Enjoy the latest edition (v57) of the “What’s Interesting?” series, featuring my recent finds that inspire, spark curiosity, and connect to organizing and life balance. These unique possibility discoveries reflect this month’s blog theme.

You are an engaged, vibrant, and generous group. I’m deeply grateful for your ongoing presence, positive energy, and contributions to this community. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and seeing what else you can add to this curated collection.

What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? – 5 Best Possibility Discoveries

1. Interesting Read – Possibility Mindset

Do you struggle to stay positive and imagine what’s possible, especially during dark times? If so, I highly recommend Resilient Optimism – The Science of Sustaining a Positive Mindset in Tough Times by positive psychology researcher and bestselling author Michelle Gielan.

Drawing on neuroscience research and her work with thousands of leaders, Gielan says, “Resilient optimism is not a one-time mindset. It’s a practice. A daily redirection. A moment-by-moment invitation to pivot toward what’s constructive, energizing, and meaningful.”

When your brain focuses on what’s broken, it limits the brain’s potential. Gielan explains, “The brain runs best when fueled by optimism. The brain is naturally good at detecting threats – we call it negativity bias. When we solely focus on what’s broken, the brain’s threat center (the amygdala) lights up, pulling resources away from the problem-solving prefrontal cortex. But when we also engage with what’s working, the brain responds with creativity, energy, and greater resilience.”

The good news is that resilient optimism is a behavioral shift you can learn. Whether you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist, Gielan shares doable ways to build your reserves through “deliberate, repeatable actions.”      

Her strategies include ways to:

• Recalibrate your mindset

• Change your stress response

• Triage your commitments

• Recharge smarter

• Take small actions

• Be a “positive deviant”

What will become possible as your mindset shifts?

2. Interesting Product – Possibility Openers

What happens when you feel stuck and are in a mental rut? Do you shut down, feel low on energy, get anxious, or find it difficult to imagine a way forward? If so, you’re not alone. There are many ways to get unstuck.

Decades ago, creatives Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt created Oblique Strategies, a deck of cards designed to help artists, musicians, writers, and other creatives “break through mental roadblocks” and “approach their work from fresh, unexpected angles.” The prompts can help anyone.

Each card offers a single, direct suggestion, such as “Use an old idea” or “Listen to the quiet voice.” Not every prompt will resonate with you, but some might offer the fresh perspective you need. “The goal is to challenge habitual thinking patterns and invite new possibilities into the creative process.”

Are you ready to explore new possibilities? If so, this deck could help.

“Resilient optimism is not a one-time mindset. It’s a practice.”

— Michelle Gielan

3. Interesting Article – Possibility Walk  

In the Time article “Why You Should Take a 10-Minute ‘Thinking-Walk,’” writer Angela Haupt highlights the many benefits of walking, including:

• Processing thoughts

• Sparking creativity

• Solving problems

• Taking an intentional break from technology

• Resetting after intense focus

• Improving mood

• Reducing stress

• Protecting long-term mobility

• Easing anxiety and depression

Imagine what a “thinking walk” could do for you. When your mind is full, you’re stuck on a problem, or you’re struggling to imagine what’s possible, take a walk. Research highlights the value of walking without your electronic devices. Disconnect and let your mind wander. You can do this. It’s only ten minutes.

Although you can walk indoors, walking outdoors can further boost your well-being.

4. Interesting Resource – Possibility Shifts

Are you or someone you know overwhelmed by shopping too much? During a presentation on overshopping, I learned that 33.5 million people are addicted shoppers. We live in a society that constantly bombards us with marketing messages to buy more, newer, and better things. Sales entice us to buy things we don’t really need. Messages like “shop till you drop” make light of a serious addiction: overshopping.

Does breaking the shopping cycle feel impossible? If so, help is available. Carrie Rattle is a financial therapist, shopping-addiction expert, and founder of Behavioral Cents. Dr. April Lane Benson, Carrie’s colleague, friend, and a pioneer in the field of overshopping, mentored Carrie. In 2020, April sold her business to Carrie.

Carrie offers a variety of services, including individual coaching, group coaching, an online community, workshops, and her book, To Buy or Not To Buy – Tools to break the cycle and take control of your life.

What would be possible if you could, as Carrie says, shift from “compulsion to control”?

5. Interesting Thought – Possibility Scenario

“You are allowed to imagine the best case scenario.” Mindset matters. Instead of dwelling on “I can’t,” “It will never happen,” or “It’s going to be awful,” consider what might be possible. Focus on learning, growing, and exploring new possibilities.

Shifting your thoughts can help you change your path. Think about a project or situation you’re finding challenging right now. What does the best-case scenario look like? What’s one small action you can take now to move in that direction?

What Is Possible Now?

