How to Stop Stressing and Focus on What Matters Most!

[@alonys]

Things that changed since I started listening to your vids and talks: My house is way cleaner I dress for going out as soon as I am out of bed I have decluttered things that I have taken with me from apartment to apartment for more than 30 years My husband told me it is wonderful to see me so decisive and in control of things. He said it was sexy! I see solutions where before I just saw problems and obsticles Cleaning is no longer a huge job. I clean for 5 min in each room and then take a break Thank you so much!

[@microtravelvlogs]

I want to add: make the most of other seasons as well! If you have 30 summers, you'll also have 30 springs, 30 winters, and 30 autumns! That's 120 opportunities for fun!

[@TranscendingTrauma]

With that math. I only have a little over 1000 weeks left. Really puts some perspective on time.

[@mikeandheatherpruitt1037]

My husband and I watch the stars every night that its clear!! It is my favorite summer night at home thing to do 🌛✨💫

[@elizabethsokol2545]

I love going to outdoor community-sponsored concerts in the summer. About 2 years ago, I discovered a country band that is REALLY good. I had no interest in country and knew no country songs when I started, but I wrote down the songs they play at every concert and follow them from town-to-town. This summer, I realized how much I learned and how many artists and songs they introduced me to that I was unaware of.

[@Janelegant]

I love that you are sharing your phase of facing your mortality. Death and dying, is a subject most people don't want to think about; however, if you are willing to contemplate your mortality, you can live a life of intention and avoid regrets. I was a hospice nurse for a few years in my early 30s and I learned a lot about living by caring for patients who were in the end phase of their life and dying

[@debbieweibley3899]

My mom turns 80 this year. My mother-in-law passed away earlier this year at the age of 68. Time is never guaranteed. Enjoy your life. My husband passed away at the age of 35, cancer stinks.

[@darlahkelley9800]

San ❤️ Diego ❤California has Music Concerts 🎶 🎵 that are So Much Fun.❤🎉

[@starlaarts9385]

I think we all need reminded sometimes that life is short and it's up to us to create memorable moments. I often feel like we only remember when someone close to us passes away. Thank you Cass. ❤

[@kennethbailey9853]

I know that we both are happy that Dana K. White takes Her summers to Love Her Family even though I miss Her all season. 😄

[@creativelycountry1617]

Right! I miss her, and also totally respect her! I know she says she never gives parenting advice, but I love the intention she seems to have 😊

[@ReneeDennis-x8h]

I also follow Diane in Denmark who I hope Cas will interview some day. She has been offline bc her mother is in hospice 😢

[@KADONAOrganization]

I stopped with the could/shoulds when a friend passed away earlier this year at 25. I found myself weirdly jealous during her final two weeks because she could “do whatever she wanted before she died.” It sounds weird…. But it truly made me examine how I’m spending my time! I changed my job. Spend more time with my kids. Taking up hobbies. Don’t wait until you’re dying to live your dream life.

[@lxraycatmaui2884]

Our time here on Earth is but a wink.....our spirits are eternal ✨️ ✌️

[@lindsaynichols3175]

So true😊

[@sharonlantz4826]

Amen!

[@felf79]

Yes, our spirits will be in heaven for eternity if we've put our faith in Jesus and made Him Lord and Savior. If not, our spirits will forever be in Hades. I'm so looking forward to being a co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

[@mc5366]

Oh Cas, that opening sentence took my breath away!

[@kimdavies9364]

Thanks so much for this timely reminder Cass. We find out on 5 August if my hubby has cancer. He’s 49, about to turn 50, and I’m 52. Life IS short and never promised.

