I just found this really neat blog Simple Living America with a great post by Dawn who writes an awesome blog on living simply and frugally, Frugal for Life. She wrote this great post on why she lives frugally and what it means to her.
"I guess when it comes down to being frugal or not, the question needs to be asked, “Does this fulfill me?” For myself less is more in my world; less to worry about, less to find space for, less to keep up."
This really got me thinking about my approach to organizing and what's fulfilling to me. There are some organizers who prefer to work with people who have collections that need extensive organizing. Like devoting a whole room with custom closet systems just for shoes. Or maybe a whole room devoted to gift wrapping. But that just isn't fulfilling for me.
I find it most fulfilling to work with people who want to simplify their lives - even if they have plenty of money and don't have to be frugal. I love working with people who want to have less stuff to worry about so they can have more time and energy to focus on things are more important meaningful to them. For example:
- The stressed out mom who wants to get organized so she can relax and be more able to enjoy her children instead of yelling at them out of frustration because she can't find stuff she is looking for.
- The couple who fight over clutter instead of enjoying time playing with their kids.
- The lady who is distraught because she just found out she got charged ridiculous late fees because she lost a bill and didn't pay it on time. The money could be much better spent on healthier food for her family or getting a massage.
- The professional running a small business out of their home that could be doing a lot better if only they could fulfill orders efficiently, show up on time, not lose client data, organize their paperwork, or keep track of their marketing, etc.
- The mom who feels guilty because her kids are embarassed to bring friends home from school and is worried because they avoid being home as much as possible and may be getting into trouble.
Dawn also says:
"Frugality in my opinion is also about moderation. Moderation is key no matter if I am eating, drinking, watching TV, going to movies or exercising. Excess is what happens when I stop controlling my life and let something else run it. It’s about keeping things in check, whether it’s my reasoning for buying and item or getting caught up in the good feeling a TV commercial gives me. "
Moderation is key to Neat Living! Every now and then I get a call from someone who fears they aren't organized enough, yet when I go their home it looks like a page out of a magazine. Perhaps they are so bombarded with images of perfection in the media they judge themselves very harshly. They are often relieved when I tell them they are normal and it's okay to have some papers on your desk while working. It's okay to process your mail once a week. If you work 12 hours a day and don't have time to go through every day, DON'T! : ) (But do at least contain it in a basket till you are ready to deal with it)
The thing is it is possible to overdo it with organizing and even with de-cluttering. You ARE ALLOWED to have sentimental stuff! It's okay if there are kid's toys not put away, or clothes hanging on the back of the chair in your bedroom. You can even keep clothes you haven't worn in a year! Living isn't "neat" ALL the time!
It's about balance and moderation. You only need to be neat and organized enough so that your stuff isn't stressing you out or impeding your ability to function effectively. It's about YOU running your life and YOU deciding what's important. If you are organized enough to be on time for work most of the time, be a good spouse and parent, entertain in your home without shame, and find 90% of things you need when you need them. You are doing a great job!
Okay, so I got off the subject of frugal living a little bit, forgive me...and go read more of Dawn's thought-provoking post here! : )
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