Organizing for the New Year

January 17th, 2012

By Diane Hatcher, CPO®

For people who make annual New Year’s resolutions, “Get Organized” always comes in the top 10, sometimes first or second.

While the first of the year is a good time to start, it is like losing weight. Anytime of the year you start is good. The sooner you start, the sooner you reap the benefits.

I was especially pleased to read in Better Homes and Gardens magazine last year that the Editor in Chief, Gale Goodson Butler, addressed this issue. The magazine took a survey which showed that two-thirds of their respondents said they wanted to “get rid of extra stuff.” They answered that it was a change that would make their lives better in the new year. “Out with the old, and in with a new streamlined way of living,” they said.

Gale went on to state my case that “Decluttering is perhaps the most universally attainable, most satisfying way to free up space and bring cool, calm order to your rooms. She notes that this is not the “simplest” thing to accomplish, because “in real life, decluttering is its own special art form, equal parts perspiration and perseverance.” The more you work at it, the more you want to continue doing so, because what stays are only the things you use and love.

I couldn’t have stated it any better Gale. That’s why professional organizing exists, to help people reach their goals faster and easier, simplifying and customizing the process for you. We at Time-Savers Professional Organizing Services, Inc. have been helping people accomplish this since 1998. We love seeing the client’s sense of satisfaction and relief!

So don’t hesitate any longer. Put your fear or shame aside and call Time-Savers at 954-252-7511. Consider it an investment in your physical and mental health. We are here to help! You won’t regret it.

Don’t Agonize, Just Organize!!

Diane Hatcher is Southeast Florida’s first four- year Certified Professional Organizer. She owns Time-Savers Professional Organizing Services, Inc. in South Florida. Since 1998, Diane has assisted clients in organizing both residential and business situations. She is the author of Don’t Agonize, Just Organize Your Office Now! For a free e-zine and more info visit www.timesaversusa.com.

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Motivation from Time-Savers USA Clients

November 17th, 2011

One of things I give thanks most for at this time of year (besides my family and my health) are my wonderful clients.

Though I am not sharing this with you to toot my own horn, I hope it gives you some new perspectives on how wonderful it feels to get organized and how it improves the quality of lives. These are real comments from real clients in the past year alone.

* * * * *

Dear Diane,

Thank you for all of your assistance and for giving the extra push I needed to get rid of the unnecessary papers. I spoke with my family after you left that day and they all agreed with the recommended documents to get rid of. For me this was a huge step and accomplishment. I am steadily following your recommendations. I re-arranged the closet for more space. Thank you again for your assistance (and yes there is still more work to be done).

Have a wonderful day,

Simone

* * * * *

Who wouldn’t like to live a more organized life? When my father (who was a Hoarder) passed away, I was left with 20 years of records in cardboard boxes and two homes full of “stuff”. I knew I was over my head and hadn’t a clue where to start.

I googled a professional organizer in the area and found Diane. Her website was pleasant, easy to read and had a very professional appearance. Diane is more than just an “organized person” or someone who “likes to organize”. She has spent hours obtaining certifications and gained experience and when pulled together with her easy going personality, make quick work of what previously seemed insurmountable. She listens, offers suggestions but ultimately creates a system which is based on what makes sense (and therefore will work) for you.

With four hour minimum appointments, the time flies by but at the end, #1) you have accomplished more than you would on your own in TWICE the amount of time and, #2) you have the energy and momentum to keep going. She leaves you with a system which will keep you on track going forward. Imagine receiving a phone call or a request for information or documentation and be able to walk right over to the file drawer and put your hands right on it? These kinds of frustrations add to daily stress levels but when you don’t have to dig through drawers and stacks of papers trying to find a something…there is a weight lifted off your shoulders.

Diane helped me personally at home with filing systems, closets and paperwork, with my father’s estate but also at my work place. I was addicted!! This kind of expertise doesn’t come cheap but you will get every penny you spend back a hundred fold in peace of mind and a calmness which comes from not having to frantically look for something you know you have somewhere. With organized household products, you will never double-buy because you didn’t realize you already had something. Diane is punctual, friendly, playful, has a sense of humor and is just as happy for you as you are for yourself when you reach your goal. No more procrastination – contact her now – you won’t be disappointed and you too will soon be addicted to organization!

* * * * *

Diane, thank you for everything: your skills, flexibility, and a very professional session. I just pulled down the book and it looks excellent. This is going to be a battle of priorities and procrastination.

I will have to follow your advice to break my organizational challenge into smaller tasks for each day. I enjoyed our session and would be glad to provide any type of outstanding recommendation.

I’m sure I will be in touch,
Travis

* * * * *

Dear Diane,

Thank you for your time and help today. After you left, I called St. Vincent de Paul and was able to drop off all my clothes and misc. knick-knacks in the box from the previous time, including the handbags that my mom was initially keeping to send home to her country. Even though we got a lot done today, I am feeling rather discouraged, especially now that I am back to doing things on my own. I’ve still been working on my room, but slowing down a bit. I think I’ll go shred some papers.

Janis

* * * * *

Dear Diane,

Thank you for calling today. It makes me happy to know that you are still supporting me just by touching base. There is still a lot to be done, but now I am able to give you some positive feedback.

I laid out all my clothes on the bed just as you had said, so returning things to their place went relatively quickly. On the very top shelf we put the sweaters and my sleeping bag which are in space saver bags per your suggestion. My hamper now fits fully inside the closet, and both doors can be completely shut! Hooray :) I closed them yesterday.