[@veronicageorge7820]

I’m so sorry. I’m praying for you and husband. For comfort, for wisdom, and strength, and also many more weeks together. Waiting is so hard. I put in my calendar to pray for you both specifically on 8.5.2024. ❤🙏🏻

[@kakylong2]

My mom just turned 78 yday & most of her family passed away at 82. She's in good health but also sad to think about. My Hubby just found out he needs open heart surgery, so we are trying to enjoy every moment together. 😊

[@darlahkelley9800]

❤Family Friday Fun day ❤🎉is ❤️ a Great Idea 💡. Here in America 🇺🇸 all we do is work. At the end All we have is Our Memories. My Mom passed in 2021. Love ❤️ to You Cas ❤️ & Your Family ❤🎉❤

[@julielinthicum5652]

My mom will be 79 in Oct. and my dad 81 in Aug. My husband lost his mom in 2019 at age 72 then his dad in 2021. 2 days ago he unexpectedly had another good cry about missing them as I held him. We are emptynesters and have spent this summer doing the fun things like star gazing or sunset chasing. No vacation because everything is to costly but we are making the most of it!

[@lindsaynichols3175]

As a Christian, I actually quite look forward to the next phase of my life after I’m gone from this earth. But I know it’s important to make the most of this one, too. But like some have commented, nothing is guaranteed in this life….not even the 4000 weeks.😊

[@hameshabahar2344]

❤same as Muslims

[@JB-wp2gn]

I unexpectedly lost my daughter’s senior year of high school. I was already emotional about only having less then a year with her at home. Then my mom got very sick and was in the hospital for 2 months and I was by her side the whole time. My daughter, who had just turned 18, temporarily moved in with her boyfriend. It turned into a permanent move and I feel so cheated that I missed out on that last year. She’s happy and doing great and still going strong with her relationship and I’m grateful my mom is still with us. But it was a sudden change that still affects me deeply, which makes your advice all the more valuable

[@GreyeyedBeauty]

I teach at university, so I have really long, 2 months summer vacation. In the very beginning of the vacation I make a bucket list of places to go like museums, exhibitions, performances etc. and things to do like going to an excursion, visiting a friend etc. Then every single day I pick something up from the list and that makes my 🌞🏖️ summer happen))

[@brittanyneeley1996]

Freaking intense Cass, but a great reminder! It’s so easy to get into the daily grind and forget how precious life is. ❤

[@malinheleneanderberg934]

I look forward to many new episodes where you take clutter management for disabled. You have an extraordinary talent at putting yourself in other people's shoes and come up with personalized solutions. Kind regards Bee in a wheelchair

[@khloewren5304]

That book did me in too! It wasn't what I was expecting, but DAMN, it was a great book!

[@CherbearAnn]

Wowwww, very insightful! The one about how many summers especially hit home. OMG….Thank you for your realness Cass! I have a similar personality so I can relate in so many ways!

[@hameshabahar2344]

I love you Fridays off good job it’s so worth it dear ❤

[@Kittyb716]

😂😂Yep, rolled up in a ball! I just turned 50 this summer and having so many realizations myself of what little time is left on earth. My dad passed just before his 70th birthday, and my 76 yr old mom has a lot of health problems! So, doing my best to take of me and trying to be a little more self aware of my day to day!

[@lisaweinzapfel4240]

I just turned 61. Yep, curled up in a ball. Lol

[@mamabubu6505]

How is that you make me smile each time I hear your video/podcast ❤

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

Unfortunately I'm spending this summer DECLUTTERING. No other choice. I'm already glad to have the energy for moving on with this task.

[@lindsaynichols3175]

But I will feel so much better when the decluttering is Done.😊

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

@@lindsaynichols3175 Me too. ☺

[@angiehavener8283]

I lost my only child at age 18 you only have so much time with them so spend it all with them I love this way of thinking way to go Cas please live every day like the last one. love you all

[@aliciaamond8148]

I finally tried Sushi 🍣 for the first time yesterday for my 35th birthday (with my twin sister, who's obsessed with sushi. Special occasion.). I loved it. I craved it afterwards. I didn't do a California roll. However, I did a Lobster Roll, Alaskan Roll, Hawaiian Roll, Tamago Nigiri (egg), Salmon Sashimi, Rock and Roll (shrimp with crab). Sooo good!!! I tried Panzu sauce as well.

[@michelesoto5919]

Originally I had approx 5 summers left because of my heart, but dr says I should have more... 😅 which has been on my mind for months! This is perfect for me! When there is so few of drive in theatres closed for good, if you can get your tickets now! Go in early, check their menu and food reviews-so you don't miss if they have a gem. Enjoy!! Bring folding chairs, bug spray, drinking water, blankets, if we need them in VT (over border to NY) you will probably need them unless a massive heat wave! We had 40's the end of June & 50's this week. Have fun!!

