I’ve been writing The Other Side of Organized blog for over two years. The blog has gathered a community of people that enjoy conversing and sharing ideas about organizing and life balance. It’s a gift to all of us when you stop by to join the conversation, leave comments, reflect or ask questions. I am thankful for you and all that you continue to share.

To celebrate my favorite holiday and appreciation of you, I’m having a V-Day Organizing Giveaway beginning today, February 14^th. One winner will be selected on February 20^th.  For the giveaway description and contest rules, continue reading.

The V-Day Organizing Giveaway includes goodies that will organize, inspire, relax and delight you. The winner will receive everything described below:

• The Container Store $25 gift card
• Semicolon Document Box from See Jane Work
• Task Clips by Knock Knock
• One Word A Day Journal by Knock Knock
• Dove Chocolate Hearts
• Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below with your favorite Valentine’s Day thought, memory, tradition, organizing tip or challenge
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Re-tweet this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to The Other Side of Organized free monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Follow Oh, So Organized! on Pinterest and let me know which of my boards is your favorite
• Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 5 total entries!)

What are your thoughts on this love-filled day? I look forward to our conversation about love, chocolate, organizing and more. Happy Valentine’s Day! Wishing you all good luck!

Most wearable objects don't last forever and my slippers are no exception. They have brought me simple comfort and delight on the coldest of nights. They are now worn to the point of no longer being comfortable because of the tattered interiors. The time had come to change my slippers.

As a professional organizer, one of the things I do is help people edit and let go of those “things” that have overstayed their welcome. What I found so interesting was how resistant I was to releasing and replacing this particular pair of slippers. Isn't that how it often is with change? When we have to let go of something we actually love be it a person, place, thing or concept, it becomes even more challenging.

I did a few things to prepare for the inevitable. Yes, I know we’re talking about slippers, but the concepts are applicable to use for more significant changes. Maybe one of these ideas will help you the next time you are struggling with change.

1. Indulge in Procrastinating- I allowed my resistant thoughts about not doing anything to be present for as long as I needed. Procrastination is often looked upon as something negative. But for me, it gave me the time to process that change was going to happen.

2. Research Possibilities- I hunted for slippers that might be even better than what I had. To my disappointment, they didn't exist. In the process of searching it allowed me to appreciate just how great these slippers had been, and also opened the door for something else. Just engaging in the research process, mentally prepared me and opened my mind to other possibilities.

3. Test Something Different- As I mentioned, I have a collection of slippers. I looked them over and picked out another pair to start wearing instead of the worn ones. Happily, I discovered that it actually wasn't so bad. In fact, they were much more comfortable with their smooth interiors. It reinforced the positive aspect that change brings with it some nice surprises and a dash of hope.

4. Use Photos or Words- It helped me to take photos and write about the slippers. Sometimes the memories of our lives can be captured as visuals or words to commemorate objects with meanings or special moments with loved ones. Having these other references allows us to process, honor, and then let go of the physical. This paves the path for embracing change.

So where am I now? My velvet slippers will be exiting shortly. I'm still indulging a bit in procrastination-land. I have, however, ordered two new pairs of slippers from Pearl River in turquoise and purple and am awaiting their arrival.

Is it time to change your slippers or something else? Join in the conversation about letting go, change, and the gifts to come.

As I’m in an “acutely aware” period, I’m feeling particularly grateful for a slight break tonight from a tumultuous period of change. Both of my parents have been experiencing health and life challenges that deeply affect me. I have been living these changes and varied emergencies with them for months, navigating uncharted territory, and simultaneously trying to find balance and normalcy.

I sit here this evening with my hot cup of tea and feet resting comfortably on my purple velvet footstool, finding joy in writing and sipping. This familiar activity that I love grounds me. It’s a respite from the swirl of change and concern that has actively pursued me these many days.

This intensity of change has reaffirmed my belief in the importance of self-care. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating regularly and making time for fun, friends, family and self are essential.

When any of us have challenges be it health, financial, relationships or careers, it’s so easy to only focus on that. But none of us are just our challenges. We have many strengths and passions. Drawing on these, especially when life is throwing the curve balls, can make all the difference for navigating change.

What changes are you noticing? Which strengths are available to you?

I’d like to share with you the best five fortunes from our dinner as they relate to organizing, starting over, and making the best of the time we have.

Fortune #1:  Gratitude

“You are very grateful for the small pleasures of life.”

Let’s begin with the basics. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the magnitude of editing, decluttering, and organizing that’s ahead of you, think about gratitude to help redefine your mood. Look for the moments that you’re thankful for. Be grateful for the one drawer you just organized or the fact that you were able to locate your keys or that you gave yourself five minutes at the end of the day to clear off your desk. Gratitude is there for you. It will enhance your daily experience and help propel you forward.

Fortune #2:  Let Go

“Forget those things that aren’t worth remembering.”

