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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 A Storage Space Clean Sweep Story!
Is the increase in gas prices waking us up to our clutter issue? It is for some of us. A former coaching school classmate sent me an inspiring email this week that I just have to share with you. She is among those of us who are taking a serious look at how our accumulating stuff is impacting us emotionally, spiritually and financially.
My coaching colleague-- I'll call her Judy-- registered for one of my teleclasses�"From Chaos To Peace: The Inspired Office" on Teleclass.com in January. After the class she made a commitment to reduce her email clutter and paper piles. She kept plugging away at it a little each day until hundreds of backlogged emails were reduced to nothing. I was so proud of her! But she didn't stop there. Here's her story:
We took a BIG step at the end of April... we gave up our storage space in town. It was filled with things we don't need or want as well as some sentimental keepsakes. What finally motivated us was wanting to recoup that monthly expense and redirect it toward other expenses... the rising prices of gas and food, for example!
We threw out some things on site and the rest came home with us in two car trips. We spent an intense week looking at every single item and tossing about half of it (either into the garbage or off to a charity thrift shop). Then, we rearranged and reorganized three key closets in our home (which entailed more tossing) in order to accommodate the items we're keeping. The things we kept -- childhood memories, photos, awards, trophies, recent financial records, some books. Things we shredded and tossed -- old financial records and bills. Things we donated -- clothing, artwork, books, old bedding from prior homes that is in good condition, picture frames and other household items, sports equipment we aren't going to use, luggage. Also, my older sister was excited to receive a shopping bag filled with "hand-me-ups."
We feel great! Nearly everything we own is now in our home! (Exceptions - My sheet music is at my sister's and parents' b/c they both have pianos. My record albums are at my parents' b/c they have a turntable. This arrangement works fine for now; I'm not in the market for a piano or a turntable right now.)
It was lovely to revisit many old memories and then be able to say I don't need to have this item in my life in order to honor the memory. This is something I picked up from the TLC show Clean Sweep. We're not entirely finished; it seems there's always some area of our home to focus on. But we are closer to being truly organized every day.
Yeah, Judy, for finding happiness in the spaciousness!
In these very challenging economic times it doesn't make sense to spend our hard earned money on storage spaces that are housing things we haven't seen or used in years. Money can be a powerful motivator. It can make us hold on and it can help us to let go. My colleague's story is a wonderful example of being good stewards of our money. Maybe there can be a positive outcome to the rise in gas prices!
Do you have a storage space clean sweep story? I'd love to hear it.
Happy Organizing!
Warmest Regards,
Maggie
posted on: 5/15/2008 12:00:00 PM by Maggie McCauley
category: The Mental Side
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The Nature of Being Organized
by Maggie McCauley
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About Maggie:
Maggie McCauley, ACC, LICSW, The Effortless Organizing Coach, is the president of "A New View". She takes a holistic approach to organizing coaching her clients to create new habits that promote overall well-being, a sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Maggie's Website:
www.anewviewforyou.com
Maggie's Products:
My Favorite Books
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- It's Hard To Make A Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul
- Organize With Confidence by Elizabeth Hagen
- The Secret Of Letting Go by Guy Finley
- Life Is Short--Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta La Roche
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Making A Change For Good by Cheri Huber
- "Happiness Now!" by Robert Holden, PhD.
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