Last month we focused our conversations around clutter. This month we’re shifting gears to talk about time- how we manage it, how we manage ourselves, what our challenges are, and more. Today I’m thinking about what happens when we have so much going on every day that there’s no time left for not doing. We’re so busy that we don’t even give ourselves any transition time. We’re overscheduled and overwhelmed. Does this sound familiar? Do you wake up each day knowing that you can’t possibly accomplish all the items on your list?

In general, I’m a pretty good manager of my time. However, something surprising happened to me this past weekend. My husband and I sat down to discuss our summer fun and vacation plans. Even though I was looking forward to all the things we wanted to do, I found myself getting very stressed, even a little freaked out. As we started looking at dates, I saw weekends disappearing.

One of my goals for 2015 is to be more conscious of the white space in my calendar. To me that white space represents unplanned time. It’s potential time when I can relax, do, or not do. I can say “yes” to something on a whim because there’s the space to do that. The white space is like a free pass. With the many commitments that I do have, that white space becomes essential for my sanity and well-being.

So, as Steve and I planned, instead of feeling happy and excited, I felt anxious. While this wasn’t pleasant to experience or watch, it was important to identify what I was feeling, understand the significance, and embrace being uncomfortable. By doing that I realized that I am the guardian of my own white space. Duh. No one is saying, “Linda, you have to schedule every waking moment on your calendar.”  In fact, my body had a visceral reaction when I thought I was going to over-schedule my time. My reaction was so intense (and impossible to ignore) that it prevented me from making all of the decisions we wanted to make.

Here’s what happened. We prioritized. We made a few plans. We kept some weekends free. We might choose to secure a few more dates on the calendar, but for now I’m guarding that white space. What my mind understood earlier this year, my body reminded me of loudly and clearly.

How much white space do you need? How do you manage and protect your time? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation.

There’s something so luxurious about a long weekend, isn’t there? Just knowing we have one extra day makes it seem like time is suspended. For me that additional non-work day makes me feel less rushed. Do you know what I mean?

The “less rushed” feeling also extends to my inner thoughts. Slowing the pace down, for even a little bit, helps me manage my mind clutter.  This past weekend I was able to ignore my running list of to dos that occupied my thoughts. I’ll admit that I began the weekend with a very long list of things I hoped to accomplish. In the end, there were very few I actually did because frankly, I needed a break from my list. Have you ever experienced that?

Instead of pursuing the joy of getting my list done, I opted to ignore the list and let the days unfold- guilt-free. It felt like a vacation. I spent most of the weekend outside doing yard work with my husband, Steve. I enjoyed not doing anything from my list. I wondered what life would be like if one day I didn’t have a list. Was that even possible? If I had nothing to do, how would that feel? Would I invent things to do because I’m used to being busy? It was hard to even imagine. These days especially there’s always something to do. There’s always next. I’m never done.

This past weekend, I was able to let go of the mind clutter by letting go of the need to work my list.  I loved being outside with Steve, using my hands, digging in the dirt, planting flowers, trimming trees and shrubs, and taking breaks when I felt like it. The pace was just right. There was nothing pulling me in another direction. The zen of the moment worked its magic on my mind clutter.

As I get ready for the week, my list is long, but my mind is clear. I’m relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for the days ahead.

How do you manage your mind clutter? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

Spring is here in full force with new blooms appearing every day. Some blooms are in fact, weeds. These weeds can quickly overwhelm our garden. They crowd and strangle the plants we want to thrive.

Have you been decluttering and removing weeds from your garden? What have you noticed?

I’ve loved my outdoor time these last few weekends puttering and clearing the plant beds. I’ve gotten immense pleasure from working with my hands, digging in the dirt, pulling out the weeds, and creating clear, open space for growth.

Our personal environments are very much like our gardens. Our stuff can collect in piles, corners, closets and drawers. The piles seem to grow on their own, quickly and quietly taking over our spaces. Clutter can make it hard to think and move. The clutter in our home is like the weeds in our garden. It can prevent creativity, block growth, or zap our energy.

What would it feel like if you tended to your indoor garden and decluttered your weeds? What would less feel like? How would a clearer space (mental and physical) create possibilities for remarkable change?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation! 

I’m excited to bring you another installment (v5) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature where I share my latest discoveries that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. I’ve included unique and inspiring clutter-related finds, which reflect this month’s blog theme. You’re a special and engaging group. I look forward to your participation and additions to the collection I’ve sourced for you. What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? . . .

1. Interesting Read – Decluttering

In a new publication from Budget Dumpster, The Ridiculously Thorough Guide to Decluttering, professional organizing pros (including yours truly) come together to share their best tips and strategies for letting go and creating clutter-free environments.  “According to Psychology Today, people tend to feel like life is out of control when they surround themselves with more things than they can manage.” If you’re in the decluttering mode (or want to be inspired to begin), check out this guide.

2. Interesting Container – Tall Box

Part of the decluttering process involves decision-making. What will stay, and what will be released? The other part is about managing or containing what remains. I’m super excited about The Container Store’s latest addition to its clear plastic box collection—the double-tall shoe box! The organizing possibilities go way beyond storing shoes. Get creative while corralling your clutter.

3. Interesting List – Mind Clutter

Knock Knock is one of my favorite companies. They know how to add humor and fun to their organizing products. One of their newest creations is the Daily Intention Tracker Pad. With untraditional categories like “Appreciate,” “Let Go Of,” and “Feel,” it’s great for releasing and organizing our mind clutter in a visual, productive way.

4. Interesting Product – Sorting

In December I met two amazing women, Yukiko Uno and Keiko Hamaguchi, Shuno-no-su business partners, at the JALO conference Expo in Yokohama. They’ve designed a variety of organizing products. One of the most unusual and clever is their Colorful Sorting Sheets. They're used to “sort out your stuff” into categories such as “use every day,” “use once in a while,” “don’t need it-let it go,” and “actively use it.” They can be used to sort (and ultimately declutter) everything from clothes to cosmetics to papers and more.

5. Interesting Tech Tool – Cord Decluttering

Last month in Los Angeles at the NAPO Conference Expo, the Cable Keeper, brainchild of Neet Products founder Chris Voss won the NAPO Organizers Choice Award for “Best in Show.” Have you been frustrated by cord clutter and tangles in your bag, home or office? The Cable Keeper is a cable management tool that not only is practical, but also comes in a lively array of colors. Guess which color I bought?

6. Interesting Thought – Stuff

What is too much? Only you can decide. If the things in your life are taking over your time, space, and thoughts, it could be an opening for change.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your interesting finds? Do any of these resonate with you?  Come join the conversation!