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The Organized Life archives
Shaking Things Up
Dear Subscriber,
When it comes to organizing your space, what do you really want? On the other hand, what are you avoiding?
We all have projects we don't feel like handling, like getting a room together, or tackling that pile of paper on the dining room table.
But holding these things in the back of your mind blocks the natural flow you need to keep your life in balance. You may be holding back your own natural progression, and this may well be reflected in a disorganized space.
In this issue of the newsletter, I'd like to give you a tool you can use anytime, to help you move closer to your dreams. It's within your power to shake things up!
First, go to the space you'd like to focus on, bringing a small notebook and a pen. Sit yourself comfortably on a chair in the room.
With a few deep breaths, take a moment to slow yourself down. Relax. Now, look around, take in your space as it is right now. And then close your eyes and think about this space as you want it to be.
Do you want your bedroom to feel more like a sanctuary? Would you like your home office to welcome you, so that you can work seriously and peacefully there? Or perhaps at the moment youíre simply after a tidy closet? Whatever the space, and whatever the goal, let yourself dream.
Now, begin to envision the space three months down the line. What does it look like? How does it feel? What activities are you engaged in here? What colors do you see? What furniture is in here?
Is it cozy... welcoming... peaceful... warm... spacious... cool... spare... colorful... open... organized... beautiful... bright... private... ? The point is -- whatever you want, let yourself see it. Be specific. Name the furniture and accessories you see.
Then, start writing. In the present tense, as if this vision exists right now, write down what you see and feel. Use words to paint as accurate a picture as you can. Write a stream-of-consciousness paragraph or two about it, not trying to refine your writing technique at all. Write until you run out of things to say -- but not before!
And finally -- re-read it, and feel the power you've created. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, over the next days and weeks, to find yourself moving steadily towards the vision you've created for yourself. And I'm also sure you'll find that one of the outcomes is that your space naturally becomes better organized.
Because isn't moving towards your dreams what "getting organized" is really all about?
Please let me know how it goes.
Until next time, Happy Organizing!
Sincerely,
Ann Bingley Gallops
The Organized Life
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ORGANIZING DISCOVERY OF THE MONTH: The Medicine Cabinet
First aid supplies can be a nightmare to organize, and look dispiritingly chaotic in your medicine cabinet besides. Try organizing them by dividing them into two groups: supplies that take care of cuts & bruises (band-aids, ointments & salves, etc.) and supplies that take care of aches & pains (aspirin, cough syrup, allergy medications, etc.).
Put each of these groups into its own box -- shoeboxes work well -- label them, and put them on a convenient shelf, or in a drawer. One more hint: write the name of the medications on top of the lids with a Sharpie pen, so you can see what they are without having to lift each bottle individually.
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Contacting me I'd love to hear from you. Please drop me a line with comments, questions, or suggestions for future newsletters.
Ann Bingley Gallops
The Organized Life
ann@theorganizedlife.net
www.theorganizedlife.net
646-382-3878
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Copyright 2004, Ann Bingley Gallops
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