Steps to Start Living Your Best Life

Jeep Momma driving topless

Declutter your Stuff 

Be purposeful about this. Go drawer by drawer, closet by closet. Then do it all again in a couple of months. Emotionally holding on to stuff bogs down your life. Stop using those excuses, "one day I will use it" or "I spent a lot of money on that I can't". That is living in the past or living in the future. Live in the here and now. 

How to Simplify Your Life 👉Read More

Declutter Your Past Emotions

This was the hardest one for me to do. When I moved to Colorado in 2020 I knew I was on the road to my best life, but something was holding me back. I was blinded by my own emotions. I was grieving a loss, so many losses, my home, my old life, my old friends, my marriage. There was a lot of unnecessary guilt I placed on myself and a lot of anger from wrongs done to me. I needed to forgive myself and let go of those wrongs before I could truly move on. Even years later I was still blinded by my own emotions and those emotions grew heavier with more losses. Finding my faith again put me back on the right path. For some of us it takes years to sort through the past. It's necessary to truly move on. 

Finding Jesus again brought me a peace  👉 Read More

Declutter Your Time

Reduce your commitments like volunteering or events you attend. Re-evaluate your job. I started slowly with my volunteer commitments. I taught myself to say no. My Maryland job loss was not on purpose but being let go was a blessing in disguise.

Declutter Your Electronic Life

Reduce your time on social media, reduce the amount of social media you have, reduce your information overload, and most importantly disconnect from the world once in a while. Information overload can be debilitating. 

Information Overload Article

Declutter Your Relationships

Cut out the negative people in your life. This is a hard one to do, but very necessary. Negative people are very draining emotionally. 

Finding My Peace Through Faith

Rediscovering Jesus

The day I headed out West. 

The past decade has been a rollercoaster ride filled with so much turmoil. I did a lot of soul searching and took several leaps of faith. I lost a lot but gained so much more. There were times of great joy and some of the lowest moments in my life. 

During this bumpy ride, I took steps to start living my best life. I decluttered my stuff, relationships and time. I found my passion and started new hobbies. It wasn't until recently I realized, during all these steps I had been missing the most important step to a better life. 

Building a Relationship with God

Tammy filled with peace. 

Rediscovering Jesus and building a relationship with God lead me to an inner peace. I have learned the power of forgiveness and letting go. The power of forgiving myself for my choices and the power to forgive those who betrayed me. I don't worry about the stories told about me and what others think of me because in the end only God matters. 

In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and constant change, finding peace seems like an elusive dream. Many of us search for tranquility and a sense of purpose in various ways, but often, the answer lies closer than we think. Rediscovering Jesus and fostering a relationship with God can bring profound peace and transform your life in remarkable ways.

Rediscovering Jesus

God's beautiful flowers. 

For those of us who grew up in a Christian environment or have been exposed to the teachings of Jesus, it's not uncommon to drift away or lose sight of our faith amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, taking steps to reconnect with Jesus can be a life-changing decision. Here's what I did.

Reflect on Your Journey

Spend time reflecting on your spiritual journey. Consider the moments when you felt closest to Jesus and the factors that contributed to that connection. Reflect on what caused the distance in your relationship with Him. This self-awareness is the first step towards rekindling your faith.

Engage with Scripture

The Bible is a powerful tool for understanding the teachings of Jesus and God's plan for us. Make it a habit to read the Bible regularly. Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to revisit the life and teachings of Jesus. Allow His words to guide and inspire you.

Prayer and Meditation

Prayer is a direct line of communication with God. Set aside time each day to pray and meditate. Share your thoughts, concerns, and gratitude with Him. Through prayer, you can develop a deeper, more personal relationship with God and feel His presence in your life.

Building a Relationship with God

A strong relationship with God is the cornerstone of a peaceful and fulfilling life. Here’s how nurturing this relationship can positively impact your life:

Inner Peace

One of the most profound benefits of a relationship with God is the inner peace that comes with it. Trusting in God's plan and knowing that He is in control can alleviate anxiety and stress. This peace transcends understanding and remains steadfast even in the face of life's challenges.

Guidance and Purpose

When you build a relationship with God, you gain a sense of purpose and direction. God has a unique plan for each of us, and through prayer and reflection, you can discern His will for your life. This guidance helps you make decisions aligned with your true calling and values.

Community and Support

Being part of a faith community can provide immense support and encouragement. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your beliefs can strengthen your faith and provide a network of love and support. Engaging in fellowship activities, attending church, and participating in Bible studies can enrich your spiritual journey.

Forgiveness and Redemption

Understanding God's grace and forgiveness is a transformative experience. No matter your past mistakes or shortcomings, God’s love and mercy are always available. Embracing this forgiveness allows you to let go of guilt and shame, paving the way for healing and growth.

Living a Better Life

A life anchored in faith and a relationship with God is inherently richer and more fulfilling. Here are some practical ways to integrate your faith into everyday life:

Acts of Kindness and Service

Living out the teachings of Jesus through acts of kindness and service to others brings immense joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply showing compassion, these acts reflect God's love and make the world a better place.

Gratitude and Mindfulness

Cultivating a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness can transform your perspective. Regularly thank God for His blessings and be mindful of His presence in your daily life. This practice fosters contentment and joy.

Healthy Habits

Embrace habits that nurture both your body and soul. Exercise, eat healthily, get enough rest, and spend time in nature. These practices honor the body God has given you and enhance your overall well-being.

Seek Wisdom

Continually seek wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the counsel of trusted spiritual mentors. This wisdom will guide you through life’s complexities and help you grow in your faith.

