The season of gift giving is upon us! This time of year makes me think about those of you who have asked me about gifts you have received but no longer want. My reply is usually “Just donate it,” but that answer is often met with mixed reactions. Even though you have stated very clearly that you don’t want the item, something about it continues to sow doubt and you end up keeping it.

I understand that you don’t want to hurt a relationship, offend someone you love or make them feel bad. But let’s flip this the other way around. This gift is actually making you feel bad.

I’ve been making more time for meditation. And, let me say that working on quieting your mind and noticing all the thoughts that are going through it can be quite disconcerting. We only have control over what is happening to us right now, yet in our minds we dwell on the past or worry about the future.

The same goes for physical objects. A lot of our things are not serving a real purpose in the present. We save them because they were meaningful to us in the past or because we think we might need them for our future. But saving all of that stuff makes us feel very overwhelmed

If you have school-age children then you know that September brings about a tumultuous schedule shift that is never the same from year to year. These changes can bring about a lot of chaos if you are not prepared. If you identify with any of the questions below, then NOW is the perfect time to gather everyone together and have your very first family meeting.

Recently I read that the moment right before you buy something is when you are happiest with your purchase. I’m not sure if that theory can be proven to be true, but I find it to be a fascinating idea. I suppose it is why so many people find enjoyment with the act of shopping.

We just added a dog to our family and the house is a bit out of control. My countertops are full of dog things that need to find a home. We’ve been shifting around furniture and shoes until we can trust him in the house. All of our schedules have changed because we are now adding in walks, play time and training. Right now I am what you would call “situationally disorganized.” 

Your vacation is a short time away, so you open the suitcases and start adding the things you think you might need. Does this sound familiar to you?

What if I said there was a much better way. And that way starts with a list. Stay with me here, don’t let that list word scare you away. Let me explain why making a list is so much easier than opening the suitcase and throwing things in.

A list allows you to plan out exactly what you need. You can start it well in advance of your vacation so you have time to really think about what you will use on the trip. By planning earlier you have more time to remember things that you might otherwise have forgotten. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Most of us are familiar with the three Rs that help minimize waste. But we can do so much more to help us protect the environment and get the added benefit of having a more organized home. In honor of Earth month, I’ve expanded the list to 10 Rs that can make a big difference in the spaces that we live in and benefit our precious planet.

Have you ever found yourself wondering why the stuff in the forgotten corners of the house still seem to nag at you? The attic, basement, garage, and storage units where you stashed away items to clear our living spaces. It's curious, isn't it? We thought out of sight would mean out of mind, but somehow, the clutter lingers in our thoughts.

When embarking on the journey of decluttering, it's crucial to treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Negative self-talk can often become a familiar soundtrack playing on repeat in our minds. But, I need you to stop that type of talk. Criticism is ineffective. It has never helped anyone get anything done in a productive and positive way.

Decluttering is not just a physical transformation; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. It's about shedding the weight of the past to make room for the possibilities of the future. As you embark on the path of decluttering, remember that it's okay to let go – not just of possessions, but of the emotions and attachments that bind you to them.