[@MsDoglover02]

Thanks, Cas! I put the book on hold at the library. I'm lucky to have longevity in my family, but there's no guarantee. Gram passed away at 101, Dad's 90, Mom passed away at 89 but my younger sister did at 56. We have to make the best of the time we have. :)

[@olgachasco]

Hee Cass, this is the best podcast you’ve ever done!!! Awesome! Thought provoking! Life is too short!!!

[@mcgspare1310]

What a great message! Especially during this time when so many influencers are rushing to decorate for Fall and acting like summer is over. I will be reading that book! Thank you!

[@karenrich9092]

My husband and I took an unplanned vacation in 2004. He had booked the time with work, but we made no reservations. We headed south and stayed at a camp ground we liked. As we went in to register, the clerk was watching a little TV. A reporter announced that President Reagan had died. As my husband was in tears, they said his body would lie in state at his library in Simi Valley. I hugged my hubby and said, "Well, I guess I know where we're going next." It was a long line that never got any shorter, but it was a memory I will never forget. All because we were spontaneous.

[@carrieanneatreides6240]

Cas comes riding up on her white horse, helping me through my summer existential crisis. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🧐🥰

[@diannejewell8077]

OMG!!! The DRIVE-IN!!! We made some of our best summer memories there! We'd load up sleeping bags, pillows, banana loungers, snacks, & drinks (or pizza!). We'd back the pickup into the slot & enjoy. The hubs always fell asleep before the 2nd movie, but the kids LOVED staying up late!!! Sometimes, we'd invite other families to go, too, which was fun. But, it was mainly a family thing where we delighted in our favorite snacks, our love of movies, and our time together. Enjoy, girl!!! 😊

[@karencox3235]

Same! I spent a lot of time as a kid at the drive-in! back when they charged by the carload, not by person. :O Yeah, I'm old.

[@heatherburrill]

Loved going to them. Last one i had access to was 20 years ago. So technically you could be 30 😉 not so old.

[@heatherburrill]

I think that last one was by the car, in Utah

[@heatherburrill]

We had a pickup truck with a couch in the back and at that one you could park sideways. Star-gazing and movie watching in one 😂

[@isabellaross1472]

Drive in movie theaters are so much fun. The one near us allows you to grill out. We bring a frisbee or base ball and gloves and go an hour or more early. Then we use our grill later into the night to roast marshmallows. They play 3 movies for the price of one. It is the best time

[@janetstraw191]

Thanks a lot Cas - I turn 78 next month! 😂

[@karencox3235]

I'm about to book a flight to see my HS bestie who I haven't seen in over 20 years! I'm just checking with her to see her schedule. THANK YOU, CAS!

[@tknows470]

Girl, I’m not done with my first cup of coffee yet - it’s too early for this existential crisis 😂

[@moragbuchanan]

My mum and mother in law are both 88. We’re lucky to still have them. My dad and father in law both lived well into their 80s too. Some of our loved ones died young so we really appreciate life xx

[@sgallant2107]

I'll never do a bucket list, due to unpredictable health and energy. Plus, the list would hang over my head - more stress. Instead, I enjoy whatever I'm doing, even if it's just housework. (There's certainty plenty to do around here.) I enjoy my own company, so that's not a problem, but I also enjoy having my grandson come for the day - or overnight!

[@Craftytherapybyl]

Great reminders.

[@beverlyness7954]

Planned Spontaneity! What a concept! haha

[@bonniepinney2884]

Every year the second week of August there meteor shower. I never miss it, and three days ago my daughter saw her first shooting star 🌟 🌠 🤩 It was a really special moment❤

[@Graphicxtras1]

Hope to at least have another 25 years, so approx 1500 or so. Defintely hope i have decluttered by that time - thoughtful video as ever

[@BrandiHudman]

Just slap me in the mom feelers at 8 am jeez. Now I’m going to restructure my entire life. Love the motivation Cass

[@fabienneroure9995]

LOL ❤😂Same here!

