Do you ever wonder what inspires people? Do you get inspired by others? It's been a while since I had the chance to post a "You Inspire Me" article and I was glad when the opportunity came knocking at my door!

Last week I attended a tele-conference on Staples new product M Style. Donna Smallin-Kuper was the speaker and she is an amazing organizer and speaker. I am always inspired by those that are able to inspire others!

Last year, I had the pleasure of working briefly with Donna on a committee in NAPO, and I really think she is fantastic. After the tele-conference Donna and I exchanged a few emails and I asked her if she would be interested in doing a brief interview with me for my blog.

Let me start by saying that when you read some of these answers, you can hear her speaking with such confidence and assurance, it's awesome. Donna has a way of taking something big (and almost unattainable) and making it manageable (just read her books...)

So a big Thank you to Donna for taking the time to answer my questions! So to you readers, enjoy!

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What do you do, and why do you do it? I am an author. I teach people how to unclutter, organize and simplify life. I love the whole process of writing, but the most rewarding part is hearing from readers who have implemented my tips and ideas. I love when they write to tell me about their successes. I can’t imagine doing anything other than what I do.  

What inspires you to get out of bed each morning? I moved to paradise (Phoenix, AZ) six years ago and I have yet to wake up and say, “Oh, no. Not another sunny day;  I can’t take it anymore!” So I have to say sunshine—and coffee, especially when my husband has it already made and brings me a cup in bed.

What one decision are you struggling with right now (personal, business or both)? I honestly cannot think of any decision I am struggling with! Not that I haven’t struggled in the past. But I have learned to trust my inner voice for direction and it has yet to steer me wrong. It’s when I haven’t listened that I made some bad decisions! And if I don’t feel very strongly either way about something, then either choice is an option. Or no choice. I also think it helps to ask myself: If money or time were not an issue, what would you do? That helps me to get at what’s really important to me and to make decisions based not on artificial constraints but on my passions and values.

(I have to say that I love, love love this answer! Tell me that doesn't inspire you!!!!)

What is one piece of advice you have gotten that you can share? I love something Maya Angelou said: People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.

What is one book that you can relate to and why? I recently read The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss after having it recommended to me by about a half-dozen people in a span of two days. I originally thought that the name of the book was the 4-DAY Workweek and I thought, “Wow, that would be a cool to work only four days a week.” When I realized the title was The 4-HOUR Workweek, I was really intrigued. Right away, as I read this book, I began to make changes in my work life that I believe will help move me more quickly toward my goal of early retirement. I don’t necessarily agree with all of his strategies and tactics, but I love how this concept of the 4-hour workweek can free your thinking and let you see the possibilities that exist if you are willing to make some changes.    

What is your favorite gift to give and why? I love giving experiences as gifts. For Christmas last year, I bought my husband a ride on a WWII bomber airplane that flies out of our local airport. It’s something I knew he would love to do, wouldn’t because it seemed extravagant.  For the past two years, since getting married, I started a tradition of taking my husband’s girls and their girls on a Christmas adventure as part of their Christmas gift. We went to Sedona and the Grand Canyon the first year and to San Diego last year.  I also love buying gift certificates for massage.

What keeps you organized? Two things: 1) I am a minimalist by choice. I don’t have a lot of anything. For a long time, I had only one pair of jeans. (You can only wear one pair at a time, right?) It’s easier to stay organized when you have less stuff. 2) I am most comfortable in orderly environment. So I spend time every day (not every moment) clearing countertops, putting away clothes, and generally picking up.  It’s a lot easier to keep up than to catch up.

Where and what do you see yourself doing in 10 years? I expect to be retired sometime in the next 5 to 10 years. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband who will also be retired. We enjoy motorcycling (I learned how to ride two years ago and love it!) and traveling. I am particularly interested in visiting Mediterranean countries, especially Croatia and Greece and I expect to take at least one bicycle tour in Europe. I expect to be able to converse in Spanish and French by then. I’ll also have more time for playing the piano (I just starting lessons this month). My goal is to be able to play a duet with my husband on his guitar. Also, I love gourmet cooking. I’d love to go to chef school, just for the experience.  I may still write books or give presentations, but only when it fits into my active retirement schedule!