What are We Teaching Our Children with Our Organizing Habits?

Most of us have high expectations for the school teachers that teach our children.

Have you ever thought about what you are teaching your children at home?

Children often mimic their parent’s lifestyle. If you’re unorganized there is a good possibility that your children will be unorganized as well. Are morning’s getting ready for school a disaster in your home? It may be time to re-evaluate what is really going on and why. It may be as simple as getting everyone organized the night before or even turning off the TV until everyone is ready for school.

As parents we have an obligation to teach good life skills and great organizing habits will continue with them throughout their life.

Is it Time to Get Out Your Comfort Zone

Are you feeling overwhelmed when you even think about organizing? It may be time to get out of your comfort zone, which may be holding you back. What are you really feeling and what are you scared of? Is the thought of purging making you sweat with anxiety?
When emotions take over our thoughts they can stop us from taking action. While you are in this mental block what you think, feel and imagine can make you feel scared and powerless.

Your not alone everyone feels like this at some point in their life. There is hope but it will require taking action from you, no one can do this for you.


When you feel like this, identify why you have these feelings and thoughts. Once you understand where they are coming from and with a plan you will overcome your fears. If you have doubts or you’re not sure what to do, then listen to your intuition for guidance. Acknowledge and give yourself permission to feel uncomfortable and then you must move on in order to get out of your discomfort zone.


Believe in yourself and set a deadline for completing the task.

Take small daily steps until you accomplish your goal. Often it helps to see the end result of your organizing.

Visualize what your organized area will look like and how amazed your family, friends and even co-workers will be.

Just think how great you feel. Do what it takes to get out of your comfort zone, NOW.

Leading with Gratitude

Through our life it's important to know,

The people and events that have helped us grow.

These events have challenged us, sometimes taken us to task,

And to get through them, of leadership, we have often been asked.

They maybe simple, or entirely complex,

They maybe fleeting, or a lifetime of events.

Whatever the case there's a gift to be had,

Whether we view the situation as terrific or bad.


For being called to lead is a gift in itself,

We can lead through the challenge or put it on the back shelf.

Authenticity, courage, engagement and play,

These are things that can help us everyday.

Gratitude, conviction, honesty and trust,

These are more of the qualities, an absolute must.

For in leadership, the situations and people that challenge us most,

Are the one's that bring the greatest gifts, and ask us to get close -

"Close" to our awareness, strengths, heart and courage,

"Close" to hanging in there and "staying" even when discouraged.

And gratitude is that special gift that helps us step up to the test,

Lead with gratitude, appreciate the challenge, and give "it's hard" a rest.

The power is in thanking the challenge for coming into your life, - and then finding the learning.

And you can rest assured, that whatever the case,

it will be more powerful then churning.

Thank the people who are in your life, for all the gifts they bring,

No matter who they are to you, gratitude will make both spirits sing.

Be it a colleague or a confidante, a brother or a sister,

a parent or an in-law, a friend or a great listener,

a team mate or a direct report, a mentor or a "boss",

When you lead with gratitude, you will never be at a loss.

So when the going gets tough, work your stuff,

Discover what's true for you.

And when in doubt, step on out,

and lead with gratitude.


Anese Cavanaugh.

Tips for storage organizing

Are you stuffing files, jamming drawers…..
Is this your solution to maximizing space?

Here are a few tips to help your organizing storage containers:

a) Purchase the right container for the item(s)
b) Decide ahead of time how this will improve functionality
c) Take measurements of required containers and intended spaces
d) Purchase only what you need; this saves money & time in returns
e) Beware of sales items that do not fit your purpose; storing these to use "just in case" may create another storing problem

If your storage problem involves purchasing extra pieces of furnishings such as cabinets or bookshelves, STOP. Check to see if there is storage space in your home that is not being utilized such as closets, under beds or if adding or adjusting another shelf could store more items.

Books like Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Dr. Richard Carlson reflect our national yearning for simplicity. It's amazing how a cluttered desk or disorganized home can add significant amounts of stress to our daily lives. Getting rid of the mess -- or at least organizing it more efficiently -- can be a tremendous relief.

Getting Procrastination Off Your Back

Do you catch yourself saying?
I will do it later… when I have time, feel better etc.

