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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 Shifting Into Fall From The Inside Out
It was "the big fall inside transition" event this past weekend at the McCauley home. I was very energized to dig in, in a way that served me, not depleted me. My attitude was one of, "I'm caring for my environment and lightening the load". I turned on some "shift into fall" music and away I went. The whole house received my utmost attention!
Admittedly, I hadn't paid close attention to the basement for awhile. Although it didn't rate disaster status, it was in need of a little love. The places that we don't spend a lot of time in or that are out of sight are the places that tend to be the most neglected. I worked as though I was the client. I asked myself the same questions that I would ask every client. I asked all the right questions because a lot of "stuff" went off to the transfer station!
About ninety-five per cent of what was thrown away or donated was stuff that fell into the "What if" category—what if I might need this again some day? This is the trickiest of all the stuff categories because it proves itself over and over again. How many times have we given something away and two weeks later we find a use for it? I found tile pieces and grout left over from tiling my bathroom floor fifteen years ago, enough old rags to last me a lifetime, and some tarnished brass window treatment hardware that had been sitting in a container since I moved from my other home sixteen years ago—but you never know right?
Stuff full of memories can be the toughest to let go. There were several boxes of my mother's old books that went to the recycle bin. It was also time to let go of my Paddington Bear who was sitting innocently on a chair looking rather lonely and neglected. These were some of the questions that helped me:
**What meaning does this hold for me now? The stuff isn't the person who gave it to me.
**If I let go what would be the worst possible outcome and the likelihood it would happen? Could I live with it if it did?
**Does this piece of stuff elicit feelings of lightness or heaviness?
**Would I pack this if I were moving or take it with me if the house was on fire?
**Will it put a smile on someone else's face?
By the end of the fall shift over there were shifts everywhere. As a result, I felt lighter, happier, more accomplished and freer. The neglected area of my home was honored, I felt prepared for the onset of winter and I gave back. It felt good to take care of my home and give it the attention it deserved because ultimately, I was sending this message to myself. When we let go of the stuff that's no longer serving us we are saying, "I choose freedom, I choose peace, I choose happiness because this is what I deserve."
My challenge to you is to honor yourself and your home this week, let go of stuff that's no longer serving you. Get help if you need it and remember, it's a process!
Happy Organizing!
Maggie
posted on: 10/9/2008 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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