On my journey of decluttering/organizing, I'm discovering and uncovering
parts of me that I don't necessarily like to look at. In the process
of decluttering, I was very happy to be able to let go of a lot of
things and felt great afterwards. It spurred me on to do more, to
let go of more and more. There are days where I find myself not adhering
to my organized closet and things pile up for a few days, and then
I refocus and get back on track - sort of like life. I find myself
resistant to doing things that are good for me - self sabotage perhaps?
However, I find myself completely resistant to my time management
goals. I just don't want to do it. After writing about this for a
few days and getting more and more upset about the whole idea -- "Didn't
want to plan everything in my life" … "I am a spontaneous
person" … "I don't want to be tied down to a schedule…"
Then I had to ask myself, why do I get enjoyment about living on the
edge - driving fast to get to my next appointment, forgetting appointments,
doing too much, trying to fit too much in. What is it in me that stops
me from simplifying my life? The Organizing ManiacTM, specifically
June, has been such a blessing in my life and I believe that she was
put in my life for a purpose bigger than I can see. Yet, I resist
even knowing that it will work - if I let it. I have learned so much
through this process and am slowly coming around to using my time
management and being open to the possibility of really giving this
a chance. It is amazing how this journey of just cleaning out my closet
is leading to a deeper insight into who I really am and to learn how
to make the most of every moment, and by taking full advantage of
time management, I can really live in the now.
Brigid Makiri, Entrepreneur / Mother
July 21, 2003 I was the teacher in your class on
Saturday, July 19, 2003 in Lakewood. My journey has begun. Being a
spiritual person, I was pleasantly delighted with the approach you
used to teach us about organizing. I came home and have successfully
organized six kitchen cupboards, one bookcase, and a small pile of
papers. My husband does not quite know what to think about all of
this. He is pretty much a pack rat here at home. I am working on him,
constantly reminding him about a home, a path, or the trash can. Thank
you for inspiring me. The class is one of the best things I have done
for myself in a long time. I look forward to seeing you again in a
future class.
July 22, 2003 I wanted to share with you that I have
recently started on a journey to grow in my spiritual life. I had
been attending a church for 15 years that has not met my needs for
the last two or three years. I kept holding out, waiting for a miracle
to happen and to be fed and enlightened, but that did not happen.
I am now visiting new churches, trusting that when I find the right
one I will know. I truly believe going to your class was just a confirmation
for me that not only am I ready to grow spiritually, but I am ready
to get my house and my life in better shape. God does move me when
I am willing. I kept putting off signing up for your class right up
until the night before it happened. I am so glad that I set the alarm
and made myself get up that Saturday morning. You are a gift to me
… a breath of fresh air. I hope I can stay inspired and keep
going the way I have started out.
August 8, 2003 My journey continues. My husband and
I have shredded twenty years worth of old paperwork and created new
files for current papers. The paths in our house are much less cluttered.
My husband is now good about asking if something is on a path or is
this its home. He is so cute, isn't he? My goal for today is to clean
the hallway closet. In two weeks I will need to put all of this into
practice at school. Wish me luck. That's about all for this update.
August 21, 2003 I have made tremendous progress here
at home. I am on my last major closet cleaning. Every closet in the
house has been done and all the cupboards in the kitchen are complete.
My husband is learning so much from me since you taught me so well!!!
I am now in the midst of my classroom doing the same thing I have
done here at home. It is sooooo freeing to do this. I have cleaned
out two filing cabinets and one bookcase in the last two days. I hope
to be done and have my class clean and ready for the kids in about
a week. I am still inspired. So much clutter is gone from my life.
My journey continues, as I am journaling and growing spiritually also.
I am looking forward to Saturday's time management class.
Sandy, Teacher
After only one consultation with The Organizing ManiacTM
on February 4th, 2004 from 8:30am - 12:30pm ...
04 February 2004 2:54pm Today was fantastic. I took
a bit of time to let it all sink in. Then I went for a jog. On the
jog I realized that while the TV doesn't matter to me *alone* -- I'd
like to have it for entertaining. This is how it ended up in the closet.
I wanted to have it on wheels, so I could put it away when I was done
with it, and bring it out when I wanted to use it. Also, once I thought
I couldn't use the futon couch, it kind of just got stuck there, since
now I couldn't host. Now that I'm bringing out the couch, and I'm
building my home for my future *now* -- I might want to keep the TV
after all and pick up a DVD player. That's all I'd want... I'd only
want the TV it was specific occasions to watch specific things --
not to channel surf. But even this, I'm ambivalent about. It seems
like a pretty big object just to use sometimes -- but I'd like to
have it when I have people over. Thoughts?
04 February 2004 9:54pm I've already: Moved the futon
out. I've entered the business cards into a database on my computer.
I've filed the contents of my desk papers into boxes. So if these
were part of my homework, they're checked off.
