I have a client who showed off her friend’s blog, then she mentioned that she would love to have one, too.

What a wonderful idea!

She got me to thinking that many of you may want to have your very own blog, too.  Blogs are a great place for you to journal your experiences, tell stories about pictures, or share your favorite things.  You can give your blog address to whoever you want to see your journal records or keep it to yourself.

I contacted Jess Webb, that’s her on the left, who is a technically inclined woman.  I asked her if she would make a video on how to set up a blog for you!

She loved the idea of being to help you get more acquainted with the technical world and sent a special made video and her best wishes.

The best part…You don’t have to call your children and ask them for help!  hehehe

So, watch this video from beginning to end, first.  Don’t try to absorb everything and don’t start following the instructions until you have watched it.

A-F-T-E-R you have watched the video, then start creating your blog.  I have listed TOP 3 things I think would be puurrrrfect for you to include on your personal blog.

Go ahead and review these 3 things now…they are right below the video link.  Don’t worry, it may sound like greek, but Jess explains everything.

Click on the link below to view your Blogging Tutorial!

How to Set Up a Blogger Blog from Jess Webb on Vimeo.

When Jess shows you what “Gadgets” you can add on YOUR blog, then these are the TOP 3 ones I want you to consider adding in the right hand column of your blog.

1. About – add a quote you love or some tidbits about you (be creative)
2. Bloglist – this “gadget” allows you to add a list of blogs that you like to follow.  I think this would be awesome for you because you can go to your very own blog and have access to the links of your favorite blogs in the right hand column.  You gotta admit, that’s pretty handy.  BTW (by the way) my blog url is http://www.melodygranger.com/blog-2, just in case you were wondering!
3. List – If you have some favorite websites you like to visit, then you can add the website address here.

Oh my goodness, can you imagine what your family is going to think when you tell them that you have a blog AND actually created it yourself?

Their mouths will hang open and their eyeballs are going to pop out,  because you didn’t have to ask them for help!

This is great!

I really hope you enjoy this.  Please feel free to thank Jess for her time and expertise by leaving her a comment in the comment area.  You can also click on the picture above and leave a thank you on that page.

If you have any questions at all, then I’m here for you.  Don’t hesitate to ask.

I’ll leave you with my favorite saying of all time…

“If I knew the answer, then I wouldn’t ask the question.”

As I was working with a client, we came across a set of 60 year old index cards with travel instructions written on them from when she was in college.

The instructions were lovingly written by her Mom.

My client started laughing and telling me the story of how her Mother always made sure she knew exactly what to do in any situation.  Her Mother was always teaching her “how to properly take care of herself.”  You can imagine that back then, every thing was done “properly” and with lots of care.

The amazing thing that I noticed about my client’s Travel Instructions was they were pretty darn good.  In fact, they are useful today.  A few tweaks and you could use them for yourself.

Word for word, here are the 60 year old travel instructions from the front & back of 2 index cards:

Travel: Read this before trips & add more as you see fit.

1. Make provisions for care of mail & newpapers.
2. If you think it advisable notify your police patrolman that you are leaving & leave door key with neighbor.
3. Put away garden hose and tools.
4. If needed, put out ant, roach, & rat poison.
5. Remove from refrigerator foods that might spoil while you are away.  Empty all garbage.
6. Turn off pilots on stove & water heater, also, gas connections.  Be careful when lighting again.  Light pilot first and then turn on the large gas valve.
7. Lock up or put out of view all silver wares and other valuables.
8. Lock all windows & outside doors.  Close blinds & drapes.
9. Just before leaving – read this card.  Check each room to see that all windows (don’t forget bath & kitchen) and outside doors are locked, blinds turned, lights and gas burners turned off.  Lock garage.  Much of this can be done days before leaving.
10. If you want an early start eat breakfast away from house & no dishes to wash.
11. Take drinking water & paper cups.

Travel (continued)

A.  Put in glove compartment, flash light, road maps, sun glasses, paper cups, tissues, clean rag (for wiping hands or windshield), first aid kit or iodine & bandage.

B.  Take medicine:  aspirin, anti acid, eye medicines, vitamin tablets, laxatives, campho phenique, or any other medicine you might need.

C.  Days before leaving use guest room to assemble all the things you want to take on your trip.  Packing can be done in a short time with little chance of forgetting something.  Hang top clothes in closet & then put in paper bags to be hung in car.  Pack your toilet case a day ahead & put in guest room so it won’t be forgotten, also hat box or any thing else you expect to take.