Side effects of Procrastination
-robs you of your time and makes you feel so miserable by prolonging.
- delaying the inevitable can result in serious consequences
- creates fatigue, hopelessness and depression
- drains you of energy

Understanding why we procrastinate
Falling into the trap of procrastinating is a form of coping with our emotions (physical/metal) stage that we are in. While it may provide a temporary outlet, it eventually catches up.

Case Study for Tax Season Procrastination:
Like tax season, ugh…we all face this and procrastinating will lead to missing the deadline. The task is unpleasant, stressful and causes more stress when put off.
Emotions challenged:
Fear of what could be owing-Self-doubt if you do it right, write off the right expenses…
Guilt, Discomfort over not getting the task done
Habits of procrastinating become automatic response

Key to finding a solution for procrastination is
1) Clarity-Identify exactly what your procrastinating
2) Result-What will be the consequence if your keep procrastinating
3) Focus- on what needs to be done


Tips for beating Procrastination


1) Create a “to-do-list”-keeps you focused and see your results. Keep in plain view. If you don’t write it down, it will get forgotten or keeps you thinking about it.

2) Set schedule and deadlines- daily and weekly schedules

3) Do the “nasty- but necessary” jobs first- get it out of the way and now you’re ready for the stuff you love to do

4) Break it down into manageable segments -less stress- & overwhelming

5) Emotions- identify what holds you back- then don’t think about it, just do it

6) Benefits to getting it done now- list them

7) Get help- if you don’t know how like professional

8) Reward Yourself!!! Celebrate during the task and once completed.


It’s back to school time, what is holding you back to organizing yourself and your children.

Just a Mom?

A wonderful friend sent me this note from an unknown author.

I’m hoping you pass this along to other mom’s; remember stay at home dad’s who need to be reminded how important they are as well.

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a .?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
said the recorder emphatically.


I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts '
Associate Research Assistants.'

Please pass this onto your friends.
Be kinder than necessary. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.

Incredible True Bond of Love

This is a true love story about 2 men and a lion Christian.

John Rendall and Ace Berg (two friends) saw a lion cub for sale at a department store called Harrods. Seeing the cub so cramped and lonely in a small cage they decided to bring it their London home.

Christian, as they called him weighed 35 pounds but within a year he had grown to 185 pounds, too big to keep at their home.

At this point, they got Christian back to Africa so he could be reintroduced to the wild, rehabilitated and released.
Several years later, both Rendall and Berg made a decision to visit Christian. Being told that he was now a wild animal it would be doubtful if Christian would ever be found they decided never the less to go to Africa.

You absolutely must check out the rest of this amazing love story at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGKWoJi5qM&NR=1

The amazing video demonstrates how powerful the bond of love really is….
“Love knows no limits and true friendships last a lifetime”

Let me know your thoughts about this video... click on the comment link below and share them.
Frances

Discomfort Zone

I would like to share this story with a message on our comfort zone and taking action which may resonate with you, as it did with me.

"If you feel that you were off to a good start but are currently stalled, you need to admit to yourself that you have probably slipped back into your comfort zone.

More than likely you have been deceiving yourself that you are making progress, but at the same time you are really not getting anywhere.

What you need to do is take action. Even if it is a very small action.

Nothing you can tell yourself, nothing you can say to others, nothing you can think or feel or imagine is going to get you out of the mental bog you're mired in.

The only thing that can rescue you is-to take that next step.

Maybe you know what that is. If you know exactly what it is, DO It!

If you don't know, or aren't sure, allow your intuition to guide you. Do whatever you feel compelled to do, but do it NOW to get yourself doing again--even if it means entering....your discomfort zone."

---Dr. Robert Anthony

No pre-loss documentation

Helpful tips when a loss occurs and there is no pre-loss documentation

First: Plan of action:

Trying to create a list of all items you own and now are gone can be very stressful, so having a plan of how you are going to accomplish this will help.

It is helpful to have an inventory form to work from; your insurance company can provide you with an inventory list to work from.

Try to remember all the items that you owned and from that list create lost, missing or damaged items. Start with one room or area at a time. It is helpful to try to recreate the area and visualize all the items where the loss occurred. Draw a floor plan with placement of items; repeat this process several times as this may help you remember additional items each time you do this.

