Being Thankful in the Middle of Your Mess

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. A time when we're reminded to reflect on the things in our lives for which we are most thankful. Most of us think of our family and friends, our home and our jobs. Sometimes we overlook the other stuff.

I have a challenge for you. Walk over to that area that most bothers you - that feels the most disorganized and out of control. Take a good look for a whole minute. It seems a lot longer than you might think!
 

Be thankful for this mess.

I'm not asking that you be thankful because you have afforded to acquire this mess. Sometimes, people with chronic disorganization issues will outspend what they can afford just to accumulate more. I don't want anyone to be thankful they are putting themselves in debt.

However, be thankful that you have recognized that this place is not what you want it to be. That the space is no longer working for you, but maybe against you. I believe the saying goes, "The first step is admitting there is a problem." Well, hopefully, it's not that dire! But, if it makes you uncomfortable in your space, it's problem enough.

Your home should be a place to relax and enjoy. So, remind yourself to be thankful that you have acknowledged that it's time to appreciate all the good fortune in your life. That is the first step.

Happy Thanksgiving!


An Organized Beauty Regimen

Getting dressed and out the door on time has become an unending battle that many of us are losing daily. Often, if we don't live alone, it's not always our fault. But, sometimes it is. Time management skills aside, there are a couple ways to improve the chances of starting the day off in an organized manner.

Getting dressed without tossing 13 outfits on the floor and screaming, "I don't have anything to wear!" is always a plus! In order to help ease the frustration of finding something appropriate and comfortable to wear on a daily basis, I suggest starting by organizing your wardrobe. Remember when I wrote about that process last year?

If you've got kids, maybe getting them safely out the door will help ease your morning, too. Homework done, lunches made and teeth brushed - success! I was interviewed for an article about just that last winter, too. Trust me, that's a whole topic on it's own!

What is probably left to tackle is whatever beauty regimen you may or may not have. Regardless of
how many products you have or how many steps it takes to 'make up your face,' all of us have at least a handful of things to do in the bathroom.

I wrote about culling down your collection of products already, so I'd rather spend time discussing how to set-up all the 'keepers.' As always, we start with grouping our products: hair, face, body, shaving, medicine, nails/toes.... you get the picture.

Before we start to assign space for those categories to live, I like to sift through each group and pull out anything I know I'm going to use everyday: toothpaste, deodorant, contact solution and so on. These items are immediately put in prime real estate - usually the medicine cabinet or the most accessible drawer. If need be, these items can go on a try or in a basket on the counter, too.

Next, I do a second run through the piles to find 'special occasion' items: costume make-up, travel-size products and bulk supplies. These are things I'm going to rarely reach for. These items will be stored out of the way. A linen closet, bottom cabinet/drawer or a bin in a closet might work well for these categories.

All those in between categories can now fill in the middle drawers and other spaces still up for grabs. Vitamins to refill pill reminders and bandages are good in-between categories - things I'll reach for a couple times a month.

To 'put your face' now, all you have to do is look in the right spot! No more combing through four make-up bags to find your everyday lipstick. It's in the make-up bag that has all the everyday products in it. The holiday make-up is in it's own bag; the Halloween make-up has a separate spot.

Now, get going!

How to Organize When You're Sick

This past week, I've been sick. I lost my voice for the first time in more than ten years! In retrospect, that's a good thing, but this past week it sure didn't feel like it.

So, I lost my voice almost completely for about four or five days. I was congested and coughing like nobody's business and pretty fatigued just by watching TV. How's a girl to stay organized while she's sick?

First thing's first: I prioritized. What did I really need to get done during those few days? There was definitely some communicating with my clients that needed to happen. In order to respond in a timely manner, I deferred to email. When someone new called looking for some information, I had assistance in answering calls and gathering info such that I could email the information that was needed. I even rescheduled appointments because 1) I couldn't talk to anyone and 2) didn't want to get anyone else sick!

Secondly, I needed to get better! I made sure to nap when exhausted; I took the medicine the doctor told me to take; I took hot showers. It sounds pretty simple, really, but most of us ignore this part while we're sick. I kept the medicine out on the counter so I'd remember to take it. I kept tissues and cough drops with it, so I'd always know where to find them. (I will admit to moving things to my nightstand each night, though).

And, of course, I didn't want to feel completely isolated from the world. So, when I had the wherewithal to do so, I'd check my email and voicemail; I'd watch the news; I'd browse Facebook for pictures my friends were posting. And, I played a lot of Spider Solitaire. I had to remind myself to run to the store for groceries or do laundry.

How exactly is this organizing? Think of it like a vacation - a snotty, silent vacation. I had to get the right supplies and keep them handy. I had to be aware of my time and the activities I should be getting done (vs. the activities I was actually getting done - sleeping and solitaire!). It's easy to get sidetracked on vacation - and when you're sick. Your schedule's different, and your energy is different.

The only things being sick and vacation have in common? Lots of snacks. Lots of sleep. That is, of course, if you're doing it right.

Stay healthy out there!

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