We usually pack car night before leaving, except for suit cases, toilet case & such luggage that will be added to next morning.

In winter take heavy coats, rain coats & lap blanket.

Be sure you have purse with money, key (bags – car & door) & glasses (eye).

Be sure there’s air in the spare tire with jack, wrench & other tools needed in changing.  Cooper takes an old pair of pants or sock to kneel on while changing tire.

I really enjoyed listening as my client shared this memory.  Hope you enjoyed it too!

What are you thinking?  Tell me below. 

Guest Post by Sukie Baxter

You know the lovely feeling of walking into a well-ordered room. There’s a sense of relief, a sigh of comfort and a feeling of knowing what to expect. Everything you need is well-placed and easy to access.

Most of us spend plenty of time organizing our kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and offices in the hopes that finally reaching the pinnacle of order in our living spaces will inject some order into our lives as well. But few of us spend time exploring our inner space.

We tend to forget that the space inside our skin is just that, space.

We tend to forget that the space inside our skin is just that, space. We are three dimensional beings living in a unidirectionally focused world. Everything we do is facing forward, and so we lose track of the juicy fullness of our bodies.

Why is paying attention to the space inside our skin so vital?

Simply put, our bodies are the medium through which we express ourselves. If we’re struggling with pain, blockages and poor health, we can’t fully show up for our lives and for our dreams.

In The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, there is a scene where an elderly gas station attendant–a guru in disguise, if you will–challenges the young Dan to a contest to see who can come up with the most amazing feat.

Millman performs a showy one-arm handstand upon the office desk, ending with a gymnastic flip, confident that the old man can’t one up his flashy tricks. “Impressive,” comments the man before pulling out his ace. He walks into the restroom and fills a glass with water before drinking it down.

Confused, Millman asks what that’s all about. After all, drinking a glass of water is nothing special. The man replies that he noticed his body was slightly out of balance and so drank the water to ward off an oncoming issue with his kidneys. That kind of awareness is far more impressive than that flashy acrobatics and show-off tricks.

We’ve lost this awareness of our inner selves.

Today, we wait until the kidneys are inflamed and infected before going to the doctor for a course of antibiotics. We wait until our backs are crippled from sitting in front of computers and video game consoles before signing up for surgery. We’re told it’s all a part of aging, but there is actually little evidence to support this.

Multiple studies have shown that the so-called aging process is literally a figment of your imagination.  We age and become “elderly” because that’s what we observe others doing around us.

Seniors who were placed in an isolated environment where everything, including the television and news, was reminiscent of the 1950s and told to act as though the present year were 1950 experienced physiological changes equivalent to a reversal in aging.

Tribal natives who perceive age as equivalent to value (the older you are, the more valued member of the tribe you become) do not experience decrepitude as we do. In fact, their 50 and 60 year olds can outrun their 20 year olds, and there is no declining once they reach peak health.

You know immediately when your home is out of balance, when the floors need to be vacuumed, the furniture straightened, the clutter cleared. It’s obvious. But how closely do you monitor your inner space? Do you treat it with the same respect? Do you do regular check ins to see if you’re on track for your health goals?

Aligning your body with the goals of your heart will rocket you toward your dreams and allow you to experience the full juiciness of their achievement.

Energy alchemist, healer of aches and pains and creative artist, Sukie Baxter helps you heal your body and soul so you can live the life that’s in your heart. Sukie is the author of the Body Bliss Manifesto, the most powerful secret to living up to your full potential. Get your free copy at www.BlissManifesto.com.

Tell me how you take care of your inner space.  Leave a comment below.

To share this article with your friends, simply click on one of the colorful icons.

As I was speaking to a lady named Jan last night, she told me about how she was not a good multitasker.

I confessed that neither was I.

(In a moment I will share Jan’s kitchen story.)

But first…

If you think about it, you can only ever do one thing at a time. You may have heard me say this before, and it’s true. In one of my own personal coaching programs with Marie Forleo, I was reminded of this again. Lisa Wilder reminds me of this, too. It’s easy to forget to give your full focus on one thing. It is easy to get so wrapped up trying to do everything at once.

Jan is a very resourceful lady. She knew the latest on health issues, has spent years keeping up with the latest fashions, is a financial guru, and a whole lot more.

I found it interesting when she said she realized she wasn’t a good multitasker in the kitchen.

She had trouble trying to prepare a full course meal, selecting the right dishes, holding a conversation, and making sure everything turned out well – basically all at once.  It drove her crazy.