Second: List of all lost items now you need details:

Now that the list is completed, try to provide as much detailed information as you can find such as: make, model and serial numbers, brand names, values, place of purchase, include any photos of the items etc.


Tips on where to look and search for this information:

1. Contact places you normally shop, they may have records of items purchased

2. Walking through the store may trigger your memory

3. Friends/family may have photos or videos showing lost items

4. Family stories may help with recollecting

5. Gifts received, giver may have required information

6. Magazines, caloques may jog memory

7. Warranties, manuals, receipts etc.

8. Sources such as credit companies, bank statements ...

As you make your list, it is wise to take your time, you may want to make a note that this is a partial list, you may remember additional items later.

*Important to keep records of all contact persons, phone/e-mail and date contacted, during the claim process.

Home Inventory-Organize valuables

The home and contents are probably the largest investment and most valued asset, filled with monetary and sentimental items.
Some items can be replaced but at a cost while others are impossible to replace such as one of a kind or sentimental items.

Constantly at risk from fire, theft, water damage, floods and other natural disasters, most people do not have documentation information that can be referred to if a disaster occurs.

Purchasing insurance is not enough, should a claim be filed, it is to your advantage to have documentation to refer to that supports your claim for full reimbursement and expedites the claim process. This documentation is to your advantage not the insurance companies. Without this documentation, items could be remembered months after the loss. Equally important is having photos that show in great detail the conditions of the items, should they be sent out for repairs or their condition before a loss.

Most of us think of a home inventory just for insurance purposes, actually this documentation has value for other uses as well such as: recovery, moving, storing, travelling, legal, relationship dissolvement, organizing, budgeting and proof of ownership.

What is a Home Inventory?
A document, preferrably a detailed one showing your home contents.
The best type of inventory contains:
*photos date stamped (newspaper with date)
*photos detailing item condition (repairs/preloss condition)
*detailed item descriptions (make,serial/model)
*purchase info (date,place,price)
*updated values for items such as antiques
Information should be easily accessible and backup copies stored in a safe place away from home.

How often should this be updated?
I suggest getting into the habit of updating your inventory whenever a new item enters your home, this includes items you purchased and gifts received. Review your inventory at least annually and work with an easy, simple system that works for you, in making sure that once completed you can keep it up to date. January is a prime month to update your inventory with all the purchases and gifts that are in your home. A simple way of updating is to have a list with newly acquired items and enter this information into the inventory, every couple of months or whatever works for you.

Ask yourself: do you want to rely on just your memory? Pick a room, now jot down every item and detailed item information in that room; from memory. Include visible items, items tucked away in drawers and items stored off premises that often come back into the room, such as seasonal items. How accurate are you? This is what you will be asked for insurance/police report claims. Imagine trying to do this when you’re under stress, dealing with the frustrations of replacing the items and dealing with family emotions; do you feel confident that your memory will recollect everything.

A home inventory- it’s about knowing exactly what you own and having control when a situation occurs for proof of ownership. Even if you never use this documentation for claim purposes, just doing the exercise of documenting your possessions will provide you with a clear account of what you own. If you have never inventoried your contents, you may be shocked at what you actually own and where you spend the most money on.

Often people learn the real value of having an up to date home inventory, after a loss occurs. Don’t wait until you become one of them, do it today.

The simplest way to document your possessions is to take digital photos or video, then add the information at a later date. At least you have the visual; a picture is worth a thousand words.

Be prepared. Be protected.

Travel Current Photo ID

Summer is here and we’re busily making travel plans.
At the beach yesterday, a child had wandered off; luckily he was spotted further down the beach. This made me think, could that frantic mom have quickly described the child, what he was wearing, to help with the search?

A lot of you will be camping, day trips and long distance traveling; this is a reminder to keep a current photo of your child with you, always. If your child goes missing and you must enlist help with the search, having this photo at your fingertips will save valuable time.

Tips for Photo ID

1) Carry a current photo ID of your child. Prior to taking a vacation, one of the first things we do is organize our wallets and often photos are left at home.

2) Digital Camera or Cell Phone Camera-Take a photo of your child each morning dressed for the day, - if the child gets lost, this information is at your fingertips.
If the camera/cell phone get lost you will at least have a current photo in your wallet.

