It was New Years Eve 1990... I made a resolution to be organized by the year 2000. Looking back it was all about a desire to simplify my life, a reoccurring theme now seen on every magazine cover and overheard in many conversations. I have made good progress toward my resolution over the past 17 years, but I have also realized that it is about progress, not perfection. It is clear to me that simplifying and organizing is a lot like exercising. The commitment is really a life long one... BUT once we get over the initial obstacle of "getting in shape" it gets a whole lot easier! My approach to the challenge seems to have been two-fold...say yes only to commitments that are near and dear to my heart and go through the house and gather bags and boxes full of items for garage sales and Goodwill. I have gone through the house over and over again, each time taking the clearing to a new level. Have I "arrived"? No way. But I keep telling myself...PROGRESS, not perfection!

So, from one who certainly has had a lot of real life experience in trying to "get on top life" by getting rid of the excess in her life and her home, here are a few of the ahas that have unfolded along the way...

1. Have faith that whatever you need will present itself when it is needed.
2. Believe that a void is ripe with possibilities.
3. Your actions feeling kinda scary!?! Hurray!!! That is good sign! A friend and I have agreed that to REALLY make a change we need to take it to the level where it feels kinda scary.
4. Remember whenever you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to something else.
5. Think of stores as museums! Often what catches our eye is the uniqueness of an item. Once you bring it home and live with it for a few days it is no longer unique and the allure is gone. So next time something catches your eye, consider pausing to savor the object's uniqueness and beauty and then move on down the aisle!

Simplifying our lives and our homes go hand in hand.
We can do it. I know we can!
Take a big deep breathe...
stop for a moment to visualize the order, the calm...
and then...dig in!

Kathy Anderson, IRIS
Room ReDesigner and Psychologist
Make the most of what you have so you can make the most of who you are.
www.simply-aha.com
952-486-1346 or Email me.

PS. If you are in ready for a jump-start, give me a call. There's nothing like a whole room makeover to get the ball rolling!

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1. Starting this month, I'll be offering "Clear the Clutter" workshops once a month, every third Monday of each month. The first workshop will be March 19th, 7-8 p.m. at the Hideaway in Northfield. Information and resources will be provided. We'll also share ideas and tell one another our intentions and support one another as we follow through on our decluttering and organizing goals. As a Professional Coach and Facilitator, it's always my goal and intention to create a fun environment where we get results. GATHER YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN US MARCH 19TH. CONTACT ME via my contact form on this site or call 645-0055, 507-649-1965 or Email me directly. Cost is $10.00 per month payable when you attend the workshop. Workshops will run with 6 or more people. CONTACT ME soon to register for March 19th.
2. To cut the clutter in your home, keep a cardboard box in your closet to store items you are ready to donate to charity. Regularly toss in clothes that don't fit or you don't want anymore. Throw out anything broken or stained. Drive them to your closest donation center when the box gets full and return the empty box to the closet.
3. Take 15 minutes each week to quickly walk through your house and grab any items that are not useful, beautiful or loved. They are just taking up your time, space, or money. Donate them to charity.
4. Partner up with a buddy and tell them of your decluttering intentions. A buddy can inspire and motivate you to keep going. Make appointments with yourself to complete the steps necessary to get organized. Pick a time each week and write it on your calendar.
5. Hire professionals to help you clear the clutter to make room for your life.
6. Look in the January 2007 issue of "O Magazine." There are many helpful hints for clearing and organizing your physical environment. Here's one example regarding clothing. "When something new comes in, at least one thing, preferably two, must go. And be realistic. If you're a size 10, hold on to the 8's but not the 6's."
7. Deal with incoming paper once. "File don't pile."
8. Find a "home" for everything in your house.

• lifedynamicscoaching.com (Coach Deborah's site)
• free newsletter - provides information and resources to simplify your four life areas
• complimentary clean sweep assessment to guide you in clarifying which of your life areas need a clean sweep
• ready for coaching index - coaching services for individuals, small groups, large groups
• schedule of upcoming workshops
• www.simply-aha.com (Professional Room Re-arranger, Kathy Anderson's site)
  - newsletter
  - MANY helpful hints
  - before and after photos of Kathy's work
• MN Chapter, National Assoc. of Professional Organizers - provides a local certified professional organizers directory
• National Association of Professional Organizers
  - provides basic organizing tips
  - provides a national certified professional organizers directory
• Grace Lessons - 10 tips to tame the jungle (S.E.E. N.O. T.I.G.E.R.)
• Time 2 Organize
  - organizing tips
  - e-newsletter
  - free organizing quiz
  - lists of resources
• On Line Organizing - every organizing tip you can imagine found in the "organizer's toolbox" including financial organizing tips, healthcare organizing tips, home organizing, etc. - e-mail an organizer with your questions and you receive feedback
• Clear Clutter
  - Clear your clutter, clear your mind
  - e-book
  - 7 secrets to reclaiming your space
  - organizing tips
• Empty The Nest
  Professional organizers ready to make your transition easy when selling your home, moving, dispersing an estate, closing a business, or remodeling.