Janis

* * * * *

Hi Diane –

Thanks for these review tips and documents.  It feels good to get into my study now and tackle the next phase.

I’m working at home today and actually not dreading it because of the clutter!

Best -
Lesley

* * * * *

Hi Diane-
Thanks — such a time consuming process when you really dig into it but a few hours every couple of days makes it easier.  Don’t worry — there will still be plenty for you to help me with.  Looking forward to it and appreciate the ideas about the donation locations.  We are regular donators to the Vietnam Vets cause they make it so easy by coming to your door.  They will likely end up with lots of this.

See you soon.
L.

* * * * *

Hi Diane,

As to my progress, thank you for sending the index – very helpful.  I appreciate you following up and know that I will certainly continue to be a regular customer as my experience has been very positive with your company.

Best always,
Barbara

* * * * *

Hi Diane,
I just wanted to drop you a line to say hello.  Thank you for thinking of me and sharing your review tips.
I plan to spend next weekend working in my office and catching up with everything.
It’s still not perfect – a work in progress – but much better thanks to you!

Regards,
Kim

* * * * *

Good afternoon Diane.    Just wanted to let you know I’m making great progress in my home.    I’m feeling liberated!    Not ready for “after” pictures yet but getting there.
Hope all is well with you and yours.

Martha

* * * * *

The following are recent reviews for Time-Savers Professional Organizing Services, Inc. from Yellow Pages.com. All gave TimeSavers a 5 star rating!

Diane, you are the best. When I first moved to Florida I was looking for an organizer. I so happy I found you. I needed someone to help me unpack and get the house in order and you were so helpful. You have also really helped me organized my papers and business records. You have been invaluable with both my personal and business needs. Thanks so much!

–YourDavieClient

* * * * *

I was so inundated with 2 families’ worth of household items. Didn’t know where to turn. I looked in the Yellow Pages and found Time-Savers. Diane Hatcher came over and talked to me about what we were going to do. It took 3 days … Amazing. She is the greatest at organizing my house, my life, my brain. Without Diane’s help I don’t know what I would have done … even where I’d be today. She set goals, followed through and before I even knew what I was doing we were done!

–Ronnie

* * * * *

Diane Hatcher and her Company are true TIME-SAVERS. Diane helped me not only organize my home and office, but my way of thinking.

Diane made some suggestions that I initially declined to implement, but in the end came around to her way of thinking.

Her patience, easy demeanor, and vast experience combine for a terrific end result.

Give Diane and TIMESAVERS a call to help you get your act together, you’ll be glad you did ( I know I am!).

-bfaske

* * * * *

Diane is the organizing Queen! She truly helped me save time and money by setting realistic goals in my office. Call her, you won’t be disappointed.

– ACagnetta

* * * * *

Time-Savers helped me organize my home and home office space. I have struggled with organization all my life, and my house was so cluttered I was embarrassed to have friends over. I just didn’t know where to start, but that’s where Diane helped me make a plan, determine what organization tools would work best, break the effort down into smaller tasks and finally get my affairs in order. I still struggle a bit with my filing, but I know not to beat myself up over it because this bad habit didn’t form overnight, but that I have the groundwork to get better. Also, I am now happy to have friends over to my place! Thanks Diane!

– MicheleKT

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Halloween Survival Guide

October 17th, 2011

Halloween is just around the corner – and that’s enough to throw any parent into a fright. How to costume? What treats to buy? How do I juggle everything?

No worries. MomsMiami.com has solutions to common Halloween dilemmas:

What’s a “scary” dish I can bring to a party?

Anyone for eyeball tacos? This precious – but scary – dish comes at the suggestion of Chef Maria Cummins with Cooking with Kids Miami in Miami Shores.

If you’re having a Halloween party, or have to bring something to a friend’s, here’s an easy dish that your kids can help put together.

  1. Start with ground beef or turkey. Add your taco seasoning, then shape into meatballs and cook.
  2. Use a hard taco shell and line with shredded lettuce. Insert two cooked meatballs. Use a dab of sour cream on each meatball for the whites of the eyes.
  3. A slice of black olive goes on top of the sour cream to make the pupil. Go one step further by using thinly sliced red peppers to make “bloodshot” eyes.

“It’s a healthy recipe that’s easy and scary, because it looks like a little face,” Cummins said. “It’s also hands-on for the kids, because they can shred the lettuce and assemble the tacos.”

What’s an easy costume I can make at home?

Duck Tape costumes have become a popular last-minute option, said Loren Rutledge, a spokeswoman for Michaels, an arts and crafts store.

“Michaels carries a wide assortment of Duck Tape patterns and colors to choose from, so there are endless creation opportunities,” she said.

Here is one children’s costume idea: Duck Tape Gnome Shirt and Hat.

  1. Cover an entire child’s T-shirt with red Duck Tape. Cut a triangle shape in the neckline and tape over cuts.
  2. Use brown Duck Tape to make a belt. Wrap around the waist.
  3. Use blue Duck Tape to create two large buttons and a belt buckle. Attach to belt.
  4. Cut slit down back of shirt and use tape to make flaps. Attach sticky-back Velcro to flaps to create closures.
  5. To make the gnome hat, use a large sheet of paper and wrap into a cone shape to fit child’s head. Cover hat with blue Duck Tape. Wrap red tape around the rim of the hat.

My carved pumpkin is wilting. What to do?

We just don’t get those crisp, fall temperatures down in South Florida, so your carved pumpkins need an extra bit of TLC, said Adrian Hunsberger, an urban horticulture extension agent with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service in Miami-Dade.

