Spring Cleaning ~
Ready for Something New?
by Linda Herr

 

The reason most of this stuff is here is because you didn't decide what to do with it the last time you looked through it.

Many of the people I work with express interest in making changes to their lives other than just organizing their papers or desks. When I arrive at the site and get an overview of their workspace, it is often apparent to me that the entire environment is very uncomfortable. As I begin to make suggestions, it becomes obvious that they also feel this way. Many work environments are crowded, filled with distracting items. What can we do to change this?

First, decide how much time you can spend on a particular task. Three hours is an excellent amount of time. Should you only have a short time to devote to this, then decide to do just one drawer, shelf or pile at a time. Empty the space entirely, whether it's a desk, cupboard or drawer. Put back only what is necessary. Make decisions now. If you don't decide now, when will you? The reason most of this stuff is here is because you didn't decide what to do with it the last time you looked through it.

Most of us are "visuals" (my term for resource people), who will need to have some items close by. Visuals will often have to spend a substantial amount of time sorting their items because they tend to collect lots of materials. The best idea is to locate specific areas in which to sort the individual categories. You might use a big piece of scrap paper or a large box lid to identify each of these category locations.

In re-designing the workspace, keep in mind that most visuals need to have necessary materials where they can see them. For visuals, "out of sight" is "out of mind." This, of course, creates serious conflicts with their aesthetic partners, bosses or parents -- who feel entirely out of control when they see stuff. The "aesthetics" (my term for those who have very clean desks with little papers anywhere in sight) will need to clear off all items that are visible and find places for these items. Unlike visuals, aesthetics feel that anything on their desk makes it look messy.

If you are easily distracted, minimize the number of items with bright colors in front of you. Use bright colors only for things that are particularly important. Surround yourself with soothing calm colors, but keep the number of display items to a minimum or you will again create distractions.

If you are a visual, avoid stacking papers horizontally. Once you bury something under a pile of other work, you will probably forget about it. Keep the materials you have for reference together. These are usually filed alphabetically by subject. Critical, frequent-use references, however, should be kept close at hand.

Surprisingly, many people do not have the basic supplies to work on their tasks close at hand. They then leave their desks frequently to go procure these supplies from some other area. This creates another interruption.

Have a space identified for "Priority," "Dated/Soon" and "Someday" tasks. Move priority tasks to your planner. Identify a place for reading and take-home items.

Yes, with a few simple steps, even you can improve your workspace!

If you get stuck or need a motivational personal coach, call The Mess Arrester! Linda Herr is also available for productivity improvement, clutter control and business workshops. Call 907-352-3644 for voice mail.

For further tips, refer to Organize The Disorganized©-Tips and Techniques to Reduce Stress by Linda Herr, available at most local bookstores or call 352-3644.

Clear Your Clutter, Change Your Life!
by Sheri Ruston

 

Every cleared drawer, closet and room gives you an opportunity to take control of your life. Your physical closet impacts your mental closet.

As spring approaches, we enter a great time of year to do some cleaning. Not many people realize how profoundly clutter can impact our lives. Rid yourself of clutter and you allow room for new things and opportunities to come into your life. Clutter in your home clutters your mind, body, and spirit.

People hold onto possessions for many reasons. An object can have sentimental value; the item was a gift; we feel we may need the object in the future; it is a collectible; someone in the family may have use for it in another lifetime, etc. Some people think that the more possessions we have, the more secure we will feel. Many people hold onto things for fear of not being able to acquire these items in the future. The mind is very powerful and can create a need for the item once thrown away if the person really believes this to be true. We have to trust that the Universe will provide for us in the future.

People with lots of clutter tend to be overweight. Our homes are mirror images of our lives. As we clear the clutter, we feel lighter. People with an overabundance of clutter tend to be sluggish, lack motivation, and may not take very good care of their body. Remember, your home is a reflection of who you are.

Basements represent the past. If cluttered, a basement may reveal unresolved past issues. Similarly, attics filled with clutter may result in worrying more about the future since these things are "hanging over" one's head. Garages, closets, attics and basements are just as important as any other room in the house. There is no place to hide anything. You may be the only one who sees a chaotic closet or attic, but you are the one who is constantly affected. Clutter and chaos drains and stagnates your energy. Clear out the mess and bring creativity, vitality, and vigor back into your life. Every place counts!

People often hold onto clothes that are too small or too big. In this way, we clutter our closets with an array of different size clothing. Buy clothes that make you feel good at the weight you are now. Clear away clothes that no longer fit. Love yourself for who you are now and you will lose the weight faster.

