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Do This When Things Are Falling Apart

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If I didn’t have the skills to organize and keep my home in order when everything around me was a mess and falling apart, I’m not sure exactly how things would have turned out for me.

And I don’t say that lightly.

You see, many years ago, “things” were not going so well in my life. Everything, and I mean everything, was out of control. It felt as if I was on one big merry-go-round and I couldn’t stop it from going around and around.

But I knew one thing for sure – I wanted off the merry-go-round!

So I started thinking about what skills I possessed that could help make a difference in people’s lives. My mind kept asking the question; Who am I and what am I good at?

For the longest time, I had no idea the answer was right under my nose. It’s comical now when I think about it. How something so obvious is right in front of us and we never know it – until we do!

I remember feeling excited, when I figured out that my ability to “organize” and see things “orderly” was a gift that I could put to good use. But more than that, I felt empowered. Like, I got real hope that my life was about to change for the better.

I’m sharing this with you because I understand what it feels like to be stuck, uncertain, sad and all those other feelings that are wrapped around them. But I also know that my organizing skills literally saved me when everything else around me felt out of control and chaotic.

That’s why I help people, just like you, learn how to get organized. It’s also why I created Mindful Tools For Organized Living. It’s a convenient study program that you can do in the privacy of your home or office. And for a limited time, you can get the program for just $297.00 $197.00 PLUS three (3) complimentary coaching sessions.

Learning how to organize is an important step. A vital step that will help you manage through transitional times and give you peace of mind and hope for the future.

Why do you think people feel soooo much better when they’re organized? It’s really that simple.

ORDER NOW

If you’re struggling, remember this…

It’s only temporary. And in the meantime, you can find stability in de-cluttering and organizing your life. I did, and I know you can too!

Closets Are Indicative Of Your Mind!

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I’ve heard it said that ‘Closets are indicative of our mind.’  A messy closet, a cluttered mind.  An organized closet, a clear mind.

Closets Are Indicative Of Your Mind

I would agree that once a person cleans out their closet, they feel like they can think again. The problem is that many people have a hard time with the de-cluttering process. They tell me they feel overwhelmed just thinking about it.  They feel fearful that once they start they won’t be able to finish and they’ll be left with an even bigger mess. Some even report a sense of panic.

As a Clutter Coach who has worked with many people in their closets, I can share with you that these feelings are not just about the daunting act of  cleaning up.  It goes a little deeper.  It’s about what their things represent for them; unrealized plans, long-lost memories, etc.  

But I’ve got good news!  I cracked the code for cluttered closets. I’m about to share with you

3 Secret Elements that will radically change your clutter situation. Think of it as your very own Secret Elixir.

If you want to dig yourself out of your clutter rut, implement a tried and true organizing system, and improve the quality of your life immediately … then you’re in for a big treat!

Thursday, February 2nd @ 7:00 PM (ET) I am hosting an on-line event – free of charge – to let you in on the 3 Secrets to Curing Clutter..

All you have to do is register below and the details will follow.
Register Now!

Holiday Tips to De-Stress

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Looking for tips to help you de-stress during the holidays?

Holiday De-Stress Tips

Here are some ideas to help you along your way:

  • Nurture Yourself: Set aside relaxation time – (yes, I am serious – make the time to relax – take a bubble bath, light scented candles, curl up to a good book.)
  • Spend time with positive people who enhance your life – (during the holidays we may have to be around people who cause us stress – so connecting with people you really like at this time is important.)
  • Do something you enjoy every day – (this will help balance you out and lift your spirits – go for a walk, play with your pet, meditate.)
  • Keep your sense of humor – (now come on, you know laughter is the best medicine of all – watch a good comedy, call a friend who always makes you laugh –  remember to just keep smiling)

And remember, try not to get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays – they are meant to be enjoyed!

Happy Holidays!

How To Make Routines Work For You And Others – Tuesday’s Tel-Class

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Despite what you may have heard, routines are actually very good for you and can create an overall sense of health and well being.

If I could show you how to make routines work for you and others to help you become more productive and efficient in an upcoming Tel-Class this Tuesday, would you enroll in the class?

REGISTER now!

Wouldn’t you agree, there’s nothing worse than feeling like you just wasted your time on an uneventful day.

Most of us will be left feeling unproductive and frustrated, especially when we are trying so hard to achieve both our professional and personal goals.

When this happens to me, I usually find that I got out of my routine in some form or fashion, which ultimately sabotaged my time.

 

How To Make Routines Work For You And Others

Understanding the basics of time management is a valuable lesson to learn since it can be incorporated in all aspects of your life, from your work place to your home.  Therefore, routines are good to have.

If you want to develop a routine to stop wasting time, then consider taking this upcoming tel-class.

