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Simplicity Seekers Discussion Group |
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Join the Simplicity Seekers to discuss your organizing dilemmas, learn ways to live more simply, and know that you are NOT alone in your clutter struggles!
Time: 6:30p-7:30p at
Where: Schlow Library Downbrough Room B
Cost: Zip, Zilch, Nada
Pre-Registration requested in order to attend the discussion.
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Testimonial |
"Dear Jessica,
Even though my husband, Bill, and I consider ourselves to be "minimalists," we still had some "stuff" to be cleared out and/or to be organized, especially in our basement; Jessica was a great help in doing this!
Also, she helped me establish a "desk area" for me which has greatly helped minimize our dining room table from becoming a "storage area."
Lastly, Jessica was most helpful in being a point of accountability to do what we kept putting off. . . in other words, knowing that we were spending money to help our home become organized was a great motivator! : )"
-Jennifer H. Port Matilda, PA
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Motivational Quote |
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"As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler."
-Thoreau | |
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Greetings!
I'm baaaccckkkk! And have never been happier to have my feet planted firmly on U.S. soil! I spent the month of March in the Philippines and what an experience I had. I learned so many valuable lessons that I look forward to sharing in the upcoming e-newsletters!
First lesson learned: be who you are, work with who you are, and spend time with people who appreciate you for you!
I look forward to working with you soon!
Sincerely,
-Jessica, Bringer of Order
P.S. Please forward this email to anyone you feel may benefit from the information and invite them to join our mailing list. |
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Life Simplified...even more! |
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Many of you know that I spent the entire month of March in the Philippines. I travelled through the Luzon, starting in Manila and driving 8 hours north to Tugeurao. There were many stops during the adventure north and many, many experiences. Experiences ranged from good, bad, ugly to forever life changing.
Before setting out on this trip I gave myself the challenge of living out of smaller sized backpack for the entire month. I'm proud to announce that my goal was achieved! It has taught me a valuable lesson and that is that it takes very, very little to easily survive.
I thought I lived simply before I left and I even started the Simplicity Seekers support/discussion group to teach others how to live simply. Well, I've learned that I can even go more simple and I have been.
Within a day of my return I had loaded my SUV with charitable donations from my own home. It doesn't stop there...everyday I'm looking for at least one item from somewhere in my home not serving any purpose to my daily life. My mother keeps joking around that I will have nothing left in my house because I barely had anything to start with. She's partially correct. But what do I (we) really need to survive on a day to day basis? The answer: not much, not much at all.
Why live a simple life?
- You have much less to maintain in your home or office. This saves time, energy, and money.
- You have less to clean. Whew, this alone is enough for me! :)
- You save time getting dressed because you have less choices to choose from. Laundry day is easier too!
- You save time getting ready because you only have one scented lotion or one hair product to choose from. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about!
- You save money because you are only buying what you need, when you need it.
- Living simple is living green, in many cases. It limits the possessions you own, thus cutting your footprint and saves both energy and resources.
- Most importantly, you have time to spend just as you want to spend it! Go for a hike, play with the kids, walk the dog extra far, take that week-end away guilt free, (insert your own pleasure here).
I'm really looking forward to sharing my experiences in this ultimate simplification.
And view my adventure photos at:
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| Motivating Others to be More Organized |
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 How do we help motivate others in our lives to be more organized? This could include your spouse, children, co-workers, boss, friends, and others.
What does it mean to motivate someone?
To motivate you are giving an incentive for action or providing with a motive, to move, impel or induce an action. Some people must be able to visualize the end goal in order to be given a motive or reason for organizing.
1. Be Organized. The number one way to motivate others to be more organized is to be organized yourself. It's difficult and unfair to hold others to a higher standard than that which you hold yourself.
2. Model good behaviors.
For example: let's say the new organizing rule at home is everyone must put their own plates in the dishwasher. Do you think your spouse and children are going to follow this rule if they see you leaving your plate on the table? Why should they? Model the same behaviors you expect of your family and/or co-workers.
3. Delegate Duties.
One part of delegating duties is recognizing that others may complete a chore or organizing task slightly different then you would do it. This is not wrong, just a different way of doing it.
When dealing with children, please remember the duties must be age and ability appropriate.
Provide guidance and clear instructions about what you need others to do.
4. Reap the Rewards.
A job well done deserves a reward in some cases. Rewards for children could include money, but another popular choice may be spending one-on-one time with mom or dad. It's surprising how many children feel starved for time with their parents. Reward them with this despite your busy schedule. You'll be glad you did.
Rewards for adults may include a new book or magazine, concert or movie tickets, time for a hobby or special activity, date night, a favorite TV show or movie, a bubble bath, facial, manicure, among countless others.
5. Chores Chart.
This can be especially useful if you want to keep track of chores or organizing projects. In an office space, a chart can be used to demonstrate the different parts of a bigger organizing project--such as setting up a new filing system which will take a number of hours or days to complete.
Setting up a chore chart can be quite simple; computer programs design custom tables and charts in mere minutes.
It's extremely useful for kids who want to be rewarded. For younger kids, use pictures instead of words to describe their duties.
6. Create Systems Together.
And FINALLY, we must setup and maintain simple and easy systems to ensure we stay organized.
People are much more receptive to change if their thoughts and feelings are considered in the process. For example, in an office setting it is much easier to set-up a new filing system if everyone's thoughts are considered. Important questions should be discussed such as where the files will be located, or will it be organized alphabetically or by topic/subject?
Systems must be logical and simplistic. For example, bill paying supplies should be kept together and not in three separate locations around the house.
Being more organized can and will make a difference in your everyday life. And ultimately affect the lives around you in a very positive way.
So let's all help each other become more organized today. Sound like a plan? |
It's Time for Your Spring Fling!
40% off all organizing services
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- Are You or Someone You Know Ready to Simplify?
- Don't Delay Call Today! #814.360.1063
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Offer Expires: 4/16/09-ONLY 1 WEEK to take advantage of this incredible discount! Offer good for up to 8 hours of prepaid hours.
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