NEAT & SIMPLE LIVING

Getting Back On Track after a "Relapse"

Getting ready for our Getting Unstuck group coaching session today.  We'll be talking about "Getting Back on Track" after a lapse in a routine...like not exercising for a while, or not eating healthy, or not organizing, or letting clutter build up, etc.   

One of my favorite strategies is:

"Take some action in the direction you want to go - no matter how small it is - and give yourself credit for starting!"  

If I try to do "all or nothing" I can't get myself going - it's overwhelming. But if, for example, I'm trying to get back into an exercise routine, I allow myself to walk for just one minute - that minute starts to turn into 5, then 10, etc.  I allow myself to feel really good about that minute.  And then that positive feeling attracts me to do more.  If I feel like I'm not doing enough I'm more inclined to just give up. 

What strategies do you use for getting back on track? I'd love to hear them!

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P.S It is still possible to listen to the recordings of the powerful coaching calls we had in Jan. on "Getting Back on Track"and participate in Feb through June - Join for the full 6 month program and you will also get a one-time-only FREE 30 minute personal coaching call with me.  We currently have 4 seats available for the 6 month program.  

UPCOMING TOPICS

MARCH and APRIL "Clearing Resistance and Finding Your Inspiration" How to Conquer Procrastination and Magnetize Yourself into Action 

6 Seats Available

MAY and JUNE "You ARE Good Enough! Dealing with Perfectionism, High Sensitivity, Criticism and Rejection

8 Seats Available

Trouble Sleeping? How to Get a Good Night's Sleep - 12 Tips

When you have trouble sleeping, do you reach for sleep aids to cure your insomnia? You are not alone. I used Tylenol PM and Melatonin for years to help me sleep.  

But did you know that the consequences of "chronic" sleep aid use can be devastating to your health?

Did you know that chronic lack of sleep aggravates and/or can even cause:

•  ADD-like symptoms such as distractibility and impulsivity?
• depression?
• negative attitudes?
• difficulty dealing with stress?
• poor school and job performance?
• chronic fatigue? 
• muscle pain?
• loss of immune function?
• obesity?
• increased risk taking behavior?
• increased self-medication and risk of addiction?
• difficulty managing emotions?
• difficulty making decisions?
• difficulty organizing?
• accidents?
• difficulty learning? 
• poor memory?

Sleep is VITAL to our wellbeing and our ability to cope with the stresses of daily life.  So when we have trouble sleeping, it's very tempting to turn drugs for instant relief.  But the price of chronic sleep aid use can be staggering.  Not only can chronic sleep aids cause depression, research has shown that some sleep aid users can even develop an eating disorder from taking sleeping pills! 

"One woman gained 100 pounds before finally realizing that Ambien was at fault...Sleep-eating can occur spontaneously or in association with other drugs, so Ambien may not be the only culprit. But the researchers think that there's something about Ambien that leads to sleep-eating in some people. Presumably only a very small percentage of users are susceptible, but with millions of Americans taking Ambien every year, the sleep-eaters could number in the thousands." Source: New York Times Editorial, March 14, 2006
 

It's amazing the ripple effects a single behavior can have on the rest of your life. It's like that with organizing, too. Once you start rearranging your time, space and stuff, the ripple effects can lead to remarkable improvements in your overall energy, happiness, and even your health! 

I have witnessed powerful positive transformations in my clients' lives as well as in my own life as a result of becoming truly aware of the stuff that surrounds us and why it's there. I believe the reason for this transformation is that the very process of organizing requires that you make some tough decisions and become clear about your needs, values, purpose and motivation.

The very act of taking charge of your stuff to make it work to support your true needs intentions is empowering. This is especially true in bedrooms. Many people view the bedroom as a place to put everything they don't want other people to see, or as a multifunctional space. They watch TV, exercise, work and more in the bedroom. The ripple effect of this is often insomnia, stress and related health problems. Getting clear about the purpose of your bedroom, and organizing it to support your intention will have dramatic effects on how well you sleep.

I was a chronic insomniac who took sleep aids every night to help me sleep. Using a combination of organizing principles and Feng Shui strategies, I kicked the sleep aid habit and now I get the best sleep of my life! 

Here are my top tips to help you get the sleep you need to stay energized, happy and healthy.

Getting Unstuck: 8 Keys - Teleclass MP3 + Handout Now Available!

