It’s Mary Poppins!
Whether you “celebrate” Halloween or not, take time, notice the moment and find the joy in the everyday moments, occasional happenings, and times to gather with friends!
Making Time and Space for What’s Important and Joyful to You
Life has a funny way of throwing us off balance just when we think we’ve figured things out. For the longest time, my business tagline has been “Making time and space for what’s important to you.” I recently attended a new conference overflowing with educational offerings and experiences. When I attend professional development events, I expect to learn. This weekend I learned more than I could imagine.
Setting the stage
As a Certified Professional Organizer, I enjoy saying I am an overachiever in professional development. I attend two conferences each year as well as many virtual events. These events focus on ADHD, organizing, and productivity. Speakers share their stories as well as strategies. Of course, I love it when a celebrity rock star in my own profession shares their story! I listened to a presentation about goal setting and time management from speaker Tonia Misvaer, CEO of Erin Condren. Tonia spoke from the heart about her passion for making a difference and how she plans her year and adheres to her goals. She mentioned that her true north star was feeling joy + experiencing meaning through organization and productivity. This made me think.
Joy + Meaning
I have read often about the importance of meaning and purpose in our lives. It is what motivates me every day in the work I do. Working as a certified professional organizer, I am grateful every day for experiencing and witnessing life-changing opportunities. I help people prioritize what is important.
When we focus on joy, in addition to meaning, we create moments that transcend all the elements around us. Experiencing joy improves our health, broadens our perspective, and increases our resilience. Our immune system is boosted. We feel more positive and have hope.
Creating order and feeling productive are in themselves joyful ways to approach the world you live in. My word of the year is re-imagine. I am taking the combination of all these elements forward this year as I reconnect with playfulness. Here are some other ways you and I can all begin to experience joy + meaning.
- Embrace the idea that at times I may not know why I am exactly doing something, but it feels awesome. That is being open to plans changing, (some) surprises popping up and enjoying the moment, or turning an ordinary afternoon into sitting in the sunshine rather than at the computer.
- Practicing mindfulness to fully experience fun. My mind is busy with thoughts as is your mind. Being in the present helps me slow down and savor joyful moments I might miss.
Choosing your fun
Too many times I ask my clients about their fun and they stare back at me like deer in the headlights. Research shows that people make a difference. Remember to surround yourself with uplifting, hopeful, joyful people. Laughter and smiles are contagious. In a world full of negativity, one of the best ways to protect your joy is by surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Laughter is contagious, and when you’re around people who see the humor in life’s quirks. When we share joy with others, it amplifies and spreads.
Focusing on the good always brings out gratitude. Cultivate a gratitude practice that highlights the fun and joy you experience each day, no matter how small. Whether it’s the laughter from a funny conversation or a quiet moment of peace, recognizing these moments builds an appreciation for the joy that still exists, even in a mixed-up world.
Create the level of order that keeps you sane. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. Organizing to your level of what works makes it easier to enjoy life.
Discover the Tools to Organize Your Life and Empower Your Journey at my Etsy Shop
Handmade and designed for you at my Etsy Store
Thriving in your daily life requires managing both capacity and velocity. With more responsibilities on our plates than ever before, staying organized can feel like a constant challenge. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or personal growth, the right systems and tools can make all the difference in helping you and your family thrive. That’s why I’m excited to introduce the products in my Etsy shop, designed to support you in living a more organized and empowered life.
Why These Products Matter
The story behind these products is simple. In my work with clients over the years, I’ve heard countless stories of busy people feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of responsibilities they face. They crave peace of mind. they also want their families to benefit from better organization and structure. Often, the struggles begin with disorganization and lead to frustration as they search for ways to achieve better family connection and harmony. Both the calendar and the e-book I offer are designed to help you carve out time and space for what truly matters in your everyday life. Whether you’re aiming to get organized, stay motivated, or find peace in your day-to-day routine, these tools are here to support your journey. By incorporating them into your daily life, you’ll not only stay on top of your responsibilities but also create room for the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Stay on Track with My Custom Calendar System
A good calendar does more than just track appointments; it serves as a roadmap for your days, weeks, and months. My system, “Mastering Your Planner,” helps you harness the power of your calendar by showing you how to plan your time efficiently and track important events, tasks, and projects.
What makes this calendar stand out?
- It offers a combination of monthly and weekly planners along with to-do lists, allowing you to craft a personalized calendar system that works best for you.
- You’ll also receive a checklist to help you get started with options for tailoring your system.