[@brendaproulx3052]

Slow down & do things with family have to keep reminding myself, thank you. My daughter & her family had a fun event day with friends today. When I walked over I heard both adults asking each other if certain items packed. I will have them watch this lol

[@christineconte701]

I already looked it up during this video! & I'm glad to say I texted my kids the other day & said lets have an ealry dinner & then go to the beach & see the sunset, we did!

[@tbryan5437]

Wow! Did that put it all in perspective!!

[@BruceDavis-cq6nw]

Hey Cas! Barb D here! I lost my mom two years ago this June 19. She was 94 and at that time I was about to turn 72. I appreciate your video here and the reminder to live well and live intentionally!! However I know I don’t know my last day on earth yet I am living like I have only a few summers left while planning for years ahead and live intentionally as I do so!! ❤

[@jennynevers4811]

Love it! YES!. I'm going to the open air philharmonics today. At the park, it's free too. Let's make use of this summer! 💕

[@lydiasummers2878]

Cass your so right life Is so short and you said it right when you said your being intentional cause that's the only way that we can get the Important things done is be intentional. In my family we have a day in each season that the whole family gets together pluse different ones of us make it a point at different times of the year to get together and do things. And with 5 grown children with family's doing this we get together alot. And we've done this intentionally cause we all talked about this after we lost my Mom and Dad. My kids decided that we needed this cause they said they didn't won't to have regrets when it came time that they lost there Dad and I. And yes we're very blessed that we all live very close together. So that makes it easier. I realize that every family's not able to do this. But I'm very thankful that we are.

[@kennethbailey9853]

Your Best one ever Cass !!!❤❤❤

[@janachvatal8170]

I did the same thing and took off the last 5 Fridays before my daughter goes back to school. Today we are spending the day at the mall!!

[@ILikeBigCatsAndICannotLie]

I love July because it’s the only month guaranteed to have no school days. I wish school still started in September (where I live) so families would have more time in the summer together in both July and August. :)

[@jennybohse7697]

I just wanted to comment on the fact that you wanted to go star gazing. We got a hot tub a few years ago. It is not covered with a structure above it. We have never stargazed so much in the last few years. We have learned so much about the solar system, the stars, meteor showers, airplanes, owls and nature in general. Best purchase ever and we have grown children who come home a few times a week to hang out in the hot tub! Best quality time spent with the kids and their significant others!! We are in Ohio and are out in the hot tub most of the summer and most of the winter also!!

[@pancakey636]

love it! calendar activities are the only way things happen here. i struggled w this in the beginning that i am the planner and when im sick nothing happens w our lives. im slowly accepting this fact and i started going out tugging one kid or none and started going out. whether that be going to family or a new place to explore. (im also trying to get us be outdoorsy than all day tablets). i'm slowly ending the "it sucks i cant go out because i still need to cook for the family" but im still in the process of finding healthy meals my picky eating kids will eat. the summer bag is definitely working, i just need to add the summer first aid kit. thanks for the idea Cas.

[@NaturalWifeyandMamaBear]

This inspired me friend!!! 🙏❤😩

[@jwuertz7101]

I have this summer schedule where I see my mom in May and July and Dad in June (Father's day) & August (hus birthday). Friends ask why but it gives me a reason to visit and prioritize because we don't know how many more summers.

[@heatherburrill]

I like how your estimate gave us 191 summers 😊! At the same time I have had 51 summers already ! My last 4 summers have been very different with Long Covid. The second one was moving cross continent my dad drove me and we saw some very beautiful places- made the most of the energy we had, and we slowed down because I had too and we had the time. The interesting thing is if you move more slowly there is so much to appreciate in each moment, it enriches the time you have. I may not be able to do most of the things that I used to but what I can do is extra special ❤

[@honorburza9110]

I have taken unpaid parental leave over the summer holidays to be with my children, I will still work each week but less time.

[@marcialedbetter438]

Yikes...I'm over the 4000 weeks! I better get my hustle on.

[@AnnellGibson-qg8cp]

My family works puzzles together. The main thing is to spend time together.