"Getting Unstuck: 8 Keys to Overcoming Chronic Disorganization and Cultivating the Gifts of ADD and Creative Personality Type

RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE WHO

• Has suffered from lifelong disorganization, ADD, or feeling like they are just "different" from everyone else and wonders why?
• Feels stuck in a pattern of overwhelm
• Has had lifelong difficulty managing time or following through with your intentions
• Has a highly creative personality or ADD
• Works or lives with people who have any of the above patterns.

DESCRIPTION

Whether you are chronically disorganized or have ADD, or live or work with someone who does, this session will help you gain deeper insight into the psychological and biological factors underlying the patterns and cycles that make us feel “stuck” and even hopeless.

While there are no “simple, easy steps” that will magically “fix ” your problems, there is HOPE! You can succeed at organizing and have the more satisfying and fulfilling life you dream of. You can learn to navigate life and organize with confidence.

In this session, you will learn 8 keys to unlocking the chains keeping you stuck in self-defeating patterns. Join me to get started on your path to Getting Unstuck, Getting Inspired, and Getting Results!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• How to get unstuck, get inspired, and get results by changing the way you look at things and especially by changing the way you dialogue with yourself.
• 8 Key Success Factors that empower you to overcome chronic disorganization and thrive with ADD
• The valuable role that your negative emotions and experiences can play in increasing your organizing success.
• How being highly sensitive, reactive, impulsive, emotional and distractible can actually work to your ADDVANTAGE.
• Listen to a mini-coaching session with one of the callers for the last half hour of the program! TOPIC: how to get to work on time

LENGTH: 90 minutes 
HANDOUT: You get a 13 page PDF handout complete with a Full-color graphic model of the Framework. 
RECORDING: MP3 audio file 35 MB

Instant delivery $27.00 Now Just $15.00! Introductory Offer Limited Time Only Price will only go up! SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Enter the code "LOLA" and click on "APPLY". MAKE SURE THE CHARGE CHANGES TO $15. There are no refunds for mistakes. Refunds cost time and money so be CAREFUL! : )

What Participants are Saying 

"Ariane: I attended your tele-seminar and thought it was fabulous. Would love to start some kind of coaching. Thanks again. I don't feel so stupid anymore." -SJ

The following email is from the brave woman who volunteered to be coached during the call:  

"That was a GREAT call!  I love all of your information!  Thanks for the coaching. The fact that I was able to verbalize how much I resent being told what to do is HUGE.  I've known that fact about me for so long, but was resistant to connect it to this issue.  On an even deeper level, it also stems from feeling bad about myself for feeling like I 'have' to have a job like this where there is someone who manages like this. I'm definitely journaling on this at lunch!  There was so much that came out of that!

By the way... I got up just 5 minutes earlier today, add that to a shift in my attitude about getting things ready at night so I can take my time in the morning and I was early to work! Thank you so much!"

 

 

Congratulations Katrina!  You are an inspiration to us all.  

 

Personal Life Coaching really does work!  When you are ready to make lasting changes in your life, I invite you to start with just 3 sessions with me and get started designing more success and confidence into your life.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OPTIONS FOR WORKING WITH ME AT:  www.lotusbridge.com 

The Great Organizing Giveaway is TODAY! Get my "Simplifying Your Life" Collection - FREE!

  

 I'm giving away my "Simplifying Your Life" Collection of ebooks and audios at the "Great Organizing Giveaway" TODAY!  Come Join us!

 http://bit.ly/OrgGiveAway

Here is just a sampling of the some of the giveaways and special offers being given away by professional organizers all over the world!

• On a Clear Day You Can Find the Top Of Your Desk Audio and Transcripts
• Use LinkedIn to Significantly Grow Your Business & Explode Your Profits! Audio
• Productive & Organized: Finding Your Way - Special Report: Priority Setting - Working on the Right Things
• Quick-Start Guide to Writing Profitable Articles
• Take Control of Your Clutter Before it Takes Control of You! An E-book
• Simplesizing® Snapshot
• What better way to increase peace and harmony than a little "om" in your home?
• Get Your E-mail Organized!

Making Peace with Your Morning Routines - Like Getting Dressed!