A-ha! Maybe that’s why I don’t do so well in the kitchen arena. I felt as if she were talking about the way I feel when I try to cook.  (You’d think a professional organizer would have possibly made this connection about herself long ago.)

Jan said, “I do fine if I have one single thing to cook.”

I immediately thought, “Me, too!”

I had never connected my inability to multitask well to the way I work in the kitchen. With this new revelation I experienced by listening to Jan’s story I can’t wait to get in the kitchen again with a different mindset.

My girls say they are good multitaskers because they can chew gum and walk at the same time. Haha.  Sure you can listen to music and dance at the same time, too.  Most people are very efficient at “mindless activities” like these.

When you have to make decisions, multitasking is not your friend.

It is definitely your foe.

It will trip you up, slow you down, and do its best to make sure you do not complete your tasks in a timely manner.

Have you ever driven through town and caught the majority of the red lights? The red lights are your distractions. It’s one more task that gets thrown in and slows you down. They usually pop up even though they are not welcome.

Have you ever driven on the interstate at a high speed? When you are super focused and choose to take the course with less distractions, then you get to where you are going a lot faster. Then you are able to move on to the next thing you want to do with more clarity.

Take the faster, distraction free road.

How to prevent distractions:

• Turn off your cell phone (or at least turn it on vibrate and let the person leave a message)
• Don’t hop over to your email (when you catch yourself doing it, then stop and go back to your task)
• Clear the space around you (yes, everything except what you are working on)

You’ll start noticing an increase in your productivity and produce a high end result.

Consider this your self development lesson of the day!

One more story, then I’ll stop.  When writing a resume, I used to proudly and prominently display the word “Multitasker” near the top.

One day my boss had me creating a spreadsheet, then he interrupted me to write a letter, then another guy in the office interrupted us because he had a question about a report, and I’m SURE the phone was ringing and I was supposed to answer it.

I just looked from one guy to the other, confused as to where my attention should be.

My boss told the other guy,  “Stop.  You know she can’t do more than one thing at a time.  She’s not a good multitasker.”

My bluff was called. As much as that stung, I sheepishly said, “I’m not.”

But DAMN! I did try.

Did anything here resonate with you?  Please feel free to share these stories by using the colorful icons below.

Do you have any multitasking stories?   I’d LOVE to hear one.  Please do tell.

Here is the final portion of the interview that I did with Julie McLindon, a life coach specializing in Transitioning and Healing Within or After a Relationship. This portion of the interview focuses on divorced women.

If you haven’t read Part I and Part II, then take a moment to get caught up on the conversation by clicking on the links below.

Part I: Relationships and Clutter: Married, Empty Nester
Part II: Relationships and Clutter: Single

Part III:  Relationships and Clutter:  Divorced Relationships

Melody: Let’s talk about divorced women. How does the divorced woman learn to let go of physical, mental, and emotional clutter she may be experiencing after “the loss” of her marriage?  Is there one piece of advice you can give her so she can begin to move forward?

Julie: This is tough because divorce is such a huge life event, and I don’t want to minimize that by suggesting that there is a quick fix for the pain and grief that accompany it.

I can say that it all begins with acceptance.  In my coaching we say that we are in acceptance when we can acknowledge our circumstances and the past just as they are, with no wish or desire for anything to be different.  One technique that often helps lead people into acceptance is to guide them to look for the “gift” of the experience.  Maybe they’ve become stronger than they ever thought they could be, or made wonderful new friends, or been able to pursue an exciting career opportunity.  It’s different for everyone of course and I don’t want to make it sound simple.  It takes commitment and a true desire to move forward to reach that place of full acceptance.

Melody: Thank you, Julie.  My intentions for this interview is to help women move forward with healthy realtionships with themselves and others that they care about.  I appreciate you shedding some light on the subject.

Regardless if you have clutter or disorganization problems, Julie McLindon is a beautiful person inside and out that helps you create a life you love.  But don’t take my word for it, take her up on her 30 minute complimentary session.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Julie McLindon, Life Coach.  Her areas of specialty include Life Transitions and Healing Within or After a Relationship.  I wanted her take on relationships and clutter for all my women friends (okay, and the men, too!).  The second part of our interview is for all the single ladies out there!