After you buy your pumpkin, store it indoors in the air-conditioning. Refrigerate, if you have the room.

“Remember, it’s a piece of dead fruit, so what you’re doing is trying to slow down the decaying process,” Hunsberger said.

Wait to carve your pumpkin until you need it – the day before your party or Halloween. For best results, keep your carved masterpiece in the fridge or in the AC until showtime. Then light your candle and enjoy the spooky results.

What are the best treats to buy to not jeopardize MY diet?

Candy corn and mellowcreme pumpkinsStart by NOT buying your favorite candies to distribute, said Donna Kinney, a dietician and nutritionist for Gordon Food Service in Miami.

When offering treats yourself, select snacks that provide some nutritional value, such as dried or fresh fruits, fruit Newtons, Newton crisps, popcorn, pretzels or whole grain chips. Mini-size candy like Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Kisses or Special Dark Miniatures have less sugar, plus some fiber, protein and antioxidants.

Try mini-packs of gum, which have fewer calories and are enjoyable for kids of all ages, Kinney says.

Researchers have found that children ages 3-14 were just as likely to choose a small toy instead of candy, she says, so think about passing out Halloween temporary tattoos, bouncy balls, bubbles, or other inexpensive items from the party or dollar store.

How do I cram in dinner, costumes and trick-or-treating when Halloween falls on a weeknight?

Here are some tips from Diane Hatcher, Certified Professional Organizer and, owner of Time- Savers Professional Organizing Services, www.timesaversusa.com, in South Florida:

  • Keep a normal schedule as much as possible. Give kids dinner before they go out trick-or-treating. “This way they will not be grouchy and won’t be so hungry for candy,” Hatcher says.
  • Start out early so you can end with enough time for your kids to wind down and get to sleep.
  • Set guidelines and boundaries in advance. Let them know that you will trick-or-treat for a certain period of time, or a predetermined number of houses or blocks.
  • Establish in advance that they need to go to bed at the usual time (or thereabouts) to be ready for school in the morning.
  • Have the next day’s school clothes laid out before bedtime.
  • If you expect resistance, strike a bargain. If they come home and get ready for bed without an argument, offer them a reward. For example, allow them to eat their three favorite pieces of candy that night, or take a piece of candy in their lunch box the next day, or have a treat every day after school for a week.

What Halloween candy is hardest on my child’s teeth?

Super tacky treats such as taffy, gummy bears and sticky caramel are the worst offenders, because they stick to the teeth longer and take more time to break down, say the pediatric dentists at Main Street Children’s Dentistry of Kendall.

“They cause acids to build up that create cavities. They can also get caught in the crevices between the teeth,” says Dr. Elena Menendez, a pediatric dentist. “Candy apples, another Halloween tradition, also can wreak havoc on those fillings.”

But it’s not only sticky treats that can do damage.

“Hard candies such as jawbreakers are another no-no,” says Dr. Teddi Littman, a pediatric dentist. “These can be damaging, causing cracked teeth and tongue bites. They also are often held in the mouth for extended periods of time, causing acid build-up.”

The best bets for candies (if there is such a thing) are small chocolates such as M & Ms and peanut butter cups because they are soft, non-sticky and quickly devoured.

The most important thing is to allow candy consumption in moderation and be sure to brush and floss carefully after a night of sugary treats.

How do I get rid of all this leftover candy?

Have conversations with your kids about practicing moderation when it comes to collected candy and treats, nutritionist Kinney said. Talk to kids ahead of time about what to do with all the candy after Halloween.

Remember: Out of sight, out of mind. Allow them to choose a set amount of candy, three to five fun-size pieces a day, and get the rest out of the house.

Talk to your kids about charitable giving, possibly donating some of the collected candy to a local shelter, nursing home or church. Bring it to your office to share the wealth (and the calories) with your co-workers.

Unload the goodies through a Halloween Candy Buy Back program, which recruits area dentists and orthodontists to buy leftover Halloween candy for $1 a pound. The candy goes to Operation Gratitude and other military support organizations, which send the sweets to military troops overseas. The nonprofit Treats for Troops also collects candy to send to the military.

by JULIE LANDRY LAVIOLETTE, MomsMiami.com

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Using Time in the Car to Your Advantage

September 14th, 2011

Car pooling, shopping online, and stores that deliver can be great time savers. However, if not planned appropriately they can be time killers.

Car Pooling
Time invested in planning the car pool is worth it if you are organized. Keep a schedule handy of whose turn it is to drive. Make sure you are involved with reliable people. Otherwise, car-pooling can be a nightmare. Make sure the other participants require all the children to buckle up.

Online Shopping
Shopping online is great if it doesn’t take longer than going to the store itself. Some computers are so slow, some users so computer illiterate it takes more time. It is convenient for after hours however. Also, be sure you won’t want to return the item, because that increases time and frustration, packaging it up, getting return authorization and taking the package to a post office or contacting a package pickup company.

Stores that deliver are great as long as you can plan the time to be home when they arrive. In the case of groceries or a gated community, the delivering company may not be able to leave packages when you are not home.

Online Banking
Banking online can help eliminate time in the car.  You can transfer money from one account to another, check your balance rather than at the ATM, and pay your bills rather than running to the post office to mail late bills. Some smart phone apps and banks now offer making deposits from the comfort of your home.

Running Errands
Plan your errands out carefully. Try to do them during one block of time. Plan your route, by writing the errands on a list and numbering them in the order of closest proximity to one another. If making somewhat of a circle, start with the closest one. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter if you start with the closest one or the farthest one.

