Leave A Legacy

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Perhaps there is no greater question we could ever ask ourselves in life but this:

“What is the real purpose to my life?”

We want our lives to have meaning and direction – we want to believe that all of our hard work mattered in the bigger picture of life.

In other words, we want our lives to count for something – wouldn’t you agree?

Well, I have to tell you…

The most rewarding part of my job is when a client tells me that they want to get their “life” in order because they don’t want their legacy to be full of “stuff” their family can’t make heads or tails out of.

   

They realize that when everything is all said and done,  they want to leave behind something that matters – things that tell a story about their life experience.

Most people want to share these memories with their family and friends in a way that is uncomplicated and simple to follow.

The challenge with this however, is most people never get to clearing out their spaces and putting things in order to leave a proper legacy.

Then of course, their loved ones left behind have to deal with whatever trail is left – trying to make sense of it all.

Of course, this can range from important documents and legal matters to years of family collectibles, etc., which in essence costs excessive time and money and let’s not discount our “energy.”

During Tuesday’s Tel-Class I am going to share with you why it’s so important to get your “stuff” in order and show you how to begin the process that will honor and respect your wishes.

This is going to be a thought provoking class, so please come prepared to take notes and ask questions.

REGISTER HERE

A New Way Of Looking At What’s Important

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A New Way Of Looking At What’s Important
It’s interesting to me that what we think is important may not necessarily be high on the roster list of things to do.  Yet if we perceive it to be so important, why do the important things usually get done last and everything else gets pushed to the front?
I have noticed that most people tend to think if they address the small tasks first, that once they get that all out of the way, they can focus on the bigger task at hand.  When actually, the opposite is proven to be true.
Delaying the task that will have the greatest impact on your day or your overall goal is like sitting and watching a frog that you know you have to eat.  It doesn’t’ pay to do this all day.
Yes, you heard me right –“Eat The Frog.”
frog2

 

The concept is this:
If you know that the first thing you have to do each morning is eat a live frog, you can go through the rest of the day with the satisfaction of knowing that this is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day.
And…let’s just say you are really busy and you have two frogs before you, well, eat the ugliest one first.
Well it made me laugh when I first heard about this and it became a big splash for some of my clients who were struggling with procrastination and prioritizing effectively.
Enjoy!

 

Question From A Facebook Reader

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Hi Patricia.

I would like to know the best way of getting a hoarder to realize she needs professional help, as they all think they can do it themselves, the “it” being cleaning out their homes.

Obviously, they can’t because if they could, their homes wouldn’t be that way in the first place.

I believe those were the exact words you said to my friend, and that almost got her to the point where she agreed – almost.

My feeling is that their perception is so far from reality that they won’t seek help on their own, that some type of intervention must take place, like the threat of eviction, or an ultimatum set by family or friends.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

 

My Comment:

Hoarding is a complicated disorder and everyone reacts and responds differently.

(Notice how I used respond and react)

Ultimately the person needs to seek help for themselves, but unfortunately in many circumstances the help is forced upon them (despite their unwillingness) due to eviction or unmanageable conditions.

Support groups are always a good first step to learn more and get educated.

I would be more than happy to discuss further with you at any point.

Take care.

The Infamous Home Office – (Tuesday’s Tel-Class – 1/17/12)

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Have you been dreaming of getting your home office into shape?

Would you like to know what is the key to having an office that runs efficiently?

Then you may want to consider signing up for this upcoming class:  REGISTER HERE !

 

Smart Systems that Work for You

the-infamous-home-office

When you walk into your office, do you sit down at your desk and begin your daily work with a strong sense of focus and concentration? If you said yes, well good for you!  But many of us don’t feel this way.  Instead of entering with a purpose, we get distracted and end up going in several directions, none of which proves to be productive or efficient.

If you can relate to this and feel overwhelmed and scattered, take a serious look at your desk!

(And then consider signing up for this class right now!)