If you missed Part I, then read it real quick and come back!  I’ll wait for you.  Part I:  Relationships & Clutter:  Couple/Marriage Relationships

Part II:  Relationships & Clutter:  Single Relationship

Melody: Now, I’d like to help women in a single relationship.  I have been contacted by single women who claim to have clutter or messiness problems.  Some of them only invite their closest friends in their homes.  They may float between relationships or not have relationships at all, although they would like to find “the one.”  I have heard the mindset statement “if they can’t accept me as I am, then they aren’t for me.”  The great news for the “cluttered” single woman that contacts me is that she is ready for a change, taking the steps for herself instead of for someone else.

Julie: Exactly. When someone contacts you Melody, they have reached a point at which they’re ready to move forward instead of staying stuck in the past.  With that, you bring up an important point.  Just like losing weight, quitting smoking, or any other challenging change in lifestyle, it can only happen if the person who’s trying to change is doing it for herself (or himself).  Doing it for some external reason, ie: another person, just won’t work.  In reaching out to you for support they are taking a step toward committing to that change in lifestyle.

Melody: Do you believe that it may be true that the cluttered single woman is being resistant to change because she may fear finding “the relationship” she craves?

Julie: It’s certainly possible.  However, each of us has had a unique set of experiences, those experiences give rise to subconscious beliefs and feelings about ourselves.  In this case something like the idea that we are unlovable or unworthy of love.  The resistance is based on those beliefs, and it takes real courage to face them and work through them.  The good news it that once we’ve done that we open ourselves up to countless new possibilities in our lives, and one of those possibilities just might be “the relationship.”

Melody: Do you feel like clutter, disorganization, or messiness can be preventing her from becoming involved in a healthy, happy relationship?  Why or why not?

Julie: I’m going to guess here that although she’s promised herself time and time again that she would get organized, it still hasn’t happened.  When we tell ourselves over and over that we’ll do something and then we don’t follow through, we begin to believe that we can’t trust ourselves.  Once that belief takes hold in one area of our lives it spreads to other areas as well, like relationships.  So to answer your question, yes, it could hinder her ability to become involved in a happy, healthy relationship.  We have to be able to trust ourselves before we can truly trust others. As in my previous answer, I want to point out that these beliefs are subconscious.  Becoming aware of them is a huge step in itself.

I can’t wait to share the rest of the interview!  Keep your eyes open for Part III:  Relationships & Clutter.  In the meantime, if you are interested in a complimentary 30 minute phone session with Julie, then reach out to her (your conversation doesn’t have to be about clutter!)

Julie’s coaching work is done by phone, so she has had the privilege of supporting clients across the country as they create new and exciting possibilities for their lives.  Her areas of specialty include Life Transitions and Healing Within or After a Relationship.   Julie has a master’s degree in counseling and is certified as a life coach by the Ford Institute for Integrative Coaching.

Married, single, divorced?  You don’t want to miss this interview!

I recently requested an interview with Julie McLindon, a Life Coach, asking her to share some insight into how clutter or disorganization may affect relationships since relationships are her specialty.  She accepted!

The first part of our interview is geared towards couples and empty nesters.

Before I go any further, I want to thank Julie for giving up some of her Summer Vacation to share her thoughts with all of us.  Thank you, Julie!

Part I:  Relationships & Clutter:  Couple/Marriage Relationships

I have noticed that decluttering, organizing, and beautifying their homes is a huge step for them.  It seems these couples have come to a point of needing to reconnect with each other on a deeper level.  In my opinion, they are on a journey of self-discovery and are headed in the right direction.

Julie: What comes to me first as I read this scenario is a saying that we use often in coaching, “What’s happening on the outside is a reflection of what’s going on inside.”

This couple has reached a transition point in their lives together (empty nest).  It’s not unusual to need to “reconnect” after the kids have left home.  Lots of stuff, both physical and emotional can build up in a relationship during the years of raising children, establishing careers, etc.  And, since the outside reflects the inside, clearing out their home together is a great way to a new and fresh start.  As they clear out the physical “stuff” that has accumulated, the emotional stuff will begin to clear itself out as well, leaving room for a new phase of their relationship to develop.

Melody: On the other hand, there are couples whose relationships are suffering due to clutter and disorganization.  One person may be having a hard time letting go or doesn’t understand why the clutter or disorganization is upsetting to their partner.

Can you describe what the upset partner may be feeling and then describe some possible reasons why the “less organized” or “more cluttered” person may be “hiding, blocking, or trapping” themselves behind their clutter?  OR possible reasons why the “less organized” person does not feel like there is a problem with the way they live?  Are they being resistant?

How is this preventing him/her from having a happier, healthier relationship with not only their partner, but with his/herself?