We know about physical clutter. There is also mind clutter. Sometimes it’s from all the “to do” items we are holding in our brains. Other times it’s the negative messages of past failures that we keep repeating. Release that stuff! Send the to dos to paper or an audio reminder. Stop the negativity from repeating. Find a new message that focuses on your strengths and accomplishments.

Fortune #3:  Small Steps

“He who climbs a ladder must begin at the first step.”

You are headed to great places. I see you in your organized, wonderful space. It’s supporting you and your needs. It’s working with and not against you. Be patient. Take one small step at a time and you will be successful.

Fortune #4:  Best Self

“Wherever you go, whenever you can, try to leave a gift.”

This is the gift of self. We all struggle and have challenges. As you move ahead in this new year, on this new day, bring the best of who you are to the party. Your positive energy and thoughts will attract others’ positivity. That will refuel your tank to keep you moving towards the organizing goals you seek.

Fortune #5:  Possibilities

“Be prepared to accept a wondrous opportunity in the days ahead!”

When we take the time to organize and clear our physical and mental clutter, we open up space for new opportunities and thoughts. It’s your time to move forward and get ready for things you may have never imagined. Your willingness to seek change and growth will draw possibilities towards you.

Which fortune resonates with you? What’s possible for you now? 

Our dog, Norton, who passed away years ago, was a great teacher of many things, including expectations. He was a conscientious listener. If we talked about going for a walk, Norton, who loved taking walks, would immediately go to the “leash cabinet,” and sit patiently staring at the top drawer that held his leash.  If we mentioned the word “treat,” another one of Norton’s favorites, his ears would perk up, he’d rush to the “treat cabinet,” and fixedly glare at it as strands of drool dangled from his mouth. Norton knew what to expect. He was joyful, enthusiastic, and organized.

These may seem like small things- knowing where to find the leash or the treats. However, consider the possibilities for you. What if you claimed this year to become more organized so that your surroundings supported your daily functioning? What if you were able to find what you needed when you needed it? What would that look like? What would it feel like? What would become possible? Would your days flow better? Would you experience less stress?

Shift your perspective from perpetual frustration to gradual clarity. Think about starting simply. Create a basic expectation like, “My car keys are on the hook next to the front door,” or “ The bills to be paid are in the open bin on my desk.” What small thing is not working? What might make a difference if you made a slight change?

Dogs are incredible teachers. In my book, The Other Side of Organized, I share more about Norton’s wisdom related to organizing and life balance. Each chapter begins with a “Norton” cartoon, like this one called “Norton Knows.”

It's a new year, a new month, a new day. What tiny thing can you alter? What will you expect tomorrow?

The Recombobulation Area is where airport passengers go to collect themselves after going through security. They gather their shoes, belts, electronics, and baggage before heading off to their flights and next part of their journey. One dictionary defines recombobulation as being “put back the way it was, or into proper working order.” Another definition says, “gathering one’s thoughts or composure.”

As you have probably guessed, the opposite of recombobulation is discombobulated, a word I’m far more familiar with. Discombobulated is defined as “feeling disconnected,” “unbalanced,” “out of order,” or “confused.”

As one year ended and the new one began, I realized how beautifully these two words described aspects of this transition. I felt discombobulated and out of sorts as 2011 came to a close. I had to say goodbye to one of my amazing clients that just passed away. I was struggling to balance work, family, wrapping up the year and planning for the new one. Now that we’re about a week into this year, I’m feeling much calmer. I’ve entered my own personal Recombobulation zone. It’s not that all things are back to normal, but I am feeling more composed. I was aware of the changes occurring and decisions that needed to be made, as I moved from the end of one year to the beginning of another. Transitions are not always comfortable. What are they like for you?

Maybe you’re still feeling discombobulated. If so, I encourage you to discover the signs, which will lead to your recombobulation area. It’s time for a fresh start. What is possible for you?

1. Fresh Start - The New Year brings the gift of a clean slate. Imagine a blank canvas beautifully white like a fresh blanket of snow. You get a do-over, a chance to paint a new picture. The possibilities are bountiful as you consider the people, places and growth opportunities that will cover your canvas. Breathe deeply and joyfully embrace this new beginning.

2. Sparkle - Consider the "sparkle" factor. While I actually love glittery, reflective objects, what I'm really thinking about here is the sparkle within. What makes you glow? What gives you energy? How can you incorporate more inner sparkle this year? You deserve to shine.

3. Hope - We all need hope. Perhaps this past year wasn't as successful or happy or as organized as we wanted. We have the possibility to leave the negative behind and look toward the future. What are you hoping for? What do you want your days to look and feel like? What's possible for you in the coming months? Allow hope to reign.

As I say my goodbyes and reflect about the past year, I am grateful for what was. I am hopeful about what comes next. I wish each of you a spectacular year of joy, hope, love, and success. What are you imagining?

It’s a bit catching, this “stress-fever.” Many of us are feeling unsettled and unbalanced. Routines have disappeared. There are lots of comings, goings and activity beyond the usual. More things seem to be added to our plates.