3) Having the children all wear the same brightly colored hats or shirts helps in spotting them quickly in a crowd. On an outing with the kindergarten class to the zoo it was easy to spot children from the same school. Suggest this to your teachers when they send out Field Trip notices.

4) Traveling with elderly parents who have medical conditions etc, take their photos as well. It’s easy for them to become confused and wander away. Being busy with children, you may not have paid attention to what they wore or carried.

5) Remember your pets, take photos and carry info (tag/tattoo)

Hope these tips will remind you to take photos; hopefully you will never have to use them except to put into your photo album.
Be prepared. Be Protected.

Taking Time For Sunsets

Ever take for granted what is before our eyes?

Hearing my son describe the amazing sunset yesterday, made me think how many of us, actually appreciate this amazing event.

In our fast praced world, there never seems to be enough time to just relax and enjoy the stuff that really matters.

Sunsets are one of those amazing moments in life, that occur reguarly, yet are often overlooked in our world of mortgage payments, appointments, jobs, family responsibilities, ecomomy (wow) no wonder we are a stressed out society.

While these responsibilities are important, taking time for ourselves is equally important and enjoy what nature has to offer, for free, for a few minutes.

I suggest that each of us take the time to slow down and appreciate the memorizing beauty of the changing colors and the calmness left after the sun sets.
Just watch an excited tourist capturing perfection, excitement of the children, parents laughing,couples holding hands all sharing in the magic long after the sun sets.

Sunsets like clockwork, occur daily and can be found wherever you are in the world.
When life seems overwhelming and you see the sunset take time to ground yourself with what really matters in our world. You will feel better for it.

Family Info Binder

In my business of helping individuals document what is valuable in their life and be prepared for the unexpected, I encourage the use of a Family Info Binder.

A simple binder system that you can put together yourself that is
available to each family member containing frequently used information.
Customize this to fit your family & lifestyle and be organized.

Family Info Binder Tips:

Emergency information – contacts in an emergency
What to do in an emergency-
Contact information –school (teachers) doctors, dentists…
Baby Sitting Instructions-
Medical Records- allergies-food & drugs –
Pet information-
School Information- handouts, forms, lists, sports
Forms- photo copy several to have on hand

Designate a message center for keeping:
Messages- blackboard, post it notes
Mail
Calendar- 1 calendar with all information
Family Info Binder

Having this information prepared ahead of time, readily available in one spot saves time, helps alieviate stress and frustration.

Everything in one place.
Be Prepared. Be protected.

20 Tips-Working at Home with Children

My career life experienced working outside the home, being an entrepreneur and working from home. There were challenges with juggling career and family, specifically dealing with children and working. For me, the best possible choice is choosing to stay at home with your children and work at home doing something that you love. Accomplishing this you have the best of both worlds. So, how do you organize yourself to make this work?

Here are some tips that I have experienced to work for me:
•Support from your family is important when working at home with children
•Explain to children why you work from home, what are the benefits to them.
•Get children involved; create art for office, vacation wishes, sign for door
•Create your own office space, preferably one with a door
•Organize your office space helps stay focused, less distracting, saves time.
•Organize your time by working in manageable time chunks that work for you
•To do list is best reviewed each morning for planning your day
•Set daily goals and reward yourself when their accomplished
•Calendar- using only 1 helps to eliminate missed appointments
•Head sets that keep noise down, if someone else is babysitting
•Communicate with e-mails as much as possible, spouse, friends- huge time saver, keeps you up to date, reference and backup to confirm appointments
•Friend that will lift your spirits when you’re overwhelmed
•Take a few minutes for yourself each day; often forgotten but very effective
•Lunch time with children- isn’t that why you’re working from home
•Mealtime planning- take out is still okay a couple of times a week
•Start when your most productive (4am for me, meant more time spent during the day for with the children)
•Stop working at a scheduled time, take time to play and if you really have a project to finish, do it after the children go to bed
•Hire help for the times you’re overwhelmed or phone calls
•Gratitude- list 5 things you are grateful for each day
•Law Of Attraction- what you think about you bring about

Then when you get a tap on the shoulder, stop for a few minutes and give the child your attention. Pick them up, listen to them, watch their smiles and their excitement when they talk. Both of you will be happy to carry on with the tasks at hand; this is an important part of working at home with children.