Has it become your dumping ground and covered with things to read (I know, one day you will get to relax and read it) such as newspapers, magazine articles, letters…need I go on?

First, suffice it to say, you need a system to streamline your stuff and organize your work.

So let’ me give you a taste of what you will be learning in class:

Smart Sorting

Take those papers and divide them into three categories:

1. Immediate Attention

2. Look Later

3. File

Please, make it simple on yourself, throw away, shred, or recycle everything else that you have not touched or looked at in years and do not need!

Never underestimate the power of having things within arm’s reach – so now put all those immediate action items there!

Organize them so you can see them…try something that will keep them upright, such as a letter sorter. If you lay them down, it’s too risky to start piling again, hence they get buried.

Now create an area that is for your “Look Later” stuff. Find something that is colorful and will draw your eye as a reminder.

I personally like the file totes that have the detachable file inserts. It’s ideal for your magazines, papers, and catalogs and you can make bold labeled tabs for each category.

Tip: Once you see it getting full or heavy, it’s time to purge!

Curious? Want to hear a little more?

Keep reading, but I’m telling you – you should sign up for this class – it’s going to be a popular one!                                                                                                

Clearing Your Space

I always say, you must be attracted to your tools, and a filing cabinet is no exception. Find something that you like that will compliment the style of your office. You have to feel like you want to “go” to the files.

Take the time to shop or go on-line and browse a bit. I suggest you find one with drawers that close – it helps things look less cluttered and professional.

Finally, it’s important to put like with like.  This means, no commingling your papers please. Separate your mail immediately and keep your bills in their own home. Then put the rest of the mail in the homes you already established prior – “Immediate, Look at Later or File.” Remember, now is a good time to toss, shred or recycle the rest.

Tip:

If it’s been more than 2 weeks and you haven’t read your catalogs, it’s time to let them go.

Want to learn more and get that office of yours humming?

Then I suggest you sign up now and take advantage of this opportunity – so don’t delay!

REGISTER HERE 

Don’t forget to come prepared with your questions so I can personally help you!

 

 

The New Year Buzz

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It’s almost time to “ring in” the New Year…

and the most popular buzz that’s humming around town for a resolution is:

“To live a simpler lifestyle.”

Now I knew it would only be a matter of time before this idea caught on, and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for anyone who is considering reducing their stress level.  I am a firm believer that by living a simpler lifestyle you can reap many benefits, such as overall health and wellness.

But unfortunately most people have misconceptions about how to go about this and end up overwhelmed, thus causing them to break their goal for the New Year.

Living simply can be implemented once you have a simpler state of mind – which can begin with a fresh perspective on considering the lifestyle you want to live.

One mantra in particular I found helpful for awareness is “less is more.”   Try thinking about how to apply this in all aspects of your life and then choose something small to begin building on.

Sometimes purging areas of your life can be the catalyst to living a simpler lifestyle!

Why I Chose My Winners To Get Simplified!

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To say the least, Melissa and Tammy wooed me!

They made me feel something for them…

And for me, that translated into wanting to help them.

Check out what they had to say and you will see why it wasn’t difficult for me to select these Two Amazing Women as My Winners!

 

 

 

               Melissa’s Story

 

 

Hi Patricia,

The clutter and disorder in my life has become my biggest obstacle. I ran across your contest on the internet and it inspired me to do something about the heaviness that is preventing me from becoming all I can be.
So….. 3 Good Reasons Why I Want To Get Organized. 

(How will getting organized benefit my life?)

Reason #1: Getting organized will allow me the freedom to live my life, to focus and achieve my goals.

I am an over achiever with a dirty little secret. To the outside world I seem the confident, pulled together career woman, able to handle anything that is thrown at her.  At home I am exhausted and unable to relax, completely overwhelmed with stuff. Lots of stuff. Old stuff, new stuff….stuff that should have been thrown out years ago…stuff that makes no sense….stuff that is smothering me….stuff that is stopping me…holding me back….occupying my shelves, my life and my mind.  I am stuck…unable to move.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about it….how to manage it…where to pile it, put it, stack it, fold it, categorize it, store it….in case…I need it.