06 February 2004 First, I already have so much to
thank you for. I've moved the futon out by the front windows, and
its fabulous-cozy and warm. Yesterday I went to Target and picked
up plastic bins, with three drawers each, that fit neatly into the
narrow, white bookcase. I also picked up a seven draw "tower"
on castors that stands about three feet high that I'm going to be
using for my "art supplies while working." Using these purchases
I'll be able to get ALL of my art supplies out of the closet and stored
only on the narrow shelf and the tower. I cannot tell you how much
more open the studio feels. And I feel more open too-it's amazing
to realize that my art supplies aren't swamping me. I now know what
I own, can use it well, and feel a piece of mind that I hadn't expected.
The paper will stay in the closet of course; as well as finished paintings.
I might take out the lower shelf in the closet to build a space for
finished works. Hmmm. Not sure about that.... Might feel too much
like *hiding* them.
Second, I want to thank you for the thoughts you've
put in my head. You've really challenged me with a vital question:
Am I willing to make space for what I love and want most? Am I willing
to release anything that distracts me and stands in the way of that?
In short, you've challenged me to actually and actively bring build
my dreams-because if I'm not willing to make the space for them, clearly
I don't want them! But I do! And I know that with your help I'll be
bringing them to me.
Finally, could you send me the list of the four "tests"
for clearing or keeping objects? The point you made about the difference
between "loving" and "liking" really struck home
yesterday. Even though I cleared out half my books two months ago,
I think I'm ready to cut them in half again. (I like a lot of them,
but do I LOVE them all - nope.)
Thanks. Hope all is well.
PS. I went to Home Depot yesterday, turned in all
the extra product, picked up everything I was *supposed* to have.
16 February 2004 Thanks so much for your notes, comments
and assignments. By the time you sent the notes, I had already cleared
the book cases out of the bedroom. I had also, amazingly, started
maintaining the system as a matter of habit -- putting everything
back in their homes when I was done. (You must have left some little
swirl of June floating around here, encouraging me!) And I had also
established the left drawer of my desk as the INBOX (you had mentioned
that in passing, and just ran with it.)
After I got your email, I cleaned out the closet in the studio, organized
most of my office
supplies, filed all the paperwork in my inbox.
So I'm well on my way on what we established.
I'd like to bring you in for a two hour session
some time in March, to continue the coaching.
And that's that.
I hope your life is currently as wonderful as you
are.
C.K., Artist/Writer
Every day that passes I thank God that you were born. You are a true
magician who transforms people's potential into reality. I am loving
the new systems that are in place and counting the moments before
I see you again. 30 November 2004
Thanks again, June. I am feeling lighter and lighter each time you
come over. I see the finish line for the foundation of soaring next
year!
Your loyal and devoted fan,
L.H., Writer
14 February 2003 I just wanted to thank you for being such a wonderful,
spirited and loving teacher. I have learned so much and I always feel
so excited about my life after a session with you. You are a miracle
and a blessing to know!
24 February 2003 I've been thinking about everything
we talked about with regards to being on time and that being "all
there is to life". I want to totally surrender my addition to
urgency and busyness. Thank you for being in my life to help me see
these things that I use to hold me back. Being packed and ready to
go is bizarre. I think I need "permission" to ask for what
I want and not shrink from my blessings. I also still have to honor
my own time boundaries. That continues to be a weakness of mine -
especially in terms of my time with others. I really have to manage
my own time better and I think I'll get better at honoring my time
with others. This is surprisingly hard! Thank you again for being
a light in my life.
25 March 2003 I'm doing pretty well today. I "showed
up" for my writing and it was great. Even if I only inch forward,
it feels so much better than waiting for when I have the time or motivation
to get a huge chunk taken care of. I've been praying between appointments
and that's been nice. It gives me a sense of peace and confidence
that things will go easily and effortlessly. Using the time at work
has made me feel like I have more time to get phone calls done during
breaks. I actually had time to sit and eat breakfast before work and
that sets up the day in a very nice way. I'm usually just rushing
out the door.
10 April 2003 My mobile office has really made a
difference. I love it, love it, love it. I can get so much more done
everywhere I go. Categorizing everything really makes a difference.
It helps me feel motivated by keeping everything simple. Not having
to deal with just "a bunch of stuff" to do is great. I can
decide "Do I want to read or write or pay a bill?" And the
To File section was genius! Thank you.
Now for the interesting part: Now that my action
drawer is so clear and organized, I find myself cluttering other areas
of my life! Very interesting. I'm proud that I noticed it. My bed
has been a little cluttered. When I did my laundry this week I didn't
put my clothes away right away. I must be afraid of a clutter free
life.
I moved the boxes around from each closet. The apartment
smelled differently again. It's funny how that works. I'm also noticing
that I'm more sensitive to where I put things and how it makes me
feel. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, but I'm vibing things
out more than I ever would before.
