The Power of Slow

There is a relaxed quality to summer that I’m appreciating even more. The longer days, warmer weather, vacations, and long weekends encourage me to slow down. Why slow down? Changing my pace is no small thing for someone who has a deep need to be productive and not waste this one precious life.

Yet I also recognize that pausing, slowing down, and taking breaks is essential to my well-being. They aren’t a waste of time. In fact, these breaks enhance my time. They yield clearer thoughts and a calmer, restored system.

My husband and I recently returned from a beautiful vacation in Turk and Caicos. We allowed the days to unfold with minimal plans and no to-do list. We spent hours each day floating and swimming in the gorgeous, clear, turquoise water.

What helps you rejuvenate?

 
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Nurture What Needs Attention

While I enjoy all seasons, I feel incredibly hopeful as the magic of spring brings new daily blooms and the return of a color-filled landscape. I hunt for newly blossomed flowers and plants on my daily walks, feeling elated and surprised by each new discovery. It’s a season of growth both outside and within. It’s a season of tending to the garden and extending care to myself. Weeds take over the flower beds if I don’t pull them. If I don’t make time to edit my stuff, clutter can become invasive in my space and mind.

Will you give yourself time this spring to nurture what needs attention? It’s impossible to work on every area at once. Be kind to yourself and select one thing you want to focus on- relationships, home life, work, energy management, self-care, a specific project, or something else. Gift yourself time to tend. Your attention will yield beautiful blooms.

 
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New Year, New Vision

Change is all around. Winter weather is here. The holidays have come and gone, and the New Year has arrived. I sense the seasonal pressure for change and a reset. Before moving forward, it’s helpful to reflect. I’m doing this by reading my journals, going through blog posts, reviewing stats, photos, the calendar, and more.

The year-end audit helps me understand what was, so I can future-think and plan for the new year. What will I let go of or embrace? What deserves more time, energy, and attention? Which goals will I pursue? The possibilities are exciting and also, in truth, a bit overwhelming. Only by doing the work will I get clarity.

I need quiet time to think, read, research, and reflect. Then, I’ll create a vision for 2023. Last year was the first time I made a vision board. It was so empowering that I’m doing it again. Elements included were a Word of the Year, a motto, and three big themed buckets with 9 to 12 goals each. With changes in mind, I’m open to altering the vision board process and outcome as needed. What do you want more or less of this year?

Wishing you a happy, healthy, joy-filled, and organized 2023!

 
Fall's Visible Changes

The other day I was walking on my favorite path along the Hudson River. It was a gorgeous late afternoon with a coolish early fall temperature, a slight breeze, and the sun peeking in and out from the clouds above.

I’m always looking for visible changes, especially this time of year. Trees hold the magic and never disappoint. Catching my gaze was a small maple tree full of mostly green leaves. But what drew me close was one bright red leaf nestled among all the green ones. It was a sign!

Change was evident in its most visible, bold way. It was as if the red leaf had invited me to join it. The intense color and swaying movement encouraged me to be brave, step outside my comfort zone, and embrace change and what’s possible. OK. Maybe it wasn’t indicating all that, but I felt something visceral.

For me, hosting my first online workshop (How to Conquer Clutter) is a significant change. I’m so excited! It has been a long time in the making. So many of you have encouraged, guided, and inspired me. I’m deeply grateful to you.

If you have already registered, thank you. I can’t wait to see you on October 20th! Please invite others you think would enjoy it. Let’s clear the clutter and make space for what’s possible.

 
The Summer Exhale

The beginning of summer feels like a giant exhale. The kids are off from school, the anticipation of travel plans is present, and a visceral sense of ‘having more time’ is palpable. Is it because the days are longer? Is it that some of the regular meetings and responsibilities are on pause? Is the desire to relax and play so needed? Summer cues us to shift gears.

Some of my friends are teachers and have the summer off. Others are in pre-retirement mode. I am happy for them and am fascinated by how they embrace their less scheduled time. While I’m feeling the calmer summer vibe, I am working and don’t have the summer off.  I have, however, been playing more and appreciating extended daylight to walk in the woods or be outside.

I’m also looking forward to beach time and exploring new and familiar places. With the recent heat, I can’t wait to return to the water. Kayaking on the Croton River is one of my favorite things to do.

Summer is also a great time to edit, plan, and fix. I’ll be working on a few projects for my home and business. Let me know if you want help organizing your thoughts or things this summer. I’m here to support you and am a quick phone call or email away. How can I help?

 
Spring's Visible Magic

Spring’s magic is undeniable. Each day I see visible evidence of new growth. There is a purple flower here, grass coming up there, and plants displaying their “leaf out” mode. Seeds nurtured in the stillness of winter are blossoming into a landscape alive with color.

It’s not just plants that are thriving. I see this with my clients too. A small habit change, a shift in perspective, or a bag of donates given away. Minds, spaces, and calendars get cleared of clutter. Nurturing these seeds of change brings significant growth. It’s inspiring to see my clients move past feeling overwhelmed, being more in control of their spaces and actions, and leaning into their organizing journeys. It’s a joy and honor to walk on the path with you!

If your goal is to get organized this spring and you feel stuck with moving forward, I’m here to help. Schedule your virtual organizing session to experience your own spring magic.