Many years ago I was at home when from the other room I heard a loud crash and a distressed sounding, “Oh no!” Our younger daughter came to me crying and blurted out, “I didn’t mean to…I broke your coffee pot.” I calmly asked, “You did?” Then to her surprise I hugged her, smiled and said, “Thank you.” She stopped crying as I explained that everything including coffee pots had a life and its time had come. I went on to explain that I'd been ready for quite a while to say good-bye to that particular appliance and now she gave me a good reason to do so. I was grateful.

I often think about that story. To this day, Cassie is still surprised by my reaction. When we’re ready to let go, we can do so almost effortlessly. We might even feel giddy. We are open to the next phase and new possibilities. That’s not the case, however, when we’re not ready.

Fast forward to now, fall 2010. I recently had another coffee maker mishap. This time it was completely my doing. I’m still not sure exactly how I managed this, but as I was putting the pot back on its burner, I knocked the glass into the edge of our kitchen counter and the pot broke.

As I cleaned up the pieces of glass, I remembered what I had said to Cassie, “Everything has a life.” Its time had come. A few days passed and I went shopping for a replacement. The new models were big and chunky looking with more features than I needed. I was frustrated and angry that I couldn’t find a simple, sleek automatic coffee maker. Even though it was just a coffee maker, I was mourning the loss of the one I had. Some of you are surely thinking, “Linda, get a grip! It’s only a coffee maker!” It’s replaceable. It’s not human. It’s just an object.

Why couldn’t things just remain as they were? I suppose that’s how it goes. Sometimes we’re poised and ready to let go, move on and embrace change and possibilities. At other points, we aren’t and need time to transition to the new.

While my husband is not a coffee drinker, he was sympathetic to my problem. After my unsuccessful shopping excursion, he volunteered to search the internet for a solution I’d like. He ordered one and it should arrive any day now. Interestingly enough, as I wait for the delivery, my thoughts have shifted away from loss and are focused now with positive anticipation. I’m looking forward to once again smelling the fabulous aroma of coffee brewing, experiencing that luxurious first sip of morning joe and sharing a full pot of java, food and good conversation with my family and friends.

What wonderful possibilities wait for you as you prepare to let go?

It’s fall! It’s fun! It’s a time of possibilities and change. Kids are going off to school. Leaves are changing colors. Acorns are dropping from the trees in droves. I’ve been traveling quite a bit the last few months including North Carolina, Boston, Curacao, Austin and DC. When I was in the fabulous city of Austin for the NSGCD conference (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization,) I enjoyed visiting Allen's Boots and trying on some gorgeous cowboy boots. As I was about to write this post, my mind took a slight detour in connecting the words boot with book. So, while a boot tour could be fun, instead, I’m doing a book tour.

Let’s go back to possibilities. I’m in the midst of my Fall Book Blog Tour for The Other Side of Organized and having a great time! You never know what might happen. Already my book has traveled as far as Australia (thank you, Claire McFee) and in many places around the United States. Two special people, Crystal Patriarche and Stephanie Elliott of BookSparksPR are coordinating the events. They are amazing women and I couldn’t have done this without their expertise and guidance. Thank you, Crystal and Stephanie.

Of course, no tour would happen without the wonderful, generous people that are willing to host. The tour to date has included guest posts I’ve written about Paper Clutter, Dreaming, Technology & Life Balance, and Motivating Kids to Organize. There are lots more exciting happenings coming like guest posts about "Organization with a Sprinkling of Chaos," Q&As, book reviews and giveaways. My deepest gratitude goes out to all the people that have hosted my book tour so far. We’re going strong with many more stops to make. Below is a partial list of blogs visited to date:

• Almost Organized – Robert Carr
• Confessions of an Organized Homeschool Mom – Bethany LeBedz
• Five Minutes for Books – Dawn Mooney
• Neat Streak – Melanie Dennis
• Organize With Sandy – Sandy Jenny
• Organize Your Life Now – Claire McFee
• Rubbermaid – Erin Gentry
• Penelope’s Oasis – Penelope Guman

Please visit these blogs, leave a comment, enter a giveaway or just stop by and say “hello.” It’s wonderful to get out there, meet so many of you (even if it’s virtually) and share the conversation.  Check back often for the latest updates. I invite you to join me on Twitter @LindaSamuels, Oh, So Organized Facebook page, sign up for my free monthly e-newsletter or leave a comment on my blog. I personally invite you to join in the conversation about possibilities, organizing and life balance.

Before me is a blank page and a cup of Yogi tea. This is a rainy, cool fall day. It’s relatively quiet. All I hear is the faint sound of an occasional car passing, humming of the refrigerator and falling of rain on the roof above. The shift of seasons from the warmth of summer to the chill of fall has brought about more than covering my toes with socks and boots. The change makes me well aware that my thoughts are shifting too. It’s my cue to reset, regroup and dream.

The possibilities of what can be accomplished in the next few months are endless. I suppose that could be intimidating, but instead I choose to let it excite me. I’m mindful that there are many choices and options, but I’m not feeling rushed to figure things out. This is my time for examining where I am. How is my life balance going? Is there too much of one thing (eating chocolate) and not enough of something else (exercising)? Is there anything I desire more of like dancing, writing or time with family and friends? What big goals do I want to set for the coming months?

I definitely don’t have all the answers yet. First, I’m working on asking the questions. Then I’ll discover the answers that are right for me.

One of the things I love so much about living on the east coast is that the change of seasons gives me a gentle nudge to rethink and re-evaluate. You might be living in a part of the world where there isn’t this dramatic shift in nature to remind you. Even if that’s so, I encourage you to take the time to stop, think and dream about what is possible. Then take your next small step in the direction of your choosing.

What are the possibilities you have before you?