As much as we all wish to have a carefree life, there are going to be events that change our lives forever. Change is inevitable, nothing stays the same. Sometimes unexpected and unpleasant things happen.
 
Our whole lives may be called on to be changed and re-organized. A big move, a divorce, or even the death of a loved one and all of a sudden we feel overwhelmed, upside down, even lost for a while. How is it we can cope? How is it we can organize ourselves again?
 
First remember that given time, all things pass. Feelings of overwhelm, grief, fear or confusion may come and it’s ok to let yourself wallow in them and take time to rest, re-evaluate and re-group. Give yourself time to accept things and to work on what must be done. As it has been said ‘Rome was not built in a day.’
 
Why do I talk about this today, you may wonder? Why this angle on the topic of letting go, change and about overcoming it?
 
It is because I recently have experienced a huge loss and some life changes, and have had to take time to care for myself and still get things done. I have a great support system of friends and family for which I am happy. It is my hope in sharing my thoughts and experiences on this that I may help others in dealing with change. Perhaps I can offer an interesting perspective on how we can let go, move forward, accept what comes our way and work to make our lives better in the moment.
 
My season of change began on September 9th. This day found me with my mother as she lay in the hospital. My mother was not to leave the care of her doctors and nurses from then on. Onwards till October 12th, the day she passed away, it was my brother and I that came to see her everyday to comfort her and share in her last moments. Indeed the biggest loss I have ever felt was the loss of my mother.
 
Yet all is not lost. Good things are still here and there is more around the corner. For everything lost, there is something that can be gained, if we choose to.
 
We gain an understanding that life is temporary. In light of this understanding, the possessions we accumulate seem less important. ‘Does what we own add to our life and happiness right now?’ could be a question we ask ourselves. We can also ask ourselves about what we want in life and whether our actions are inline with our higher principals and life goals.
 
We can turn our attention to what is important and good in our lives today. We can plan for the future, yet we must live for the moment. Are we holding on to things because we fear we won’t be successful enough to acquire what we need, when we need it in the future? What do we stand to gain by letting go of something else, such as more time, more space, more energy or piece of mind?
 
There is always going to be new things, new adventures and new life in the world. If it were not for change and for the passing on of old things we could not grow, we would not even be here to discuss the matter, as we would have never evolved in the first place. We can keep this is mind, yet we should not be wasteful in our handling of what we have now.
 
For me, the loss of my mother has brought me much closer to my brother, whom I love. It has reinforced my belief that life is precious and we should work to make it enjoyable and in the service of our fellow man. It has inspired me also to share the idea that we should live with gratitude in our hearts and give thanks for the food and joy of living. That like the ‘Serenity Prayer’ suggests, we should accept what we can not change, and change what we can. And in living in this way, when our time comes we won’t wish that we had lived our lives differently and rather we will feel triumphant.

Isn't life great? Sure it has its ups and downs, yet it always seems to be at least interesting.
 
This fall is bringing my family some big challenges, some of which are saddening, and all of which shall pass. For this I am grateful. Let’s just say right now I am enjoying some love and support from my family and friends while I squeeze the lemons life brought in. I will need the ‘juice’ to give me the energy to also provide my love and support to those that need it from me. It’s funny how it all comes together.
 
Putting things into perspective I know I have a lot of work ahead of me this fall to keep me busy. Some of which is me helping my valued clients to get organized. Organizing may not be a passion for many, yet it is a passion of mine. As things pick up this fall, I find myself picking up more and more clutter, to show it to the door.
 
Please note I will be offering house sitting services of a new kind in the near future. I got a taste of it recently and think living in a space really facilitates a greater understanding of the challenges that one can face in the home.

How would you or someone you know like to take a holiday and come home to a clean and organized space? Tell me where it hurts and what you would like changed, go on holiday, and then come home so I can show you the difference 'organized' can make. I feed and water plants and pets too, just don't ask me to cut the grass and we're all good.

Call or write anytime to discuss taking a real, everlasting holiday from clutter!

How do I know what my clients are experiencing?

Well, I too have accumulated 'stuff' and occasionally its needs to be purged.

Here's me, practicing what I preach...
Last Monday was one of those days when I too had to spend some time organizing my belongings, re-live some past memories and let go of some 'stuff'!

We have a small storage unit close by in which we store our valuable and not so valuable possessions that just don’t fit in our home. For the most part these items are not up for disposal due to their valuable and highly useful nature. (For example: our 4 large containers of camping and sporting gear)
 
Lately however, we have been contemplating thinning out much of the household items and other less loved stuff we know has been taking up space. So we decided to practice what we preach: ‘Have nothing which you don't know to be useful, think to be beautiful, or love.’
 
We managed to gather up 6 large boxes of stuff to give away. I was actually surprised at the amount and was excited to make that kind of a dent in our storage space. We now have more room and much better access to what we use most often.
 
One particularly liberating experience was tossing out a pile of old records I had created when I was producing a business plan for a health food internet café. Wow, what a trip to go through those old documents and ideas! Yet, I don’t regret tossing it because really, I have most documents backed up in electronic format anyhow.
 
I understand my client's situations and feelings when dealing with clutter and letting go. Like myself, I know they too can feel refreshed when ‘space’ is cleared and the 'unneeded' and 'unwanted' are released. So, where is your clutter?

... It started a couple weeks ago at a networking function when I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to invite my associates and clients into my home for a change.  
 
My friend, hearing this, asked me if people would find my home in a state of perfection when they came over.
 
I thought about it for a moment, and then a giggle made its way out, as I imagined handing out white gloves at the door, so she and others could search for the spots I missed in my last clean up. 
 
My verbal response to this was, 'It's not about perfection'. I proceeded then to share a few confessions about my home and even my dishwasher, that some may find humorous. 

 Then a week later, the conversation came up again. A couple dear friends were at our home visiting, helping us enjoy a fabulous meal.  

Afterwards we were washing the dishes the topic came up again as my friend went to put the clean Tupperware back into the dishwasher and saw something very unusual.

So, for some inspiration and also 'just for fun', here is one small fact about your local pro-organizer that you may not have known...I keep a calendar in my dishwasher!

Ok, giggles aside, it is one of the things that could be considered 'unusual' about my home. The thing is, we don't use the dishwasher and the calendar makes a handy reference for my fiancé. Besides it takes up very little space.   The truth is, when we have guests we do make a special effort. And yes, I can provide white gloves. Yet no guarantees of perfection.

If you are feeling stressed or bound by clutter and don't know where to turn yet want help. Please know that I 'Get It'. Life is busy, habits are hard to break, stuff is everywhere and space is at a premium. You're not alone, and the good news is, there is help.
 
For residents of Greater Vancouver, consultations are no-cost and no-obligation. Call me at 778-866-6942 today to discuss.