All this thinking about stuff just makes me feel heavy…and nothing ever gets done about it. Something is always more important… I am at a complete stall.

Every plan I have for myself begins with these thoughts….”As soon as I get organized..”, “When I finally have the time to organize….”, “If I could only GET ORGANIZED!”

I keep telling myself I need time to accomplish this…and it never happens.

I have tried to analyze why I do this…why I buy things I don’t need, that don’t fit….that I don’t even LIKE…and why I hold on to everything I buy and have bought…unwilling to part with it….in case I need it….in case it fits some day. In case it comes back in style….like clogs…..I mean..that proves my point…doesn’t it?

Is it because my parents lived through the great depression? “Save everything…it cost you hard earned money..don’t you dare throw money away like that….”

My father collected tools, nuts and bolts…tiny little things in piles…all over the garage…my mother collected paper, books, memorabilia….I still have all of her things…in a storage unit…because she will not part with them.

As I sit here on Thanksgiving night…drinking a chocolate martini…writing this contest entry…amidst piles of paper…bags, books, boxes,dishes in the sink…while my two cats run amok…I can’t for the life of me figure out where to start….

When I have a day off…I think…wow! Today is the day…I can begin! ….It never happens. Perhaps…I am afraid.

I want to break the pattern, I want to lighten the load…shake my wings free and soar! I want to start my own business and free my space, as well as my mind from clutter…so…I can focus. I want to make a difference.

Reason #2. Getting organized will allow me more time to dedicate to loved ones.

Aside from holding down a demanding career, I am a full time caregiver to an ailing parent. Along with managing my mother’s daily needs (diet restrictions, cooking, bathing, laundry etc) I am constantly shuffling around clutter.  Because I am constantly moving things around and rearranging things…I am unable to spend time with my mom that is worthwhile. At the end of a long day, when I finally sit down, it is either past midnight and she is asleep or I find myself exhausted and too short tempered to talk….not very good company to someone who has just spent the day alone with no one to talk to.

I have help with the house cleaning…although…the cleaning lady can’t really do much…because it is impossible to move around the stuff. My house is never dirty…it is just a cluttered disaster! I am embarrassed to have friends and family over. If I do host an event I spend days going on a painful hide and clean binge. It is like being bulimic….buy,pile, HIDE as opposed to eat and purge!  The first floor will be spotless and sparkling:) the upstairs bedrooms and basement will look like Beirut! I have even gone so far as hiding the cats…along with their kitty litter in my mother’s bedroom!

If I was able to simplify my life, I would have more time for my mother and a cleaner, safer environment for her. I could host a party and spend quality time with my guests without feeling like I fought a war!

Reason #3 Getting organized will allow me to sell our home and finally live with my husband!

My husband, is in the military and is currently serving in Afghanistan. He is away from home for many months…sometimes a year at a time. This leaves the business of running the household and managing our affairs to me. When he is home…he works and lives in Washington DC, we spend weekends together. We are unable to live together because our house in NJ needs to be renovated before we can sell it. I would like to complete the project before my husband returns home from his tour in the spring. I don’t want to disappoint him.

We live in a very old farm house (circa 1920)…I have undertaken several renovation projects and now have to tackle the upstairs rooms in our home. The accumulation of clutter (especially upstairs)makes this job ten times harder than it should be. I am embarrassed to take the contractors up to look at the job because of the mess. My husband wants me to get the house ready for sale so that we can finally live together in one place! I just can’t seem to step back and come up with a plan that works.

I would like to have a comfortable place for my husband to come home to. I don’t want to allow the clutter to stop us from living together as a family.

3 Good Reasons:  Why I Want To Work With Patricia

(How will the quality of my life improve by working with Patricia?)

