I just returned from the NAPO 2016 organizing conference in Atlanta. About 550 professional organizers from around the world gathered to learn about building organizing businesses, learn new skills, think about current and future trends, and discover the latest products and services to help our clients.

There was a lot of note-taking, conversing, laughing, photographing, tweeting, listening, and observing. I loved seeing old friends and making new ones.

Some conference highlights included:

• Attending the IFPOA (International Federation of Professional Organizing Associations) meeting with the leaders from Japan, Canada, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom and the United States

Photo by NAPO President, Ellen Faye taken at IFPOA Meeting

• Going to the President's Black & White Reception with dancing and karaoke

• Talking with current and potential ICD subscribers at the ICD Booth during the NAPO Expo

• Discussing the influence of future trends on the organizing industry, including aging, downsizing, coaching, and technology

• Learning new ways to combine video with social media from Mindy Rodenburg

• Hanging out and talking with Denslow Brown

• Learning about Judith Kolberg's unique "to-do" list, digital estate planning, and her dance break during her session

• Seeing hundreds of old friends and making new ones

The days were packed from morning until late night. Everywhere I turned, there were new people to meet and old friends to greet. I loved that part. In between conversations, I attended sessions to learn about new trends, ideas, and concepts. During the sessions, I took notes and tweeted some highlights. Mealtimes gave us further opportunities to talk, connect and share ideas. Are you getting the picture? It was wonderful. At the same time, there was a lot to take in and process. And guess what? My heart was filled with connecting with all the amazing people, but so was my head. By Sunday morning, my mind felt full and cluttered.

Fortunately, I scheduled a later flight on Sunday. This gave me time to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see the beautiful gardens and Chihuly exhibit. If you live in Atlanta or ever have the opportunity to see Dale Chihuly’s art, definitely go!

Dale Chihuly - Atlanta Botanical GardenIt turns out that one of the best cures for my cluttered mind was to spend several hours being outside in the sun, exploring nature, the gardens, seeing and photographing Chihuly’s vibrantly colored and organically shaped glass sculptures, taking in the wonderfully fragrant scents, hearing the sounds of water and birds, feeling the breeze, and walking along the winding paths.

Returning home, I gave myself time to sit by the river to collect my thoughts and review my notes. There are still many people to follow-up with and ideas to simmer and implement. However, by giving myself the time with nature and art, my cluttered mind has settled.

I’m excited about the possibilities, and calm about the pacing. My heart is full and happy. My mind is calm.

What helps you when your mind gets cluttered? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the 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.

I’m excited to bring you another installment (v5) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature where I share my latest discoveries that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. I’ve included unique and inspiring clutter-related finds, which reflect this month’s blog theme. You’re a special and engaging group. I look forward to your participation and additions to the collection I’ve sourced for you. What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? . . .

1. Interesting Read – Decluttering

In a new publication from Budget Dumpster, The Ridiculously Thorough Guide to Decluttering, professional organizing pros (including yours truly) come together to share their best tips and strategies for letting go and creating clutter-free environments.  “According to Psychology Today, people tend to feel like life is out of control when they surround themselves with more things than they can manage.” If you’re in the decluttering mode (or want to be inspired to begin), check out this guide.

2. Interesting Container – Tall Box

Part of the decluttering process involves decision-making. What will stay, and what will be released? The other part is about managing or containing what remains. I’m super excited about The Container Store’s latest addition to its clear plastic box collection—the double-tall shoe box! The organizing possibilities go way beyond storing shoes. Get creative while corralling your clutter.

3. Interesting List – Mind Clutter

Knock Knock is one of my favorite companies. They know how to add humor and fun to their organizing products. One of their newest creations is the Daily Intention Tracker Pad. With untraditional categories like “Appreciate,” “Let Go Of,” and “Feel,” it’s great for releasing and organizing our mind clutter in a visual, productive way.

4. Interesting Product – Sorting

In December I met two amazing women, Yukiko Uno and Keiko Hamaguchi, Shuno-no-su business partners, at the JALO conference Expo in Yokohama. They’ve designed a variety of organizing products. One of the most unusual and clever is their Colorful Sorting Sheets. They're used to “sort out your stuff” into categories such as “use every day,” “use once in a while,” “don’t need it-let it go,” and “actively use it.” They can be used to sort (and ultimately declutter) everything from clothes to cosmetics to papers and more.

5. Interesting Tech Tool – Cord Decluttering

Last month in Los Angeles at the NAPO Conference Expo, the Cable Keeper, brainchild of Neet Products founder Chris Voss won the NAPO Organizers Choice Award for “Best in Show.” Have you been frustrated by cord clutter and tangles in your bag, home or office? The Cable Keeper is a cable management tool that not only is practical, but also comes in a lively array of colors. Guess which color I bought?

6. Interesting Thought – Stuff

What is too much? Only you can decide. If the things in your life are taking over your time, space, and thoughts, it could be an opening for change.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your interesting finds? Do any of these resonate with you?  Come join the conversation!

We are wonderfully human beings. Sometimes we listen well to internal and external input, and sometimes we don’t.  There are a few essential ingredients for improving your listening skills. Do any of these resonate with you?

Quiet

There are times we just can’t hear because there is too much noise or clutter within and without. This can be mind clutter, physical clutter, or actual sounds. Our focus becomes distracted by the chaos. To improve your ability to “hear,” find a quiet space with no interruptions. Close your eyes. Quiet your mind. Let it wander until your voice is audible.

Pause

When we’re over-the-top-busy, running from place to place, appointment-to-appointment, it’s more challenging to listen to those around us. We’re distracted by our “to do” lists, errands, and next things, and find it difficult to slow ourselves down long enough to have relaxed conversations. Take a pause. Acknowledge the frenzy. Breathe deeply. Taking a break will improve your listening skills.

Sleep

When we deprive ourselves of enough sleep, our concentration decreases rapidly. Being able to listen well requires focus and concentration. Getting more sleep will have a positive effect on your ability to listen.

What are you listening for? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join our conversation.