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!
Packing quickly becomes convoluted with multiple layers of “What if’s?” What if it pours the whole time? What if we have to get really dressed up? What if there are no laundry facilities? What if … what if … what if????
I asked Joanna how she keeps clear and simple about what to bring when she travels. And … out came THE LIST: Back and front of a 4 by 6 index card, hand written, clear and simple. Joanna’s delightful mother-in-law gave her this list a long while back when Joanna was similarly flummoxed. And now, we offer this list to you, our dear readers. If it’s not on THE LIST, think twice abaout bringing it; though there may be some things on the list that you clearly don’t need. I’ll report back when I’m home and let you know if WHAT I packed supported HOW I want to travel.
THE LIST
Clothing: Pants - tops – dresses – skirts – sweats – sweater; Undies: bras – slip – panties – pads – swimsuit; Feet: socks – shoes – hose – boots; Jewelry: scarves – earrings – rings – bracelets – necklaces – watch; PJ’s: robe – slippers
Medications: Vitamins – first aid items – Tylenol – band-aids
Teeth: Paste – brush – floss
Hair: Comb – brush – clips – rollers – dryer – shampoo – shower cap – hairspray
Cosmetics: Lotions – makeup – sunscreen – deodorant – insect repellant – nail clippers – file – scissors – razor
Outerwear: Coat – jacket – gloves – hat – scarf – sunshade – rain jacket – umbrella
Purse or tote or backpack
OTHER STUFF
Car: Snacks – water – gum – paper towels – tissue – GPS – tapes/CD’s for listening – blanket – pillow
Books: Magazines – datebook – notebook/journal – pens – pencils – needlework – photos to share
Camera: Film/batteries – binocs – video camera
List of names: Addresses – phone #’s – phonecard – money – moneybelt – passport – credit cards – copies of important papers in case they get lost
Laundry: Bag, small portable clothesline
Flashlight: travel clock – suitcase lock and key
Gifts
Try out THE LIST to curb your packing frustrations or let us know if there’s another method that’s helped keep you clear and simple!
Ciao! Sue (and Joanna)
P.S. Joanna will be happy to help you while I’m away. Just give her a call at:
802-258-4800 Cell phone 802-380-0301
Happy New Year! No Joke!
Posted by Joanna 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.
Prior to 1582, the New Year was celebrated for 8 days, beginning March 25th and culminating April 1st. The Gregorian calendar was introduced during the reign of Charles IX in 1582. But, times being what they were (internet access was atrocious!), word spread slowly. Years later, folks were still celebrating the New Year on April 1st. These, understandably backward folk became the targets of pranks – “April Fools.”
Three months ago, on what we now celebrate as New Year’s Day, many of us made pledges for 2010: We would exercise more, pay bills on time, clean out the garage. How are you doing? If you’re like the majority of resolution-makers, you’ve abandoned your well-laid plans long ago. I know I have! But now we have a second chance – New Year’s Day on April First!
Here are three suggestions that will increase your chances of success:
Read the rest of this entry »
Getting Stuff OUT!
Posted by Joanna 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 Joanna 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 Joanna 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 »
My Ebb and Flow Theory
Posted by Joanna on Feb 20, 2010
One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, “What if I had
never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?
Rachel Carson
The other day I was commenting to Sue that I pretty much like to
keep my space calm and orderly all the time -that I need to be able
to look around and like what I see.
Well that’s true -but then how was it that this morning I raced
around for more than an hour – put clean laundry away- the phone
book back in it’s place in the kitchen, vacuumed, and so on and so
forth? Ah-hah! – Oh right! My space is not the way I like it all
the time but, I try to get it back there pretty fast.
So perhaps here’s a more accurate theory: It’s all about ebb
and flow. And the problem is when things gets stuck. Hmm – I like
that. Imagine if an ocean wave came in with all the bits and pieces
of sea weed, crabs and small fish and so forth but then it STOPPED
and nothing moved. Stinky?!
I suppose there ARE some people who are always organized but
they’re probably not reading Breathing Space tips! When Sue and I
are contacted it’s because for one reason or another – the wave is
stuck. How is this a tip? Well, I want to suggest that you help the
wave go back out! Help yourself MOVE STUFF OUT more easily. Here
are three immediate ways to do that:
-Always have a smallish “GIVE AWAY” box near the door and deliver
the contents to your chosen location(s) as soon as the box
is full.
-Keep magazines upright in a container (a tall basket perhaps)
that is NOT huge – and when it gets full – it’s time to recycle or
move the magazines to your archives. I’ve mentioned this before-
but if magazines are upright you can find the one you are looking
for more easily- and the container (rather than a flat
surface)provides a clear limit.
-When sorting mail or paper – STAND UP!! It’s almost magic how
much better this works. AND have a container for recycling right
next to you.You can empty THAT into something larger – later.
Voila– enjoy the tides!
Hurrah -Expansion!
Posted by Joanna on Nov 3, 2009
Dear Breathing Space Reader ~
A breath of fresh air is flowing into Breathing Space. As you may have read elsewhere, Susan Venman of www.FocalPointCoachingVT.com and I are becoming a Breathing Space team. Sue is continuing her coaching and is also doing organizing. I am so looking forward to your gaining from her knowledge and care. Combining her expertise with mine we have the proverbial 1+1 equals MORE than 2!
Work is in progress and if you look through our web pages now you will find a mix —some of my earlier writing will be left as is but the site is getting updated daily. Soon all the pages will be up to speed. What’s so great is that while evolving our “infrastructures” we’re gaining new ideas from each other; they are making their way into Breathing Space services and will be available to YOU!
This comes with my immense thanks for the path you have walked with me - be it short or long and for the path ahead! With all best wishes, Joanna
p.s. When you next call Breathing Space 802-258-4800 it will be Sue’s voice that you hear! Stay tuned!
The 10 Minute Challenge!
Posted by Joanna 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.
_
Changes…Expansion
Posted by Joanna on Jul 10, 2009
To think that some people blog a dozen times a day! Is that you? Meanwhile, my last posting here was in February! Oops!
Now it’s SUMMER ’09 and you are doing whatever fills your time during these months. Some people change focus – slow down/ recharge batteries and try to do as little as possible. For others it’s weddings, trips, yard sales, and all kinds of projects that can’t be done other times of the year.
Good news is that Breathing Space is expanding and there are about to be two of us to answer your questions, post tips ,and provide training as well as doing on-site organizing. Thank goodness! Since February I have been getting very involved in local community work. Luckily at the same time I’ve been talking with my good friend and colleague Susan Venman about collaborating- not only getting things in shape but also adding to Breathing Space services.
Sue is a certified personal coach with a specialty in ADHD coaching. She has introduced me to some great ideas that will soon be coming your way. We are thrilled with the possibility of offering new options as well as covering a larger geographic area. If you think that ADHD might be a part of your challenges,if you want to set up a workshop for the Fall or, are simply ready for a tune up –now is a good time to call. 802-258-4800
Wishing you a fantastic July and August, Joanna (and Sue!)
YOUR STUFF and THEIRS!
Posted by Joanna 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.
