5 Calming Ways to Work with Anxiety (instead of Fighting It)

/4 Comments/in , /by

5 calming ways to work with anxiety

 

Anxiety can pop up at any time, whether it is a big event or a worst-case scenario. It is common for you and for those around you. For people with ADHD, it is often a co-existing condition that seesaws in intensity. There are ways to fight anxiety focusing on strategies on how to work with anxiety when it happens. Here are some practical management strategies to feel more in control.

Name what you are feeling

Awareness is the first step in managing anxiety. Naming it helps you reframe and shift from panic to problem-solving. As Brene Brown says, this gives you space between the feeling and your actions. You can respond with intention after this pause.

 

Create routines and structure

Anxiety thrives in unpredictability. When you create a daily routine, you are providing structure and stability. Knowing what’s coming next helps reduce mental clutter and overwhelm. Start small with set wake-up and wind-down times, or create a short morning routine you can stick to.

Get moving

A physical response to anxiety can help. You can take a walk, do deep breathing, or do a yoga pose. Movement supports emotional regulation, one of the executive functions in our brain, and helps focus on something different.

 

Write it down

Journaling is a powerful way to process anxious thoughts. You can do a brain dump, write a list of what’s stressing you out, or even keep a gratitude journal to shift your focus. Writing things down makes your inner world feel a little more m

 

Make a connection

Processing anxiety by verbal processing can help your clarity. That connection can be a friend, coach or therapist who can be a mirror to your processing without judgment. For many, this processing creates clarity and promotes problem-solving.

 

Be proactive about your strategies for anxiety. Create a routine that starts when anxiety starts. It can be a combination of strategies such as prayer or reciting a mantra. Prayer gives you a higher power to connect to. Mantras are recitations that support strength and resilience. My mantra is “things tend to work out.” With this mantra, I know that this moment of anxiety will pass. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support in moments of anxiety. There is so much support around you.

 

Click here for more ideas on how to thrive in this crazy, mixed-up world.

Get Organized for Rodeo Houston

/4 Comments/in , /by

rodeo houston

 

One of the biggest highlights of the year in Houston is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is held at the NRG Stadium. Rodeo time brings lots of fun and excitement. However, if it is your first rodeo, you might not be aware of all the required organizing! Here is a snapshot of what to expect and what to plan for a well-organized evening at Rodeo Houston.

 

Digital access

All tickets are managed digitally for Rodeo. You need both the tickets app AXS and the app Rodeo Houston. Create accounts online and access your tickets for entry into the grounds, stadium entry, parking, and carnival tickets.

 

Arrival at the location

There are many ways to get to the rodeo. You can purchase parking from those selling access to various parking lots. There is also a parking lot adjacent on South 610 that is a credit card payment. You can also arrive by bus from various Metro stations and there is paid bus access from The Woodlands. Allow plenty of time for travel to this venue as lines are long!

 

Plan your fun

Rodeo Houston offers amazing treats on the grounds at the carnival and world-class restaurants outside the stadium.  Be sure to plan ahead with time to shop and dine. You can browse all the stores and eat to your heart’s content. It is one of the best spots for real funnel cake and fried anything!

 

Rodeo attire

Boots are not required! However, you will see amazing rodeo attire at Rodeo Houston. Rodeo fashion includes a hat, denim, flowers, and flowy dresses. Be prepared by shopping ahead and organizing your closet.

 

Rodeo is a 21-day event in Houston and not to be missed. It is a long day to plan for and lots of excitement to take in. For our family, we have attended since 1988 and make it an annual family tradition!

Unlocking the Power of Keystone Habits

/4 Comments/in , , /by

 

keystone habits

 

Each of us has daily habits we rely on. That could be making our bed every day, drinking 8 glasses of water, or even falling asleep with the TV on or hitting snooze too many times. Certain habits have a bigger impact and have a ripple effect that influences many areas of life. These powerful habits are called keystone habits, and they act as the foundation for organizing, productivity, and overall well-being.

What Are Keystone Habits?

