Sometimes, we discover new things on our own. Other times, we learn through conversing, listening, or reading. In my case, what seemed like an innocent conversation with a friend has become a new way of being. As a result of that conversation and my willingness to try something new, I have gained time management, relationship, confidence, and health benefits. Are you curious? Continue reading, and I’ll share my discoveries with you.

Have you heard of subscription food or meal kit services like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh? These companies deliver fresh food, all the ingredients needed, and detailed, easy-to-cook recipes directly to your home. Several months ago, my husband and I signed up for Blue Apron.

11 benefits we’ve noticed so far:

• Save time by not having to shop for food.

• Save time and stress by knowing what to cook for dinner.

• Learn new cooking tips and techniques.

• Enjoy more time together by tag teaming it in the kitchen.

• Eat at a more leisurely pace.

• I am more confident in our cooking skills.

• I appreciate how well-organized the packaging and recipes are.

• I am more experimental and more willing to try new foods.

• We have reprioritized cooking together and sharing meals.

• We are eating more healthfully.

• We’re having even more fun with lots of high-fiving each time we make a new recipe.

“Save time and stress by knowing what to cook for dinner.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

I love the communal use of time, doing a fun activity that yields a delicious result. Plus, I get to hang out and cook with my husband. This is simple, basic stuff that I had been missing.

If you want to try Blue Apron, I’m happy to offer you a “free” one-week trial. I'll send an invite to the first three people who email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com. I don’t get anything by sharing the offer, only the satisfaction of knowing that you might enjoy the benefits I’ve been enjoying, too.

Have you tried a meal kit service? If so, what has your experience been? Is it a time-saver? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation!

Why is it that we often feel like we’re cheating if we ask for help? Why do we think that we have to or should be able to do everything ourselves? We think that getting help is a sign of weakness. I’m not sure why this happens and am occasionally guilty of feeling this way myself. Over time, I’ve discovered that enlisting help is a great way to learn, minimize frustration and boost our self-esteem.

Let’s look at getting organized. Many of my clients are organizationally challenged and have hired me to help them. At times, they’ve expressed their disappointment or guilt saying things like, “Why can’t I do this myself?” or “What’s wrong with me?” They feel that because others can organize on their own without any help and they can’t, that they have failed, are inadequate or have something intrinsically wrong with them. This simply is not true. None of us are good at everything. Thank goodness we have different skills and talents to share.

Before I published my book, The Other Side of Organized, I knew I needed the help of others with publishing expertise. I hired a book coach, editor, designer and printer. In addition, I sought advice from many other professionals and continue to do so.  I still made mistakes along the way, but having a team of people to help guide and advise me, shortened the learning curve and minimized the severity of the errors. In addition, knowing that I had these professionals with me along the journey didn’t detract from but actually boosted my confidence.

Instead of fighting the desire for support, I embraced the concept of building a team of experts to help me grow and succeed.

So, the next time you find yourself struggling with getting organized or something else, consider reaching out for help. It isn’t cheating. This could be the best choice you make to end your frustration and bring you closer to your goals.

What help would be valuable right now to move you to the next step?

It’s not spring yet, but our crocuses have poked their way through the earth. We still have snow on the ground, and the crocuses decided it was time to appear. Each year, since our girls were small, we’ve always made a big deal about noticing the arrival of the crocuses. We see them come up outside our back window. That first sighting makes us so happy.

Why such excitement? Partly, noticing them has become a family tradition. Who will spot them first? Also, their arrival reminds us that winter is ending and spring is imminent.

One of the things that I treasure is the surety with which our purple crocuses burst forth. And even though we know they will come up every year, we are still filled with awe and hope when we see them.

The crocuses know it’s time to grow, and so they do. It’s their next step. They decided to wake up and feel the sunshine. I love the confidence with which they arrive. Wouldn’t it be great if we were as confident and sure of our next move?

So, as the snow melts, clothing gets lighter, and greenery begins to surface, why not take your next step with boldness and sureness, just like the crocuses? It’s your time to bloom!