Reason #1:
I need someone to help me find a path!
I can not do this alone! I am not a person who asks for help easily. As a matter of fact my typical mantra is…”I can do this! I don’t need help…I can make this happen on my own.”  Well…this time I can’t. By admitting this I am already improving my life. As much as I don’t want to say it…I need help. I am at my wits end! I need assistance, I need a strategy, I need some sort of a push to get out of this stall pattern and hit this thing hard. I am sick of living like this. I am tried of crying in the shower and feeling overwhelmed!

Reason #2:
I need to be able to get up in the morning and out of the door without feeling like I have put in a full days work.
I can never seem to find anything to wear…my bedroom looks like Filene’s Basement after an explosion. I don’t even know what I have. Although it can be fun to hang out in my room and dig through all of the cool, funky clothes (never, ever bought at full price!)…like the purple faux Persian lamb cape coat….evening gowns..every color ..some never worn with the tags still on them…red and white,candy striped, peep toe, spike heels with bows…(thought they would be cool while lounging by the cabana…WHAT cabana????), I cannot seem to find one single outfit that fits my body shape and size TODAY that is suitable for work. So….after preparing mom’s breakfast and taking it to her…. after packing her lunch….after feeding the cats….after doing the dishes…throwing in a load of laundry….making a cup of coffee….I enter my bedroom and begin the mad Dig and Dash.

I frantically begin the search through one of 6 areas that I store (or semi-store) my clothes in. The guest bedroom has become a place to pile clothes and throw shoes…there are also two closets in this room full of clothes and shoes….I have three closets in my bedroom…along with a rolling clothes rack and another closet in the bathroom…another rolling rack in my entry foyer, stuffed with clothes… and another closet on the first floor…supposedly for coats….although I am no longer really sure WHAT is in there. Most of my clothes are dry clean only…so there is a ton of plastic over the clothes making it difficult to see where anything is.

I begin by tearing off plastic…trying on things that don’t fit and piling them on to an ironing board. After about a half an hour of digging and trying on, and discarding and repeating…I look at the clock…panic, yell goodbye to my mother, trip over one of the cats and run out the door….late for work…again. Sometimes…unable to make a decision, I throw a second pair of shoes into a bag and bring them with me….in case I want to change them
before entering the office. I leave behind a pile of clean clothes…that will just grow bigger as the week progresses.

As much as the paragraph above might have made you laugh…the next will be sobering.

I am tired of living like this. There is no reason for this stupid excess. I should know better. My husband spends a lot of time in third world countries, where people have nothing but the clothes on their backs. I am ashamed of what I am doing and I want and need to stop. I need someone to set me straight and remind me of this.

Reason #3
Clutter and disorganization has stalled my (and our) life, and I want it back.
My husband and I wanted to adopt…we have dreamed of having a family. We talk about it , but there never seems to be a right time.  I have all of the paper work…we even began the home study before he left…but I have never been able to complete all of the documentation required. I am getting older and I fear that the opportunity may have passed. It is sad to think that the clutter in my life has prevented me and my husband from sharing our love with a child. I don’t want the clutter to stop us from doing what is important to us. I hate that I spend so much time with this disorder that I can’t enjoy my life with my husband.  Our marriage is strong…but I am not sure any marriage could withstand this burden over time. I fear that, without help, I will lose everything that is important to me and be left with only regret. I have not been able to make this happen on my own. I need someone that I trust in my corner to help me keep the gloves on. I need a coach.
I want to win this fight.

Sincerely,

Melissa Williams

 

 

 

    Tammy’s Story

 

 

Dear Patricia,

I’m so excited to join your contest!

I didn’t hesitate to list my three good reasons why I want to live an organized life.  I absolutely know why!!!

1)    I am ready, r e a d y, READY!!!!!  I’m beyond ready!  I’m mental, physically and spiritually ready to get it right.  (It’s the off season in my business right now so I am not only ready, but willing and able.)
Mentally I need this to help me cope, physically I’m going to be 50 soon and can’t just keep plowing through & spiritually I want the peace in my life to focus on the most important things. Let’s go!!!!