In my Getting Unstuck coaching group, I write a lot of articles in response to participant questions and struggles.  Many of which I've had myself.  I share a LOT about the realities of my personal life as a woman with ADD who is also a highly creative entrepreneur who runs a professional practice and business.  Even though I do share a lot on this blog...it's very public and so I don't share "everything."  But in my group, I feel a lot safer. I'm with my "tribe."  There is no judgment and we all share our unique struggles as women who are "different."  It's an incredible experience that I really find hard to describe. But today, I'm going to share with you one of the articles I wrote in response to a member's forum question.  

p.s. GREAT NEWS!  You can now learn about  Getting Unstuck Framework I've been working on for years now in my new teleclass!  "Getting Unstuck:  8 Keys to Overcoming Chronic Disorganization, and Cultivating the Gifts of ADD and Creative Personality Type"  

p.s.  I'm also writing a book with this title which is why I am thinking about taking a hiatus form the group coaching program starting in July to finish it. I can't wait to share what I've learned over the years really works to deal with hardcore stuckness and lifelong disorganization.  So if you've been thinking about joining my coaching group...there is no better time than now...because it won't be around forever and likely will end in June!    I'll be covering "Finding your Inspiration: How to Magnetize Yourself into Action on Dreaded Tasks & Routines in March and April in the Getting Unstuck Coaching Group!  

Thanks for putting up with the necessary evil of "self-promotion" : )  and now on with the learning!

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Thanks to Sandy G for asking the Question:

"My hours and days vary week to week, so it's hard to get a routine going for myself, which has always been hard anyway. Any suggestions for me?"

I know everyone's case of difficulty with morning routines is not like mine, but I'm going to get real personal here and share my excruciating struggle with implementing a morning routine and getting dressed every day so that I could be on time and prepared for my days. 

I have a long history (since childhood)  of vehemently resisting going to bed at night and not being able to get out of bed in the morning. When I did get up, it would literally take me an hour or more just to get showered, dressed, made up, and ready for the day.  And I'm not including eating, exercising or any other morning chores.  

Plus, it was incredibly stressful and frustrating because I could barely think in the AM, and I could never find things.  I went through dozens of outfits and accessories trying to decide what to wear. Just thinking about it now makes my stomach hurt.

So in hopes of "inspiring you"  - not "telling you how you should do it"  - here's what finally worked for me. 

And by the way, I still continue to tweak and fine-tune and improve...I need variety like I need air to breathe...so don't think this is "fixed" in any way...or that I do it 100% consistently. It's the foundation strategies, elements and criteria I use to get myself dressed most days. (How I get myself to sleep and wake up without an alarm clock is a topic of a whole other article!)

It took time and energy to evolve this "routine" but once I felt the results, it is now so automatic to me that it actually took me a while to put into words what I do! 

That, my friends, is why it's worth all the trial and error, all the mistakes I made along the way to evolve this. It WORKS FOR ME!  I hope this inspires you to take the time needed to identify and meet your "special needs" too.


Here's what has helped me get better at "routines" like getting dressed every day ....

Top 10 Signs That You Are “Hoarding,” Not Just “Collecting”

 Collecting is a natural, and even VALUABLE,  human instinct.  It comes in many shapes and sizes, but we all have this instinct in one way or another.  Out of control or “compulsive collecting” and it’s partner, "compulsive saving”, are what is referred to by the term "hoarding."  

Personally, I feel that the word "hoarding" is a very unfortunate label for this behavior. Hoarding is such an ugly word.  Why would anyone want to think of themselves as a “hoarder” when the actual behavior looks like “collecting” AND we as a society actually celebrate and marvel at collections?  

Collecting crosses all cultures, borders and languages. Every society honors and celebrates “collections” of things that are displayed in a way that educates, serves some kind of purpose, or inspires awe. The obvious example is museums. Others include libraries, stores, even magazines and blogs. They are all collections of things, ideas, photos, etc.  Even our closets, drawers, and filing systems are collections.

If you have been wondering if your collections might be a sign of problem, check out the article on "Collecting vs. Hoarding" I wrote for my friend Deb Lee's blog!

All the best,

Read Full Article:  Top 10 Signs 

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 Have you seen my Holiday Special Offer?

If you've been thinking about joining my Getting Unstuck coaching group for women, this is a great time to do it!  If you join my new Constant Contact mailing list before Dec. 31, you get 10% off!  That makes the fee  just  $267 for 6 life-changing months of coaching! 

P.S.  I am considering taking a writing sabbatical starting in July 2010, so there is no guarantee this program will continue beyond June 2010.  If you would like to experience real coaching at this incredibly low price - this is the time to do it!
 

SIGN UP HERE and get 3 free ebooks + 10% off ALL my services, programs and books.  

OFFER EXPIRES:  December 31!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Before I head off to Virgnia to spend the holiday with my husband's family, I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my blog readers!  I'm so thankful for each and every one of you that has subscribed over the past four years I've been blogging.  It's been a great ride, and it's been wonderful to get to know so many of you!  Especially the 400 plus of you that have joined me on Facebook where I post more often. I'm grateful for you too!

I'm also deeply and eternally thankful for the hundreds of women who have been a part of my Getting Unstuck program which started in January 2008, and to the core group of nearly 45 women I now consider my "soul sisters", that have been subscribers since the beginning.  Without you the group would not be the safe and inviting place it is. I love spending time online and on the phone with you!

Even for me, being part of this group of amazing women, has been powerful in so many ways.  

• I've lost over 50 pounds
• I've cleared some of my own issues with "planning ahead" and creating boundaries and structure.
• I've gotten my calendar automated so people can book their own appointments (what a miracle!)
• And now, I've actually planned and programmed the Getting Unstuck Group Coaching programs for women with ADHD / Creative Personality a FULL 7 MONTHS AHEAD!!!    

All this planning ahead is unheard of for me.  I am definitely more of an improvisational person.  But the stakes are high.  Over 45 women are counting on me to help them continue the amazing growth we all have experienced.

Here's what one member shared the other day...

"Ariane, thanks for being so open with us. I feel an amazing connection to you from this group. You truly have wonderful gifts - your ability to articulate and counsel people and to help us dig deeper to see ourselves - in a gentle and loving way. I've been in the group since May 2009 and have made tremendous progress in my life since then. So I am Thankful to you. I hope our paths cross sometime so we can meet in person, but in the meantime, thanks for the connection!"

 

I get feedback like this every week.  So what can I say? I'm addicted - er- make that "committed" to making the next year of Getting Unstuck programs more powerful than ever. 

In fact, we have some big changes planned.  Here are a few:

1. All new members get 30 minutes of private coaching with me - FREE! with your FIRST registration only in a Getting Unstuck program.
   
2. Ellen Shapiro's Getting Unstuck Repatterning sessions will no longer be included FREE in the program.  They will be separate. 
   
   
3. We will now have one EVENING session every month!  Great for all of you have asked me to create an evening program. 
   
   
4. Subscriptions at $47 per month are now only available to people who have completed at least a one month program, or to people who have had private coaching with me in the past.
   
   
5. You can now purchase 6 months of Group Coaching (Jan - June) all at once!  For less than the cost of just 3 hours of private coaching! 
   
6. Participants get 25% off coaching with me.

And much more!

Read all about the new and improved Getting Unstuck Group Coaching programs for women with ADHD / ADD- Like Traits and Creative Personality here!

If you are a woman with ADHD, or ADD-like traits, or Creativity Personality, I hope you get to join at least one of our programs in 2010.  What an amazing clutter-free gift that would be for yourself!

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving with LOTS to be grateful for!

Love,

Simplifying the Holidays - Less Stress, More Giving Where it's Really Needed

 

It's that time of year again!  Are you ready for the holidays?  Are you stressing out?  This year more than ever for us,  it's about keeping it simple, and making really thoughtful choices about how to spend money and how to give where it's really needed.  Here's what we've decided.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS INSTEAD OF CARD SENDING

Instead of sending holiday cards, we are going to use the money for cards and postage to make a donation to our local Bloomfield NJ Food Pantry and Thift Shop which is part or a really neat network that supports people in emergency situations. The  M.E.N.D. network (Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity)  They have a Most Needed Items list...if you aren't sure what your food bank needs - GIFT CARDS to Supermarkets are a GREAT option!

Bloomfield NJ also has a partnership with the  Montclair Human Needs Food Pantry in NJ

If you would like to contribute to your local food banks the Feeding America website has a Food Bank Locator. 

Find a Food Bank

WINTER CLOTHING DONATIONS

We are also going through all our winter clothes and coats to donate as much as we can to the Winter Clothing Drive drive there.  I've lost some weight...and am in a smaller size...so EVERYTHING in a larger size is GOING!  I am refusing to give into the "But what if I regain the weight" thinking. 

Donations are going to  the  Montclair Human Needs Food Pantry in NJ and Bloomfield NJ Food Pantry and Thift Shop  (Yes, I'm linking to them to help their Google Ranking) 

VOLUNTEERING TIME INSTEAD OF CARD SENDING

The time we usually spend on card sending is going to be spent volunteering at the Community Food Bank of NJ distribution center.  

Web Site: www.njfoodbank.org

31 Evans Terminal Road
Hillside , NJ 07205-2400 
Map it      908.355.3663

GOT MORE IDEAS?  SHARE THEM HERE!

Would love to hear your ideas for charitable ways to celebrate the holidays...

Also how will your holiday celebrations / traditions will be different or simpler this year?  

I hope they are full of much to be thankful for,