When it’s hard to imagine what’s possible, what helps? As I’ve shared, there are many ways to shift your thoughts and actions and move forward with a more possibility-focused perspective.

Which of these discoveries resonates most with you? Do you have resources or ideas about possibility thinking to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disorganized? Are your thoughts keeping you from living the life you want? I’m here to help. Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward—Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk. I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the Contact form

• Email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Decluttering, getting organized, and seeing what’s possible can happen, especially with support.

When you think about clutter, do you consider how it makes you feel? In the thirty-plus years I’ve been a Professional Organizer, I’ve seen first-hand the array of emotions and effects of clutter on individuals, families, relationships, households, work, and other environments.

Clutter can keep you stuck, and releasing it can have positive, long-lasting effects on your life. One of my clients shared unique insights about the effect clutter has on her. You’ll learn more about it soon. Before diving deeper into her discoveries, let’s look at how clutter can negatively or positively affect you.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS Clutter Can Cause:

• Overwhelm

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Paralysis

• Frustration

• Procrastination

• Low self-esteem

• Guilt

• Sense of hopelessness

Positive Effects Reduction of Clutter Can Foster:

• Energy

• Motivation

• Calm

• Creativity

• Relief

• Satisfaction

• Confidence

• Growth

• Hope

• Harmony

• Happiness

One Client’s Experience of Clutter

As mentioned above, one of my clients recently shared her profound clutter experience with me during a virtual organizing session. She gave me permission to share it with you. She said,

“Clutter creates chronic inflammation.”

I asked her to tell me more about her perspective on clutter. She elaborated and described how . . .

• Chronic inflammation is a physical unpleasantness.

• It feels like an embodied experience.

• It’s physiological.

• A cluttered environment makes her feel agitated and angry.

• Any action taken to clear surfaces in her visual field reduces chronic inflammation.

• Even tiny decluttering acts immediately solve chronic inflammation.

My client’s description of chronic inflammation caused by clutter describes the physiological connection clutter can have. While the term chronic inflammation was new to me, I’ve often heard clients describe the weightiness of clutter. They explain when clutter is released, it feels like “a weight has been lifted.” This is another example of the potential physiological and psychological effects clutter can have.

Do you know someone who has experienced clutter this way? What feelings and sensations arose?

“Clutter creates chronic inflammation.”

— Oh, So Organized! Client

How Clutter Feels – A Podcast

Last week, I wrote about clutter’s impact on mental health and well-being. I included links to the interviews by journalist and podcast host Melissa Tracey, who featured me in a Houselogic article and her Housing Muse podcast.

During the podcast, we discussed the relationship between home clutter and its effect on mental health. You can listen below to episode 50: You’ll Never Look at Your Home’s Clutter the Same.

How does clutter make you feel? When you release clutter, what changes do you notice? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

If you are struggling with the weight of clutter, enlist help. Reach out and email me, Linda, at linda@ohsoorganized.com, call 914-271-5673, or schedule a Discovery Call. A clutter-free life is possible, especially with support.

This is the newest release (v44) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature, with my latest finds that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. These unique, inspiring, next step discoveries reflect this month’s blog theme.

You are a passionate, generous, and engaged group. I am deeply grateful for your ongoing presence, positive energy, and contributions to this community. I look forward to your participation and additions to the collection I’ve sourced.

What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? – 5 Best Next Step Discoveries

1. Interesting Read – Brave Next Step

Fear can color your choices and how you experience your life. In Todd Henry’s new work, The Brave Habit – A Guide to Courageous Leadership, his goal is “to inspire an epidemic of everyday brave action.” He says, “Bravery exists when we have a vision for a better possible future, and we trust that we have agency to help bring it about.” These ideas are further explored by examining what happens when low to high perceived agency is paired with optimistic or pessimistic visions.

When thinking about the next steps and the consequences of your actions, Todd says, “…almost every action you take, or choice you make has a lingering impact on the world around you, and over time, the impacts of those actions are exponential.”

Todd created The Brave Index to accompany the book. It’s a quick survey that helps you identify areas to develop your capacity for brave work and leadership. Based on your responses, you will receive a customized action plan. Todd says, “Don’t fear wrong action, fear inaction … One small step in the face of fear is enough to dispel its hold on you.”

2. Interesting Workshop – Clutter-Free Next Step

Does your next step include reducing clutter, overwhelm, and disorganization? One in four people struggle with clutter, which can affect their anxiety levels, relationships, sleep, and focus.

If you’re in the Westchester area near Croton on Hudson, New York, join me, Linda Samuels, Professional Organizer, for a live in-person workshop on How to Conquer Clutter. On Thursday, March 21st, from 5:30-7:30 pm Eastern, I’ll present at Design Lab’s monthly speaker series, sponsored by Denise Wenacur of DW Design & Décor. Come say “hi,” network with local professionals, enjoy yummy beverages and treats, and learn empowering clutter insights and solutions.

