Recombobulation Area

Writing a new blog post for today was one of the items on my “to-do” list. I knew I’d write in the evening because the day was scheduled to work with one of my organizing clients. I hadn’t decided exactly what I wanted to write and was “on the lookout” for some inspiration. This often comes from an image, a fleeting thought, a feeling, an experience, a conversation, or a sound. To my delight, my client’s office mate shared a photo of a sign taken at the Milwaukee airport just beyond the security check area. Her photo inspired today’s post, and I searched for another version to share with you.

Recombobulation Area

The Recombobulation Area is where airport passengers go to collect themselves after going through security. They gather their shoes, belts, electronics, and baggage before heading off to their flights and the next part of their journey. One dictionary defines recombobulation as being “put back the way it was, or into proper working order.” Another definition says, “gathering one’s thoughts or composure.”

As you have probably guessed, the opposite of recombobulation is discombobulation, a word I’m far more familiar with. Discombobulated is defined as “feeling disconnected,” “unbalanced,” “out of order,” or “confused.”

As one year ended and the new one began, I realized how beautifully these two words described aspects of this transition. I felt discombobulated and out of sorts as 2011 came to a close. I had to say goodbye to one of my amazing clients that just passed away. I was struggling to balance work and family, wrapping up the year and planning for the new one. Now that we’re about a week into this year, I’m feeling much calmer. I’ve entered my own personal Recombobulation zone. It’s not that all things are back to normal, but I am feeling more composed. I was aware of the changes occurring and decisions that needed to be made as I moved from the end of one year to the beginning of another. Transitions are not always comfortable. What are they like for you?

Maybe you’re still feeling discombobulated. If so, I encourage you to discover the signs which will lead to your recombobulation area. It’s time for a fresh start. What is possible for you?