Take the time to enjoy the child, you’re not trying to solve a world crisis, your working from home, enjoy the journey, someday your child may be working from home, give them memories they can enjoy with their children.

What are your tips to working at home with children?

Organized Wallet

Recently I spotted a person who was frantically searching through their bulging wallet trying to find the money to pay for their purchases meanwhile papers and cards were falling to the floor. Once everything was back in the wallet there was a problem in trying to close it. As she was leaving, another customer reached down and picked up a card on the floor that she had missed. Luckily the card was returned to the owner, it could have been another story had that card been spotted by an untrusting person. There are many bulging, unorganized wallets out there, causing stress, frustration and embarrassment to their owners, not to mention the huge possibility of identity theft leading to financial problems.

It made me think how personal we can all get with our wallet which holds not only money but credit cars, gift cards, membership cards, restaurant cards, business cards, family photos, receipts and identification information.

While it takes time to organize your wallet, the reality is saved time, emotions and peace of mind in knowing what information and cash you are carrying around with you.

Most of us spend more time in purchasing the right wallet then actually organizing it. Today wallets seem to be larger, to protect yourself only carry what is absolutely essential.

Tips to organize your wallet
1) Empty contents and put into categories
2) File receipts- coupon folder/zip-lock bags
3) Credit Cards etc.-only current cards used daily
4) Cards not used daily file at home
5) Drivers License, Medical cards-store in plastic sleeve
6) Money-bills in one spot, numerically for easy access/amount you have
7) Coins are bulky-store in a separate change purse
8) Photos- while it is important to carry family ID photos, a good
alternative is a mini family album separate from your wallet

Ask yourself, how quickly can you make a list of everything you have in your wallet now, do you know who to contact for each card and what information they will require? Having this information prepared ahead of time could prevent use of stolen card, identity theft; the last thing you want is to be searching frantically for your stolen credit card companies phone numbers.

Theft Protection Tips I learned first hand
1)Photocopy contents of wallet
-credit cards and all other id information
-copy front and back
- use safe copier
2) Make an information list with details such as
-name of card, institution, phone # for stolen cards, expiry dates
3) Shed or cut up expired or cards no longer used
4) Passwords, Pin #s do not store in wallet
5) Photos – should not have child’s name, phone number on back
6) Social security card, passports- store at home until needed
7) Cheques carry alot of info- take steps to protect yourself

How do I know this, a few years ago I had lost my wallet and was not prepared with this information. Luckily my wallet was returned by an honest person.
The stress that I put myself and my family through could have been avoided.
Just organize your wallet and lighten the load.
Be prepared. Be protected.

Summer Maintenace Tips

v Perform fire escape plan with your children.

v Check batteries in smoke detector in every bedroom and on every floor.

v Have summer rules and supervise your children.

v Teach children to never go to public washrooms themselves.

v Teach your children about water and plant safety.

v Inspect helmets, knee, elbow pads and all protective gear.

v Check backyard and toys for safety to children.

v Check lawn for twigs and stones when mowing.

v Clean, inspect and make barbeque season safe for children.

v Keep lighter fluid, chemicals, pesticides out of children’s reach.

v Keep doors locked, especially front door if you’re out back.

v Each night check your children and yourself for bites and treat accordingly.

v Remember sunscreen, especially small children, keep them protected.

v Repair stairs and decks – make entrance and exit safe.

v Check fire extinguishers and replace or recharge if needed.

v Create a Home Inventory or Update your present home inventory.

How to make the Law of Attraction more effective

Using Gratitude When Organizing

Witnessing an amazing scene this morning, I felt so much gratitude to an amazing start to the day. Grabbing my early morning coffee, taking a sip and looking out the window I experienced the amazing world of robins forging for food. The scene was quite exciting with chirping, running, pecking and shadows from the trees and sun streaming.

How often do we really stop to enjoy the moment? In our fast paced world it is easy to miss the joy of the moment and feel gratitude for the simple things, especially when things go wrong.

Now when I want to be in a state of gratitude I grab a coffee and join the robins and enjoy the serenity of the moment.

It is so important to be in a state of gratitude, enjoying each moment as much as possible so that the Law of Attraction can bring more things into our lives that we can be grateful for.

