Summer is in full swing. I don’t know about you, but to me it feels like it’ll be over in a blink. July zoomed by. I’ve thought a lot about this season and looked forward to it feeling “lighter.” This is mostly because of a change in volunteer service. I went from being ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization) President to Immediate Past President. I’m still on the Board, but my time commitment is much less, meaning more free time. It’s fascinating how quickly calendars can be filled, if we’re not aware.

I’ve been trying to stay mindful of this newly found white space. For months I’ve been collecting ideas and possible things I’d like to do in my “Post Prez” folder. I’ll be candid with you. I’ve barely looked in the folder because I’m not ready to fill up the time with just anything. I’d like to first see what it feels like to have some more breathing space. Once I experience the deep exhales, I’ll revisit my folder. For now, I’m leaving space open for possibilities, for things I might need help with, and for space not to do.  What has your summer been about?

Distractions are a type of mind clutter. I had an interesting occurence recently, which made me think about this. For over three days, I experienced a tech glitch, which caused my email and ohsoorganized.com website to deactivate. I couldn't access my website or send and receive emails during that time. While I have other avenues for communicating, email is the one I depend on most frequently.

Some workarounds were put in place, so that people knew other ways to reach me. But, what I realized was how not having regular email access meant I had fewer distractions and less mind clutter. I wasn't aware of my dependency and distraction issues with email until it was gone. When I was "off," I found it much easier to focus on my priorities, practice mindfulness, and hear myself think. I had more clarity and less mind clutter.

This was a fascinating and unexpected experiment. I can see the benefit of setting some self-imposed "tech-less" holidays, even if it's only for a few hours a day. Do you have tech boundaries?

Recently I spoke with a friend about the New Year as a time for setting goals, enjoying the promise of a clean slate, and new opportunities. She shared that for her it’s not January, but September (the start of the school year) that is her beginning.  Planning and goal-setting happen in August so that she’s ready for the fall. I remembered that for my mom it was also that way. She would plan her teaching schedule and other activities during the summer because September marked the start of the school year.  This was also the case when our daughters were growing up. September was definitely a distinctly new beginning.

My point is that whether it’s January, September or another month, we can take opportunites throughout the year to stop, reflect, and decide about our future. So, if like me, you aren’t quite ready with your 2016 goals and plans, do not fret. You can create your new beginning at any point- today, tomorrow or next month. 

The summer barely feels over, yet I’m noticing a shift in temperatures, foliage changing colors, and leaves falling from the trees. How is this possible? Why am I surprised? Every three months in the Northeast the seasons change. Yet somehow this change caught me by surprise. It’s not as if I’ve forgotten what the date is, or that kids have returned to school. Maybe it’s more that sense of not wanting to transition to the fall season. I understand intellectually that change is a constant. The seasons more than anything remind me of that. This year, I’d just like summer to linger a little bit longer. I’m dreaming about one more vacation and one more trip to the beach.

Yet here we are. The leaves are changing.  The busier fall season has arrived. Nature is signaling to me that it’s time to regroup, prepare, and organize for next.  There will be new challenges and surprises. It’s time to shift my focus to letting go of what was, so that I can embrace the next part of my journey.  What’s next for you?

It's a reflective time of year. I like looking back and thinking ahead. My "word" for 2014 must have been travel. I was in St. Louis four times for ICD Board meetings, Boston twice, four organizing conferences in Phoenix, Nashville, Calgary, and Japan, the Jersey Shore twice, the upper Hudson Valley, and Las Vegas to work with a client.

Life didn't stop just because I traveled. There was still a business to run, clients to organize, family "stuff" and an association to manage. There were firsts, stretches outside my comfort zone, fun and joy-filled times.

And you know what? It's been exhilarating. It's also been exhausting! As I glide into the New Year and look back on the wonderful travels, experiences, and growth, I know that going forward I need some time to catch my breath. My calendar is already feeling full. Even so, my goal is to protect the white spaces remaining. They'll give me think time, relaxing time, and do nothing time in between the juggling act. I'm aiming for a new balance.

Wishing you an organized New Year filled with joy, love, good health, success and as much breathing room as you need!

Summer is one of the seasons when I accomplish projects and schedule visits more easily than during other times of the year. Is it that way for you? This summer the days have flown. It felt like there wasn't enough time available to even schedule things, let alone accomplish them.

This summer has been more of a transition period for me. Some of my plans got moved to make room for others. My paper newsletter, a planned quarterly production, was one of them. I wanted it to go out in July, but instead opted for an August release, rather than not at all.

I've been exercising my flexibility muscles, adjusting to different time demands, and reevaluating my daily and weekly balance. While transitions for me are generally tumultuous, I've welcomed this opportunity to revisit my priorities, push beyond my comfort zone, and let go of ideas and shoulds that are no longer useful. I guess my "big project" this summer has been organizing and adjusting to the transition.

What has your summer been about? What will you focus on in the upcoming weeks?