- With printable weekly and monthly undated pages, perpetual pages, and uncategorized task list pages, you have the tools to create a comprehensive calendar system that includes task management. Sample schedules and task lists are also included to guide you in managing your time and responsibilities effectively.
- This calendar is more than just a planner; it’s a companion that keeps you aligned with your goals and balanced in your daily life.Learn Modern Hacks for Family Life
My e-book on modern hacks for family flow
In addition to the calendar, my Etsy shop also features an e-book designed to foster collaboration and empower communication within your family. This e-book is filled with practical advice and actionable tips that you can implement right away.
Here’s what you can expect from the e-book:
- Learn how to create structure and routines that enhance your family’s communication and integration.
- Reflect on what works best for you with worksheets designed to help you apply these concepts to your family.
This e-book offers practical guidance for creating the family home and life you envision. You’ll learn strategies for organizing family meetings and calendars, hosting drama-free family dinners, and creating a sense of agency for everyone in the family.
Shop Now and Start Your Journey
Ready to take the next step toward a more organized and empowered life? Thank you for being a part of this community and allowing me to support you on your journey. I’m excited to see how these tools will make a difference in your life!
How to keep sane in a world of uncertainty
If you’ve been struggling this Summer with feeling overwhelmed, this is the post for you! This fall, it’s time to embrace powerful life hacks that can improve your life every day. It is all about keeping sane with the uncertainty around us, as well as the dizzying pace of life. These are how I make each day better with a better frame of mind and positivity because of the routines I have created. Here is how I keep sane in an uncertain and super-busy world.
Start Your Day with a Walk, coffee on the patio, or any time outside
Research shows the power of morning sunlight. It improves your cognitive function all day and helps you get better rest. You need between 15 and 20 minutes daily, which can be more difficult during the winter. Start this fall before the time change, and you will see the difference this makes.
Practice Gratitude
No matter the challenges, focusing on gratitude and appreciation makes your day better. Find the small ways that each day goes well. There are so many ways to capture your gratitude. You can record this with your device camera, on an app, or with a gratitude journal.
Have an Adult Bedtime
For me, there is a window of opportunity for rest. I take advantage of the fact that I am getting drowsy by getting ready for bed early, taking my supplements, and being ready to snooze. If this doesn’t work for you, create a sleep routine that encourages 8 hours of sleep. Your routine can include a 2-hour hiatus from devices, a well-chilled room, and complete darkness. Choose what works for you to get a great night’s rest. Even if no one else goes to bed in your home, you can!
Keep it simple sweetie
Everyone gets overwhelmed at some time. Keep life simple by prioritizing what is most important. Drill down to your core values. Embrace those and be sure your calendar, your space, and your connections revolve around these. From there you find clarity and peace of mind.
Practice a pause
With the speed of life at maximum velocity, it is not possible to do what is best all the time. Information and decisions came at you at a speed beyond capability. Use the power of pause to help you gain insight and clarity. Take the opportunity to ask for a pause from those you work with or at home to be able to clear your mind.
Build a Board of Advisors
It would help if you had support in all you do, whether at work or at home. Cultivate relationships that support your best interests. Find those who are your trusted, truthful, loyal friends who will share honestly with you. Be a trusted advisor yourself to others around you.
Revitalize Your Fall: Essential Self-Care Practices Empower a Refresh
Life is moving at warp speed. You may not have had a chance during summer to regroup and rest. As you enter the next season, it is the perfect time to focus on self-care. You have the opportunity to refresh your routines and prioritize your well-being. Your self-care has a direct impact on your stress level, your mood, and your productivity. Here are some essential self-care practices that can revitalize your self-care.
Start with your routines
In the Fall we are returning to routines and structure. Starting a new routine with self-care is the best first step. Add in a small baby step for self-care as a new part of an existing routine or as the start of a new routine. Start the week on Sunday with a new routine of getting organized that evening. Set up all your fall doctor, dentist, and other appointments at the beginning of the school year. Choose a new exercise program with a once-a-week class. Use a new app to reinforce your routine. The start of something new gives you a fresh opportunity with routines. Good self-care begins with an approach to cultivating healthy habits with routines and sleep.
Declutter and organize
One of the best gifts of self-care is editing and arranging your space. Place a shopping bag in your closet to drop in discarded clothes as you get ready in the morning. Set a 10-minute timer for a quick reset in your home. Start with small areas and move gradually around your home and work. Build self-care when adding a scent and cozy blankets to a quiet space. Take some time to declutter and organize your home to enjoy your space.