Mothers may save time by running errands while the children are at school.

Prior to going to a store, call ahead and make sure the item you need is ready or available. This avoids wasted trips and keeps you from “shopping” impulsively.

In Florida, we have SunPass to get through the toll booths more quickly. No more fumbling for change, being in the wrong lane or a long line, or saving receipts for business or budget purposes.  I believe most states have some type of electronic automatic payment system such as this when traveling on toll roads.

Take the quickest routes to your destination.  Sometimes the shortest route is not the quickest.  Try out different ways to determine which is fastest. Don’t let yourself get side-tracked. Stick to the plan. You can also use Mapquest, Yahoo or Google directions to get varying routes. The GPS on a smart phone is also excellent.

Avoid traveling at peak traffic times when possible.

Keep a running list of errands in the car so you won’t forget something and feel the need to run out again.

Using Waiting Time Wisely
Stuck in the school pick up lane or the drive-up banking lane? The possibilities for using your time wisely are endless.

Always bring reading material along, especially mail and timely articles. This is a good time to look at all those catalogues many of us receive. Tear out the magazine articles you want to read and toss the rest of the magazine before it gets to the car.

Balance your checkbook.

Listen to books on tape (educational or for entertainment).

Carry a tape recorder to capture thoughts you can’t write down while driving.

Carry a note pad that sticks to the dashboard or console to keep track of ideas you’ll need at a later time. When stuck in non-moving traffic, plan tomorrow’s day.

Think before you leave the house, what supplies you may need, and what down-time you can anticipate. Too often, people rush out of the house only to find there were things they should have brought along causing a wasted trip or missed opportunities.

Of course using the invaluable cell phone, you can check email, make business calls, appointments, return phone calls, etc. but NOT while the car is moving!

Or just use this time to relax. Take three slow, deep breaths and let them out slowly. Relax your shoulders and neck, stretch your arms.

When your kids are along for the ride, this can be some of the finest quality time in the day with your child.  Sing, talk about their day, discuss what they are reading.  Save the time from doing this at home.

Your Reward
Once you get the hang of this, you will notice more peace and less anxiety in your organized day!

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Is It Collecting Or Hoarding?

August 15th, 2011

by Ramona Creel

An organizer friend of mine recently posted a quote by Nate Berkus (you may know him better as Oprah’s “style guy”) that started a lengthy conversation about hoarding. Since this seems to be such a popular topic with the media, a growing problem for my clients, and relevant to the whole “cleaning out” theme — I wanted to share some of those thoughts with you.

A Not-So-Fine Line
This is what Nate had to say — “Here’s the difference between a collector, which I consider myself, and a hoarder: A collector has no shame involved. It doesn’t keep you from having people over. It doesn’t impede anything in your life. In fact, it enhances it, because it’s so fun to keep looking for the collection.”

My response is “maybe.” My mother considered herself a “collector,” but that didn’t make my life any easier when I had to clean out her house after she died. Perhaps the difference has less to do with shame and more to do with focus.

I think true collectors focus in on one or two things they love to accumulate, while hoarders keep lots of everything — collectors seem to have more of a plan or a goal when they acquire something, while hoarders do not — collectors also care about what will happen to their collections (passing them on to someone who will value them), and hoarders definitely don’t. It seems as though everyone in the organizing community has a different take on hoarding. There’s even talk of making it an officially classifiable mental illness. Check out the proposed DSM-5 criteria:

  • Persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of the value others may attribute to these possessions (this difficulty is due to strong urges to save items and/or distress associated with discarding)
  • The symptoms result in the accumulation of a large number of possessions that fill up and clutter active living areas of the home or workplace to the extent that their intended use is no longer possible — if all living areas are uncluttered, it is only because of the interventions of third parties (e.g., family members, cleaners, authorities)
  • The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (including maintaining a safe environment for self and others)
  • The hoarding symptoms are not due to a general medical condition (e.g., brain injury, cerebrovascular disease)
  • The hoarding symptoms are not restricted to the symptoms of another mental disorder (e.g., hoarding due to obsessions in obsessive-compulsive disorder, decreased energy in major depressive disorder, elusions in schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, cognitive deficits in dementia, restricted interests in autism spectrum disorder, food storing in Prader-Willi syndrome)
  • Specify if “with excessive acquisition” if symptoms are accompanied by excessive collecting or buying or stealing of items that are not needed or for which there is no available space

That defines the behavior, but it doesn’t look at the reasons behind it. So I asked my colleagues to share their thoughts about where hoarding came from — I’ve summarized and paraphrased their responses:

“Hoarders tend to define themselves by the objects they own, while collectors do not”

“Collectors tend to keep their collection in a way that keeps themselves and those items ‘safe,’ while hoarders do not take safety into account”

“Hoarding is just collecting that has gotten out of control”

“Collections are confined and contained, while hoarding occurs in random piles that eventually end up taking over”

“Collections are organized — hoarding is when there is so much that it cannot be located”

“Collectors see the world as full of abundance and celebrate that — hoarders experienced lack in their life and feel they need to keep everything because they might need it someday”

“Hoarders feel they are less of a person without their things — collector keep themselves separate from their things”

“Hoarders accumulate items to boost their self-esteem, while collectors create something that can be admired and possibly have financial value”

“Collectors have a healthy emotional attachment to their stuff (it makes them feel good), but hoarders have an unhealthy attachment (it makes them feel bad”

“Collecting improves quality of life, but hoarding deteriorates quality of life (income, relationships, peace of mind)”

“Collectors choose one or two categories of items to collect (carousel horses, hummels, first editions, etc.), while hoarders keep anything and everything”

“Collectors become attached to things of value — hoarders become attached to what is essentially trash (newspapers, recyclables, string, used aluminum foil, butter tubs, spoiled food, etc.)”