Keystone habits are routines or behaviors that trigger positive changes in multiple areas of your life. Just like dominoes, the natural impact of one habit hits another habit. When you establish one, it naturally encourages other good habits to fall into place. Keystone habits create a structure for your life, which helps you make better choices without overthinking them. Habits fall more naturally into place. Keystone habits set off a chain reaction of positive change. Try thinking about one of these six powerful keystone habits this week.

 

Quality Sleep

Getting a good night’s rest is a keystone habit that impacts every part of your life. Restful sleep leads to better brain function, better decision-making, and increase energy. That energy helps you perform better throughout the day and stay with all your other good habits.  Start this keystone habit by preparing for bed extra early. Get ready well ahead of your planned bedtime and set aside all devices for an hour.

 

Regular Exercise

Exercise is a game-changer when it comes to keystone habits. Exercise boosts your mood, increases energy levels, improves focus, and enhances self-discipline. Get started with a daily walk, try online yoga, park farther away, or take the stairs. Use your smartwatch to help you remember your new keystone habit.

 

Daily Planning

The simple habit of writing things down can lead to significant benefits. Writing stuff down can be done either by using a planner or journaling every day. Using a planner helps you stay organized, reduces anxiety, and improves time management. Journaling is a type of self-care that encourages self-reflection, gratitude, and mindfulness. Both habits create structure and clarity in your day. Start small by choosing a simple planner or journal that is both pretty and functional. Place it in a spot where it will be used daily. Choose writing implements that feel good in your hand. Choose a time of day that works with capturing your ideas and thoughts.

 

Meal planning

The way you eat and what you eat affects everything, from your energy levels to your mood and productivity. Mindful impacts awareness and intentionality in every part of your day. Especially important is including protein in your meal plan. Get started in a small way by making a list of foods that will be easy to prepare and what you love to eat. Start meal planning slowly by purchasing healthy boxed meals that are quick to prepare. Choose fruits and veggies that are pre-cut in the grocery store as snacks to carry with you. Partner with your family in meal planning and preparation.

 

Connection

Strong relationships reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve resilience. Prioritizing quality time with loved ones fosters a sense of belonging and emotional security. A quick text can make a big difference. Social support makes it easier to maintain routines such as exercising and healthy eating. Make this a keystone habit by setting time for family dinner, joining a pilates or yoga class, or sending a handwritten card.

 

Daily learning

Making daily learning a keystone habit helps us expand our knowledge and creativity. Perhaps you have gotten bored with all the routines. By encouraging curiosity and problem-solving, you are boosting your clarity and cognitive abilities. Daily learning can start with reading a new blog, listening to a podcast, or writing in your journal.

You don’t have to start every keystone habit or overhaul all you do. Start with just one habit and see how it leads to other positive changes. When you focus on building strong foundational routines, everything else begins to fall into place effortlessly. Which keystone habit will you start with today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey to a more productive and fulfilling life!

 

 

Adapting to Unprecedented Change

/4 Comments/in , , /by

 

Adapting to unprecedented change

 

I am noticing a common conversation this year. It is a conversation at my home and with clients. How did life get so complicated? How is it that so much is changing and that change feels harder? This conversation is going on all around us! Recently listening to Brene Brown, I learned that we are in a super cycle of change. There is an unprecedented amount of change at an unprecedented velocity. Here are some strategies on how will we work with this amount of change.

 

Lay a strong foundation of self-care

When velocity is beyond our capacity, we have the power to pause. A strong foundation of self-care gives us the knowledge of when to pause. It is especially important to have a bedtime that supports a great night’s sleep. Being wise means creating a supportive environment with a common changing area for devices in the kitchen, getting ready for bed an hour in advance with no blue light, keeping your bedroom dark, and lowering the temperature in your home.

