with meaning, warmth, and moments worth remembering.

Happy holidays, from my family to yours.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 12/18/25 Lindsey Morano 12/18/25

You Can’t Learn a Lesson You Can’t Relate To

Photo by **Kateryna Hliznitsova** on Unsplash.

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

One of the things I’ve learned working with students, especially those with ADHD or executive functioning challenges, is this:

You can’t learn a lesson you can’t relate to.

You can explain the value of college. You can talk about majors, careers, job security, “the future,” all of it. But if a student has never felt the need for money, responsibility, or independence in their own life, those concepts don’t land. Not really.

College becomes something they “should” do. Not something they need.

And “shoulds” rarely motivate anyone, teenagers least of all.

The Missing Link: Lived Experience

I see this all the time.

A student tells me they want all these wonderful things: uber eats, weekend trips with friends, a newer car, the latest iPhone, concert tickets. Perfectly normal wants.

But they can’t connect that those wants cost money. And money comes from a job. And good, stable jobs usually require training, effort, and yes, some level of education or skill-building.

It’s not that they’re entitled. It’s not that they don’t care. It’s that they genuinely can’t connect the dots yet.

Because no one has ever required them to.

If you’ve never had to pay for your own “wants,” it’s almost impossible to understand why a decent-paying job matters. And if you’ve never needed a job, college can feel like an abstract “next step,” not a bridge to the life you actually want.

Parents Mean Well… And It Backfires

I work with so many well-meaning parents who only ever wanted the best for their kids. They wanted to make life easier. They wanted to remove obstacles. They wanted their child to feel supported.

And the intention is beautiful.

But sometimes, when kids never have to earn, budget, struggle a little, or experience natural consequences, they also never learn the skills that life will eventually require.

In high school, did you have a summer job you had to wake up for? Did you need that job to pay for your wants?

Most of our kids haven’t. And that matters.

Because whether we like it or not, those messy teenage jobs, babysitting, scooping ice cream, folding T-shirts at the mall, teach so much more than how to work a cash register. They teach responsibility. Planning. Effort. Pride. Cause and effect. The relationship between time and money.

Without those early experiences, college feels like high school 2.0: something you go to because everyone else does, not because it matters to your life.

Why “Should” Fails Every Time

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again:

Kids don’t magically start waking up on their own just because they’re in college. They don’t magically start taking their medication because they now live in a dorm. And they don’t magically understand the importance of a job because a parent told them it’s important.

Behavior doesn’t change because of a should. Behavior changes when there is a need.

But if everything has always been taken care of for them, there is no need. At least not one they can feel in their bones.

Getting Started

So What Do We Do?

We help them make the connection.

Not through lectures. Not through guilt. Through experience.

Through small, real-life moments where the lesson is relatable:

“Let’s look at how much that weekly takeout habit actually costs.”
“If you want this, what job could help you pay for it?”
“What responsibilities do you want as a young adult?”
“Here’s how much it costs to live the way you want. How can we get you closer?”

Instead of talking at them, we invite them into the process.

We help them see that college, or any path that builds skills, isn’t about pleasing parents. It’s about building the life they want.

A Gentle Closing Thought

Kids don’t wake up one morning with adult skills. None of us did.

They learn them slowly, through experience, through need, and through the natural consequences of life.

Our job, whether we are parents, teachers, or coaches, is to help them connect the dots, to make the abstract feel real, and to gently guide them toward understanding:

You can’t learn a lesson you can’t relate to.

But once you can relate? The learning sticks. The motivation grows. And the path forward becomes something they choose, because it finally makes sense.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 12/11/25 Lindsey Morano 12/11/25

Practice Over “Smart”: Why Hard Work Always Wins

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

I am sure you have heard it before.“Hard work and consistent practice will take you further than smarts and talent ever will.”

I know. It sounds a little counter-intuitive, especially in a world that praises “giftedness,” celebrates overnight success stories, and loves a good talent-driven narrative. Over time, the more I see it—hard work and practice always win in the long run.

And the more I think about it, the more comforting that feels.

Because if talent and smarts are the key to success, then most of us are just… out of luck. Talent is unpredictable. Intelligence has limits. And neither one guarantees that you’ll keep going when things get hard.

But practice? That you can control. Effort? That you can choose, again and again. Showing up? That’s available to everyone.

And honestly, practice is usually where the magic happens.

The Problem With Being “Smart”

I’ve worked with a lot of kids and adults over the years, and one pattern shows up again and again: the people who lean too heavily on being “smart” or “naturally good” at something… tend to burn out fast.

Why?