“Collectors accumulate out of love, hoarders accumulate out of fear”

“Collectors choose to collect, while hoarders are driven by compulsion”

“Hoarders often hide their accumulations away, while collectors display theirs with pride”

“Collectors look for unique additions to their collection, but hoarders will accumulate numerous identical or duplicate items”

“Collectors enjoy sharing their collections with others — hoarders find that eventually their obsession with ‘stuff’ alienates their friends and family”

“Collectors get a positive sense of satisfaction when they add to their collection — hoarders are simply trying to alleviate negative feelings (anxiety, inadequacy, worry, pain, etc.)”

“Collectors recognize when their collections have become unmanageable and do something about it — hoarders live in denial”

“Collectors still insist on a functional living and working space, while hoarders are willing to sacrifice this for their ‘stuff’”

“Collectors only add new items when they feel it will enhance the collection — hoarders can’t resist the urge to constantly acquire more”

“Hoarders refuse to part with anything they own, while collectors are often willing to sell portions of their collection if the right price/buyer comes along”

“Hoarders can’t tell the difference between what is valuable and what is not — collectors understand very clearly the value of the items they own”

“Collectors honor their collections, while hoarders have a less respectful relationship with their ‘stuff’”

“Collectors will stop collecting when they feel they have enough, but hoarders never feel they have enough”

“Collectors will get rid of a collection if they tire of it — hoarders feel compelled to continue accumulating even when doing so loses its joy”

“Collectors can draw healthy boundaries around their collecting activities, while hoarders are obsessed”

“Collectors create conscious themes with their collections, while hoarders experience an uncontrollable pile-up of random things”

“Hoarders value things over relationships, while collectors keep their things in perspective as secondary to the people in their lives”

“Collectors can trade or sell their collectibles — the things hoarders accumulate are only valuable to them”

“Collectors pay very close attention to their collections, while hoarders often allow their ‘stuff’ to languish unused and serving no purpose for years”

“Collectors take very good care of their things — hoarders let their belongings rot and decay and go bad”

“Collectors take into account their space restraints and are constantly making room for new items, while hoarders just pile more on top of what is already there”

What do you think — where should we draw the line between collecting and hoarding?

Copyright Ramona Creel, All Rights Reserved.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity — traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities — clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you’ve always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona — read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order — at http://www.ramonacreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ramonacreel and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ramonacreel.

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Needed – Participants for TLC’s Hoarding: Buried Alive

June 16th, 2011

Discovery Studios is currently looking for participants for TLC’s Hoarding: Buried Alive, an hour-long documentary series on compulsive hoarding. They’re seeking people who are willing to open up their lives and homes to share their stories.

If you struggle with hoarding and are facing unfortunate circumstances such as fines, financial and/or marital distress, and/or possibly even eviction from your home, they’d like to hear from you.

The benefits of participating include treatment with top mental health professionals who specialize in hoarding and hands-on assistance from a professional organizer.

Our program approaches the subject of hoarding with respect, compassion, and curiosity.  We aim to shed light and provide insight into a problem that millions of Americans face.

To learn more about the program and how to be involved, please contact them at:

Email: tlchoarding@gmail.com

All inquiries will be kept confidential.

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“Enough Already!” Casting Call

June 16th, 2011

Enough Already! with Peter Walsh is seeking stories for season 2 of the show! They are looking for individuals and families that are in desperate need of a professional organizer. They are still on the hunt for that BIG story, so they are now casting nationwide and are approaching organizers all over the country. Florida is always a good place, casting wise to find fabulous people!

They are looking for deserving people who need the help of a professional organizer to get their lives in order. Here’s the scoop:

ARE YOU A HOMEOWNER OVERWHELMED BY CLUTTER IN YOUR LIFE?

  • Is clutter taking over all the spaces in your life- your home? Your office? Or yet… another  storage unit?
  • Despite your best efforts, do you feel like you have lost control to a growing clutter problem?
  • Have you given up and are now ready for guidance from organizational guru, Peter Walsh?

Enough Already! with Peter Walsh – a series for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network – is looking for participants who are finally ready to say goodbye to chaos and clutter, and hello to an organized and healthy way of living.

APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

  1. Have lost control of their home or place of business.
  2. Available to participate for one week sometime between mid-April to late June 2011.

 

To be considered, please provide the following information.  Include:

  • Name
  • Contact information
  • City
  • Description of your clutter and situation (250 words or less)

All information is confidential and will only be shared with the program producers.

Applications are online at the OWN website here:  http://www.oprah.com/own/plug_ form2.html?plug_id=7306587 or you can email directly at castingclutter@gmail.com
Danya Berman, Casting Director
“Enough Already! with Peter Walsh”
Casting Department
c/o Discovery Studios
962 N. LaCienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Email: castingclutter@gmail.com
Fax: 310-734-3951
http://www.oprah.com/own-enough-already-peter-walsh/Enough-Already-with-Peter-Walsh-OWN-TV

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Saving Hassles with Creative Packing Tips

June 16th, 2011

Sooner or later you are going to go on a trip and need to pack a suitcase. For many, this onerous task can be stressful.