 

Maximize the value of organizing

Being proactive means being prepared. Tidy up your physical space, your mental clarity and your digital space while change is happening.  That includes systems for letting go and decluttering, categorizing and grouping, and then organizing and maintaining. Allocate time each week to keep the flow of organizing going at home and work. Being organized includes ways to anticipate obstacles and work to eliminate the element of surprise. Well-crafted systems take challenges into account and anticipate issues in the system. Strategize on what would go wrong in your new system and what would be Plan B or Plan C if needed. Recognize the objections of others on your team and work together to build a better system.

 

Take a perspective of curiosity and learning

Lead with curiosity on how you can learn when change happens. Learn a new skill or create a new system for home and work.  Become comfortable with creating “hacks” as you learn more. As you embrace learning, change feels more comfortable. Your perspective of learning will lean into personal and professional growth.

 

Be a data nerd

There is so much data around us now. You might have an Apple watch that tells your sleep pattern and daily step count. You have access to your financial accounts and credit reports. Use your data wisely with a healthy dose of skepticism. Remember that most information on social media is coming to you with an algorithm and curate that wisely. Learn from the data and make wise choices based on this information.

 

Surround yourself with support

All manner of support is around you. There is help available for all sorts of learning. The first step is to ask for help in the areas you need. Know and acknowledge that asking for help means you are proactively taking positive steps for yourself.  Move into a space of learning and connection to research the help you need. Look for people to be a part of your team who work well with change as well. Learn to be a helper to others as well. If you can give s short cut, share a meal, or give a hug, you are giving back. Remember we are all in this together.

 

Maintaining a positive perspective with change

There are many times when we look forward to change. A few of these are going to college, getting married, having children, buying your first home, or taking a vacation.  Each change includes experiencing something new, at a cost, involving modifying a lifestyle choice. Each of these changes involves agency, that being the opportunity for you to make decisions about the changes. When you are making a change that is forced on you, it is important to create a strong positive reason you connect with every day to have a positive perspective.

 

Giving yourself grace and lots of self-care.

You have high expectations. That saying, if Plan A fails there is the rest of the alphabet. Stay the course and give yourself grace. Change occurs over the long haul. Expect imperfection and those obstacles already assessed. Self-care can always be your best route to processing and accepting change. I notice that everyone does better with a good night’s rest. If it is a rough day, get in your jammies and get in bed early without your devices. Another option is being outside and getting exercise. You will feel much better after a short walk than after time on your device so get outside. Have a headache? Grab a big glass of water. You know yourself best to know how to take the best care of yourself.

 

As the year begins, I recommend doing a recap. Write out your recap and look back on all your resilience this year. Allow yourself to acknowledge all the successes you have had this year. This is a starting point for the new year.

My Word of the Year: Celebrate

/2 Comments/in /by

 

word of the year celebrate

 

As the new year begins, many of us reflect on the previous year and set intentions for the coming year. For me, this reflection takes the form of choosing a Word of the Year—a single guiding concept that will shape my personal and professional decisions and perspectives. For 2025, my word is Celebrate.

Of course, “celebrate” might bring images of confetti, balloons, and people hugging together. While those images are part of my real-life and imagined celebrations, this word runs deeper. It’s about intentionally recognizing the victories, and milestones that fill our everyday lives.

Why “Celebrate”?

In the business of daily routines, it’s easy to overlook achievements or take life’s little joys for granted. Choosing “celebrate” is my commitment to pause and savor these moments. It’s a way to recognize and infuse gratitude into my year.

This word also challenges me to broaden my perspective. Celebration isn’t just about things going perfectly which rarely happens. It is about finding joy in moments of imperfection. It’s about acknowledging progress and process, and embracing life as it unfolds.

How I Plan to Celebrate in 2025

Here are some ways I’m weaving celebration into my life this year:

  1. Honoring Wins, Big and Small
    • Whether it’s a significant milestone like completing a project or something as simple as sticking to my morning routine, I’ll take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate.
  2. Creating Moments of Connection
    • Celebration often involves people. I want to intentionally connect with loved ones to share their joys and invite them to share mine with me.
  3. Practicing Daily Gratitude
    • Each evening, I’ll write down one thing I’m celebrating from the day.
  4. Embracing Festivity in the Everyday
    • From lighting a candle at dinner to playing uplifting music during chores, I’ll find small ways to make ordinary moments special.
  5. Sharing Joy with Others
    • Whether through kind words, thoughtful gifts, or simply being present, I aim to celebrate others and their accomplishments.