Because being smart doesn’t teach you how to handle frustration. Being talented doesn’t teach you what to do when you fail. Being naturally gifted doesn’t teach you how to build stamina, patience, or resilience.

Smarts and talent can get you started. Practice and effort are what get you through.

Practice Builds Muscles You Can Actually Use

When you practice something, you are training a set of muscles that talent alone can’t touch:

Consistency
Resilience
Problem-solving
Self-trust
Grit
Follow-through

These skills don’t come from being good at something. They come from trying, failing, adjusting, trying again, wanting to quit, and choosing not to.

And in the long run, these are the skills that matter most.

**Where Talent Does Help**

Now, I’m not saying talent doesn’t matter. It does! When you combine practice with something you naturally enjoy or have a knack for, it’s like adding fuel to a fire. It grows quickly and burns brightly.

But even then, the practice is what keeps it burning.

One saying I like is: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” And it’s true every time.

Getting Started

A Small Reflection for You

Think back to something you do well today: cooking, writing, skiing, parenting, speaking up for yourself, running a meeting, playing an instrument, organizing your home, being patient with your kids…

Were you actually “born good” at it?

Or did it come, little by little, through practice?

My guess: practice played a far bigger role than you give yourself credit for.

Your Turn: What’s Worth Practicing?

So here’s my question for you:

What’s one thing in your life that’s worth practicing, not because you’re good at it, but because you want to get better?

Not a talent. Not a gift. Not something you “should” be naturally great at by now.

Just something you care enough about to keep trying.

Because that’s where the growth lives. That’s where the transformation happens. That’s where the long-term wins come from.

Talent is lovely. Smarts are useful. But hard work? Practice? Showing up again and again?

That’s the part that will take you further than you think.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

Share this post

Lindsey Morano 12/4/25 Lindsey Morano 12/4/25

The Best Time to Declutter Holiday Decorations (Hint: It’s Right Now!)

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Every year around this time, my clients start sending me the same kinds of messages:

“I can’t find the lights.”
“Why do I have six bins labeled ‘miscellaneous holiday’?”
“How did all of this even get in my house?”

And honestly, I get it. Even though organization comes naturally to me, holiday decorations seem to multiply when no one is looking. They’re nostalgic, they’re sentimental… and somehow they also manage to be tangled, dusty, and stored in bins that no longer make sense.

Over the years, as I’ve supported clients through the joy and chaos of the season, I’ve discovered something simple but powerful: the best time to declutter holiday decorations is while you’re decorating for the holidays. Right in the moment, when everything is out and you’re choosing what actually goes up, your instincts are at their sharpest.

Getting Started

If you didn’t put it out this year, there’s a reason.
Maybe your style has shifted.
Maybe the kids have outgrown it.
Maybe that glittery snowman just doesn’t spark the same joy it once did.

So as you decorate, make a small “no thanks” pile. Donate what’s still in good shape, recycle where you can, and toss what’s broken or beyond repair. This isn’t about being ruthless. It’s about giving yourself a calmer, more intentional holiday experience.

Then, when the season winds down, give your decorations a proper home that future you will appreciate. Buy bins that truly fit what you’re keeping, label them clearly, and store everything in a way that won’t make you want to tear your hair out next year.

And here’s a favorite tip I share with clients:

If you come across anything that’s not working, like that stubborn strand of lights, replace it before you pack it away. Your next-year self will thank you for sparing them the annual “why did we save these?” moment.

A little decluttering now prevents overbuying later and makes next year’s setup smoother, lighter, and actually enjoyable.

If you’ve discovered a trick that helps you stay on top of your holiday décor, I’d love to hear it!
The more we share, the easier we can make the season for ourselves, and for the people we support.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

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Lindsey Morano 11/27/25 Lindsey Morano 11/27/25

For All of You, I’m Grateful!

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A Thanksgiving note to the people who make my work, my life, and my heart fuller.

Every year around Thanksgiving, I pause and think about all the people who make my world what it is. This year, that feeling of gratitude runs especially deep.

I’ve been reflecting on how lucky I am to do the work I do, to be invited into people’s lives, to witness their growth, and to walk alongside them as they navigate change, challenges, and small everyday victories.

To my clients: I am endlessly grateful for you. You’ve trusted me with your goals, your frustrations, your “I’m trying my best” moments, and your celebrations. You’ve taught me just as much as I’ve ever hoped to teach you. You’ve reminded me that growth is rarely linear, but it’s always possible. And most of all, you’ve allowed me to be part of your story. That is such an honor.

