One never knows where inspiration will come from.  A friend recently told me an inspiring story, which I’ll share with you. It fits with the “Wonderfully Human” theme I’m writing about this month and also corresponds with chapter 11 in my book, The Other Side of Organized. We are not perfect beings, but human beings. Life isn’t just about organizing and getting things done, but also about living and enjoying our lives. It’s about stopping to appreciate those lovely moments that happen each day.

This is the story. My friend was working at her desk one weekend afternoon. She was debating whether to continue working or to go out and play. All of a sudden, a card from the shelf above her desk fell on her head. The quote on the front said, “Often we fool ourselves into believing that we will get done what needs to be done, and then we will live our life.” She got up and, as she said, “left to live my life!” At that moment, her priorities became crystal clear. Work could wait. She knew it was more important to nourish another part of her being.

I’m not saying that we totally abandon our lists and commitments. I’m merely suggesting that we don’t get too caught up in the belief that we can’t enjoy, relax, or have fun until we get everything completed. Our lists will never be done because new things will appear, just as quickly as items are crossed off. It’s a matter of balance. Make time every day for rejuvenation, relaxation, and fun. It’s not frivolous. It’s essential.

We can be renewed and have fun in many ways. Stepping outside for a few minutes to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the gorgeous fall colors could be enough. Sipping a leisurely cup of coffee while having a face-to-face chat with a favorite friend might do it.  Allowing your “silly side” to appear in public is a sure way to have fun.

What’s does “living your life,” mean to you? 

@2011 Photo by Linda SamuelsLife has mishaps. Stuff happens even to the most organized people that interrupt all those well thought out plans. I don’t plan everything. That's too restrictive. But I do a certain amount of planning and organizing. When things don't work out as anticipated, I enlist four coping strategies: humor, flexibility, positive spin and other people.

So, the "plan" this past weekend was to write, update financials, catch-up on correspondence and cook in prep for the impending snowstorm. Thinking I’d have a few solid days ahead to work, I gladly went out with friends for dinner, a movie and fun on Friday night. With list and plan in hand, on Saturday morning I was ready to get going. First, I headed to the grocery store. As I left the market, the snow was already falling quickly. When I arrived home, I put on music while I unpacked groceries and began cooking. There was a huge pot of vegetable soup warming on the stove and a pot roast simmering in the crockpot. I was happy and content as I sang along to the music, smelled the delicious kitchen aromas and watched the beautiful snow covering the brightly colored fall leaves.

The plan was moving along seamlessly when all of the sudden, the power went out. Everything stopped. The soup was done, but the roast had hours left to cook. Thinking that the power would be restored soon, I figured there was hope for the roast. I was wrong. Days passed. We had no heat, no power, no phone or Internet, and no roast.

The other work I’d planned for the weekend also needed electricity. The longer the power outage lasted, the colder our home got. It was time to bundle up. I wore many layers of clothes (I could barely move), extra blankets at night, and candles and flashlights to illuminate the way. On the positive side, no power gave us more quiet time to talk, sit, read and just be without the pull of electronics, beeps or buzzes calling for our attention. It was a gift- a tech-free vacation.

Friends and family extended lovely offers to use their showers, beds, warmth and electrical outlets. While we appreciated their generosity, we opted to wait things out. We went out to more movies, visited more local eateries and became Starbucks’ fixtures, hanging out with other locals out of power. I even met a USA Today reporter at Starbucks who interviewed me about how we were coping.

The power outage and its inconvenience were a disguised blessing. It made me grateful for all the times that life goes smoothly and closer to the plan. I realized that when life gets off track, friends, family, flexibility, humor and a positive attitude are there to lift my spirits, give me perspective and ease the way.

What is a strategy you use to cope with life’s curve balls? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join in the conversation. 

There are an assortment of toys and objects that dot my workspace. I suppose some might see this as clutter, but not me. They bring humor and fun into my space. Some objects are sparkly like the glitter-covered Eifel Tower or bottle of green fairy dust. There are small word signs with messages like “relax” or “Things to Do." Then some pieces are just visually fun to look at such as my miniature slice of watermelon or snowman Pez dispenser. Also sprinkled around are motivational messages from fortune cookies, tea bag tags, pins and buttons. Today, one in particular caught my attention. It’s a clear, smooth glass stone, which is painted on the back with an Emily Dickinson quote that says, “Dwell in possibility.”

What would happen if we allowed ourselves to do just that- dwell in possibility? What if we let go of our fear? What if we didn’t permit our internal critic to speak?  What if we embraced change and let the possibilities bloom? What if we allowed ourselves to linger just a little longer imagining what’s possible?

Sometimes we’re able to think large and project months or years ahead. Other times we’re more now focused on the coming hours or days. Take some time to suspend fear, silence the critic and let yourself dream. What do you want more of in your life? What do you want less of?

Pick a question. Share your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

The possibilities are tremendous when we help each other. Great accomplishments and changes can occur. Who knew that one pair of shoes could make such a difference? I am so excited to share an eco-friendly opportunity, which helps people in need and saves the environment by collecting, distributing, and recycling new or gently worn shoes. You can declutter and do some good at the same time.

Oh, So Organized! is participating in the NAPO Challenge, which is the result of a partnering effort with Soles4Souls (“S4S”), a Nashville-based charity that provides shoes to adults and children in need. Since 2005, S4S has given away over 14 million pairs of shoes to people in over 127 countries, including the United States. “With tragedies such as the earthquakes in countries like Haiti and Japan, on top of the enormous need elsewhere, we can use the estimated 1.5 billion shoes taking up space in closets of ordinary people to change the world one pair at a time,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls.

Oh, So Organized! is sponsoring a shoe drive to benefit Soles4Souls through November 11, 2011. We are collecting gently worn shoes. So far, several Oh, So Organized! clients have edited their shoe collections, increased their closet space, and felt good that they donated to this worthy cause. Tax-deductible receipts are available. Would you like to participate? There are several options below:

Shoe Donation Opportunities

• Oh, So Organized! Clients: Linda Samuels will pick-up shoes you want to donate during all organizing appointments and supply you with a tax-deductible receipt

• Westchester Residents: On Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 10am-2pm, you can drop off your shoes at 202 Cleveland Drive in Croton on Hudson, NY

• Special Arrangements: To make alternate arrangements, contact Linda Samuels at linda@ohsoorganized.com

Shoe Donation Update

• Oh, So Organized! has collected 537 pairs of shoes as of 11/11/11

Organizing Tip 101: Shoes

• Follow the link for helpful shoe organizing & decluttering tips from professional organizer, Linda Samuels

My deepest gratitude to all those that already have donated or will donate. Please join our conversation and leave a comment about shoes, donating or decluttering. What is your favorite organizing or donating story? 

Linda Samuels at shoe drive - November 6, 2011