I’m heading to Toronto this week to attend the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) conference. I’m looking forward to traveling, learning, seeing colleagues and meeting new ones. Mostly, though, I’m excited about the possibilities and new ideas that traveling inspires.

For this week’s post, I offer you a single idea to enjoy and ponder. A quote I collected a while ago was relevant to this month’s possibility thinking theme. For you . . .

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

— Anne Lamott

What becomes possible when you unplug? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

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.

I’m happy to bring you the newest installment (v7) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature where I share my latest discoveries that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. I’ve included unique and inspiring success-related finds, which reflect this month’s blog theme. You are a magnificently, engaged group. I look forward to your participation and additions to the collection I’ve sourced for you. What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? . . .

1. Interesting Read – Redefining Success

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to meet the inspiring Arianna Huffington and hear her speak about her new book, Thrive. After working to the point of collapse, she was motivated to find ways to fix her “broken definition of success.” She wrote, “What we’re beginning to recognize is that success is not always about doing more, but also about doing better – and we do better when we’re connected to our inner wisdom, strength, and intuition.” Success has traditionally been tied to money and power. Sharing stories and scientific research, she proposes a third metric consisting of well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving.

2. Interesting Resource – Organizing Success

My friends at Smead have a terrific podcast series, SmeadOrganomics, where they interview organizers on a variety of topics, including everything from organizing tech tools to closets to time. I’ve enjoyed being interviewed by the wonderful John Hunt for several of these podcasts. In the latest video, “How to Choose a Professional Organizer That’s Right For You,” I share questions to ask before hiring an organizer so that you will achieve the ultimate success in your organizing journey.

3. Interesting Product – Workplace Success

Joel Health, founder of Fluidstance says, “You were designed to move – It’s likely your workspace was not.” His company has created the LevelTM, a unique product, which is a skateboard-like platform. The wood and aluminum board lets you wobble while you work, allowing for subtle movements and increasing your heart rate by 15 percent. We know that sitting all day or standing still for prolonged periods is unhealthy and physically taxing your body. The Level provides a new way to add movement to your workday.

4. Interesting Tech – Tracking Success

You just had your keys, glasses, or wallet in hand, but they have suddenly gone missing. Stress no more. You can find your lost items in seconds with the Tile, a Bluetooth tracker. Attach or affix Tiles on your everyday items, then keep track of them using the Apple or Android app. What was lost is now easily found!

5. Interesting Thought – Perspective Success

The obstacles we face are part of the journey. Adopting a performance versus a learning agenda can be the change that’s needed in order to experience success.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your interesting finds? Do any of these resonate with you?  Come join the conversation!