Holistic Organizing Highlights

This year I focused my writing on holistic organizing — a practice that involves synching up your mind, heart and body with the space you occupy and the items you keep in your homes. Or, in other words, what do you think about your things, what kind of emotions do you have about your things and what kind of energy do you have to make decisions about your things. 

Here are some of the highlights:

There are stories and layers of emotion wrapped up into every little thing. Sometimes decisions are easy and sometimes you have to analyze the story you’ve been telling yourself about why you’ve been holding onto something. Throughout that process you must have self compassion and not judge yourself for past habits and decisions. The version of you who bought, kept, or avoided dealing with certain things was doing their best with the resources they had. Growth happens when you look back with understanding, not criticism.

We are not “Energizer Bunnies.” To support productivity, you have to figure out how your energy changes throughout the day and the month. Learn how to schedule tasks based on the energy that you have. And, break down large projects into small, manageable steps so progress will feel more achievable rather than overwhelming.

Sometimes a tiny sensory cue is enough to activate motivation. Cleanse the air, fuel and move your body, listen to uplifting sounds, or simply see the space from a new angle by taking a picture of the room. You can also try a simple gratitude meditation. Grounding yourself in appreciation can bring clarity about how you want a particular space to feel and function. 

As we close the year, I hope you feel proud of the inner and outer shifts you have made. Holistic organizing is an ongoing relationship with your home and with yourself. Every time you choose compassion, clarity, or intentional action, you strengthen that relationship.