With the help of the following tips, packing can become a no-brainer. Think of “packing” in three areas and focus on one at a time, in this order:

  1. Clothing: Lay out an outfit for each event you are planning to attend, day by day
  2. Accessories: Take out matching items for each outfit (watch, earrings, necklace, purse, shoes)
  3. Toiletries: Keep travel sizes handy in plastic zip lock bags ready for upcoming trips

So as not to forget anything, using a checklist makes it easier. On page 69 of my book, “Don’t Agonize, Organize Your Office Now!” you will find a printable checklist to use for each trip. If you don’t have a copy of this book or the PDF version, email me for a copy at diane@timesaversusa.com and I will email it out to you.

You can always customize this list by adding to it or highlighting the items you always take, or always forget! If you are flying, since bags are prone to get lost, these simple solutions will save you added stress:

  1. Carry on your makeup, prescription medicines, vitamins, a change of clothing (or at least one pair of clean underwear).
  2. Always place your name and contact information inside your suitcase in case your outside identification tag comes off.
  3. Pack some of your clothes in your traveling partner’s suitcase and vice versa, so you each have clothing if one bag is lost.
  4. If you are traveling to cold weather, carry on your coat, again, in case of lost luggage.
  5. Prevent wrinkles in delicate items by folding them over bulkier items like sweaters.
  6. Roll up t-shirts to make them smaller and fill in gaps
  7. Remember, current TSA rules call for no liquid items larger than 3oz. that can fit in one quart plastic bag for carry-ons.
  8. Mary Kay sells a great item for makeup and toiletries with separate velcroed compartments and a roll-up holder that can hang from a doorway when traveling, or at home.

Now for some newer, more extreme ideas. These suggestions come from www.onebag.com, a website dedicated to “light packing” and avoiding airline baggage fees.

  1. Buy packing “cubes” in which you tightly pack items, one for clothes, one for toiletries, one for underwear, etc. into these mini-cases that then fit into your suitcase. They can be found at The Container Store or online at Magellans.com.
  2. At Scottevest.com you will find a wild line of jackets and coats with anywhere from 17-37 pockets. You “wear” what you would have packed into a suitcase.
  3. Roll up plastic sheets that take the air out of clothing can also save space. Find Space Bags at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Check your bag for FREE:
Since most airlines don’t charge for carry-ons, more people are taking their luggage aboard, which then fills the overhead bins and slows down the boarding process. So gate agents have been asking people in the waiting area to check their bags for them, at no cost. So run, don’t walk if you hear this announcement, and give them your bag. At your destination, you’ll pick it up at the baggage claim.

For more smart packing tips, refer to chapter 16 and 17 of “Don’t Agonize, Organize Your Office Now!” available at www.timesaversusa.com.
So take the stress out of packing and enjoy your trip!!!

Happy Organizing!
Diane Hatcher, CPO®

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The Agony and Ecstasy of ADHD

May 12th, 2011

For the second month in a row, this article comes to us courtesy of Arianne Benefit, Coach and owner of Lotus Bridge. She helps Neurodiverse people design their lives and businesses to fit them so they can fulfill more of their potential. She can be contacted at www.lotusbridge.com.

Are you an adult with ADHD or ADDish traits? Ever thought you might be “gifted”? How about Neurodiverse?

Arianne Benefit, Coach and owner of Lotus Bridge

Arianne Benefit, Coach and owner of Lotus Bridge

WARNING:  This is a mix of “rant” “rebelliousness” and “rabble rousing.”

I’m about to bring up some controversial topics, challenge some ideas, and share some deeply personal stuff, too.  I hope you will join me and share your thoughts and ideas on this intriguing debate as I struggle to define what my own “real” labels are and who my clients actually are, too!  Most of my clients are actually “gifted” even they don’t realize it, many have ADHD, and all have productivity and self-worth / self-advocacy challenges.  Apparently, this is NO mere coincidence.

In the world of ADD there is a lot of debate about whether or not ADHD is a “gift,” a “defect” or a “disorder.”

What if it is not a “yes” or “no” question?  What if people who are gifted just happen to share a lot of the same traits as people who are ADHD?

The answer may be more like this: a lot of people with ADD also happen to be intellectually gifted.

Or perhaps the real answer is that people who are “gifted” are also often “diagnosed” or “mis-diagnosed” as having ADD and at least 2 or more other “disorders” as well.  Sadly, this is actually TRUE.

In the worlds of neurodiversity, ADD and giftedness, there is a growing community of researchers and scholars recognizing and confirming that there is a set of traits that are commonly grouped together in various configurations.  This set of traits is combined in various ways and are shared by people in the following groups of people – some of which are labeled “disorders” and some of which are called personality traits, types or styles.

  • ADD / ADHD
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • Bipolar
  • Dysthemia
  • Depression
  • Existential depression
  • Reactive depression
  • Aspergers
  • Compulsive Hoarders
  • Chronically Disorganized
  • Gifted
  • xNxP Personality Types
  • Highly Creative
  • Highly Intense
  • Highly Sensitive
  • Highly Technical
  • Highly Task Oriented
  • Addicted to Insight” (Yes, this is really out there – Refers to people who can’t stop learning, seeking, discovering. Talk about feeling like someone managed to get inside your brain and understand you better than you understood yourself.  Blew me away for days.)
Misdiagnosis And Dual Diagnoses Of Gifted Children and Adults by James T. Webb

Misdiagnosis And Dual Diagnoses Of Gifted Children and Adults by James T. Webb

People with any one of these labels are HIGHLY likely to also have 3 or more or even ALL of these labels! Does this bother you like it does me?