Hoarding paper and books is a very common problem. Holding onto old books doesn't allow room for new ideas to enter your life. Donate those books to the library or sell them to used bookstores. Only hold onto books that represent your thoughts today. Thanks to Internet access, saving newspaper and magazine clippings is no longer necessary, for having a computer is like having your own library at home.

One of the Feng Shui principles is to surround yourself with things you love. Don't feel obliged to keep a gift you dislike. If you don't feel comfortable telling the giver you can't use it, think of a creative way to recycle it. You can donate items to charity, have a garage sale, give them to friends, or just toss them away.

We are all constantly growing and changing. Our tastes change as we do. Therefore, don't feel you have to hold onto the same possessions for a lifetime. Permit yourself to discard possessions you no longer love or need.

Clear Away Questions:

1. Do I love it or am I just living with it?
2. Do I need it? Is it useful?
3. Does this represent who I am in my life now?
4. What positive or negative thoughts or memories do I associate with it?
5. Does it need to be fixed or repaired, and am I willing to do so now?
6. If it's time to let it go, am I going to sell or give it away? When will I do this?

Clearing clutter is very difficult for the majority of people. You may feel overwhelmed. If this is the case, do it gradually. Consider which rooms frustrate you the most. Then prioritize. Clear one room each month. Every cleared drawer, closet and room gives you an opportunity to take control of your life. Your physical closet impacts your mental closet.

In clearing clutter, you may experience a variety of emotions. While these must be dealt with, the rewards of clearing clutter are far greater. Bear in mind that everything you own is on loan. Even your physical body. When you pass on, you take nothing with you other than your soul. Store your memories in your heart and soul rather than your home. Simplifying your life will guarantee you the harmony and joy you were searching for.

Sheri Ruston of Feng Shui Journeys is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant. She helps people get organized. On-site or telephone consultations available. Call 929-0909, toll-free (866)929-0909 or e-mail gofengshui@gci.net.

The Benefits of Space Clearing
by Sheri Ruston

We all have the ability to sense energy. Have you ever noticed upon entering a room a feeling of tension or exhaustion? Or sensing joy and happiness for no apparent reason? Not only do we react to the décor and colors of rooms and spaces, we also perceive the energy or "chi" surrounding us.

Energy can become sluggish, stagnant and stuck. This is often true in the corners of rooms. Therefore, it needs to be dispersed and set into motion.

Space clearing is the ancient art of cleansing energy in an environment. It can transform a dismal place into a haven of harmony. To achieve space clearing, a sacred cleansing ceremony is usually performed. There are specific tools -- such as bells, white sage, and holy water, just to name a few -- that can be used. You can do this yourself or hire a professional.

Similar to rooms that collect cobwebs and dirt, which are visible to the naked eye, there is invisible debris that accumulates all around us. Just as it is necessary to vacuum and dust, it is vital to clear, purify and cleanse the energy of a space. The atmosphere will feel lighter and brighter. You may even feel uplifted emotions. Clear your clutter and clean thoroughly. Then clear the space.

Reasons for Space Clearing

Predecessor Energy: History tends to repeat itself. The odds are very high that you will inherit whatever problems past occupants experienced. Energy remains in the walls and foundation of homes. For example, Terri, a client, is having marital difficulties. Terri and her husband are living in separate bedrooms in their home. Unbeknownst to her until recently, the previous owners also had marital troubles and the husband moved his bedroom downstairs as well. If the people before you had health, money, weight or other problems, your life can be affected. Ideally, a space clearing should be performed before you move into your new home.

The same applies to an office space. If the previous business that occupied your space had any type of financial problems, most likely you will too. Perhaps the employees did not get along; most likely your employees will have the same disharmony.

Used Objects: Furniture, knick-knacks, jewelry, etc., also hold the energy of the previous owners. Everything has a consciousness. If the item had a strong emotional attachment to the prior owner, the vibration will be stronger. Many intuitive readers ask for an item that belongs to someone so that they can read the "vibration" of that particular person. In turn, they can describe everything about that person without ever meeting him or her.

After an Illness: Wash all bedding and clean the room thoroughly; then, do the space clearing. It is also a good idea to air out the room by opening all the windows with the intention to release the unhealthy energy and refresh the space.

After a Death: Although dying is a natural process, emotions and grief will remain after a death. Many cultures are very uncomfortable living in a place where a death occurred. Space clearing is an excellent way of cleansing the home to rid it from this emotional residue.

