Do you like make-over stories? There's something exciting about a pigpen to paradise saga. Many television reality shows are popular because we get to see a situation improve.
Many struggle with disorganization and I was one of the biggest strugglers. When every room is HOURS or DAYS away from "company ready" and I HAVE BEEN THERE, it can easily be overwhelming and in that state of mind we can freeze, bust out of the place or retreat under the covers. All those actions make things worse.
Being overwhelmed is a state of mind based on true facts and circumstances. But the good news is states of mind can be changed even when the true facts and circumstances haven't. In fact if you’re overwhelmed by a messy house, obesity, indebtedness, an inharmonious marriage, whatever, you have the power to change your mind right now and decide to not be overwhelmed. In fact that’s the best place to start, but it takes practice!
Once a long time ago I was in a bad marriage and in a perpetual state of overwhelm before I got organized. My unhappy husband was a traveling salesman and was gone a lot. Since I had no clue how to be organized, I’d play with the kids, sew, watch TV and then I’d clean all night and the next day to get the house back in shape before he’d come home. Once it was clean and company ready I’d promise myself I’d keep it that way, but as soon as he’d leave I’d go back to playing again and leaving my messes out.
The Penthouse Suite Changed My LifeWhen my sister and I made a pact to get organized in 1977, I decided to pretend my home (1200 square feet and in a very depressed neighborhood) was a penthouse suite on Park Avenue in New York City. In other words I raised the value of the space in my mind from its real value (about $12,000) to 12 million dollars. I added to the fantasy that I was to get this space spiffed up so I could sell it and move on.
At the time I wanted to move on in more ways than one. I wanted to find a way to get and stay organized, get out of my marriage and get out of that house.
Using my imagination gave me energy. I got excited about really making a change and as my sister and I developed the system that gave me direction, I realized how simple getting organized really is. I discovered housework is repetitive (it is if you do it) and establishing a routine and habits that liberated me from chaos instead of imprisoning me was the simple answer.
The real reason behind wanting to be organized is that we want peace. We know that in that peace we can be more loving and more joyful, but guess what! Peace, love and joy are states of mind and they can be had regardless of our circumstances. Practice those states of mind and you’ll be amazed at how much easier getting organized will be.
Right now, look at the time and say, "It's (say the time) and I'm at peace." Let that sentence sink in for a minute. Breathe in and say "I am" breathe out and say "at peace." Do that five times and you'll center yourself in a peaceful state of mind. Practice being at peace and order will follow.
The plan that my sister and I created is available as a download or on a CD and you can get it here on my website. Because it's based on using index cards it keeps things simple. Each card is a baby step to order. Once you do a job on a card, you file it for the next day that job needs to be done. The cards are also an excellent delegating tool.
Now imagine your home the way you want it and start planning for it to be that way.
Here's more help on getting a plan of action. Just click on the slug that's eating my tulip.
Love,
PS Click on the CD for more information. 