Often I write my posts on my desktop computer. I've created a quiet, comfortable "Linda space," complete with favorite colors, shapes, textures and images. Today, however, I'm taking advantage of this gorgeous fall day to write outside. Accompanied by my iPad and ceramic periwinkle-glazed cup of Earl Grey tea, the ever so slight breeze and rustling sound of the leaves set the stage for my weekly writing ritual.

Before me is a 40-acre woods, topped by a cloudless, blue sky. Ideas and possibilities abound. I'm grateful and happy being in this place.

I've been walking more lately. This is a good thing. My body and mind reap the benefits. The walks are about connection - connecting with self, nature, and my loved ones. They provide a pause in my day to reflect, move, and just be. Each walk has a beginning and ending point with no agenda in between.

Especially during this time of year, I look forward to seeing the autumn colors when I walk. This fall like the ones before brings a bold, awe-inspired, changing landscape. Bright patches of red, orange and yellow interrupt summer's greens. I never tire of the display.

It makes me think about the tension we have between establishing simple habits and pursuing daring possibilities. We have the need for both. There are times when we focus on creating basic routines. Getting back to basics helps us regroup and create a sense of calm and order. This is especially needed when the chaos and stress of life causes overwhelm. There are other times when we feel stuck by those patterns we worked so hard to establish. We might even begin feeling antsy or bored with our routines. At those times we start imagining possibilities. Thoughts about starting with “what if?” fill our minds.

“Tension exists between establishing simple habits and pursuing daring possibilities.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

While I recognize the pros for creating habits and patterns, to me this season is about transformation, thinking bigger, and being inspired by nature's display.

I glance to my left and notice a fiery-red colored tree. The sun illuminates the leaves, making the reds look even brighter. The tree took three seasons to change. The time for this magnificent reveal is here.

What possibilities are percolating? What changes might be possible? Is this your season?  I'd love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

There is definitely a mindfulness theme that runs throughout my writing. My creative process includes having a heightened awareness of daily experiences, which is one strategy for fostering mindfulness. I recently learned that one of the many benefits of being mindful is that your thoughts become less cluttered so that you are more open to new ideas, challenges, and possibility thinking.

Last week, I attended a wonderful ICD teleclass about mindfulness and productivity, developed and presented by productivity coach, Casey Moore. There are many mindfulness definitions. Casey shared one definition that included three basic mindfulness elements.

Mindfulness is “paying attention purposefully and non-judgmentally in the present moment.”

During the teleclass, Casey talked about the benefits of practicing mindfulness. The list was long and included improving relationships, decreasing anxiety, improving mood, deepening self-awareness, increasing concentration, boosting attentiveness, lowering high blood pressure, reducing chronic pain, making better decisions, and regulating the fear response.

There were several mindfulness techniques that she shared that focused on intentional breathing and counting. I’ve been experimenting with adding one the breathing exercises into my daily habits. As an added benefit, I’ve used the technique outside by our local rivers. Being surrounded by nature while breathing mindfully was especially beneficial for me. I felt calmer, more connected and grounded.

With a more open, less cluttered mind, what becomes possible? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

Marie Potter and Linda SamuelsHave you ever wondered how to foster possibilities? Is it about the things we do? Is it about the things we hear? Is it about the relationships we cultivate, the people we interact with, or the experiences we are open to? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes!

I just returned from attending my first POC (Professional Organizers in Canada) conference in Calgary. It was wonderful! The POC members are such a warm, welcoming group who enjoy learning and having a great time together. A special shout out and thanks to Kelly Hipkin, Georgina Forrest, and Stephanie Deakin for the many ways you made me feel welcome.

Mayumi Takahara, Linda Samuels, Mary Dkystra-Novess, Alexandra Ross, Stephanie Deakin, Valentina Sgro, Junko Bradley

It was also wonderful to spend time with leaders from IFPOA (International Federation of Professional Organizing Associations) to discuss the challenges and successes other organizing associations have. Represented were colleagues from Canada, Japan, the United States, and Australia. Heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Stephanie, Alexandra, Mayumi, Mary, Val, and Amanda for bringing your best to the table.

