“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

— Albert Einstein

We’re all at different stages with our families. Some of us have kids and others have none. Some have young and some have adult children. Some live close by while others live far away from our families. All families go through transitions and changes of varying magnitudes. There are marriages, births, divorces, moves and deaths. There are joyful times and challenging ones.

We don’t always notice the changes because we’re living them. Sometimes we feel the tumult and haven’t assimilated the movement these shifts create.

With the many changes our family has experienced in the last bunch of years including becoming empty nesters, family moving away, and loss of loved ones, my family has become even more essential for me.

I’m not only grateful for my family, but also realize how much they ground me. They play a significant role in helping me feel balanced. Whether my family is near or far, whether they are living or have passed on, they are part of me. They are with me wherever I go.

What brings balance to your life? Come join the conversation and share your thoughts.

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”

— Ernestine Ulmer

It’s been a busy bunch of months. I know I’m not alone in this. Life is full. We can easily become overwhelmed with our mounds of to dos and limited time to accomplish our goals and commitments. While in general, I’m pretty good at this balancing dance, lately it’s been more challenging with many competing demands on my time.

Last week, I took a mini break from other projects and commitments to focus on preparing for Thanksgiving. It’s a favorite holiday of ours that we love to host. I scheduled prep time so that I could enjoy the doing as much as the actual event.

The day before Thanksgiving, our younger daughter, Cassie surprised us by arriving home early. To my delight, we got to spend the whole day together baking, chopping, and preparing for the feast. While working we listened to music, talked, and laughed.

Baking and cooking was something I always did with our girls growing up. It was a special time to connect, relax, and learn. What an interesting lesson to be reminded of in the midst of the frenzy I’d been experiencing. The familiar, love-filled act of baking pies together was not only joyful, but balance restoring.

What simple things help restore your balance? Come join our conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

We are wonderfully human beings. Sometimes we listen well to internal and external input, and sometimes we don’t.  There are a few essential ingredients for improving your listening skills. Do any of these resonate with you?

Quiet

There are times we just can’t hear because there is too much noise or clutter within and without. This can be mind clutter, physical clutter, or actual sounds. Our focus becomes distracted by the chaos. To improve your ability to “hear,” find a quiet space with no interruptions. Close your eyes. Quiet your mind. Let it wander until your voice is audible.

Pause

When we’re over-the-top-busy, running from place to place, appointment-to-appointment, it’s more challenging to listen to those around us. We’re distracted by our “to do” lists, errands, and next things, and find it difficult to slow ourselves down long enough to have relaxed conversations. Take a pause. Acknowledge the frenzy. Breathe deeply. Taking a break will improve your listening skills.

Sleep

When we deprive ourselves of enough sleep, our concentration decreases rapidly. Being able to listen well requires focus and concentration. Getting more sleep will have a positive effect on your ability to listen.

What are you listening for? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation.

In the organizing industry, there’s one trait that is regularly mentioned as a desired quality for professional organizers to possess. It’s compassion. Recently I read a Real Simple article that talked about compassion. What’s encouraging is that we can increase our “CQ” at any time. It begins with awareness.

3 Ways to Be Compassionate

Small Gestures
People are hurting all around us. We can’t fix every situation, but simple acts of support can make a difference. One of my friends stopped by with a container of chicken soup and chocolate bars to lift my spirits during a rough time.

Power of Touch
When someone is distressed, we might not always have the right words. Dr. Helen Riess, suggests that if appropriate a hug, pat, or hand squeeze can be another way to show your support and compassion.

Acknowledgement
We might not always agree with our loved ones, but acknowledging how they feel, and being able to see their perspective is what compassion is about. It’s the glue that holds relationships together.

What resonates with you? How is compassion present in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation.