How Your Space Speaks For You

Learning how to become more organized is a hot topic right now. Why? Because it’s been found that greater organization leads to greater results in the way we think, feel and live. Think about it. How do you feel when you need to find an object but your home or office is in complete disarray? Piles of papers are all around, knick knacks scattered on various shelves and tables, mail covering the kitchen countertop and the kid’s clothes, toys, shoes and backpacks are everywhere? You’re probably frustrated that you can’t find what you’re looking for, upset that things have gotten so out of hand, discouraged that you haven’t found a way to become and STAY organized and anxious because you’re running late due to the extra time needed to find what you were looking for! You also may notice that you feel tense, stressed and uneasy. This is often a defining moment when you realize that both you and your living space needs to change.

Something else is going on as well. The space where we live, work and play gives others an outward view of what’s going on inside. What do I mean? Live or work in a messy, unkempt and uncared for environment and chances are you feel messy, unkempt and uncared for yourself. Live or work in a space that’s neat, clean and attractive and chances are that’s how you feel about yourself as well. Your space represents you. It’s an outward visual representation of your internal perspective.

For example, have you ever gotten ready to go out to a dressy event, maybe a wedding, formal party, etc. You’re wearing a flattering dress, your hair’s done, makeup is on and you’re feeling great about the way you’ve put yourself together. Now picture your house looking like a tornado went through it. It just doesn’t fit does it?

Now picture an overwhelmed, overextended mom. She’s wearing sweats, no makeup, her hair is up in a ponytail, the kids are screaming, dog is barking, phone is ringing…you get the idea. Now a messy, uncared for environment seems to fit. In fact, it seems difficult to have things any other way given the circumstances. Right? No!

You see, that’s exactly WHY this mom needs to de clutter and organize her environment. The sense of peace, clarity and calm that comes from a clean, organized space carries over to other areas within mom’s life. Once things are more organized, there are fewer “frantic searches” for missing items; less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying a more peaceful, relaxing space. This adjustment leaves more time for things mom may find enriching or rewarding. Once she has this extra time she may choose to use it to pursue something satisfying and fulfilling. Once she discovers something rewarding and meaningful to her she wants to take better care of herself because she’s more excited by her newly discovered passions and more rewarding life!

Walking into a room that is organized, where there’s no clutter, piles, newspapers, toys and extra “stuff” is calming. The calmness comes from everything being in order. Your mind doesn’t have to deal with extra “static” and can focus purely on the project at hand.
Organization also reduces stress and increases a sense of peacefulness. It’s that feeling of serenity, peace and “ahh, I’m home”. Most people also feel more confident when they have an organized area. Knowing that they can achieve a goal such as de cluttering or organizing brings about confidence. That confidence leads to the belief that more and even greater goals can be achieved.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Take a look at your surroundings and see if they match how you feel. Next, determine if your space represents how you WANT to feel. If your space doesn’t speak for you the way you want it to, take the first step to get it in tip-top shape. Chances are, you’ll get in tip-top shape too.