See Misdiagnosis And Dual Diagnoses Of Gifted Children and Adults by James T. Webb

Furthermore, MANY of these people are ALSO highly functional and quite capable of contributing to society. A few years ago, I wrote about the nearly 100% overlap in ADHD and creative personality type here.  And now, I’ve found a body of research on “gifted” people that, you guessed it, is also very highly correlated with ADD and all the above traits.

This latest research is adding even more depth and validation to the work I’ve been doing teaching deep self-acceptance, emotional processing (I don’t like the words “regulation” or “mastery” applied to emotions,) self-encouraging / motivating, coping skills, meta-cognitive skills and more (without using jargon like that of course) to help people with ADDish traits make peace with themselves and design their own unique organizing and productivity systems that work for them.  Yes, all that inner work is a foundational and necessary part of learning to “value” and “enjoy” organizing enough to actually spend time doing it.

Key premise in my work is this:  Much of the “dysfunction” and “disorganization” in the lives of people with neurodiverse traits is actually CAUSED by:

  1. the trauma of growing up DIFFERENT.  Misunderstood.  Constantly “corrected”. Constantly “invalidated” and called “too intense” “too emotional” “too distracted” “too sensitive” “too perfectionist” TOO EVERYTHING.
  2. traumatized attachment to things related to relationship trauma (loss, death of significant others, abandonment, invalidation, distrust of, or difficulty connecting with, having needs met in relationships).
  3. trying to follow other people’s organizing system designs and paradigms that don’t fit the way we think, believe, or function. (related to being punished for organization difficulties like not cleaning room, losing homework, being late, daydreaming etc.)
  4. not having access to the kind of learning needed to “learn” to enjoy doing something you do, not inherently find enjoyable, interesting, or intriguing.  I help people find the intrigue in getting boring stuff done.

But I digress, back to what causes “gifted” people to commonly receive all those diagnoses and labels! Growing up different is really hard!  And hard on the people around us.  They have no idea what to do with us.  Sometimes (okay, often) they lash out at us, get frustrated with us, and avoid us. They may treasure our strengths and promote us, etc., but not without frequently pointing out what they feel makes us “difficult” for them.  Like the fact that we “challenge” a lot of mainstream values, rules and ideas. Or are late, or don’t follow instructions without asking questions. We don’t (can’t) conform without feeling a bit like we are dying inside.

The difference between “happy” and “miserable” for “gifted” people is often a matter of whether or not they were accepted — allowed to be different without being negatively labeled.  What kind of schools they went too make a big difference too.  Of course, whether or not they were abused or grew up with addicts, or took on the family role of “responsible” one is also a big part of it.

So here’s an interesting thing.  Many “gifted” people would rather be called ADHD than be called “gifted!”  Myself included.

I rejected that label as a teenager because I didn’t want to be singled out that way.  I refused to be placed in an academy for “gifted” kids because I could not stomach the “elitist” attitudes that came with the crowd of people who LIKE being called gifted!  HA!

So instead I was put in a foster home (this is another long story I’m not going to tell here) and dropped out of high school.  By dropping out, I was lucky enough to be offered to attend an “alternative” high school in Brockton, Mass in 1974.

Those were the glory days of education.  The year I spent there changed my life.  I was allowed to participate democratically in my own education.  I got to choose my classes, define my own homework assignments and projects and basically be treated with respect for the first time in all my years of school.  (I also was allowed to configure a “custom” Master’s Degree combining business, education, and technology, but that’s another story.)

Still, I rejected the idea of being gifted.  The whole notion of that word still makes my skin crawl and makes me feel kinda, I don’t know – slimy?  arrogant?

Well, imagine my shock at finding out that many other people also feel the EXACT same way I do.  AND, many of them have the same traits and similar history – growing up poor, growing up with abuse, addictions, depression, highly creative, technical and intelligent, achieving a lot – but feeling like an underachiever anyway.

Our sense of self-worth was so distorted we could not truly value our talents – our flaws cancelled them out, right?

Kinda like a math problem.
1 (smart) – 1 (inconsistent) – 1 (talks too much) – 1 (doesn’t follow the rules) = a Big Less than Zero

It’s so easy to make us feel unworthy, isn’t it?

Is it any wonder one of the best predictors for LOW financial achievement is high intelligence?

Here is an excerpt from an article which describes the impact (damage) that denying your “giftedness” can have on the way you develop socially and emotionally.  It also defines 5 characteristics of people with “extra” intelligence. [My notes are in brackets]

eXtra intelligence (Xi) is marked by five characteristics, as follows:

1.    Intellectually able: grasps complicated issues relatively easily, takes leaps in the thinking process, has a low tolerance for stupidities, and may become careless when asked to do simple tasks.

[Sounds like ADD to me, difficulties performing daily boring routines and tasks: Check!]

2.    Incurably inquisitive: always curious about what’s beyond the horizon, fascinated as long as something is new, easily pursuing manifold interests. Has a low tolerance for boredom and may be slow in bringing an already-solved problem to a conclusion.

[High need for Novelty, easily bored: Check! Plus, as I've written about before we have a tendency to write things on To- Do lists and then "feel like" they are already done.  We did it in our heads so now it "feels" complete. Check!]

3.    Need for autonomy: Can work on one’s own and prefers to schedule tasks oneself. Will respond adversely to absolute power and formalities, and react allergically to bosses or others who exercise tight control. Will utilize fight or flight when autonomy is threatened.

[Check, check, check!!]

4.    Excessive zeal in pursuit of interests: Can be inexhaustible and keyed-up as long as a problem is interesting and still unsolved. But will drop it readily when the specific curiosity has been satisfied. Can put too much energy into the wrong projects. Does not like others to perform according to low standards.