2)    I have no choice.  I HAVE to get a system because my life is sooooo full.  I can’t see my way clear to cultivating the right system on my own.  I’ve seen a lot, read some, listened to those who ARE organized.  I desire it….but I need HELP!  I want to put my efforts into something worthwhile.  I’m afraid to pick the wrong thing, because then, I may not pick something successful and will end up further behind with more wasted time and less of a chance to try again.  Like a failed diet!  No choice.  I HAVE to do this.

3)  My girls.  I have a 10 and 14 year old girls.  I don’t want to have them live in and perpetuate my chaos.  I want to teach them how to balance their lives properly.  I see some of my bad influence in them now and I see them struggle.  I wish I knew how to help them.  Please!  Help me so I can in turn help my own girls improve the quality of their lives too.  My husband, I and my girls all benefit.  It would improve the quality of the life in my family beyond words!

Three reasons why I need YOU!

1)  No fanny patting… I want the BEST!  If I’m going to give it 100% I want someone who is THEE authority on the subject; Someone whom I admire and can truly learn from;  Someone who calms me and helps me complete a thought!  That’s YOU, Patricia!  I’ve spoken with you and have longed to partner up together.  I know I could be a great student!

2)  I’ve wanted to have a session with you forever.  I think I’ve been trying for two years now and with a new business and paying for the girls to go to Christian school…I just have not been able to budget myself in, even though I know the value of it.

3)  My health.  I don’t know how to do this on my own.  If I could of, I would of by now.  NO ONE would be able to understand my life like you.  I’m working only 76 hours a week now (off season!), am an assistant leader in 4H and active in the Christian school as well as a mom and wife.  I keep myself pared down to only important things and keep downtime at home a priority.

I don’t want to run, run, run….so I don’t; but…and it’s a big BUT….I don’t know how to turn down the pressure in my own life.  My business is a convenience store, with gas pumps, liquor store, laudrymat and full pizzeria/deli.  I’m BUSY!!!!  I’ve done good.  People always tell me they don’t know how I do it….but I probably could do it with much less effect on my health and family if I had your help!

Thanks for your consideration!

Tammy Schack and Family

AND THE WINNER IS…

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I had no idea how many entries would be coming my way, and what I would be encountering.

I am amazed at the time everyone took to express their feelings in terms of where they are now and where they would like to be in the future!

As you know, I put a strong emphasis on the word “feeling.”  I wanted to really be able to “feel” someone’s emotions pour out so I could get a real good pulse on what they were experiencing and how their life would be different if they had an opportunity to change their course.

So please let me preface that this was an exhilarating and emotional challenge for me as well.

As I read all the entries, I  laughed, I pondered, I analyzed, I cried, but mostly I was just in awe of all of YOU!

I want to say thank-you to each and everyone one of you who took the time to participate in this contest – you are SIMPLY AMAZING!

But as you know, someone has to be the winner and I am head over heels, couldn’t be happier to announce…

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER of a complimentary consult & assessment & one-on-one time with me is….

Melissa M. Williams – Grand Prize Winner

Melissa’s story compelled me to want to help her – I guess you can say, she wooed me big time!  I read her story over and over and allowed myself sometime to really imagine what her life must be like.  She did an excellent job of depicting her circumstances and strongly conveyed to me that she is certainly up for THE CHALLENGE!

So let’s give a big time round of applause for Melissa.

But wait, there is one other winner to be announced – Tammy Schack!

Tammy’s story resonated with me! I can tell that with a little coaching help she will be able to sort a few things out that she is currently challenged with.  So I am thrilled to announce that Tammy has won a COMPLIMENTARY COACHING SESSION WITH ME!  Yahoo for Tammy!

Once again, thank you to everyone who participated – I hope in some way this helped you realize that living an organized and simplified life is a very COOL THING TO DO!

Check Out Melissa and Tammy’s Story!

 

 

Get Simplified – Take The Challenge!

