Just then , my eyes landed on a plaque that said , “ Indecision may or may not be my problem .”
I held it up to show her . We burst out in laughter mixed with tears .
Humor shines light on truth .
I ’ ve seen many similar signs in my organizing career .
A common one is “ Bless this Mess !” Or : “ Please excuse the mess : the kids are busy making memories .” Another version says the quiet part out loud : “ Please excuse the mess : I suck at being a housewife .”
My theory is that these plaques signify something profound : traditional organizing methods leave no middle ground between neatness and chaos .
And so , humor elbows its way into the moralistic , either / or definition of organized .
Humor declares the truth that we ’ re missing a legitimate model for “ organized enough .”
The focus of organizing is all wrong .
Too often , organizing focuses on making a space look a certain way .
With this product , your problems will disappear ! Apply your willpower and XYZ Magical Method to have your dream home !
The picture-perfect end result makes no mention of what it takes to get there or maintain it .
Color-coded books in a toddler ’ s room and pantry shelves lined with glass containers are beautiful .
But at what price ?
Did they explain how you ’ ll spend precious minutes each day re-shelving books by color ? What happens when the toddler swipes them all onto the floor ?
With the fancy pantry , you ’ ll trudge to the store for groceries , bring them in and unpack , and also : remove them from their packaging , pour them into the pretty jars , cut out the cooking instructions , relabel the expiration date on the jar , and find a spot for the contents that don ’ t fit in the lovely container .
Whew ! Let me offer a simpler goal : to be organized means finding what you need , when you need it .
Function is essential . Pretty is a bonus .
Customized expectations , curiosity , and selfcompassion : a winning trio .
For more than 16 years as a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization and a Certified Productivity Coach , I ’ ve witnessed women berate themselves for not being perfectly organized . Instead of setting expectations that support their life situation , they try to prove
HEALTH & WELLNESS
55