I’m also deeply grateful for all the people who support me in the background of this work: the colleagues who cheer me on, the friends who listen, the professionals who share ideas, the people who believe in what I’m building even on the messy days. You make this work lighter, brighter, and far more joyful.

And on a personal note, to those who support me as a parent and foster parent—thank you. This journey is both hard and profoundly meaningful. There are moments that stretch my patience and others that completely fill my heart. Knowing that I’m not doing it alone, that I have people to call, laugh with, cry to, and lean on, means everything.

Gratitude, I’ve learned, doesn’t just come from the big milestones. It’s in the everyday moments: the kind email from a client, the late-night text from a friend checking in, the laughter over dinner, the shared stories that remind me we’re all just doing our best to grow and love well.

So this Thanksgiving, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being part of my world, in ways big and small. Thank you for your support, your kindness, your trust, and your connection.

Happy Thanksgiving, from my very grateful heart to yours. 💖

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

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A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

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Lindsey Morano 11/20/25 Lindsey Morano 11/20/25

Purchasing Independence

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Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

(Inspired by Morgan Housel)

Not long ago, I heard Morgan Housel say something that stopped me in my tracks:

“Saving is the gap between your ego and your income — and what you’re really buying is independence.”

I must have replayed that line three times. Because that’s exactly it.

I’ve always found it easier to save than many people around me. It’s not that I love watching numbers grow in a savings account (although I won’t lie, it does make me happy). It’s that saving, for me, has always been about something deeper — freedom.

I keep a 12-month emergency fund, and yes, it sits in a plain old savings account. Every time I hear someone remind me that an S&P 500 index fund would earn more, I smile and nod. They’re right — it would. But that account gives me something the market can’t guarantee: security, choice, and calm.

That savings is what allowed me to start my own business. It’s what lets my income ebb and flow without sending me into panic mode. Even before I was self-employed, it gave me a sense of choice. If I didn’t like my job, or if a new boss wasn’t the right fit, I knew I had options. I wasn’t trapped.

That feeling, that sense of I can choose, is priceless.

And what’s interesting is that so many of my clients crave those same things: independence, freedom, flexibility, choice. Yet many also struggle to save. For years, I chalked it up to executive functioning challenges: difficulty planning ahead, managing impulses, prioritizing long-term rewards. For clients with ADHD, all of that can be especially hard.

But lately, I’ve been wondering something:

What if saving doesn’t have to feel like deprivation or discipline? What if we reframed it as purchasing independence?

Getting Started

Every dollar you save isn’t just a number in an account. It’s a vote for your future freedom. It’s a down payment on choice.

Maybe if we thought of it that way, not as “money I can’t spend”, but as “money I’ve spent buying myself options”, it would feel different. Lighter. More motivating.

I value my emergency fund. I value my retirement account. I value owning my home, knowing my “rent” won’t suddenly double.

Because the truth is, the value of that savings isn’t just in the dollars sitting there. It’s in what it represents: independence, choice, and freedom.

If saving feels hard, try this mindset shift: don’t think of it as putting money aside, think of it as purchasing your future freedom. Every dollar you save is a tiny step toward the kind of life where you get to decide, not react.

That, to me, is the best purchase you’ll ever make.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

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A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

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Lindsey Morano 11/13/25 Lindsey Morano 11/13/25

Making Time for What Matters

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Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

If you’re reading this right now, we should be in Disney World.

This trip has been my foster daughter's dream for as long as I’ve known her. She’s been talking about meeting the princesses, eating Mickey-shaped waffles, and braving the big rides with a mix of excitement and nervous giggles for months.

And if you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you already know how much I believe in experiences over things. The magic of moments that last longer than the shiny newness of any gift. The memories that become family stories, the ones we tell again and again, laughing about how someone screamed their way through Space Mountain (probably me) or cried happy tears during the fireworks (likely me).

Because here’s the truth: time together is the real treasure.

Getting Started

The Magic in Making Time

When life gets busy, with work, school, schedules, and all the “have-to's” that crowd our days, it can feel impossible to carve out space for what really matters. There’s always another email, another errand, another reason to say, “Maybe next month.”

But time doesn’t slow down for us to catch up.

So this trip isn’t just a vacation. It’s a choice — to pause, to play, and to be fully there. To say, “Yes, this matters. You matter.”

And that’s the thing I’ve learned about time: it’s not just about how we manage it. It’s about how we honor it, who we give it to, and what we fill it with.

A Little Disney Magic

There’s something about Disney that brings out everyone’s inner kid, the part of us that still believes in magic, in happy endings, and in the idea that anything is possible if you just keep believing.