[@AmyHood-Davis]

I just had a chance to give away a puzzle I just picked up😊 it's to a church where the staff goes and takes a few minutes breaks and puts it together just to have relaxation time relaxation relaxation❤

[@psymompa]

Easy way to keep the guilt away from using paper plates, use the ones that can be thrown in the compost.

[@JaneDoe-tp9do]

Truly appreciate this! One of the few things we had on our bucket list for summer was camping with the children... We called to reserve "our" campsite and the campground said the whole campground was completely booked-except for that weekend... Well, I'm also not spontaneous but wouldn't let my children be disappointed in missing one of the two things on our family summer bucket list! So we made a plan, canceled appointments, packed up and left the next day for a 3 day weekend away... A bit stressful but we did it... And the memories made were priceless. Now just waiting till September and we will do our second bucket list item of spending several days at an ocean house... But being spontaneous has it's rewards too! I should add our list is small as we have a large family with baby due this fall and are trying to get our new house renovated and moved into before baby comes 🤪 so we are stretched thin but trying to make memories as we can... Even if it is just driving to a lake for an afternoon of swimming... I'm working on my spontaneously muscles 😁

[@karenhogue2315]

oh so true! I lost my husband 7 yrs. ago. SO MANY wish we had’…don’t forget health can make it to where, you can’t do things.Nothing is guaranteed. Love ALL your advice❣️Your So cute❣️

[@jtforever1988]

Woah, this caught me off guard. I will be making a bucket list today! This was a great podcast Cas! Thank you!!!❤

[@letitiarademakers6304]

ADHDlove found that: "we leave in 300 seconds" sounds a lot more urgent than 5 minutes. I agree. Apparently it works with weeks as well.

[@MrsBrit1]

Well I've already listened to this one! 😂

[@TheClutterLady]

My mom and I try to go to the beach together for a week every year on the east coast. I currently live on the west coast, so we went to the beach here for a couple of days. Next year after we move, I'm planning a 3 week trip with her to make up for the weeks we missed because I know as she ages, our trips won't be quite the same. 😢 Love this reminder. Thank you for sharing this important message even though we don't always want to think about it! I'll have to check out that book! I've heard some similar things, but haven't read that one yet. 📚

[@robinartemis8695]

I have Chiari 2. Chiari isn’t fatal in itself but it comes with so many complications. I am 53 now and I am very aware of my mortality. I am Jewish and still observe Shabbat. Everyone deserves 24 hrs off. So, good for you. Fridays off. 😊👏

[@jwuertz7101]

My mom keeps trying to get my siblings and I together and it's great to try to make those plans but if folks aren't equally invested to show up, it's difficult.

[@JaneDoe-tp9do]

Totally agree... Its sad when not everyone appreciates the value of time and family! I see the same thing regularly with my family... If everyone is together once or twice a year it is a blessing!

[@intherockies]

Go ahead and do it with whoever shows up. Maybe you can schedule an online FaceTime so you can talk (for a few minutes) to the ones not there.

[@granitemoss1451]

Your local library (or maybe one a town or two away, check 'em all out!) may offer great events for all ages.

[@carrieanneatreides6240]

Alexa, remind to listen to this again in May. 😢❤

[@ellenwiley9692]

i only have about 13 years life and i need to spend much more time with all my family be for it is to late OMG !

[@ellie448]

Our summer is over here lol kids go back to school August 1st 😂

[@elizabethc7801]

Tbh, I usually love your videos Cass. 💗But this 1 was a downer, not the usual upbeat, funny Cass. I appreciate the sentiment... But as a person with anxiety, I am fully aware of how fast my kids are growing up! We try our best to have as much family time as possible! But we are only human, and this video left me feeling like I have to be super human... 😢 This was a hard video to swallow. 🤦🏻

[@ClutterbugPod]

Oh no! I'm so sorry you felt that way. This wasn't my intention, I was just having a crisis about how fast time is flying by and I wanted to make sure I made time for fun this summer!

[@elizabethc7801]

@@ClutterbugPod I appreciate your reply Cass! Love your podcast and your KZbin channel! You are really classy! 💗 Thank you for bringing us such amazing, helpful content! 💗 You are appreciated! 💞

[@cherieiduke1723]

This hit me hard.