3. Interesting Article – Unplugged Next Step

March 1st was the Global Day of Unplugging. For 24 hours, we were encouraged to unplug, unwind, relax, and engage in activities that did not involve technology, electronics, or social media.

Did you miss it? That’s OK. You can create your own “unplugged” day or a part of a day at any time. Several of my colleagues wrote terrific articles about the benefits, history, and ideas for unplugging. Is stepping away from your devices next on your agenda? Find inspiration here:

• How to Unplug Your Home for the Ultimate Digital Detox by Teresa Siqueira

• Celebrate the Global Day of Unplugging by Julie Bestry

• How Unplugging Can Fuel Your Creativity and Forward Movement by Yota Schneider

“One small step in the face of fear is enough to dispel its hold on you.”

— Todd Henry

4. Interesting Resource – Beneficial Next Step

Spring is next. This is an excellent time for editing, letting go, and decluttering your closets and drawers. Do you have clothing and accessories you no longer need, want, or fit? If so, you can clear space and help others.

Consider donating your clothing to The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc. You can drop off things at 185 Kisco Avenue, Suite 101, Mount Kisco, New York. Items will be accepted in March and April, Monday through Friday, from 11 am to 4 pm. Donations are tax-deductible, and tax forms will be available.

The Benefit Shop Foundation will host a fashion pop-up sale on May 17th and May 18th from 10 am to 4 pm. Proceeds will go to various local community-based organizations that help people who live and work in the area.

5. Interesting Thought – Small Next Step

Figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming. When unsure what to do next or feeling the enormity of a project’s scope, next seems elusive. Instead, focus on making consistent, tiny movements forward.

Each small step lets you experience progress, boosts your motivation, and moves you closer to your goal. Make your next step small and manageable. Do and repeat. Action is your key to progress.

Do you have an interesting, next-step-related discovery? Which of these resonates with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.

If you need help deciding on your next step, I’m here to help. Please email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com, call 914-271-5673, or schedule a Discovery Call. Figuring out next is doable, especially with support.

It takes courage to move forward when you’re overwhelmed, unsure of where you’re headed, or confused about what to do next. However, as you bravely take that one tiny action in the face of uncertainty, this will propel your fresh start.

The beginning feels murky at best when you’re stuck and not moving anywhere. With movement, what is unknown quickly becomes visible. Amazingly, one step encourages more because it builds momentum.

Getting Unstuck

I discovered this beautiful John Muir quote. He said, “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” This brings forth many ideas. Taking a walk “into the forest” or anywhere offers an opportunity. Walking is movement in action. The physicality of motion goes beyond the benefits your body experiences. As arms swing, feet advance, and the breath deepens, you are filled with aliveness and energy. This movement encourages possibilities and a “can do” attitude.

If your walk happens to be in nature, there are additional benefits that surrounding yourself in a green environment brings. It can

• Reduce stress

• Boost mood

• Enhance creativity

• Increase concentration

• Improve sleep

Walking can get you unstuck. There is such significance in taking that first step and then another.

Letting Go

The next part of Muir’s phrase, “to lose my mind and find my soul,” illustrates other ideas. I connect losing “my mind” to letting go. Instead of focusing on negative, unhelpful thoughts or holding onto things and ideas that no longer serve you, release them. Be present.

Connect with something deeper within, your “soul.” Find the courage to let things unfold. See the wonder in what is here now.

I arranged a surprise birthday weekend for my husband a few weeks ago. What was the surprise? Our kiddos and their partners came home to celebrate and share several beautiful days together. One of the things we did was walk down our block, through the woods, and to the Croton River. I love walking, and doing this with my family made me happy!

Feeling supported in my hiking shoes, I noticed each step as my feet connected with the ground. Walking helped me release the to-dos and projects occupying real estate in my mind. I had several upcoming project deadlines that I was thinking about. I knew the work could wait. I was thrilled to have everyone home and have time with the crew. A thought adjustment was needed.

To do this, I focused on the sounds of my loved ones’ sweet voices. I watched them energetically walk as they meandered into different pairs and groupings. I felt their loving presence as we held hands and connected. Into the forest we went- walking, talking, laughing, listening, photographing, and watching.

“It takes courage to move forward when you’re overwhelmed.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Small Step

Choose your next tiny step to get you unstuck. Will you move your body to create momentum? Will you talk with a trusted friend or loved one to download your thoughts? Will you take one small step on your big project to bridge the gap between planning and action? What tiny, courageous step will you make to set your fresh start in motion?

If you feel stuck and overwhelmed or find it challenging to determine your next step, I’d love to help. Please email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com, call 914-271-5673, or click here to schedule a Discovery Call. Let’s work together so things can flow.