Challenges and Growth

Choosing “celebrate” doesn’t mean every day will be easy or joyful. Life is complicated, and challenges are inevitable each day. But this word reminds me to seek out positivity and to celebrate resilience and the lessons learned along the way.

An Invitation

If you’ve never chosen a Word of the Year, I encourage you to try it. What word could guide you through the next 12 months? And if you already have your word, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s inspire one another to embrace intentional living.

Here’s to a year of celebration—to finding joy, honoring progress, and creating moments worth remembering. Let’s make 2025 a year to truly celebrate.

 

How Downsizing Simplifies Your Life and Maximizes Your Space

/4 Comments/in , /by

 

There are times that your stuff overwhelms you and you are ready to have less. Downsizing isn’t only about moving to a smaller home. Choosing to downsize is about creating a life with fewer distractions, time for what matters most,  and focus on priorities. This might mean preparing for a move, reclaiming your living space, or simply having less to take care of in your home.  Here are some practical strategies to help you downsize with intention and ease.

Define Your Goals

Before you begin, clarify your why about downsizing. Are you looking to save money, reduce maintenance, or embrace a minimalist lifestyle? Having a clear vision will guide your decisions and keep you motivated throughout the process. Start a journal or notes about the reasons behind and the vision ahead.

Start Early

Downsizing is best approached as a marathon, not a sprint. Start well in advance to avoid feeling rushed. Starting early gives you the opportunity to work in mindful time segments. Begin by tackling one room or category at a time, such as clothing, books, or kitchenware.

Take Inventory

Empower your downsizing by creating an inventory of your belongings to assess what you own and what you truly need. This strategy keeps “just in case” out of the equation. Writing this out and seeing this on paper can be eye-opening and help you identify items that no longer serve a purpose. You will keep less as a result of this exercise.

Adopt a Space-First Mindset

Maybe you already know where you are headed next. Think about the size and layout of your future living space. Create a space guide to determine what will fit and what might need to be let go. Determine your move management plan in accordance with your downsizing.

 

If you are not sure, visualizing your new home can make the decision-making process easier. Keep notes about the spaces that will comprise your new dwelling and what each space will function as.  You might be dreaming of an art or hobby space and this visualization will make that a reality.

 

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Prioritize keeping items that are high-quality, multifunctional, or deeply meaningful. Let go of duplicates and things that have outlived their usefulness. Prioritizing is the key to having less.

 

Digitize Sentimental Items

For keepsakes that take up a lot of space, consider digitizing them. Scan photos, letters, and documents to preserve memories without the physical bulk. Take photos of physical items such as trophies and kid art to create a new keepsake that takes up less space and requires less storage.

 

Embrace the Emotional Journey

Downsizing can bring up emotions, especially when parting with sentimental items. Take time to reflect, honor the memories, and remind yourself of the benefits of simplifying. Remember that downsizing is about creating a life that aligns with your values and priorities.

Reflecting on the Year of 2024

/0 Comments/in /by

reflections on the year

 

The end of the year is a natural time to pause and reflect. This year has gone by quickly and the end of the year offers you the opportunity to set aside intentional time to look back.  An end-of-the-year reflection offers growth from learning experiences, celebrations of successes, and goals for the next year. Celebrate your year with a time to pause and look back.

 

Celebrate Your Wins

Start your reflection by celebrating the moments of joy, success, and achievement. What brought you joy? What goals did you accomplish this year? Did you connect with new people? Take time to write down what mattered most this year, no matter how big or small. Seeing your successes in black and white fuels your confidence and gratitude. It is the time to acknowledge the hard things you did, and how you persevered and succeeded.