Embrace the green space
Research shows the powerful positive effects of spending time in nature. While the beginning of fall can be hot, the weather eventually turns to cooler temperatures and a beautiful change of seasons. You can reconnect with nature by walking 10k steps, picking seasonal fruits, or riding a bike. There a few things that cannot be cured by a dose of green space. There are so many possibilities to bring you joy and serenity.
Go back to school for what you love
Find what you love and make it an active part of your week. You need creative outlets, learning, and connections to thrive. All of these factors make daily life joyful. Set aside time for hobbies, reading a book and lunch with friends and family.
Empower your physical well-being
A change of seasons is a chance to incorporate new produce into your diet. Just like pumpkin spice, Fall veggies offer an abundance of new tastes. Eating fresh food boosts your immunity and supports overall health. Choose a new water flask to support your everyday hydration. Resume your early bedtime to adhere to an improved sleep schedule for the Fall.
Prioritize Mental Health
Each day find a small time to make yourself a priority. That can be with a gratitude journal with a shift of focus to all that is good and special in your life. Keep distractions to a minimum and use social media wisely with boundaries, especially at bedtime. Remember, there is much available to support you whether it is a therapist, coach, family member, or online group. The key is to ask for help when it is needed.
Fall is a season of change and renewal. If you are sad about the end of Summer or balking at the return to the structure of the Fall, self-care is the best antidote. By incorporating these self-care practices into your routine, you can revitalize your mind, body, and spirit. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Taking care of yourself allows you to be your best self and face the challenges and joys of each day with resilience and grace.
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Organized Family Car Travel: Making Road Trips Memorable
Traveling by car offers flexibility, scenic views, and the opportunity to bond with loved ones over miles of asphalt. A well-organized trip made the road less bumpy. Here are some tips to ensure your family road trip is not only smooth but also memorable.
Plan Your Route and Stops
Take time to plan your route before you start your trip. Use ChatGPT, GPS apps or maps to estimate driving times and identify rest stops, attractions, or scenic spots along the way. This planning not only helps manage expectations but also builds excitement for the trip. With Chat GPT you can estimate the stops along the way and call ahead for overnight accommodations.
Pack Strategically
Packing efficiently is key to a stress-free trip. Create a checklist for each family member to ensure essentials like clothing, toiletries, medications, and entertainment (books, games, tablets) are included. Pack snacks and drinks to keep moving along and save money. Pack the car with easy access snacks and games.
Safety First
Prioritize safety throughout your journey. All passengers wear seat belts at all times, especially children who should be in appropriate car seats or boosters and pets with a restraint. Take regular breaks to stretch, get a potty break and drive safely.
Entertain easily
Long hours on the road can be tiresome, especially for children. Build in fun with a variety of entertainment options such as audiobooks, music playlists, travel games, and even educational podcasts. Have each family member to curate part of the playlist or choose a game, ensuring everyone feels involved and entertained. Included games like Heads Up and Psych as well as other apps.
Maintain a Travel Journal
Documenting your journey through photos, journal entries, or a shared travel diary can transform the trip into a special memory. Encourage each family member to contribute through a shared photo album on icloud or digital travel journal. Documenting your trip with a photo album after the journey concludes makes for lasting memories.
Expect the unexpected
No matter the most careful planning, unexpected situations arise. Embrace resilience and flexibility while maintaining a positive attitude. If there are detours, traffic, or weather conditions disrupting your schedule, take that time to boost the idea of “life happens.”
Be earth and human friendly
Always be considerate of fellow travelers and be earth-friendly in your travels. Dispose of trash responsibly, respect local regulations and customs, and practice patience and courtesy at rest stops and attractions.
Above all, cherish the moments spent together as a family. Whether it’s singing along to favorite songs, discovering nature along the road, or marveling at breathtaking landscapes, the shared experiences of a road trip often become cherished memories for years to come.
How to End the School Year Strong
The end of the school year is a whirlwind of activities, fun, and stuff. With more activities going on, more fun being had, and more stuff coming in from school, we feel overwhelmed with organizing. It takes a new mindset for transition and new strategies to reset your space. Check out these three tips to end the school year strong.
Create a mindset focusing on transition and reset
The month of May is just like the month of December with so much to do. Summer activity has already started with the swim team, holidays, and kids at home. Have a mindset of resetting between the busy school year and the upcoming summer fun. Set aside 2 or 3 days to transition between school ending and summer officially starting. That is when you have several days to reset with relaxation. Return to your regular bedtime and regain your momentum. Your energy will return after a few days to have the brain power to reset your home.