Manifesting Your Desires: You can create a space for something new to happen in your life by performing a clearing. It's a good idea to state your intention beforehand. For example, you may want to fill your home with energy that creates good health, joy and vitality. If you are stuck in a relationship, job or need a change in direction, space clearing can move that dormant energy.

To Sell or Rent a Home: When you desire to move, it's important to unblock stuck energy and clear space with that intent in mind.

To Enhance Profits in Business: If business is slow or sales are dropping, space clearing is an effective tool. Revitalizing, refreshing and cleansing the space have remarkable effects on a business.

To Create Harmony in the Workplace: If employees are not getting along, clearing will create a more positive and cheerful atmosphere.

After an Argument: Remember the saying, You can cut the tension with a knife? When a heated argument occurs, one can usually feel a thick, unwanted energy. Doing a clearing will release unpleasant energy and cleanse the room.

After a Robbery: It is imperative after a robbery to do a complete and thorough space clearing. Residual energy from the thief will remain in addition to your own grief-stricken emotions. This will continue to affect everyone living or working there.

Recurring Bugs or Rodent Problem: Mel, a client, had ant infestations in his home every spring for 25 years. I performed a space clearing and his home no longer has visiting ants. He was amazed.

For Therapists/Healers: Clear the room in-between patients. Clearing energies that were discharged from a previous patient helps establish a safe environment for healing. Create a sacred space for each client so that they may each heal on deeper levels.

Space clearings can be done on a regular basis. Remember to always state your intention. Along with Feng Shui adjustments, space clearing is a powerful tool that can transform your life. It is also an efficient method to rid your home or business of stuck energy and give yourself the fresh start that you so much deserve.

Recommended Readings: Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston Sacred Space by Denise Linn

Sheri Ruston of Feng Shui Journeys is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant. She performs Space Clearings. On-site or telephone consultations available. Call 929-0909, toll-free (866)929-0909 or e-mail gofengshui@gci.net.

Simplify!
by Linda Herr

 

Choose to do the actions you do because they will improve the quality of your life.

People sure seem to be rushing and hurrying these days. Next time you’re on the road, peek into the car next to you and notice the harried driver. Can everyone be on their way to an Emergency Room? And what about the trend to accumulate more, often based on the belief that we don’t have enough? What is going on with this overall sense of chaos, this need to rush, these feelings of impending financial disaster?

Eliminate Chaos
Take a minute and review your life. What parts are going right? Appreciate what you do have and what is working. Now, realistically, look at those parts of your life that are in chaos. Are your actions truly in line with your life goals? What could you do to minimize or eliminate these actions? Many of the things people get involved with are the result of what someone else wants or is interested in, though not necessarily in line with their own goals.

The panic to have more has some funny side effects. People who had a lot of “stuff” before are buying even more “stuff.” Within the paradigm of chaotic enthusiasm, the folks who were somewhat disorganized before are now even more disorganized than ever!

A simple solution to all of this is to decide now to eliminate chaos from your life. Ask yourself: what are you doing with your life? Is there too much movement going on? Remember your dreams and life goals. Then, look at one week in your life. Does each action during the week aim at positive success for either you or your partnership with others? Are there some actions that you can lessen or eliminate totally? Get rid of what doesn’t work in your life. Eliminate something stressful! But don’t just live for the future – make sure to take some time to enjoy yourself now!

Create Space
In many lives, there is no longer space to grow. When your life is already full to the brim, new things don’t have room to come into it. Make some room. What is in your life that is old? Many of us have boxes of stuff from what we “used to be,” made up of what we used to collect. Those boxes full of stuff just clog up our lives and our current quality of life goes down. Some people love to display items for visitors to view. But quite often they have so many things displayed that their home is like a curio shop in which visitors are overwhelmed. To create space and calmness, choose a few of each type of item to display rather than lots of anything.

When people begin tripping over their stuff, they dream of moving to a bigger house. But many people who move to larger houses, buy even more stuff and the problem quickly returns. Most people’s houses are just fine. It is not the house that needs to change, but the stuff that needs handling. Once my clients begin to empty a room or area, there is a huge feeling of relief as space becomes available again. Additionally, there is a great sense of comfort in having completing something.

Make Room for Completion
Many people have too many things in motion at the same time. It is our nature as humans to want to complete things. Too often, however, we go from partial action on one project to a partial action on another. Try to schedule enough time on one project so that you can fully complete that project. Make appointments with yourself to get it done. We need to feel we completed something; even if it is a small task. Once you complete something, make sure to acknowledge yourself!

