Walking the Talk
Posted by Sue on Sep 28, 2010
Sue here …
I’ve been thinking lately about the messages my life broadcasts and the many ways in which what I SAY and what I DO simply don’t line up. A pretty heavy topic for a Tuesday morning, I realize.
And HOW, might you ask, does this relate to organizing and decluttering?
Without knowing what I do for a living, if you visited my house and happened to open up my linen closet or my “general junk closet” (some folks have a junk drawer, I have a junk closet), there is no way on god’s green earth that you’d guess I am a professional organizer. I admit it: I’m not walking my talk.
With 5 daughters (only one is still at home, but there’s still FIVE of them), a loving partner, an old farmhouse and a business and a half to run, when do I have time to stay on top of the demands of ongoing organization? But this isn’t markedly different than what any of the rest of you are dealing with. The particulars may vary, but the result is the same: We don’t have time to live the lives that we declare are right and good and healthy for ourselves and the planet.
I’m all about baby steps. Realigning one small piece of my life at a time is like a chiropractic adjustment: It allows the energy to once again flow freely to other stuck areas. So when I polish my sink every evening after doing the dishes (check out Flylady.net) or when I hang my coat up in the closet rather than throwing it on the back of the chair, I’m decluttering my space. They may be small steps, but they are steps forward.
So today I’ll polish my sink, put the cap back on the toothpaste and put a vase of fresh flowers in the entryway to welcome any of you who might come to call. Baby steps. But steps forward.
What baby steps are you going to take today?
Quote for the day: Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. -Johann Wolfgang van Goethe
If you’d like the full text of this inspiring quote, send me an email: Sue@breathing-space.com
Have a de-lightful, de-licious, de-cluttered day!
Sue
Embracing Limits! True Confession
Posted by Sue on Sep 23, 2010
During our last Declutterers call I made both a suggestion and a confession. Those of you who have been getting tips for a long time may recognize both; but they are worth repeating.
Set a LIMIT– It helps!
A helpful strategy for dealing with your STUFF is to set a limit of HOW MUCH SPACE you are going to use for that type of item OR HOW MANY of that item you are going to keep. Use the limit as a friendly preventive measure.
True Story: Once upon a time there was a client whose basement was taken over by empty boxes. Wonderful boxes of all sizes, shapes and colors. When a new box came along she added it to the collection. Hey! It was a great box and she might need it someday.
When she called me, she was working on a new project and desperately needed some more space – What to do? It seemed logical to me to get rid of some of her excess boxes in order to free up the space she needed. Reluctantly and courageously, she agreed to limit her box collection to whatever fit a storage space of about 4’ high8’ wide and 3’ deep. She vowed to keep only as many boxes as fit into that space. PERIOD! No ifs ands or buts.
What’s amazing is that this system has worked for her for YEARS. A great box comes in – Does it fit in the space? No – Something has to go for that new to be added. Nah—I like the ones I have. Or, that’s okay- I’ll get rid of green one and add this one! YAY – The space is maintained!
It’s clear—if there isn’t room for a box in the defined space, either it can’t be added or another one has to go. Voila!
MY CONFESSION …
When dealing with physical STUFF this limit concept is really clear and simple to me. But guess what? I GET how hard limits are for others when I’m dealing with my “STUFF” which is my COMMITMENTS! I’m sure the feelings are similar. The call goes out for help with X and I’m intrigued. Hmmmmm – wow – What a GREAT idea –I would LOVE to do that! I can do that! Ooh boy—it would be great to help make THAT happen. I get those tantalizing warm fuzzies when considering what it would be like!
Right Joanna! And just WHEN will you do that? – What are you going to remove from your schedule in order to add that in? OUCH – I get sad. I don’t WANT to say no to that wonderful opportunity. Can’t I do just ONE more thing?
This is an ongoing challenge for me – just as a limit to physical STUFF may be for you. I KNOW the consequences of not setting clear limits on my commitments all too well – The overwhelm; having to call back and say I can’t –Choosing between disappointing people and my own exhaustion. Darn! Double darn!
Solution- LIMITS! What I already have on my plate needs to be clearly marked in my calendar (my storage space) and the CALENDAR will tell me whether I can take on something more. I will have to admit that there isn’t room unless I remove something. Reality.
SO dear reader – let’s give it a go … One box for saving wonderful cards. Only 3 bookcases for ALL the books you are keeping…whatever it is – embrace the limit!
Wishing you a decluttered Fall 2010,
Joanna (and Sue)
p.s. If you’re ready for weekly encouragement on your decluttering efforts check out Declutterers at www.breathing-space.com.
Change the Number! Don’t cancel the card.
Posted by Sue on Sep 22, 2010
I just saw a new twist to a long time recommendation: As has always been true, you should have a paper copy of your license and all credit cards etc. (back and front) stored in a safe place – not with your wallet! Here’s the new part: If your wallet does disappear – immediately call your credit card companies to report what has happened but don’t cancel the cards! Instead, request an “account number change” as cancelling your account can hurt your credit score, especially if you have an outstanding balance. A new number will mean that you have to make sure any automatic payments are changed to the new account number but it won’t affect your credit rating.
