I’m Organized (Sometimes)

I am an organized person. Obviously.

I have a website completely dedicated to home organization. People pay me to get their spaces organized, and I regularly organize my own house for fun and relaxation (if you’re rolling your eyes a little at the thought of this… WAIT! I’m going somewhere with this, I promise).

I can innately look at a space and see exactly how to redistribute it’s contents for maximum efficiency and improved aesthetic value. This is how my brain is wired. Organization is in my DNA.

But I have a confession.

Right now, I am not organized.

My desk is piling up with stacks of papers that “I really should get around to filing.” My son’s room looks like it has never once been organized. Opening the fridge every night to decide what to make for dinner feels a little like some kind of sick torture – I have dutifully written out daily meal plans, but have no desire to follow them.

We’re having boxed Mac + Cheese. Again.

I know allllllllll the tips about time blocking for maximum productivity, and I helpfully offer others advice I’ve learned from experts over the years about ways to build + set routines and manipulate an environment for success.

I know this stuff works, because it has worked for me in the past.

But right now? It ain’t working for me.

Right now, I am feeling a little bit out of control and overwhelmed by life. The mornings are slipping into the afternoons, and I am still in my pajamas and not 100 percent sure if I’ve brushed my teeth yet today? I do know, however, that I have most definitely NOT brushed my hair. Priorities, people.

Once in awhile, I experience a strange burst of energy. “Hey kids, let’s do a craft!” But these moments are short lived; by the time it’s time to actually clean up supplies from said craft project, I may or may not have enough gas in the tank to finish the task.

For me, living an organized life is about creating a carefully balanced system in which all the parts of my “life environment” work to support each other and create my overall sense of balance and wellbeing.

For the most part, this works really well for me. I feel extremely blessed that in recent years, I’ve been able to find a good working relationship between my physical environment, relationships, health, and spiritual life. Things aren’t perfect by any means, but I feel like I finally got to a place where they were comfortable.

And then, out of the blue…

“WHAM!”

Life just loves sneaking up on you and knocking you down a peg or two, doesn’t it?

Just like that, I’m back in the shoes that a lot organizing clients are in.

Frustrated. Feeling overwhelmed by the mounting clutter. Dreading daily tasks. Having much to do with zero desire to actually do any of it.

My carefully crafted life balance is completely out of alignment, and I hate it. My point?

I know how you feel, because I feel that way too.

You are not alone in your struggles. You are not the only one who stares with loathing at growing piles of clean laundry (does anyone enjoy putting away laundry? ). You are not the only one who feels physically ill when you open that certain door and look at the mess behind it.

It happens to us all.

The good news?

If I know one thing for certain it’s that life is cyclical.

Just like the moon waxes and wanes, so does our energy, drive, and motivation as human beings.

Often this is seasonal for me:

Back to School season: Here I come!

March 27: Not getting out of bed.

We may all have a different threshold of tolerance for disorganization… but there’s usually a point where we reach our limit.

That “rock bottom” kicks our butts in gear to make a change- whether it’s digging in and tackling the project ourselves, or hiring someone to help us.

Judging by the mounting list of projects looming over my head everyday, I have a feeling I might hit that point soon. But maybe not. Maybe I just need some more time to sit with it. More specifically, to sit on the couch with it. Maybe with a magazine and some wine.

If you’re feeling super motivated right now and you’ve organized every last drawer in your kitchen… I’m so happy for you! That is the most amazing feeling and I hope I get to feel it soon.

If you feel like you’re in a sinking boat, trying to bail out water with a teeny tiny bucket… look up and wave to me as I float past on my own partially submerged vessel.

Then get back to work. Don’t give up… it will get better.

xoxo,

About the author: Suzette is a Northern Colorado professional organizer providing organizing services to Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Timnath and surrounding areas. She subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea that smart systems and some up front organizing work make more time for busy women to enjoy doing what they love. She has been married for over 10 years and is a mother of 2 school age children.