For example, here are a few ideas on how you can both simplify and complete projects in your home:

Laundry and clothes: Set up special containers for laundry in various rooms. Create a schedule with specific responsibilities within the family so that each person knows their role and what is allowable and expected. Give all family members, even young children, some role in the laundry process.
Food and groceries: As often as possible, pre-plan food for the week to minimize shopping trips and putting items away. Have backups on hand (soup, rice, frozen meals) for quick meals when needed. Instigate an “our favorite meals” family list and have the specific ingredients on hand in quantity for these meal choices.
Mail and getting bills paid: These needs require specific locations and just a bit of organization. Make sure that all mail is placed in one area. Pull out all critical mail and create a separate pile for mail that you will review at your leisure. Put Bills to Pay in a folder and set up a specific time and location for handling bill paying.

Appreciate What You Have!
It is amazing to me how many people have everything they need and more! All their basic needs are fulfilled and yet they are brainwashed into believing this idea of “not having enough.” This only results in chaos. Choose to do the actions you do because they will improve the quality of your life, not just because they are things you can do.

Linda Herr (The Mess Arrester™) is available for productivity improvement, clutter control, project completion, workshops and personal bookkeeping. 689-7744.

Natural Cleaning Methods for Everyone
by Lorrie Montgomery

 

Under the ground, deep in the earth among the roots of the trees, the little root-children were fast asleep all winter long. When at last winter came to an end and the sun began to melt the snow, Mother Earth came along with her candle to wake them up again. "Wake up, children" she called kindly. "Time to get up now. You've slept long enough. Spring is coming and there's work to be done." The Story Of The Root Children ~ Sibylle von Olfers

With the coming of spring, many of us feel energized. We enjoy more sunlight each day and feel a sense of anticipation as the snow starts to (slowly) melt away. It’s time to get some fresh air into our homes and clear away winter’s stale odors! Unfortunately, if you use cleaning products most often sold in stores, you may be bringing dangerous toxins into your home.

In Poisoning Our Children, author Nancy Sokol Green writes that women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside the home. This figure came from a fifteen-year study, which concluded that the increased death rate was due to daily exposure to ordinary household products. Some experts report that 30% of all cancers are from exposure to toxic chemicals. Any chemical that touches the skin or is inhaled can be absorbed into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Dangerous cleaning products release toxic vapors even when they are just sitting in your cupboard, it’s called “out gassing.” Because many of our homes are so energy efficient, they trap those gasses - and we breathe them into our bodies.

So what can you do to protect your family? First, get rid of the existing poisons in your home. From now on, only use products made from natural, safe materials. Make sure the products you choose use only renewable, biodegradable ingredients and are free of artificial dyes and fragrances. There are many good choices available in the “health food section” of the grocery store and, of course, at natural food stores.

Even with natural cleaning products for sale, the most effective, safe and inexpensive cleaners I have ever used are vinegar and baking soda. I use baking soda to clean sinks, bathtubs, toilets, glass baking pans, anything that is greasy or needs scrubbing. Vinegar cleans windows and many surfaces. Vinegar mixed with baking soda is a powerful, safe cleaner and will “bubble” things clean. These two products can do it all and help to get rid of the clutter under your sink - another step towards healthy spring cleaning!

Safe Alternatives to Toxic Household Products
From How to Make the World a Better Place by Jeffrey A. Hollander (Morrow Publishers)

Air Freshener: Set out ½ cup vinegar in an open dish, or open a window.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Use 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup baking soda in 2 quarts water.
Drain Cleaner: Pour 2 cups baking soda or salt down the drain; follow with 2 cups vinegar. After ten minutes, pour 2 quarts boiling water down the drain. This method will keep drains running clear and free of odors.
Furniture Polish: Use 1 teaspoon lemon oil in 1 pint of mineral oil.
Oven Cleaner: Mix equal amounts of baking soda and salt. Add enough water to make a paste; scrub and rinse.
Spot Remover: Treating the stain immediately is the trick. Make a paste out of laundry detergent for most stains. Use shampoo on a grease stain. Use cool water so you don’t “set” the stain.
Silver Cleaner: Soak silver in 1 quart warm water containing 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and a piece of aluminum foil. Soak for ½ hour, rinse thoroughly and rub dry.
Window Cleaner: Mix equal amounts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe dry.

Lorrie Montgomery is a volunteer for Healing Toby Network/Kid’s Clinic. For information call 243-1420.