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What a blessing when 2 people converge their lives together. What a blessing, when the desire to share in someones life and contribute to each others well-being is present. What a blessing, that these 2 people in their 80th decade have taken on this transition!

I am called into action to assist in this joyous affair.

It requires putting together the logistics of moving Hal to Char’s place.  At this point, Hal, with only his clothes & toiletries.  All other possessions in his apartment are being sold and given away.

Char, now needs to make space for him after living alone for many years. Of course this requires purging, reorganizing closets, and her giving up space for his comfort.

So, there I am inspiring her. Then checking to see what needs to be done. Opening her mind to redoing a closet professionally and adding an extra closet designed for Hal to use.
I am surprised when they approach me and tell me they are re-painting the walls, possibly putting in new wood floors and buying new furniture to suit their new life ~ together.  I am asked to go see the furniture they have picked out to give my feedback. And we end up leaving the store with more than what was on the shopping list!

I am in awe, with their mind set, energy, and action they are taking. They are living the possibility of love, being in the moment, openness, and courage. The courage to change! How many people at this age do you know who would do this??? An amazing situation of what living your dream is at any age!
Mazel Tov to you both!   (in other words-Good Luck)

P.S…Organizing always comes into the picture when a transition occurs.

“Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever” – Keri Russell

With every step, change happens. Every step counts, even baby steps. People struggle with disorganization, sometimes silently until those nagging thoughts get you in action. Nagging thoughts like – I can’t live this way anymore, I used to be organized, I don’t know what’s happened?, what happened to my home?,  I need some help!, or I can’t do this alone.  These thoughts  generate actions which result in one of the first steps in change.

Just acknowledging the thoughts can be a breakthrough for some, which indicates awareness!  Then the inquiry of finding the “right ” person to help. Right meaning the person who will support you in taking these steps. It might be sharing these thoughts with others or asking other people, which entails revealing what you may be embarrassed to talk about.  Or, taking the time to search the web. Getting up the guts to email or call a professional organizer. Then comes spilling your guts to them, even though you feel ashamed, or embarrassed yet relieved afterward. Then clearing time in your busy schedule to make an appointment. Next, working hand in hand on a scheduled day with this person. Listening and being open to their suggestions. Purging items you never thought you would or could! Allowing these once called treasures to leave your premises, even that same day! Feeling pleased with the results of your hard work. Maybe even planning another work session to do more.

So you see, many steps have been taken. They add up quickly and often are not even acknowledged. Usually these distressful feelings color your view enough that self acknowledgment isn’t there. Now is the time to recognize what steps you have taken.  To pat yourself on the back for your hard work, commitment and taking action. Even in the face of fear or humiliation. You have now transformed your home , your space and ultimately yourself.

Who likes change? Most people don’t. The process of organization is ultimately all about change.  Ironically, if you have taken all these steps you’ve already embarked into the unknown.  New possibilities are awaiting you!

“CHANGE ALWAYS COMES BEARING GIFTS” –  Price Pritchett

Family and friends watching loved ones drown in their clutter and despair can frustrate and un-nerve the person, ending up with emotions & angered words flying about! I’ve seen some very heated interactions when family & friends step in to “help” or “save” their loved ones. They mean well, although most times I have observed that they feel they can take the decision making away from the individual and that their opinions rule!

As human beings in this world we live in, we feel we own our things and place a lot of value on them, which means we have the right to do as we please with these things, and nobody else has the right to these decisions.

As professional organizers, we practice non-judgment, patience, mirroring what the client says, pointing out other point of views to consider, and being a support through this difficult new process. We listen, empathize, give moral support, and partner with them in accomplishing their goals.

I am writing this so people can learn to heal themselves with this process. The process as I stated in one of my other blogs, has many hidden components. These components are comprised of layers of emotions and thoughts not always recognized consciously. The healing can start with the person taking a stand for themselves with a family member. What does that mean? This may be the first time they have stood up and expressed what they believe or set boundaries. This will alter and impact future interactions with them in a positive manner. Once someone has a breakthrough like this, life alters.  Asking for professional help to assist does provide healing in a loving, nurturing and non-judgmental way. It can be a cry for help, and an acknowledgment of self-love for the first time! So, if you don’t hire a professional, you will probably experience some version of this.

Take a moment to be grateful to the people who care, and notice your distress. These special people in your life mean well, and are only expressing their love, and support for you. The key is to understand their commitment to you, and your well-being. BUT, remember to stay true to yourself and express your needs in a loving manner!

As a professional organizer for 8yrs, my belief is that the process of organizing someone’s belongings is just a small part of a much larger picture. The clutter, confusion, and unhappiness are just the warning signs for much needed attention.

People often describe feelings of deadness, heaviness, and despair. We are their vehicle to getting them to their rainbow of possibilities and dreams. On a much deeper level they are craving this change and this is where the much needed attention is. These unrecognized hopes, dreams and passions lie underneath, like a simmering pot that has boiled over causing a mess, yet still churning the contents into something delightful.

Organizing the physical space is the bridge to opening up the emotional, mental, and energetic processes that are occurring at the same time. New habits, actions and ideas do emerge. I believe as organizers, we are assisting people on their journey. The outcome is transformation in all areas of life that are important to you. So I say, ‘Invest in Your Wellbeing!’ The changes will occur not only in your environment but in many unexpected areas as well!