My scheduling has been pretty good. There are a
few little phone calls that I've overlooked. But in general I haven't
cluttered my schedule too much and I've made some room for fun time.
The timer has been wonderful for helping me show up for writing. I've
written everyday this week. That's a OM Miracle!!! The time has also
been great for running. I'm still pushing the envelope with my path
time a little bit. I'm much better than before, but I have room for
improvement. Also, I'm not going to sleep as early as I'd like. I
think that has more to do with wanting to get more done - I'm not
sure yet.
15 May 2003 I also had a great week. I scheduled
it on Sunday and I was able to get more done. I also noticed how much
easier it has been to keep my apartment neat. Whenever it's time to
go, my keys are by the door, my bag is ready and even if my dishes
aren't done, my place is never a mess. Thank you for the miracle.
The Quicken has been more of a challenge. Thank
you for the list of categories. I'm working on setting up the categories,
but I don't feel like I know what to "do". I'll play around
with it before you come so I can have constructive questions for you.
I got another check in the mail today!!!! It's scary
how this stuff seems to work. Thank you for helping me stay conscious.
Sometimes I can't believe this is my life. It's smoother than before
and I'm not trying to make it more difficult. I also don't make myself
feel like a failure for not getting "more" done in one day.
I'm still challenged with getting to work on time.
02 June 2003 I just finished sorting my receipts
into Cash & ATM/Checks. I also completed the categories. It is
so hard for me to not just jump right in and start inputting the receipts.
It's excellent for me to practice doing "prep" work before
I "get the job done". Thank you for writing the steps for
me to take in Outlook. Otherwise I'd be trying to input info and then
I'd feel a sense of failure because I didn't input them all in one
night. It's a great reminder of how productive it is to break down
big tasks into little steps. A good lesson for where I am in my writing
process today. Thank you. That's all for now. My apartment looks a
little messy so I know there's something going on with me or I'm doing
too much.
Thank you for reminding me to honor my dreams and
myself. I think I've been crapping on them a bit this past week.
06 June 2003 Thank you so much for the wake-up call!
Working with you is like getting a spiritual dusting. You just clear
away the cobwebs and stale energy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.Thank
you for reminding me that miracles are everywhere!
O.R., Writer
27 May 2005
Dear June,
This note is long overdue. I never expected to be out of touch with
you for so long.
First and foremost, we wanted to thank you again for everything you
have done for us so far. We talk about you all the time, and in contexts
that some people find surprising:
-
"Gee, you two have been doing a lot of traveling this year."
-
"You seem to be getting along really well."
-
"How do you always manage to find the greatest birthday
cards?"
Truly as a direct result of working with you, not only our "things"
are more organized, but our lives and goals as well. Since we last
met, we have, among other things:
-
Used our Ritz Carlton gift certificates for a great trip to New
Orleans
-
Taken a wonderful long weekend, planned in advance using mileage
to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
-
Booked a long weekend for the summer --waaay in advance, at
a huge savings, on South Padre Island in the Gulf of Mexico
-
Refinanced our mortgage at a favorable rate in preparation for
the house remodeling project (because things were organized enough
for me to be able to identify the task, find the documents and
act quickly
-
Hired a designer and worked out preliminary plans and revised
plans for our house renovations
These are only some of the items on our "progress report."
This is, of course, not to say that we are perfectly organized, or
that clutter is not beginning to accumulate. (Or that we have made
great strides in time management.) Nevertheless we enjoy and appreciate
the palpable difference in our lives every day. Thank you!!
K.R. / Mother, Wife, and F.J. / Husband, Father, Therapist
10 December 2003 Thank you for everything!!! I really get so jazzed
when we work together. And how delicious that there was this instantaneous
response yesterday with the potential rep calling after we organized
the marketing files. Love that. It truly is easy and effortless. Went
to Staples last night and bought all the supplies. So, I am getting
in shape and continuing the flow we began and continue to spin.
16 April 2004 June, I am absolutely blown away!!!! You've stepped
up your game!!!!! Thank you for helping me during my move ….
You encouraged me to have fun during a time that is normally stressful
for most. I had a ball moving and that's thanks to you!!!!! The house
is so well organized and beautiful too! With love and great appreciation!!!!!!
Deborah Rachel Kagan, President, Sacred Interiors
04 November 2004 I still LOVE how Lauren's room is organized..even
though it's not finished. I can actually find homes to put her stuff
away!!! What a relief. It's so much easier to clean now that you made
homes for them. Some day I hope to finish them (the boxes are stilll
as is.). And, I always thank you under my breath whenever I feel your
organizing presence in my office or Lauren's room. It's just amazing
how nice things are after you organize it. It's that feeling like
I should have done it long time ago.
F.S., Mom to Lauren, Age 6
back to journeys 1