Wrap up end of the school year or spring projects
The last 10% of any project is the hardest part. That includes wrapping up the school year or spring projects you have started. Returning items to Amazon or other retailers, pulling together or discarding remnants of a project, or reviewing paperwork might be the last 10% of the project. During this time focus on straightening up the space and letting go of extra stuff that has accumulated through the spring.
Take time for gratitude and reflection
In busy times we often forget that time spent in gratitude and reflection yields big learning moments. During the last week of school, set aside time to write a note to those who have been a part of the school year and share what has been most valuable. Others are grateful for your sharing what meant the most to you. In a week or so after school ends, sit together during a family dinner and talk about the year.
- What hard things did you do or learn?
- What motivated you the most?
- What was the best thing that happened?
These times of reflection will build positivity, resilience, and strength for you and your family.
Create an end-of-spring ritual for yourself
If you are beyond school years, it is also a time to reflect on goals. Too often time and seasons pass quickly. A quarterly time for reflection uplifts you and resets where you are in accomplishing your personal and professional goals.
How to Keep Organized With No Time at Home
During the month of May, it is not surprising how little time we spend at home. We are attending end-of-year activities, recitals, and more. It is now marked “Maycember” because of all the extra activities. I have noticed that having no time at home causes chaos with families. Laundry, meal prep, and organizing falters. Check out these strategies to help you stay organized despite your lack of time.
Make a list of 15-minute tasks
Micro-steps are the winning strategy during busy times. Perhaps you think that list will be too long to accomplish. However, in reality, those are the most valuable tasks that are being accomplished. If there is a longer task, break it into more manageable tasks. If you are hosting a party, attending a graduation, or any other additional activity, use all your 15-minute time blocks to focus on your priority.
Outsource meal prep
Busy times call for resourcefulness. Outsource meal prep by ordering prepared meals and snacks. Local foodies share resources on social media, grocery stores have prepared meals at the front of the store, and local family restaurants offer family meals to go. Write down your plan so you know what you have available. Post a list on the refrigerator and freezer for your family to know what is ready. Make a routine of ordering on Sunday to be ready for the week ahead.
Focus on using what you have
Clutter builds up big time at this time of year. Extra Amazon and retail orders “just in case” come in quickly and pile up. It feels easier to order than to find your stuff in your home. Focus on ordering less and using what you have to accomplish the same end. Extra ordering at this time of year results in more expenses too.
Build a support team
Having a support team at this time of year makes life better. That support team starts with a cleaning team. It is a joy to have someone else take responsibility for dusting, vacuuming, and more when you are not available. Find local resources through referrals. Other support includes a lawn person, window cleaner, and power washing person.
Focus and reward routines
Use the little time at home you have wisely with routines. That might be an evening and Sunday reset time when all items get returned to homes. You will be more organized overall with less out on the counter. Establish a weekly administrative time to pay bills and go through the mail. Nothing lapses in payments or completed paper work if you have a time set to do this work. You might need an incentive for your routines. That incentive would be a reward that speaks to you, such as reading, crafts, or treats. Building that routine starts with visual reminders such as a chart or auditory reminders like an alarm.
Enjoy the moment
Family times, graduations, recitals, and other May events come around once a year. Give yourself permission to enjoy this time with others. Let go of your perfectionism around organizing and productivity and enjoy the moment. Busy times like these are what make memories for you and your family.
Managing the Constant of Change
Change is a constant in life. Acknowledging this does not make it any easier. Navigating transitions can sometimes feel like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. From medical challenges to switching jobs to moving homes or adjusting to a new routine, change can bring a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. With preparation, self-awareness, and the right strategies in place, you can emerge stronger and create new perspectives and ongoing systems.
Acknowledge your feelings
Recognizing and validating your feelings is the first step during times of change. It is normal to feel anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed when faced with not-so-good news. Brene Brown would say to name those feelings. You can acknowledge these and accept your emotions without judging yourself. Take a moment to regroup, rethink the change after a good night’s rest, and then think about what that change means. You might even welcome this change once you have taken time to reflect.
Create a plan
When faced with change, creating a plan of action can provide a sense of structure and direction. Break down the transition into smaller, manageable steps, set your priorities, and outline your goals. Create a roadmap to follow to help alleviate feelings of overwhelm and provide clarity. Your plan can include a timeline so that you can manage each step with the capacity you have.