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I have a Special Announcement that I am so excited to share with you!

In honor of launching my new website – (which I’m just loving – aren’t you?) I am officially running the “Simplify Me – Take The Challenge” contest.

So what does this mean for you?

Well it means lots of fabulous, deliciously good things for you, but first you have to be prepared to be courageous enough to enter the contest and put yourself “out there” … and I mean soulfully, gut wrenching, deep rooted, out there.  And then you will you have the opportunity of a lifetime to finally put the wheels in motion towards getting your life in order.

So if you are interested in taking the “Simplify Me Challenge” here is all you have to do:

  • Give me 3 Good Reasons Why You Want To Get Organized.  (How will getting organized benefit your life?)
  • Give me 3 Good Reasons  Why You Want To Work With Me.  (How will the quality of your life improve by working with me?)

Now here’s a clue –  superficial answers will not win me over – I want the wow factor – I want you to dig deep and really express yourself to me.   Wow me over!

You do this by emailing me here:  [email protected]

So what will you win?  (Yes, I know, this is the key factor of why you are going to go through all of this in the first place right?)

Well, my dear, you are going to win ME!  And then I am going to give YOU a complimentary Consult & Assessment and then additional One-On-One time with me! (Rules & Regulations do apply)  There is no price on the value of this – (How can you put a price on getting your life back on track and breathing easier?  You simply can’t.)  That’s why this “Simplify Me – Take The Challenge” contest is one of a kind – jump at the chance, just do it now opportunity!

Why am I doing this?

Because I have seen within the past ten years of my practice the overall success of my clients and there is nothing more rewarding then to see happy faces and feel good feelings that change people’s lives.  I believe in the process of what it takes to live an organized life. It’s why I do what I do and what makes me want to forge forward even in the toughest of times.  I know my programs work and I want you to have the opportunity to see what a deep impact they will have on you and how life enhancing they will be!

So this is what you need to know as well…

I will be judging them myself.  Yes, that’s right.  I am going to take the time to read each entry and judge them on how they make me feel.  REMEMBER, I need to feel everything about you.

The Winner will be posted on Friday, November 25, 2011.  (That’s the day after Thanksgiving.)  So you have plenty of time to really provide thought provoking information to me.  I will be posting the Winner on my Blog.  And hey, you never know, I may just be in the festive mood to give some other goodies away – one never knows how you may turn my head if you really give me something good!

So there you go…good luck...take your time…really think…and I wish you the best of success!  I will be talking to you soon!

Here’s to living simply,

Patricia

xoxo

Join Me In The Present

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It’s true …

We may regret the things we do at times, but most of us regret what we didn’t do!

As I witness and experience family struggles with my mother’s debilitating Alzheimer’s disease, I can’t help but contemplate my own life and yes, mortality.

I think about things now, that if I am honest with my feelings, were only fleeting moments of thought in the past.

Now, more than ever, I realize how precious life is and how important it is to live in the present time.

Someone very wise told me that learning how to live in the “present” is the greatest gift you can give yourself – that is why they call it a “present.” You become more consciously aware – there becomes a true “presence” about you and life becomes fuller and richer.

A Simple Gift

I came across an article recently that revealed the top 5 things people regret, and I thought about how this intertwines with my philosophy of living simply.

It fascinates me, even to this day, that we as humans work so hard to get ahead in life so we can afford to do the things that we “think” we want, only to find out later, when we are faced with our own mortality, our perspective changes.

What once was so important, no longer rates high or even exists for that matter.

Check out what most people say:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Simplifying our lives allows us the opportunity to focus on what’s really important to us. I view it as a revitalized life purpose plan – because after all, what is life without a true purpose anyway?

Creating more space in our lives – whether that means physical, emotional or mental space affords us the opportunity to be happier and healthier.

What about you? Are you ready to keep things simple and let go of what is no longer serving you well?

Having the courage to be true to ourselves, by exploring our feelings and acknowledging them, may be one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.

Won’t you join me in the present?