How Authentic Decisions Lead to Growth and Possibilities
We need self-trust in order to make decisions. When we make choices using our best, authentic self we have the opportunity to grow and seek exciting possibilities. Having just returned from the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) conference in Toronto, I noticed a theme of decisions, growth and possibilities during my journey.
Colleagues
Colette Robicheau, Linda Samuels and Karen SencichOver 22 years ago, I decided to become a professional organizer. Because of that decision, I’ve had the opportunity to develop wonderful relationships with my organizing colleagues. When I was in Toronto, I conversed, laughed, and learned with some of my long-standing and new colleagues from Canada and the United States. While classroom settings are fine, there’s something special about the impromptu learning that happens when engaged in direct conversations. In addition to the colleagues I featured in the following paragraphs, I also treasured the lively conversations I had this week with Colette Robicheau, Karen Sencich, Marie Potter, Leslie Josel, Regina Lark, Georgina Forrest, Jennie Vlietstra, and Christine Janes.
Leaders
Linda Samuels, Stephanie Deakin and Ellen FayeOne of my greatest joys in Toronto was spending time with POC, NAPO, and ICD leadership. Making the decision to accept a leadership role as ICD President has given me a seat at the table with some of the most brilliant, compassionate leaders in our industry. There’s nothing more growth and possibility provoking than talking with inspiring leaders like Stephanie Deakin, POC President and Ellen Faye, NAPO President. It's been so rewarding to connect with them at our industry conferences. Congratulations, Stephanie on your successful conference! What a fun, engaged group.
Social
Jill Robson and Linda SamuelsNo matter how we connect with people, there’s always a social aspect. In the case of one particular group, our connections began through social media and blogging. My decision to join this community about five years ago brought me in contact with wonderful people from all over the world. At the POC conference, I had the opportunity to mesh the virtual with actual by having a chance to see some of my Canadian friends in person like Jill Robson (first time ever!), Heather Burke, and Janet Barclay. There’s nothing quite so special as being face to face. What amazing conversations we had (this time in person) about family, organizing, blogging, mindfulness and more.
Possibilities
Laurene Livesey-Park and Ruth Betz-EssingerAside from my choices that resulted in growth opportunities and enhanced my possibility thinking, I wasn’t the only one making positive decisions this week. When it was announced at the annual meeting that there weren’t enough POC Board members as per the Bylaws, three POC members stood up to self-nominate. This ignited the energy in the room. The volunteers that stepped up made choices that will bring positive results and possibilities for POC and for them individually.
Linda Samuels and Alison LushIn addition, there were many POC attendees that wanted to learn more about ICD’s education about chronic disorganization. At the Expo, the ICD booth had lots of enthusiastic visitors. For ICD’s Basic CD class, the room was packed. As a result, many POC members decided to join ICD, take teleclasses, research info on the ICD website, and purchase publications. They’ve made education a priority so they can better help and understand their chronically disorganized clients. Special thanks to Ruthann Betz-Essinger, Laurene Livesey-Park, and Alison Lush for talking with potential ICDers, organizing the ICD booth, and helping with the class. It was a bonus to have time to hang out with you!
Making authentic decisions based on what we value leads to growth, opportunity, and possibilities. What have you noticed about decision-making and possibilities? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation.
