Organize your space
A few years ago a book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (available on Amazon )was all the rage. The author even got her own Netflix show. One of the key questions she had clients ask when evaluating items in their home was “Does this spark joy?” There were memes about it (from the NYT). I loved the book, her, and the Netflix show. I did my own version of organizing my space based on her teachings. I even purchased, read, and implemented her second book. Why? Why invest time touching every item of clothing? Why touch and evaluate every book or kitchen item? What is the benefit to being organized anyway?
For most people, an organized space leads to an organized day, inner peace, and higher productivity. Some even believe you sleep better (see Benefits of organization).The initial investment of doing a one to two day sweep of your things (including your work space) gets recouped in the lower levels of stress. Most people do not function well with clutter. In feng shui, clutter blocks flow (visit Where You Have Clutter at Feng Shui for Real Life). Why am I thinking of this now? No big surprise but every January it seems some news outlet does a story on getting organized. Many people make it a New Year’s resolution. Additionally, if you get to experience a snow day and are trapped at home, this could be your chance to finally sort out that junk drawer. What is in there? Is that a dollar in the cushions or a leaf? Why do you have two pairs of matching socks and everything else is mismatched? My theory is that black holes exist in dryers and that’s where all my missing socks go.
I did my organization and found a home for everything. I also moved. Moving is the perfect time to reconsider what you own and whether or not it shows up in your new life. In doing this seemingly innocent question of “Does this spark joy?” I have unloaded perfectly good blankets (too big, loose knit made it easy to snag, it sheds even after several washings, I hate the color), pillows, chairs, rugs, towels, clothing, shoes, plates, glasses, make up, knicknacks. When I look around my home, I can smile almost everywhere I look. Most items bring me joy. Some are from a particular friend, others were purchases I made, and some are cute yet functional items like my octopus serving plate.
Consider this—what are you wearing right now? Yes, right now? Is it pajamas? A work outfit? Your good fitting pair of jeans? Are you comfortable? Is it your favorite color? Would you be happier wearing something else? Some jobs require uniforms but outside of work you can wear happy clothes you enjoy. Or you could be like I used to be and you wear the shirt with the two holes at the bottom of it because you hate the shirt but can’t wear it out due to the holes but it is clean so here you are in your holy (LOL) hole-y shirt. Why? Why are you short-changing yourself? I have clients who own 10 shirts with tags still on it. Why don’t you wear that? I hear statements like “that’s for a special occasion” or “it was really expensive” or “I don’t want to ruin it.” Wait so you spent money on a shirt you loved but you are not going to wear it? Get up, go to your closet and put on your fancy shirt now! What are you waiting for? This reminds me of people who have fine china on display and never use it. Why? “It was my grandmother’s.” Yes and where is she? It’s yours now. If grandma is not here anymore that underscores my point to use it now while you are alive, in good health and have your wits about you.
SPOIL YOURSELF!!!! Evaluate the items in your home. Did someone give you a gift for Christmas you really hate? Don’t worry. I gave someone a painting this Christmas. If he decides he and his girlfriend hate that thing, they are welcome to burn it. It will not hurt my feelings. I would rather them re-gift it, than feel obligated to hang it and look at it every day and be thinking, “damn, worst gift ever, cash please.” The joy is in the moment the gift is selected, given, and acknowledged. Then that gift’s moment is over. The gift either gets incorporated into that person’s life or it does not so please look at all the goodies you got for the holidays and put them away or donate them or re-gift. It’s your gift so you get to do what YOU want with it. You are entitled to only have things YOU LOVE in YOUR SPACE. I buy cute pens and note pads to make work more fun. It makes me smile and is worth the extra money so I stay sane and happy at my job.
Where can you get organized and spruce up your living and working space?
P.S. Reminder the winter sale is still on and we can cover clutter and organization as well as productivity in life coaching sessions. Check out the Getting Started page on the www.legallyquirky.com home page.
