Gail and I are in a whirlwind season right now—and have been for a while. All good things yet NUTS! Have made three out of state trips in the last month. Spoke at a national conference. Had grandchildren as houseguests for several nights. Relocating Gail’s dad from out of state to a Tulsa senior living community. Gail is going to Paris, France next week. And, oh—we sold our condo and are moving this week.

Courtesy 123RF/Mirko Vitali

Those are the biggies. Doesn’t include computer conversions, car repairs, and everyday life in general. Amidst it all, many have commented on how fast we provide information needed and get things done.

And honestly, even though there have been a few overwhelming moments, we’ve been able to keep moving forward and smiling—most of the time.

I spent a few moments today thinking on all we have to be grateful for right now. I realized that much of what we’ve been able to do lately so relatively easily is due to several things we’ve worked hard to maintain in our lives. Things that help to make seasons like moving, extended travel, and medical emergencies more manageable.

Here are 5 simple tips we’re grateful for during this season:

1. Live lean. The less you have, the less you have to manage, maintain, or move! Gail wrote recently on how we’d been reducing our stuff for a while. It takes dedication but, man, is it worth. Think of all the things you need to make arrangements for if you’re going to be away from your home for a couple days or more. More stuff is appealing but consider how much of your physical and mental energy—and money—it takes to maintain.

2. Keep information readily accessible . It’s amazing how much information we need at our fingertips today for the simplest of transactions. Whether a doctor visit, loan application, club membership, or car repairs, we need so many numbers and other bits of info. I don’t like filling out forms but I hate even more to postpone because I don’t have the info with me. This is another reason I love my iPhone—I can access just about any information I need immediately. My life-savers are:

   • Password manager. We have have dozens of passwords and they shouldn’t be simple or the same. Nobody should waste brain power remembering passwords for website logins, credit card info, health records, secure notes, etc. I use 1Password and it’s synced to all my devices for instant access to everything.
   • Cloud-based data. I’m getting more paperless all the time. One of my top productivity tools is Evernote. There are many options today. I recommend finding at least one you trust and will use to make your information more accessible.
   • Contacts. Keep your contact list updated! You’ll save a ton of time being able to get in touch with people you need when you’re on the move.
3. Share a calendar. Gail and I have a digitally shared calendar to keep the other updated of important appointments or events. When both going 100mph in different directions, a shared calendar keeps us coordinated.

4. Create checklists. If you have to do something that involves more than one action and you may need to do it again someday, make a checklist. E.g., a hacked credit card gets replaced and now you have to update the info to all who have your card on file. Or change of address notices. It’s not fun so at least make it easier on yourself the next time by keeping a good checklist now.

5. Stay rested and connected. You can live with your shirt sleeves rolled up for a while, but not indefinitely. When running hard, make sure you prioritize enough time for rest, good nutrition, and meaningful connection with those most important in your life. Protect your time with God, your spouse, your kids. And laugh more than normal!

I’m grateful we have these things in place right now because it keeps us nimble enough to seize great opportunities and to respond to unexpecteds. Choose one of the above and take steps to improve in your life this week to prepare you for your next crazy busy season.