The latest installment (v24) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature is here with my recent discoveries that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. I’ve included unique and inspiring motivation-related finds, which reflect this month’s blog theme. You are such a beautifully engaged group. I am grateful for your presence, wisdom, and contributions to this community.

I look forward to your participation and additions to the collection I’ve sourced. What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? . . .

1. Interesting Read – Breathing-In Motivation

Low motivation can be caused by too much stress. In The Biophilia Effect – A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature, author and biologist, Clemens G. Arvay, shares fascinating ideas about the therapeutic aspects of spending time in nature. He says, “Nature is immensely effective in allowing us to distance ourselves from stress-triggering situations.” Studies have been done about shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing,” which is the Japanese tradition of spending time in the forest and experiencing it through all of your senses. This improves your immune system and a general sense of well-being. Arvay says, “Forest air is like a healing elixir we inhale.” As a person who spends a significant amount of time around trees, flowers, and water, I have experienced the calming, stress-relieving benefits that nature provides. This gives me a healthy balance between relaxation and work and restores my motivation to pursue my goals.

2. Interesting Product – Sounding Motivation

This quirky desk accessory, from Knock Knock (as in concierge-style bell prop) brings an auditory component to your motivational mix. With two bold messages painted on the top surface, you can ding the “Let’s Do This” bell once as your call to motivation at the start of your task. Then ding the “Done” bell again when you’ve completed your task. Adding some physical, audible, fun to your day will work wonders to boost your motivation.

3. Interesting Tech  – Harnessing Motivation

When we’re unhappy and depressed, our motivation to do anything suffers greatly. One way to improve our mood is to focus on gratitude. When we practice gratitude, we feel calmer, less stressed, more positive, and better able to focus on what matters most. With a better mood, our motivation will improve. There are so many ways to be intentional about gratitude. The Happyfeed app makes it very simple to form a gratitude habit and cultivate happiness. The app has daily reminders and a private journal to safely record your words and photos for the positive moments each day.

4. Interesting Season – Supporting Motivation

Summer is in full swing. Are you feeling disorganized, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward? This is an excellent season to reset your organizing goals, do some decluttering, and restore order and balance into your life. Change and motivation are possible, especially with support. Enlist help from a compassionate and non-judgmental friend, family member, or professional organizer like me. You’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish in a short amount of time when you work side-by-side with someone. I’m ready to help and am just a phone call (914-271-5673) or email (linda@ohsoorganized.com) away.

5. Interesting Thought – Nurturing Motivation

Perhaps the seeds for motivation start as a wish. But wishing isn't enough for those seeds to grow and for motivation to flourish. Doing must follow. Take small, consistent steps. Your progress will nurture your motivation. 

What are your exciting finds? Which of these resonates with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation!