As seen in the Dayton Daily News on December 19, 2015.
As I was talking with my friend the other day, she shared a rather frightening story that recently happened to her. I got goose bumps as I listened, but then she shared something that made me burst out laughing.
She is recently divorced and moved into a new home. One evening, she arrived home and found that her house had been burglarized.
After she reassured me that she was OK, nothing was taken and a new security system was installed, she began telling me the story in more detail.
She thought she had interrupted the burglars, so she ran outside to call the police. Once they arrived and established no one was inside, she walked room by room with an officer to determine if anything had been taken.
In some of the rooms, she knew nothing had been touched, but they still looked like they had been ransacked. She said to me, “How do you admit to an officer you left the house with your rooms looking like that?” She started laughing which in turn made me roll with laughter.
Imagine for a moment that without warning, you were going to have to show someone every space of your home. How are you feeling right now? Alarmed? Panicked? As though you would lie and tell the officer, “Wow, the thieves really messed up this room!”?
Hmm. Maybe it’s time to get started.
Below are some of my favorite quotes that may help you begin your journey to a more organized life.
“You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” ~Unknown
You need to part with the items you own that have already served their purpose in your life, and keep those things that are going to help you with your new goals.
“Get rid of things or you’ll spend your whole life tidying up.” ~Marguerite Duras
You only have so much life left. Who do you want to spend time with — what’s on your bucket list and what makes you happy?
“Courage is the decision to place your dreams above your fears.” ~Unknown
Many of you are not letting go of things because you’re afraid you might need them someday. Keep items that are going to help you reach your dreams. The rest are just in your way.
“When you don’t know what to do, do the thing in front of you.” ~Unknown
Don’t be paralyzed, do something. Did you have trouble finding two shoes that match this morning? Organize your shoes today. When you cook, is your utensil drawer a disaster? There’s a perfect place to start.
“The person who moves a mountain begins by carrying small stones.” ~Chinese proverb
Getting organized is a process that requires lots of small steps. Take that first step.