Thursday, November 25, 2010

Finding the Movtivation to Clear Your Clutter

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston. This book changed my life. It got me to admit to myself the toxic effect that my clutter was having on my present and my future. The author has a spiritual world view that is different than mine and the second half of the book is a little hocus-pocusee to me. But the first half (which is well worth the price of the entire book) is 1) a clearing of the fog as to WHY we should de-clutter and 2) REALLY practical steps to take to begin and continue the journey.

And, I suppose I would have to say that it seems to me there is something between a solely practical view and a metaphysical view of an issue. Is there a spiritual link between having an object in a certain part of your house and generating wealth? I don't see it. Is there some kind of 'vibe' that is created when you feel better that gives you the energy to want to create wealth? I see it.

Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui is the first step in your journey to a clutter free life.

Before we start such a daunting process, we have to really own the belief that there is a better way and that it should be taken. I've just begun to read Karen's book again and I think that I will review it here, chapter by chapter to get myself (and hopefully you) kick started again. If you would like your own copy, you can order it here.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Feed the Hungry

Your trash can is your friend - and it's hungry!

I love this phrase and word picture. It has been keeping me going lately. It too is from Peter Walsh's book "It's All Too Much".

My friend Jim and I say it to each other almost every day. He too is on a de-cluttering mission. Sometimes you have to make it funny or you'll go insane!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Art of Visualization

It's not what you think. By visualization I mean have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish BEFORE you even start doing any work. It's not my idea - I got it from Peter Walsh's book, It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff.Peter is so right on when he points out that before you even start to tackle the clutter/mess, you've got to have a vision for that particular space/room.

And Peter doesn't just mean is this a guest room or an office or living room. Peter means besides the basic "label" of the room - how do you want to function in that space? Is it important for you to be able to clean it easily? Will others be using this space? Do you need to access things quickly in this space without having to move other things to get to them?

Before you start - really think about these questions and develop a clear vision of how you want to move and function in the space. Then as you start to go through the clutter, the decisions about what to keep and what to toss become much, much easier. If it doesn't support your vision - it's gone.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Welcome!

Welcome to the Lazy Girl Cottage! Grab a cup of coffee and let's sit around and think about how we want to clear our clutter, simplify our lives, save some money and perhaps go a little greener.

I say "think about it" because that's way easier than actually doing something about it! Here at the Lazy Girl Cottage we'll share tips, inspire each other and try to get motivated to actually DO something about our clutter.

I love to read books about clearing clutter, getting organized, saving to become a millionaire, etc. Do I always act on the information? Heavens no! But my intentions are always very good.

I began the journey about 6 years ago. As we go along I will share my successes as well as my failures and hopefully give you encouragement and hope as you share yours as well.

Blessings to all my fellow procrastinators. Come to the cottage and feel right at home!