As seen in the Dayton Daily News on January 3, 2015
I recently went to Florida to visit a friend. When I envisioned the trip, I thought of warm weather, walks on the beach and returning home with a tan.
Unfortunately, the weather was cool, our walks were traded for long talks indoors and instead of a tan I came back with the flu.
My trip lasted five days. Upon my return, my husband counted on me to share in the family responsibilities once again. My children looked forward to home-cooked meals.
That was the plan until sometime during my trip home I started feeling ill. When I arrived home, I went straight to our guest bedroom and collapsed in the recliner.
So I could hear the happenings of the house, I left the door of the room I was squirreled away in open day and night.
In the morning, alarms went off, people crisscrossed each other in the hallway, dishes clanged in the kitchen and then all would go quiet when everyone left.
Later in the day, I heard afterschool snacks being prepared, printers spitting out homework, sports gear being gathered and the car leaving the driveway.
When they returned, there was talk around the dinner table, showers being taken and then all was quiet until the morning routine started up again.
During my illness, I marveled over the fact that they didn’t need my help at all for those 10 days. In fact, they helped me. They delivered meals to my door and checked on me as they passed my room.
Like my recent situation, if you were unexpectedly out of commission for 10 days, how would your family have managed?
If this thought panics you, then it’s time you get organized before a hardship happens. One of the reasons my family managed so well without me is because having an organized home is a priority of mine. I stage my home to function without me.
We change throughout our lives, and our stuff has to change with us. Too many of you are holding on to things because you’re emotionally attached. Yet, your everyday life is hectic, and you’re not prepared for the unexpected.
I know firsthand how difficult it is to let go of things, but if you make organizing a priority, then you will find the strength to let go.
Stop keeping things because of who gave it to you, how much it cost, how often you once needed it or because you may need it someday.
Letting go of these items in my life allowed me to plan a trip with my girlfriend and then recover from the flu without things being chaotic in my home. There is a real freedom that comes with letting go of excessive things.
My family did not have to trip over or take care of unnecessary items during my absence. This made it easier for them to find what they did need, which allowed me time to recover peacefully.
Being out of service reminded me how important it is to keep my home organized. Do yourself and your family a favor. Make organizing your home a top priority this year, so you can relax a little when things go wrong.