[Can you say hyperactive brain, hyper-focusing, then dropping that project like a hot potato when the research phase is done and the novelty becomes routine? Goes well with the "addicted to insight" theory.]

5.    Emotionally insecure, intellectually self-confident: Knows in the head that he or she is right, but fears in the stomach that he or she will not win the case. This can easily lead to perfectionism, fear of failing, or escalating know-it-all-ness and arrogance to mask the uncertainty. Is vulnerable to a stupid or blunt display of power.

[OMG!!!  Sound familiar to you too?]

SOURCE: Title: How to Charm Gifted Adults into Admitting Giftedness: Their Own and Somebody Else’s

Citation: Originally published in Advanced Development: A Journal On Adult Giftedness, Volume11, 2007, pp 9-25. Reprinted with permission.

Author: Willem Kuipers

Maybe someday, we’ll find words to describe ourselves using words that are more neutral than either “gifted” or “disordered.”  I happen to love the term neurodiverse.  Seems like the most accurate, and does not have all the uncomfortable connotations of “gifted” or “ADD”

If you suspect you might be “neurodiverse” or have ADD or that you might be a “gifted” person who isn’t living up their potential, you will find some fascinating articles I strongly recommend on a website called “SENG” here:  http://sengifted.org/articles_adults/index.shtml

Okay, enough mindblowing for today!

Unless of course you feel like checking out my Quantum Productivity program which as it happens is actually designed for people with this delightly fascinating set of traits.  I love my tribe! If the shoe fits, welcome aboard!  I’m planning to hold a Q&A call in the spring prior to releasing the next iteration of the program (currently in beta.)  If you are interested, get on “the list”  : )

Ariane Benefit, M.S.Ed.
______________________________
p.s. For More Interesting Books on Giftedness CLICK HERE

 

 

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The Agony and the Ecstasy of Neat Ideas

April 14th, 2011

This article comes to us complements of Arianne Benefit, a Coach and owner of Lotus Bridge. She helps Neurodiverse people design their lives and businesses to fit them so they can fulfill more of their potential.  She can be contacted at www.lotusbridge.com.

Do you often feel like you wish you could hold on to all the neat ideas you encounter?   Do you keep notes and articles until they start to overwhelm you?

If so, this is for you:

I offer my clients an occasional informal “get together” on Webex and then send them a link to view the video recording.  But they can only view, not download it.

Recently a client shared with me how much she enjoyed one of these events, but how sad it made her that she could not “keep” it.  I have mixed feelings about this.  I’m glad she enjoyed the discussion, but I’m a little sad that it made her sad.  My intention was to share, not to trigger “mini-grief.” On the other hand, it’s a good thing that it challenged her in that way.  This is a small example of a decision pattern we all face every day.

To keep or not to keep?  That is the question for us insight lovers.

Every day we face the challenge.  It’s so easy to keep information and there is so much available to us.  Do we indulge our drive to keep or release it with confidence in the abundance of ideas that will flow to us?

Do we really need to keep things just because they are:

  • inspiring
  • beautiful
  • potentially useful someday
  • clever
  • delicious
  • helpful
  • unique
  • “so true!”
  • eloquent

How do we reframe this powerful urge to hold on to ideas, information and learning?

Here’s what came up for me as I thought about this challenging issue.

It’s interesting how strong the temptation is to keep the sources that trigger such savory insights. Books, magazines articles, links, mail, email, and more.

  • Imagine experiencing the ideas in the moment…savoring them like a meal….
  • Imagine digesting and integrating the nutrients from them..
  • Imagine keeping only the best of the best…what are the criteria? How do I filter?
  • Imagine setting a time limit on keeping them…
  • Imagine letting them go…
  • Imagine trusting that the right amount of nourishment for the moment was happening and that was enough…
  • Imagine knowing and trusting that more delicious mind nourishment is on the way…

I believe ideas and insights are like food…

  • They can feel and taste so good that we can become addicted to them.
  • We need a continuous supply of mind and body nourishment.
  • We need to trust that more is always on the way.
  • We need to connect to the source, not to the actual idea.
  • Trying to hold on to all the best ideas is like eating too much…it starts to hurt, feel overwhelming.
  • Going back and reviewing the ideas we hold on to does not turn out the way we thought it would when we kept the idea.
  • We go back to it and now it’s no longer fresh…and worse it often overwhelms us.
  • The ideas we keep for “review” force us to have to go back and spend time reviewing, when really we love looking for more new ideas.  (Can you say paradox?)
  • Keeping all the physical remnants of ideas keeps us from being able to take in the next meal.

Holding on to ideas is ultimately just constipating us – the exact opposite of our original sense of being, freed by the ideas and new possibilities they represented.

The ultimate paradox…if you really love them…set them free!

Trust in the endless abundance of ideas.
Let them flow through you with ease and enjoyment…
Release the idea, stay connected to the source: hmmm.

Food for thought?

Hope you found that these ideas were worth sharing…but also worth passing on and letting go of to make room for future ideas:

Let us know what you think.

Do you struggle with what ideas to keep?

How do you deal with neat ideas?

You can comment on Arianne’s or Diane Hatcher (Time-Savers)  Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/ariane.benefit
http://www.facebook.com/timesaversusa

or on our Blog pages:

http://blog.neatandsimple.com/2011/03/the-agony-and-the-ecstasy-of-neat-ideas-.html
http://timesaversusa.com/blog/

Happy Organizing!

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