I don’t know about you, but I needed to do a few things to help myself feel more normal and calm. After all, I want to enjoy this special time with my family and friends. I don’t want to be overloaded with stress. So, in the midst of the activity, I decided to take a break from everyone. I needed to pause. I self prescribed some “me time.” This included:

• Being in our house by myself for several hours
• Putting on my pjs early
• Eating a quiet dinner while reading
• Making a few phone calls
• Folding the laundry
• Paying the bills
• Indulging in several of my favorite Tate’s Chocolate Chip cookies
• Drinking a cup of Yogi Relaxed Mind tea, which promised to “promote tranquility”
• Breathing deeply
• Feeling grateful for the quiet and time by myself
• Writing my blog post
• Grooving to the music on my Oh, So Organized! "Organize for Winter" video
• Eating a few more cookies

There is nothing extraordinary about this list. I didn’t travel to a far away land. I didn’t go to a show or movie. I kept it simple. I made myself comfortable, enjoyed the familiarity of completing some routine tasks, and appreciated doing all these things in the context of total quiet and focus. There were no interruptions. And you know what? It felt good. Actually, it felt better than good. It felt great! Now that I'm feeling rejuvenated, I'm ready for what comes next.

As you navigate over the coming days, I hope you are able to find some time to breathe, pause, and take care of yourself. What will be on your list? 

Much of my writing focuses on finding a balance that’s right for you. The idea of feeling balanced 100% of the time is unattainable. It’s not even desirable.  The search for balance is a constant negotiation between a state of unrest or chaos and that feeling of calm or flow. It’s essential to experience both calm and chaos. They each serve a purpose.

Without some tumult, we become complacent and too content. We stop searching for solutions or growth possibilities. I’m certainly an advocate for knowing how to just be, but that’s within the context of long-term growth.

With abundant chaos, we become so stressed and ineffectual that we can easily ignore our basic needs for self-care. If life becomes a constant state of activity with no time to restore, think, or just be, we lose our focus and energy.

So how does one find that right balance? The balance I’m referring to is really your particular mix of tumult and calm that fits your life, goals and needs at any given point in time. Thinking back to raising our family, life was far more hectic than it is now. The stretches of feeling like things were “out of whack,” were much longer than the calmer parts. Now being an empty nester, while life is still full, the periods of calm are longer. The mix has changed.

Balance between these extremes is not a done deal. It’s really a matter of what we choose to focus on at any given point. In this photo of the forest, the foreground is sharp and clearly delineated, while the background is foggy and hard to see. This mirrors our lives. The shift between chaos and calm comes from what we give our attention to. As our needs change, so does our focus. Pay attention to the clues, which will help you identity when it might be time for re-balancing.

When do you know it’s time to shift your balance? What are your clues?

Yet even with all these positive things, this season can also bring on the stress… big time. Here are my best 5 tips for sprinkling your holidays with some happy.

1. Be a “Joy” Detective – We find what we seek. Shift your focus to the parts of this season that you enjoy like singing holiday songs at the top of your lungs, wrapping presents with glittery ribbons, having time with family, or dressing-up in your sparkliest of clothes. Be on the lookout for joy-inducing opportunities. Then stop long enough to appreciate your discoveries.

2. Simplify Gift Giving – Buying and receiving gifts can be stressful. Make this season happier and more meaningful by giving clutter-less gifts. Give experiences instead of things like tickets to a play, day trip at a nearby town, or dinner and a movie.  Not only will the recipient appreciate that they won’t have to make room in their home for your gift (hence clutter-less), but your shared time together will create stronger, happier relationships.

3. Practice Good Self-Care – If we ignore our basic needs like getting enough sleep, eating properly, drinking enough water, and exercising, it makes it more challenging to embrace all the happy opportunities. When we disregard our needs, we get cranky. During this season when excess can take over (less sleep, over-eating or too much alcohol), it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. To experience a happier season, don’t forget to be good to you.

4. Revisit Traditions  – Traditions can bring us great joy. There are many reasons why they get modified or disappear completely. Kids grow up, family members pass away, or friends move.  To harness the happy, acknowledge what was and consider refining or creating new traditions if needed. During the holidays, our family used to gather in the Catskills for a giant sleepover at my in-laws. They have both passed away and the rest of the family has moved. To keep the connection, we’re looking at ways to create new traditions. If your traditions are still in place, pay attention to the happiness that accompanies them.

5. Balance the Extremes – It’s hard to think about any kind of balance during this season of extremes with its late nights, excess eating, more visitors than usual, suspended routines, and crazy travel adventures. Many things seem to take a “vacation” or hiatus during this time. If the scale has tipped a bit too far and you’re feeling completely out of kilter, add a few things back in to restore the balance. It might be as simple as taking some deep breaths, locking yourself in a room for ten minutes, or going out for a quick walk. Recognize that the holidays aren’t like every day. Don’t be surprised. Instead, bring back the happy through shifting the balance back closer to center.

I’d love to hear from you. What is your favorite tip for bringing the happy to the holiday season? If you’ve written a post about it, please share it with us and include a link with your comments.