Last month we focused our conversations around clutter. This month we’re shifting gears to talk about time- how we manage it, how we manage ourselves, what our challenges are, and more. Today I’m thinking about what happens when we have so much going on every day that there’s no time left for not doing. We’re so busy that we don’t even give ourselves any transition time. We’re overscheduled and overwhelmed. Does this sound familiar? Do you wake up each day knowing that you can’t possibly accomplish all the items on your list?

In general, I’m a pretty good manager of my time. However, something surprising happened to me this past weekend. My husband and I sat down to discuss our summer fun and vacation plans. Even though I was looking forward to all the things we wanted to do, I found myself getting very stressed, even a little freaked out. As we started looking at dates, I saw weekends disappearing.

One of my goals for 2015 is to be more conscious of the white space in my calendar. To me that white space represents unplanned time. It’s potential time when I can relax, do, or not do. I can say “yes” to something on a whim because there’s the space to do that. The white space is like a free pass. With the many commitments that I do have, that white space becomes essential for my sanity and well-being.

So, as Steve and I planned, instead of feeling happy and excited, I felt anxious. While this wasn’t pleasant to experience or watch, it was important to identify what I was feeling, understand the significance, and embrace being uncomfortable. By doing that I realized that I am the guardian of my own white space. Duh. No one is saying, “Linda, you have to schedule every waking moment on your calendar.”  In fact, my body had a visceral reaction when I thought I was going to over-schedule my time. My reaction was so intense (and impossible to ignore) that it prevented me from making all of the decisions we wanted to make.

Here’s what happened. We prioritized. We made a few plans. We kept some weekends free. We might choose to secure a few more dates on the calendar, but for now I’m guarding that white space. What my mind understood earlier this year, my body reminded me of loudly and clearly.

How much white space do you need? How do you manage and protect your time? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation.

There’s something so luxurious about a long weekend, isn’t there? Just knowing we have one extra day makes it seem like time is suspended. For me that additional non-work day makes me feel less rushed. Do you know what I mean?

The “less rushed” feeling also extends to my inner thoughts. Slowing the pace down, for even a little bit, helps me manage my mind clutter.  This past weekend I was able to ignore my running list of to dos that occupied my thoughts. I’ll admit that I began the weekend with a very long list of things I hoped to accomplish. In the end, there were very few I actually did because frankly, I needed a break from my list. Have you ever experienced that?

Instead of pursuing the joy of getting my list done, I opted to ignore the list and let the days unfold- guilt-free. It felt like a vacation. I spent most of the weekend outside doing yard work with my husband, Steve. I enjoyed not doing anything from my list. I wondered what life would be like if one day I didn’t have a list. Was that even possible? If I had nothing to do, how would that feel? Would I invent things to do because I’m used to being busy? It was hard to even imagine. These days especially there’s always something to do. There’s always next. I’m never done.

This past weekend, I was able to let go of the mind clutter by letting go of the need to work my list.  I loved being outside with Steve, using my hands, digging in the dirt, planting flowers, trimming trees and shrubs, and taking breaks when I felt like it. The pace was just right. There was nothing pulling me in another direction. The zen of the moment worked its magic on my mind clutter.

As I get ready for the week, my list is long, but my mind is clear. I’m relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for the days ahead.

How do you manage your mind clutter? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

@2011 Photo by Linda SamuelsAs we welcome a new month with the climate and focus transitioning to the fall season, I’m reminded of a favorite anecdote, Charles Francis, my friend and author of Wisdom Well Said, shared with me several years ago.  The story suggests that our growth and success stem from immersing ourselves in a nurturing, conducive environment. And so the story goes…

A favorite fish of many hobbyists is the Japanese carp, also known as the koi. The interesting thing about the koi is that if you keep it in a small fish bowl, it will only grow to be 2 to 3 inches. Place the koi in a larger tank, and it will reach 6 to 10 inches. Put it in a big pond, and it may get as long as a foot and a half. However, when placed in a huge lake where it can really stretch out, it has the potential to reach sizes up to 3 feet.

An analogy can be made concerning people. Our growth is determined by the size of our world. It is not the world’s measurable dimensions that are important, but the mental, emotional, and physical opportunities to which we expose ourselves. Realizing that growth comes from the inside and not the outside, we come to the understanding that, unless we place ourselves in the right environment, we can never reach our full potential.

Perhaps you’ll be venturing off for a last summer vacation, having a BBQ with family and friends or catching your breath before the busier fall schedule begins. As you enjoy the coming days, take some time to reflect on the ingredients you need to create an environment of success. Will it mean organizing your physical space or mind clutter? Perhaps it will involve learning new skills. Maybe it will be connecting with new people.

Join in the conversation. What small step you can take to create an environment for success?

Photo by Linda SamuelsSummer is the time to slow down, tackle those organizing projects and enjoy vacation time. One powerful motivator for getting things accomplished is having a time deadline. For example, knowing the bags have to be packed before the plane takes off or the minivan leaves for the family road trip creates an urgency to be ready. For the Summer Organizing Giveaway, I’ve put together some fun travel-related organizing tips and giveaways.

Organizing Travel Tips

• The List: Yes, we can try to keep all the details in our heads, but making a list of the items you want to take, makes packing easier and less stressful. After writing your list, “go shopping” in your drawers and closets. Gather items onto a large, flat surface and then pack away.
• The Containers: You can just throw things willy-nilly into your bags, but grouping items together in packing cubes or Ziploc bags will keep you and your suitcase organized. Packing cubes can also be used as drawer organizers when you arrive at your destination.
• The Nourishment: Bring items to feed both the mind and the body. For the body, pack some travel snacks (nuts, dried fruit, mints or chocolate) because you never know when hunger might strike. For the mind, travel light and download your favorite books to your electronic reader. The Other Side of Organized just became available for the iPad, iPhone, Kindle and Nook. It will soon be available on Sony Reader too.
• The Last Minutes:  Before any trip, there are always last minute things to do and purchase. Keep an extra list nearby to capture those “to do” thoughts that pop into your head. Having your action list nearby will help keep you focused and worry-free about not forgetting to cancel the newspaper, hold your mail or buy extra sunscreen.

The Summer Organizing Giveaway starts on July 14^th.  One winner will be selected on July 21^st.  It includes goodies that will organize, inspire, relax and delight you.  Continue reading for description and contest rules. The winner will receive everything described below:

• The Container Store $25 gift card
• “Pack This!” Pad by Knock Knock
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes (2)
• Clear Zippered Case
• 24/7 Reusable, Compact Bag
• “To Do” Sticky Notes by Knock Knock
• Starbucks $25 gift card
• Oh, So Organized! coffee mug
• Autographed copy of The Other Side of Organized by Linda Samuels

Contest Rules:

• Comment on this blog post below with your favorite vacation spot, memory, travel organizing tip or challenge
• Comment about the giveaway on the Oh, So Organized! Facebook page
• Re-tweet this giveaway on Twitter and include @LindaSamuels when you do
• Subscribe to Oh, So Organized! monthly e-newsletter for continued inspiration and motivation
• Visit the newly redesigned Oh, So Organized! website and comment on this blog about your favorite feature, section or part
• Purchase a copy of The Other Side of Organized (paperback or e-Book) and email copy of receipt to linda@ohsoorganized.com
• Do one or all of the above to enter. The more you do, the more times your name will be entered to win (up to 6 total entries!)

Come join the conversation about vacations, organizing and more. Wishing you all good luck!