For my foster daughter, this is the stuff of dreams: princesses and parades, sparkly dresses and roller coasters.

As for me? There will definitely be some “bravery coaching” happening. Thrill rides aren’t exactly my jam, but trying to be a fun mom is. So if anyone wants to brave Space Mountain, I’ll be right by their side… screaming internally while keeping the vibe upbeat.

Because that’s what love looks like sometimes: showing up, even when it’s scary.

The Memories That Stick

Years from now, she might not remember exactly what she got for her birthday. But she’ll remember the sound of the fireworks crackling over Cinderella’s Castle. The way we both squealed when the ride dropped (me louder than her). The long lines that somehow turned into good conversations (I hope).

And I’ll remember it too. Because these are the moments that stretch time, the ones that fill it with meaning.

We can’t always escape to Disney. But we can create space for connection, joy, and little moments of wonder, a Saturday morning breakfast together, a shared laugh after a long day, or a walk (or scooter ride) around the block. These are the memories that linger, the ones that remind us what truly matters.

These are the memories that outlast everything else.

So here’s to making time for what matters — princesses, scary rides, laughter, and love.

And maybe, if you’re lucky, a Mickey-shaped waffle too. 🐭✨

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 11/6/25 Lindsey Morano 11/6/25

The Value of Fewer Words

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

(Talking Less, Asking Better, and Letting Space Do the Work)

I’ve been taking a coaching class, and one of the biggest lessons I keep bumping into is this:

I talk too much.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love words. I use them to connect, to explain, to help people feel understood. When someone is struggling, my instinct is to comfort them with language, to fill the silence with reassurance or ideas.

But lately, I’ve been learning that sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer is less. Fewer words. Fewer explanations. Fewer fixes.

Just space.

The Coaching Lesson That Hit Home

As part of the coaching classes, we practiced asking concise, open-ended questions, the kind that invite people to think, not just respond.

It’s harder than it sounds.

When I’m with a client (or honestly, my child), and I see them struggling, my brain races to help: “What if you tried this?” “Maybe you could…” “Here’s what’s worked for other people…”

But when I slow down, breathe, and ask something simple like,

“What feels hard about that?” or “What do you think might help you take the next small step?”

— something shifts.

People start finding their own answers. They pause, look inward, and connect the dots for themselves. And that, I’m realizing, is the real magic.

The Parenting Parallel

Of course, this doesn’t just apply to coaching.

The same principle shows up in parenting all the time, especially when emotions are running high.

When my child is upset or overwhelmed, it’s so tempting to jump in with explanations, solutions, or pep talks. But that often sends the message that their feelings need to be “fixed.”

What I’m learning (slowly!) is that sometimes they don’t need my words at all. They need my presence. My calm. My willingness to sit in the moment with them without filling it.

As Robyn Gobbel writes, when we’re trying to help someone regulate — whether it’s a child or an adult — our calm presence matters more than our clever words.

Getting Started

Practicing the Pause

So here’s what I’m practicing lately — in coaching, parenting, and life:

Ask shorter questions. The simpler, the better.
Leave space. Let silence be an invitation, not something to fill.
Trust the other person’s wisdom. They often already know. They just need room to find it.
Breathe before you speak. Sometimes, the pause is the most powerful part.

I’ll probably always be someone who loves to talk things through. It’s part of who I am. But I’m learning that I don’t have to use every word I have to show that I care.

Sometimes, the quietest moments are where the most growth happens, for both of us.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

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Lindsey Morano 10/30/25 Lindsey Morano 10/30/25

As Long As There Is Love, There Will Be Grief

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

As Long As There Is Love, There Will Be Grief
(A gentle reflection on why some things hurt more than we expect)

There’s a quote I came across recently from Heidi Priebe that stopped me in my tracks:

“As long as there is love, there will be grief.”

At first, I nodded along, thinking about loved ones, family, friends, people who’ve shaped my life in big and small ways. That kind of grief makes intuitive sense. We love deeply, so of course we grieve deeply when something changes or ends.

But the more I sat with this quote, the more it expanded. I started thinking about all the little losses, the ones that sneak up on you. The ones that don’t look like grief at first, but still leave a heaviness in your chest.

The Grief Behind the Critique

Not long ago, someone emailed me about a small spelling mistake in one of my blog posts. They were kind. It wasn’t harsh or rude. But it still stung.

And I found myself wondering, Why does this tiny thing feel so big?

Then it hit me: Because I love writing these blogs. Because I care. Because I pour energy and intention and heart into every single one.