Build a team
Do not go it alone when it comes to change. Reach out to friends, family members, a support group, a therapist, or a coach for guidance and encouragement. Processing this change, gathering data for insight, and learning from others’ experiences make change more manageable. Your team, who understand and support you, can provide valuable insights and reassurance during challenging times.
Utilize tools
The best plans are supported by structure and trusted tools. Effectively using your calendar, planner, notebook, digital notebook, checklists, and other visual tools helps you manage change and especially helps by removing the cognitive load. Relying on your memory is not the best way to handle change. It will be easier with this support to remember your priorities and goals.
Stay flexible
If Plan A does not work, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet. While having a plan is essential, it’s also crucial to remain flexible and adaptable. Change happens in multiple steps and can be unpredictable. Embrace the unexpected with humor and perspective, and be open to adjusting your approach as needed.
Practice self-care
During times of change, self-care becomes even more important. Prioritize what recharges your batteries and promotes well-being. Keep your self-care a high priority, including daily exercise, your mindfulness practice, getting to bed on time, taking supplements, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care builds resilience, a much-needed quality during change.
Celebrate each micro-step
Celebrate small victories during the process. Each step forward builds your confidence, strength, and resilience. Share these successes with your team who can honestly share joy and success with you.
Managing change is difficult, however, it is also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By creating a plan and choosing strategies to support you, you can navigate change with less stress. It is not ever going to be easy, but you know you can do this!
Are you ready to make a (small or big) change?
Recognizing the signs signaling the need for change in our lives is often the easy part. It is the decision to move forward that requires commitment. Whether it’s a change in diet, healthier habits, changing a relationship, or organizing your space, taking the next steps for change requires commitment and tenacity. Others are quick to offer multiple ideas and lots of advice on how to make a change. We often feel like “it only was that easy.” What does it mean when you are ready for change? How do you know you are ready for change?
How do you know you are NOT ready for change?
Recognizing when you’re not ready for change is just as important as acknowledging when you are. Here are some signs that may indicate you’re not quite ready.
- You are not ready to change when others are coercing you. You are being pushed in a direction to make change. You’re using the word “should” or “ought to” to describe the change.
- You have a sense of fear or dread about the change you are thinking of making. There may be underlying issues that need resolution first.
- You know in your mind that change is good, but you are procrastinating on getting started. The procrastination is lengthy.
- You don’t have a great reason why to change. Your lack of “why” keeps you from having the determination you need.
- You may be unclear about the steps to make that change. With a lack of clarity, you are unsure of
- You are already at full capacity with your work, home, and life. There is no bandwidth, time or energy to do the work needed.
It is important to listen to these signs for readiness.
You are ready for change when…
Readiness for change is a deeply personal process that involves reflection and self-awareness. Trusting your instincts, listening to your inner voice, and recognizing the signs that indicate readiness can help you navigate change with confidence and clarity.
- You feel that you are stuck in a rut. You feel dissatisfied with something in your life, your work or your relationships.
- There is a strong desire for personal or professional growth and you feel motivated to learn new skills, take on new challenges, or pursue opportunities for self-improvement.
- You have deeper self-awareness and understanding of yourself. You are ready to take steps to make change happen because you have identified areas of your life that do not align with your goals.
- More than just acknowledging that life is not going smoothly, you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. You remember the definition of insanity, “doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome,” and know what that means. Despite how difficult it might be, you are ready to do something different.
- There are feelings of excitement, anticipation, and enthusiasm for the prospect of change and new opportunities. These positive emotions are a driving force for motivation.
- You are researching how to get help to make the change and hone in on who can help. It may take time to know who is the best to help and you are ready to talk to that person, start that program, or attend a group meeting.
- You are energized to create something or be something new. You have time, energy and focus to break out of what’s holding you back and start on a new path.
- You have a compelling reason to create a new habit.
How do I know when I am ready for change?
I wanted to share how I know I am ready to make a change myself. I think about a compelling reason for the change that is deeply related to a core value. Some of my biggest changes have come from what I think are outstanding reasons to make a change. From there I break that into a baby step of baby steps. Those are baby steps that I can do each day. I am ready for change because I find a small way to get started on a big thing.
The path to change is not easy. It can be moved forward with inspiration and tenacity. I am here to help you in person or virtually to accomplish the changes you want to make.
We specialize in working with ADD/ADHD clients. Whether in your home or your office, we motivate, empower and affirm our clients in their quest for organizing and productivity! 