Jeep Door Hinge Problems

How to Extend the Life of Jeep Door Hinges

My Jeep's corroded Door Hinge

The Jeep Wrangler (JK/JKU's) door hinges use an aluminum bushing sleeve with a steel post hinge. There are a few potential issues that could arise due to the interaction between different metals. 

Jeep's corroded aluminum sleeves

Galvanic Corrosion: This is the primary concern when aluminum and steel are in contact, especially in the presence of an electrolyte (like water with salt, commonly encountered in off-roading or coastal areas). Galvanic corrosion occurs because aluminum and steel have different electrode potentials, and when they are connected in the presence of an electrolyte, the aluminum acts as an anode (the part that corrodes) and the steel acts as the cathode (the more protected part). This can lead to the aluminum bushing deteriorating over time.

The corroded aluminum sleeve

Wear and Friction: Aluminum is softer than steel. Under regular operation, like the opening and closing of a door, the aluminum bushing might wear out faster than if it were paired with a hinge of the same material. This can result in increased play or looseness in the hinge over time, potentially affecting the door's alignment and closing mechanism.

When the corrosion happens it makes it much harder to open and close the door. This happened to me and eventually I couldn't use my door. 

Replacement Solution

I decided to try out an aftermarket sleeve instead. The old aluminum bushing needed to come out. 

Kentrol Door Hinge Liners 👉 Buy Here

Then I replaced the busing sleeve with Kentrol Door Hinge liners. The liners are made from a type of plastic called Black Delrin, or otherwise known as acetal. Acetal is considered an "engineering" plastic due to it's resistance to being distorted/it's strength. This material is low in friction and stiff, making parts made out of it durable and easy to install. Overall, this makes it a heated competitor to metal parts in a variety of scenarios, namely in automotive products.

Derlin Jeep door hinge sleeves

Preventative Tips

To minimize these issues, it's important to:

• Regularly inspect the hinge and bushing for signs of corrosion or wear.
• Consider using a protective coating or grease to reduce direct metal-to-metal contact and to shield the metals from corrosive elements.
• Ensure proper installation and alignment to minimize undue stress on the bushing.

These steps can help prolong the life of the components and maintain the proper functioning of the door.

Jeep door hinge pin

For protecting an aluminum bushing in a steel post hinge on a Jeep Wrangler, you'll want to use a grease or coating that provides good corrosion resistance and reduces wear. Here are some options:

Marine Grease: This is a great choice if your Jeep is frequently exposed to wet conditions or salty environments (like coastal areas or roads treated with salt in winter). Marine grease is water-resistant and designed to protect against rust and corrosion in harsh conditions.

Lithium Grease: This is a popular, all-purpose automotive grease that's suitable for most weather conditions. It's good for metal-to-metal contact and helps reduce friction and wear.

Anti-Seize Lubricant: This is specifically designed to prevent seizing, corrosion, and galling where different metals are in contact. It's particularly useful in applications like hinges where disassembly might be required in the future.

Dielectric Grease: While typically used for electrical connections, dielectric grease can also be effective in preventing corrosion in metal joints. It's non-conductive and does not attract dust or dirt.

Graphite Grease: Graphite grease can withstand high temperatures and is also effective in reducing friction and wear between metals.

Steps when applying any of these greases:

• Clean the hinge and bushing thoroughly to remove any dirt, rust, or old grease.
• Apply a generous amount of grease to both the bushing and the hinge pin, ensuring full coverage.
• Reapply grease periodically, especially after exposure to severe conditions or during routine maintenance.

Jeep Lockable Storage Ideas

Safeguard Your Valuable Gear with Tuffy Products

There’s nothing quite like the joy of driving your Jeep with the wind tousling your hair and the sun warming your face as you navigate through city streets or rugged trails. But, let’s face it, going topless also sometimes comes with the anxiety of leaving your valuables exposed when you're parked. 

That’s where Tuffy Products swoop in to save the day! Their robust, lockable storage units are designed to secure your belongings, allowing you to enjoy your adventures without a worry. In my constant search of new fun aftermarket accessories for my Jeep I found some great storage ideas. 

The In-Floor Locking Cubby Cover

Tuffy Products In-Floor Locking Cubby Cover

This cover easily replaces the factory cover with no drilling required. It features the company’s exclusive Pry-Guard locking system with a double bitted security lock and built-in weather seals. It will also secure the jack underneath. It works for the JK and JL both 2 door and 4 door models. Tuffy says it's a quick and easy install.  

In-Floor Locking Cubby Cover 👉Buy Here

Slip-in Center Console Safe

Jeep Center Console

This console retains a completely stock console appearance while allowing full use of the arm rest and factory USB Port. I love mine. It's a great place to keep my valuables locked up when I want that added extra security. Now they have a three digit combination option. 

Check out my Step-by-Step Install Guide 👉 Read More 

Slip-in Center Console Safe 👉 Buy Here

Tailgate Lockbox Tailgate Molle Storage

Tuffy Products Tailgate Lockbox with Molle Panel

This lockbox secures to the inside of the Jeep Wrangler's tailgate. It provides storage for tools, camping gear and recovery equipment. The door folds down to doubling as a worktable that can support 40 pounds. It comes with two removable shelves. It's available for the JK and JL 2 door and 4 door models. Some drilling is required.  

Tailgate Molle Storage 👉 Buy Here

Rear Cargo Enclosure 

Rear Cargo Enclosure

This rear deck enclosure lid can secure all your items in the back. It uses Tuffy's security system that works in conjunction with the Jeep's locking tailgate. The lid, vertical front and side panels can be easily removed when you need to transport large object.  

Rear Cargo Lockable Enclosure 👉Buy Here

This blog post was NOT sponsored nor did I receive any compensation from Tuffy Products.