Take time to write these wins down. Seeing them in black and white can transform fleeting memories into milestones that fuel your confidence and gratitude. It’s a chance to savor the hard work and perseverance that went into each success.

Acknowledge the Challenges

Every year has its share of challenges. There are always experiences that test our resilience. Take time to reflect on what you learned from these moments and how they shaped you. What did these experiences teach you? Ask yourself questions about the challenges you faced. Find ways to bring that learning forward in a way that reminds you of how far you have come and how much you have learned.

Express Gratitude

Gratitude is the bridge between the past and the future. As you reflect, take time to recognize the people, opportunities, and moments that brought light into your year. Did a friend’s advice help you through a tough decision? Did a seemingly small moment of kindness make a big impact? Did you make a difference for someone else? Write a gratitude list or send a quick thank-you text to someone who made your year brighter. Gratitude deepens connections and sets a positive tone for the year to come.

 

Assess Your Priorities

The end of the year is also a time to assess our priorities. Did you invest your time and energy where you planned? Did an important pivot happen? Did your actions align with your values and goals? Through this assessment, you can just your priorities and change your priorities for the coming year.  Reflection helps illuminate what truly matters, empowering you to make intentional decisions.

One way I further assess my year is to reflect on my Word of the Year. For many years I have used a guide word as a prompt for my work and life. Each year I review these as well to see how well my priorities aligned with my goals.

Set the Stage for a Fresh Start

Use what you learned this year as a foundation for the next. How will you build on the momentum you’ve gained? Are there re-imagined goals you have? Take this time to write down specific goals and actions that relate to your next steps. Be as specific as you can to ensure your success.

Reflection is more than an end-of-year ritual. You are honoring your journey and equipping yourself for the future. By celebrating your wins, embracing your challenges, and focusing on gratitude and priorities, you can step into the new year with clarity and purpose.

 

My gift to you! A Reflections on the Year planning page here!

 

Add Yourself to Your Holiday List with the Gift of Self-Care

/4 Comments/in , /by

The holiday season is filled with family and friends. Would it be possible for you give yourself a gift this season by putting yourself on your holiday list with self-care?  It might be difficult to think about putting yourself first, but here are a few strategies that can make your holiday season easier and more joyful.

 

Set healthy boundaries first

The holiday season is a season of “yes” with holiday parties, gift giving, and family activities. Knowing when to say “enough” is your first step toward setting healthy boundaries. Make a list of all that is included in the holiday season and plan ahead on what will be most important to attend. By pre-planning your boundary, it is easier to say no when needed.  Happy boundaries are what empower us to do our best.

 

Abide by your foundations of self-care

Heathy habits are important to maintain during the holidays. Always prioritize a good night’s sleep so that you are ready to wrangle what’s coming at you. Grocery shop to keep healthy nutritious options ready to go. Add in a few extra steps to keep your mood jolly and your waistline trim

 

Routines rock

Maintain your and your kiddos’ schedules for everyone’s benefit. Routines help everyone feel in control and less anxious. Prepare for travel and company with a family meeting focusing on expectations. Reset routines as the holiday progresses to include extra rest and time to recuperate.

 

Self-care includes self-focus

Take time for the things that bring you joy. Have one joyful activity just for you once a day.  That could be a hot bath, a cup of hot cocoa, a brisk walk, or downtime to read. Alone time provides you time to regroup and re-energize.

 

Another aspect of self-focus is to concentrate on what makes YOU happy. How many times do you put others first? How important is it to make other’s happy? Asking yourself how to put yourself first is a work in progress and worthy of thought at this time of year.

 

Find joy in supporting others

So many around us are experiencing so much. Recently, Adam Grant wrote about “sonder,” the realization that everyone has a life as full and complex as your own. In realizing how much is going on around us, we can support others in many ways. Support of others brings joy to our souls in knowing that are helping and making a difference.

 

Embrace the season through your own self-care this holiday.

It’s Mary Poppins!

/2 Comments/in , /by

 

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

/4 Comments/in , , /by

 

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.