It’s not really about the typo. It’s about being seen in a moment where I wanted everything to be just right. And when something you love feels even a little bit bruised… that’s grief, too.

The Projects That Don’t Make It

This has been a season of loss for many, personally, professionally, and everything in between.

I’ve spoken with clients and colleagues who’ve poured themselves into meaningful work, grant proposals, research, programs, and projects that mattered deeply, and then… the funding disappeared. The timeline changed. The rug got pulled out from under them.

And yes, it’s “just a project.” But it’s also not. Because when you’ve attached your energy, your values, your vision to something, and it gets taken away, it’s more than disappointment. It’s grief.

Not just for the thing itself, but for what it could have become. For the lives it could have impacted. For the part of you that came alive in creating it.

Letting Go of the Things You Still Love

Over the past two years, my own work life has shifted dramatically.

I spend most of my time coaching now, which I truly love. It lights me up. I see growth, resilience, creativity in the people I work with every day.

But before this, I did a lot of hands-on organizing. I used to witness transformation in a very physical, tangible way. Spaces clearing, systems taking shape, people breathing a little easier. And sometimes I miss that part.

There’s grief in that too. Grief for the version of me that lived in label makers and bins and carefully folded linen closets. Grief for a part of my work that meant a lot, even if it made space for something new.

Getting Started

The Bittersweet Beauty of Change

You might be in a season of transition, too.

Maybe your kids have left for college, or graduated and moved out. Maybe you’ve retired from a job that defined your days for decades. Maybe you’re stepping into something new, something exciting, and it feels like you should only feel joy.

But the truth is, even joyful changes come with grief. Because we grieve the lives we’ve loved, even as we embrace the next one.

What This Taught Me

That quote from Heidi Priebe keeps echoing in my mind:

“As long as there is love, there will be grief.”

So if something hurts right now, if you're feeling the weight of a transition, a lost opportunity, or a small comment that landed a little too hard, maybe it’s because there’s love there, too.

Grief is not a sign that something went wrong. Grief is a sign that something mattered. That you cared. That you showed up.

And to me? That’s a beautiful thing.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.

Follow Me

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Lindsey Morano 10/23/25 Lindsey Morano 10/23/25

If You're Not in the Arena... I'm Not Listening

Join the Project of the Week Community!

Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

When to Listen to Feedback
(And when to kindly say “Thanks, but no thanks”)

There’s a quote from Brené Brown that’s stuck with me ever since I first heard it:

“If you're not in the arena getting your ass kicked, I'm not interested in your feedback.”

Now, let’s be clear, Brené’s not saying feedback doesn’t matter. It absolutely does.

Feedback can help us grow. It can offer us insight, perspective, a new way to think about an old challenge. Sometimes it even opens the door to real, lasting change.

But… not all feedback is created equal.

And if you’ve ever put yourself out there, started a business, launched a program, led a team, become a parent, spoken up in a meeting, you know what I’m talking about. There’s always someone with a lot to say.

The Trouble with Feedback

Here’s the tricky part: Feedback often comes from people who aren’t in it with you.

They haven’t taken the risk. They don’t know the details. They’re not juggling all the same factors and feelings you are.

Maybe they mean well. Maybe they don’t.

But either way, if they’re not in the ring with you, if they don’t understand the pressure, the stakes, or the energy it takes to show up, it might not be the feedback you need to hear.

My Personal Filter

Here’s something I ask myself when someone offers advice or criticism:

Would they take their own feedback? Do they understand what it would actually take to do what they’re suggesting? Are they offering this from a place of care… or control?

If the answer is no, I’ve learned to take a breath, say thank you (or not), and move along.

Because honestly? The best feedback comes from people who get it. People who’ve wrestled with hard choices. People who’ve taken risks of their own. People who know what being in the arena feels like.

That kind of feedback, well, I’ll take it every time.

Getting Started

A Few Questions to Keep in Your Back Pocket

The next time someone offers you advice (especially if it stings), try asking:

Does this person understand what I’m trying to do?
Are they invested in my growth, or just offering a hot take?
Would I go to them for guidance if I was struggling?

If not, it’s okay to let it go.

You don’t have to carry every opinion. You don’t have to internalize every comment. And you don’t owe everyone an explanation.

Feedback That Does Matter

On the flip side, don’t forget: the right feedback can be magic.

It can stretch you. Encourage you. Help you move forward.

So seek out the people you trust, the ones who’ve shown they’re in the ring with you. Who understand your values and your goals. Who care more about your growth than being right.

And when they speak? Listen closely.

Because that’s the kind of feedback that makes you better.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:

Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.