[@kennethbailey9853]

Not many summers left. Perhaps just this one.

[@emmamunday8563]

Sorry to hear this.

[@vickienipp]

We use white paper plates and cups on the weekemd in the summer but we put everything in our fire pit so we have extra waste going into the land fills. My precious mom will be 91 in October I make sure I see her 3 times a week as our time grows ever shorter. I told my grand children at Christmas to at lest at least come see me once a month so I can see them 12 times in 2024 unfortunally they are both in their 20s living their lives so they have come by twice so far but we still have 6 months left so I am hopeful.

[@JaneDoe-tp9do]

Oh I do hope they treasure the time! I have made a huge effort to visit my grandmother more often with my young children... My grandmother and I were never close but over the last few years we have been working to build a closer relationship... I try to visit her at least once a week and to see my parents at least once or twice... But i am one of the few of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren who make it a priority... My grandmother is 85 and may not have another summer left. I want my children who are old enough to have memories of their GG that will stick with them. She is an amazing and strong woman and I never appreciated that enough growing up. I do hope you are able to have the time you want with your grandchildren too 💜

[@vickienipp]

@@JaneDoe-tp9dooh that’s wonderful for you and them

[@azimouth4]

OMG! I only have 1462 weeks left!?

[@DreaLightrider]

4000 weeks? Did the math....I only have 1660 weeks left... now I'm depressed

[@alexkowalski7912]

Interesting Things we need to hear. I think That Awkward Mom video from July 13, 2024 goes along with this one

[@kennethbailey9853]

My 86 year old father passed June 25th and today is July 27th leaving me as Patriarch.

[@karencox3235]

❤ 🫂

[@intherockies]

I'm sorry.

[@sandrainontario6710]

Yike I will be 76 this year 😮

[@JOSWEBCROCHET]

☺️💖🙌

[@bethmannino3993]

My daughter died at 24. I pray I get to keep my son until an old age. Tomorrow isn’t promised and I’m working on the house before something happens. Not to be a downer, I just feel I’m racing against the clock.

[@intherockies]

I'm so sorry. I feel like I'm racing against the clock too. I think we are not alone in that feeling.

[@bethmannino3993]

@@intherockiesthank you and agree, but hey it motivates us.

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

😊👍🏼

[@intherockies]

❓I'm a grandma raising my grandchild. It's been just us for the last 16 yrs. I'm feeling the panic of knowing he will be graduating in just two years. I have chronic fatigue and chronic pain so it's hard. I wanted to buy a C-Class RV and just travel with him most of school year. He said if I buy the RV then he will do online schooling. He did online last year. Otherwise he will go back to regular school this year. I don't know if I can handle it financially and we have 3 big dogs (one is really old and won't make it much longer 😥) and 2 cats 🤪. If I don't try it though I might not be able too next year. I'm turning 60 this year and think I'm panicking about what to do. Any suggestions? I definitely can't afford to board all the dogs. One of the big dogs is young and hyper. The other one we have had for seven years and then there's the one who probably won't make it through winter, he is having problems getting up and is really old.

[@91livinginthelight]

❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@staycehale5903]

You might be like me and loose your mom when she’s 70 years young and healthy. Totally unexpected. 💔

[@shellyjay8954]

I’m 70 and so sad. No plans for fun. Only child is grown. Husband disabled from a stroke. Summer 2024 almost over. I’ve had zero adventures.

[@MrsBrown_on_YT]

Hi lovely. I'm sorry you are so sad. With 31 days in August, there is still plenty of time for adventures for your 2024 summer. Obviously I don't know your circumstances, but I encourage you to get creative. Adventures don't have to be big, time consuming or expensive. Have a date with your husband (even at home if needed), pick some flowers and put them around your house, eat in candlelight, listen to music you like, invite a friend over for morning tea etc. I'm in Australia and it's the middle of winter, but yesterday I went for a walk around my neighbourhood and felt alive just from feeling the cold wind on my face. Felt adventurous to me because I rarely do it, or have time alone, because I have small kids. May God bless you and your husband as you consider your summer adventures. 😊

[@thriftingmaven653]

Please stop