List of 10 things to be grateful for that can inspire the organizing process

-Having the items to organize in the first place
-For the time, people, products and services that can help
-Organizing itself will provide peace of mind
-The moment to enjoy the beautiful things in your life
-Items that you will “give” to make someone’s life richer
-Organizing makes room for new items to enrich your life
-Forgiveness to yourself for doing the best job you can
-Freedom to items that add value to your life, not deter
-Cause and effect universe,giving and receiving possible
-Life changing event from unorganized to organize

Being in a state of gratitude connects us with the universe to become who we want to be, and give our attention to, attracting the Law of Attraction.

Having a grateful mind when organizing, focuses on what we want, putting out higher powerful positive energy and seeing our goal as already accomplished.

Honoring Child's Art

One of the greatest joys about being parents & grandparents are all the wonderful art and paperwork created by our little geniuses.
I am always fascinated with how their little minds interpret things, always changing as they grow and since our family considers every little piece of paperwork & art invaluable, I have devised a simple system that works for us.

Once the “art” has been prominently displayed and as new art is introduced, it’s either scanned or larger pieces are digitally photographed. These are stored in folders on the computer and later burned onto CD’s for the whole family to share.

Tips to make this a fun Project
 Create 2 folders for each child-
1 for school year & 1 or other art projects.
 Include child to scan, organize and take photos
 Use the art on T-shirt Transfer projects
 Use art to create birthday cards, etc.
 Special pieces get framed for display

By storing all the artwork on a CD (easy to view) their own unique t-shirts and even the framed artwork, we honor our children’s hard work rather than storing a stack of papers that get hidden away and turn musty in boxes that as years go by, never get looked at.
I have taken my own childhood art (torn/tattered/discolored) which is now scanned and stored on a CD.

Tip: Good to make backup copies for family members, this serves as a backup in case the original gets lost or destroyed. If storing on a computer, save to ftp site in case of computer crashing.

I must confess that I do have a hard time tossing out anything that my children have made, with this system it makes it easier for me.

Whatever process you choose in saving your child’s art, make it fun, easy and stress free.
If storing it in a box, works for you, then just do it.

Just organize your child’s art to honor their hard work.

Mindset-Relationship with Stuff

What is it about our stuff and why do we hang onto them?
Summer is here and it’s time to purge our garage of stuff no longer used.
Tending to cling to stuff and his problem in witnessing the purging
process this task is easier accomplished when my husband is not around.
Rarely does he object when he sees the result- a clean, organized
garage with room for his next project.
Don’t worry, before starting I check with him for his must have items.
Oh, did I mention that even then our vehicles are still parked
outside, but I'll save that for another time.

Most advice about purging suggests that if it hasn’t been used,
(specific time)it won’t get used; so it’s time to get rid of it in
your life either sell, give away or donate to charity where
someone actually uses it.
While most will agree with this advice,when it comes to our stuff
how many of us actually do this, easily?

When the process of letting go becomes a mindset struggle,
do you:

o Make exceptions (could use it one day-present economy )
o Struggle with energy draining emotions
o Develop a relationship with stuff that holds you back
o Feelings of guilt for having spent the money
o Upbringing in wastefulness
o Childhood memories

Is the answer in storing them in containers, even off-site premises
and dealing with them at a later date? Out of sight-out of mind.
And then....does it get dealt with or passed onto someone else?

I suggest that we ask ourselves do these things
1. Actually add value to our lives or distract from it
2. If they are valuable wouldn’t they be used
3. Are they being stored to delay in making the decision to let go
4. Is this storage taking up valuable space
5. Is it causing stress not only for yourself but your family as well

Having trouble with letting go of stuff, there is a reason, it may
help to be really clear about what you want, what items are really
important and why.
Letting go makes room for new things and the really important
ones more accessible, provides you with more time with less distractions.
If your paying to store these items, wouldn't it be great to save the
money and time for items that add value to your life?

Tip: One simple system for “hard to part with storage items” is
-store it in a container- tape it up-- mark it with a date.
If you don’t use it by that date, promise yourself to get rid of it.

Having declutterd and organized the garage I feel a sense of
freedom that encourages me to tackle the rest of the house,
one room at a time.
And I have a happy husband whose mind is busy planning
a new project and I am sure that he will remind me of something
that was thrown out that he could have used. Would he have
used it? Probably not...I speak from experience.

What mindset do you have to your stuff?