Packing: Clear and Simple
Posted by Sue on Jul 6, 2010
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” ~ Jack Kerouac
With a week to go before take off for my long anticipated trip to Italy and Macedonia, I confided in Joanna, “I’d be looking forward to this trip if I could only figure out what to pack!” I was embarrassed. It seems to me that a professional organizer shouldn’t be cowed by the simple task of packing for a vacation; but I didn’t have a clue where to start!
Happy New Year! No Joke!
Posted by Sue on Apr 1, 2010
“Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.” Elizabeth Gaskell, novelist and short story writer
When I think of April Fool’s Day, I’m reminded of the pranks my siblings and I played on our parents: Salt in the sugar bowl, the plastic snake hidden in the Captain Crunch … Knowing a tip would be going out on April 1st, my curiosity kicked in. I decided to do a little research to see how this odd celebration got started.
Getting Stuff OUT!
Posted by Sue on Mar 22, 2010
“I’ve been getting rid of some clutter – anything that doesn’t serve a positive purpose in my life – and making room for things that feel happy to me. Because I get to make my life whatever I want it to be. I get to make the room feel however I want it to feel. I get to make the closet as full or as spacious as I want it. And, if I have more clutter to get rid of after Christmas, I’m not going to wait a year, or two or three to do it.”
~ Jan Denise, American Author, Columnist and Speaker
At the end of this tip, I’ve reprinted a wonderful letter from May, my virtual friend, colleague and client, who lives in Scotland (visit her at: www.delicioushealing.com). We did all our work over the internet, using photos and SKYPE. It was an exciting adventure for us both. [To find out more about "virtual consultations," check our website.] In her letter, May mentions tips that have really WORKED for her and then issues us a huge challenge!
First off, BRAVO May! It is great hearing about your successes! It’s your challenge that I want to address here: Getting Stuff OUT after you’ve sorted it!
Turtling Through Your Taxes – Feb 18, 2010
Posted by Sue on Feb 20, 2010
We must care for each other more and tax each other less. ~ Bill Archer
So here we are, nearing the end of February; April 15th is still a misty apparition on the horizon. And when you’re busy managing the
rest of your life, it’s easy to forget that taxes are due in only 8 weeks.
What would it be like not to make a mad dash to the 4/15 finish line? Can you imagine yourself mailing that envelope on April 1st – and NOT as an April Fool’s joke.
At Breathing Space we care most about making space for what really matters to you. At the same time there are some mundane basics that have to be in place. For most people that includes TAXES.
While You Can..With Love
Posted by Sue on Feb 20, 2010
This was a pre- Valentine’s Tip from Sue- but having just re-learned how to get our tips into the blog-here it is:
I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves.
~ Karl Wilhelm von Humboldt
I have always loved Valentine’s Day, but not for its Hallmark glitz or heart-shaped candy boxes. Valentine’s Day gives us the opportunity to stop and express our love and gratitude.
In anticipation of the 14th and in gratitude for my mother, who taught me to love, I offer you these words. Read the rest of this entry »
The 10 Minute Challenge!
Posted by Sue on Jul 10, 2009
If you are anything like me, you may already have felt that the summer is going to disappear before you know it. Today however I tried something that really surprised me and thus I am sending it onward to you ~
Take the TEN minute challenge. YES- 10 minutes! It’s pretty huge.
After your next task is done – take T E N WHOLE MINUTES to do NOTHING. Only after that, start on your next action. This may seem completely impossible as you look at it now. That was my reaction. If so—try it for the next 4 hours only. I believe you will discover time that you didn’t imagine could exist.
One task done. STOP for TEN WHOLE MINUTES. Then on to the next task. It’s pretty radical! I discovered a very different world and still got a bunch done – maybe more and definitely more sanely. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
_
YOUR STUFF and THEIRS!
Posted by Sue on Feb 15, 2009
This seems like the right time to respond to a question about OTHER
people’s stuff. Very often those other people are those closest to
you- the ones you love the most! But what about when their stuff
drives you nuts!
This will feel familiar to many readers- I’m sure!
“OK, Joanna, here’s my big challenge – how to keep the house
organized and tidy when I live with three very untidy people. I
know the philosophy ‘as I declutter and tidy, they will follow
suit.’ Well it hasn’t worked! Any other suggestions??Disorganized space works for them, but it doesn’t for me. Hmm, so you’re probably going to suggest we all talk about it….my needs,theirs…tricky when I’m in the minority! You’ll sense I’m feeling rather defeated with this one! Over to you…”
First- thank you for your honesty! By now you may well have
resolved the issue. If you have- DO let me know how!
Also- sorry it’s taken me a long time to respond. It’s partly
because I’ve been questioning my own thinking on this one.