April Miller, Linda Samuels, Laurene Livesey ParkWhile I enjoyed learning about many topics including marketing, goal setting, accountability, disorganization, social media, and technology, what I most loved was meeting new people and strengthening relationships with existing ICD, NAPO, and POC friends and colleagues.

Fostering possibilities is the same as nurturing relationships. They both involve being open and curious, and investing time and energy. As was underscored while in Calgary, the bonds we form with others happen casually and purposefully over coffee, sharing meals, while learning together, listening, observing, while discussing kids, travel, and organizing, while driving from place to place, during elevator rides, waiting in airports, while hanging out after hours, while laughing, dancing, or taking photos. Relationships get nurtured and formed as possibilities are being fostered.

Kelly Hipkin and Linda Samuels

There are many photos from my time in Calgary; some I’ve shared here with you. One of my favorite images is by Mary Dkystra-Novess, NAPO President. She captured a joyful moment of fun when Marie Potter and myself were hugging and posing (feather boas intertwined) at the photo booth during the Awards Dinner. I met Marie last month in Nashville at the ICD conference and we became fast friends. We saw each other again this past week at the POC conference. To me this photo captures the essence of what can happen when you foster possibilities.

Georgina Forrest and Linda Samuels

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation. How do you foster possibilities?

Do you ever feel stuck? Maybe you’re so over-scheduled that it’s difficult to think beyond that. Maybe life is moving along without any change or challenge in sight. One thing I’ve noticed is that when we remove ourselves from our daily routine, it’s amazing how our minds open up. We’re more likely to explore new ideas, meet new people, experience new places, and be open to possibilities.

I’ve been traveling more this year. While that presents some time management challenges, it’s also been really stimulating and energizing. I can feel the growth and expansion of a possibility mindset.

St. Louis

Being on the ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization) Board includes traveling four times a year to St. Louis for our board meetings. My last trip was in July, which was my first time running our meeting as President. I’m heading out again this weekend for our October Board meeting. Talk about possibilities! I get to work with an amazing group of smart, passionate, and talented colleagues that love ICD as much as I do. We spend our time together thinking strategically about all things related to ICD and chronic disorganization. We also have fun along the way.

Nashville

Linda Samuels, Judith Kolberg, and Kathy Trezise at 2014 ICD ConferenceICD held it’s annual conference in Nashville last month. There were lots of firsts. My first time in Nashville, my first time attending conference as President, and my first time presenting at the Awards dinner (that’s a whole other story!) It was an incredible conference. I learned a lot from the speakers, my colleagues, and about myself. I got to hang out with many friends from around the world and made new ones too. When you get that many professional organizers and related professionals in a room, guess what happens? The room is a buzz with ideas and possibilities. It was wonderfully contagious energy.

Las Vegas

Linda Samuels with daughter, CassieRight after Nashville, I had a short time back in New York and then flew to Las Vegas to work with a long-time organizing client. This time, our youngest daughter, Cassie, came with me. I worked while she relaxed. It wasn’t all work though. We also had some nice mother/daughter time. Between the flights and the pool I got to think about possibilities.

Aside from all the thinking time that travel affords, it’s also great for strengthening relationships and forging new ones. For me traveling is about possibilities, creativity, and connecting with others.

What’s Next?

Linda Samuels with Nina Saeki, VP of JALOOnce I return from St. Louis, I’ll be flying to Calgary to attend my first POC (Professional Organizers in Canada) conference. In December I’ll be traveling with my husband to Japan to speak at the JALO (Japan Association of Life Organizers) conference. I’m excited about the possibilities that come from exploring new places and connecting with people.

Are you open to possibilities? What’s next for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.