The Course Curriculum Will Cover:

    • How to find out what makes you tick personally.
    • Where you waste time and where you could be more productive.
    • Tips to help you understand that you have control over your day.
    • How to create a schedule that keeps you on track.
    • Understanding the importance of scheduling time for yourself.
    • Why taking a peek at tomorrow is helpful to prioritize your schedule.
    • How to resolve all issues as you have scheduled, unless it is impossible to do so.
    • How having a routine helps others.
    • And so much more…

I strongly suggest you come with an open mind, a sense of humor and a willingness to learn!

REGISTER NOW!

I’m always thinking of classes to help simplify your life.

I believe this one is going to help you tremendously.

I look forward to your participation.

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

Disorder Distracts – Order Brings Focus

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I’ve heard it been said that “Wisdom is the study of difference.”

I thought about this and how it applies to disorder and order.

For example, I have always said…

“Show me a person with clutter and I will show you their lack of follow through.”

Clutter, a form of disorder, distracts the mind.

Organization is order and brings clarity.

Look at the below picture – do you think you can be productive, focused, and orderly in this environment?

 

Now look at this picture – do you think this environment would bring about focus, clarity and order?

 

 

What are you experiencing right now?  Do you understand the difference between order and disorder in the context of how it can make a true difference in your life?

Here is a fact:

If I can change what you know, I can change what you do.

And if I can change what you do to help you be more organized and efficient, I think you will then understand that “Wisdom is the study of difference.”

Interested in learning more?  I hope so!  I will be teaching you how to apply 7 Organizing Laws into your life that are bound to be life changing.

So don’t waste any more time – register now!

 

 

Organize Your Life This 2011 – An On-Line Workshop!

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People call into my office all the time asking for help.  Their source of pain can come from a myriad of reasons, such as:

  • Showing up late at work
  • Procrastinating on projects
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Losing items
  • Feeling unmotivated
  • Cluttered environment

Although they may have different stories, their pain comes from the same place.
However, once they make a commitment to improve the quality of their lives, it is then the process of organization unfolds and change occurs.

It is for this very reason I am hosting an on-line workshop this February entitled:

How to Get Organized by Overcoming Challenges in the Home and Workplace.

I will be taking my years of experience of teaching different subject matters and combining it into one amazing on-line workshop.  All you need is a telephone and a computer.

And I am making it so irresistible that you would have to be one organized Honcho not to sign up.

I know you want to kick-off 2011 to a great start to and I want to help you make it the best year ever!

I want to help you let go of things and relax, live simply, breath easy, be productive and for goodness sake – improve the quality of your life!

Now if you are still contemplating whether or not you should sign up I want you to ask yourself this question…
What is holding you back?


You have to be honest with yourself here.

Now please read on and see what you will be getting from this awesome workshop…

This on-line workshop is going to give you the tools to make this a productive and constructive year.
Here are the topics we will be covering:

You
(because you are important)

Self-Assessment
(we need to take a look at ourselves)

A Little Status Update
(things that are going on in the organizing world)

Stress in the workplace and home
(how this impacts your overall well-being)

Getting Motivated in Difficult Times
(you need steps to get you moving)

Clear Your Desk – Clear Your Mind
(from piles to files and tips to tricks)

Managing Time Productively
(creating effective systems – you know you need them)

Conquering Project Organizing
(artful ways to produce PTL’s)

Effective Communication
(how to say what you mean and mean what you say)

Empowering Methods to Manage your Home and Office
(tools to help you from backsliding)

With this class you will also receive:

  • Recording of each class (links)
  • Work book
  • PowerPoint presentation
  • Class Interaction
Plus – are you ready for this…

A 30 Minute Private Coaching Session with me! (this is a $100.00 value right here)

I said it before and I mean it, your success is my success and I want 2011 to be a smashing year!

To Learn More – click on the Register Now Button…

REGISTER NOW!

You won’t be disappointed!

What’s The # 1 Thing…

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Tell me, please…

I am listening and I really want to help you…

So here it is…

What’s the #1 thing, right now, that you would like to know about living an organized life?

Email me:  [email protected]

Are You Buried Alive?

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This Friday, Larry King Live will feature guests from TLC’s Buried Alive at 9:00 PM ET on CNN!

DO YOU NEED HELP?

You don’t have to suffer alone. Millions of people are affected by clutter and hoarding. It takes an experienced professional to support you with compassion and empathy, to keep you accountable and committed for successful results.

I have been helping people virtually and in-house nationwide and globally, and I can help you too! It’s not too late to begin – it’s just the first step in the right direction to allow the process to unfold.

If you are experiencing an overwhelming amount of stress due to your own clutter or from a loved one, I urge you to get support.

Please let me know how I may assist you. Please visit my website @ www.keepitsimplenow.com for a wealth of information on this subject. Also, stay tuned for an upcoming show on LifetimeTV where I discuss this subject matter.

Until then, I wish you well!

Sincerely,

Patricia Diesel