Julie: The major difference between this couple and the first couple you described is that the first couple is working toward an agreed upon goal, and this couple hasn’t reached that place of agreement yet.

As always, each couple is unique. There could be so many things in play here from varying levels of tolerance for clutter to the hiding, blocking and resistance you mention.  What’s important here is that each partner is coming into the conversation from a place of love and understanding and not a place of anger and frustration.

Melody: Julie, this is really good stuff and I know I could talk to you forever about this topic.

I’m looking forward to sharing the rest of your insights.  Stay tuned for Part II & Part III.  As they become available, I’ll provide the links.

Part II:  Relationships & Clutter:  Single Relationships

Part III:  Relationships & Clutter:  Divorced Relationships

Julie’s coaching work is done by phone, so she has had the privilege of supporting clients across the country as they create new and exciting possibilities for their lives.  Her areas of specialty include Life Transitions & Healing Within or After a Relationship.   Julie has a master’s degree in counseling and is certified as a life coach by the Ford Institute for Integrative Coaching.

Julie offers a complimentary 30 minute sample session.  Take her up on it!  Contact Julie via email julie@juliemclindon.com.  You may also visit Julie’s website for more information.

Perfectionism and Fears.

Here are the reasons why I recommend this fantastic book, The Procrastinator’s Handbook by Rita Emmett.

#1 It doesn’t hurt that Jack Canfield, coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series was quoted on the front cover saying,

“Don’t put off reading this book. Among the techniques and concepts, stories and humor, quotes and ‘quick tips,’ you will find something to help you get started.”

#2 It also didn’t hurt that the subtitle is Mastering the Art of Doing It Now.

#3 But what you find inside is the good stuff!  My personal favorite section of the book is about fears.

• Fear of the Unknown
• Fear of Making Mistakes
• Fear of Judgment
• Fear of Success
• Fear of Having to Live Up to A High Standard
• Fear of Change
• Fear of Too Much Responsibility
• Fear of Feelings
• Fear of Finishing
• Fear of Being Rejected
• Fear of Making the Wrong Decisions

#4 There are quotes inside that are incredible.  Let me share ONE with you because it is the closest to my heart, for my own personal reasons and for better understanding my clients.

“Perfectionism is NOT a quest for the best.  It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough – that we should try again.”

~Julie Cameron.

That’s deep.  And I believe it is true.

(Rita Emmett dropped by since I originally posted this article!  There’s another great “perfectionist” quote she left in the comment section.  Be sure to look for it.)

Sometimes I wonder if some of the people I work with are pure perfectionist. I know I have my moments, but I try to acknowledge when I am being overboard and when it is really needed.

Check out Rita Emmett, (who has been interviewed by Katie Couric.)

Are you ready to receive help to get things done (NOW)?

Perfection will show up where it needs to be.  Not doing things at all – because of whatever reason you have – will hold you up from accomplishing the things you hope to do – in your physical space and in your life.

You can Get It Done Yourself while receiving support, motivation, and guidance from someone like me.  Curious?  Ask me how!

Here’s your link to get your hands on The Procrastinator’s Handbook.

I love to hear from you!  In the comment section below, share the reasons why you may be procrastinating or how you overcame it.

Melody

PS  If this struck a chord with you, then please share it.

Organization does NOT magically appear.

I know it looks like that on HGTV or other organizing shows.

You must have self-discipline to get it that way and Keep It That Way.

Being organized is a never ending process, just like eating, just like cleaning the toilets.

Guess what?  It doesn’t have to be hard.  Getting organized can be simpler than you think.  Don’t over complicate it.

You have to want to make the changes.  Want it real, real, real bad.  My niece, Victoria, in the picture wanted it real bad!  Notice how she donned an apron?  She wanted it so bad that she asked me if I would help her.  (See how simple that was for her!)

If you don’t want it bad enough to do it, then keep searching the internet for a cure to eliminate your clutter, simplify your spaces, and have it magically stay that way.

Getting organized is definitely work, but once you invest the time and effort to truly transform your home into the place you love living in, then you can sit back and relax.  No, you don’t relax forever.  But you can definitely relax more often!

Next, you will need to enjoy keeping your home clear of clutter. This will involve a case of self-discipline.  As you change, as your life changes, you have to adapt your environment to reflect the new changes.

• Yes, that means rotating around your home and revisiting areas as often as needed.

• Yes, that means that a steady, enjoyable routine to manage your paperwork needs to be in place.

• Yes, that means you have to take the time (with a happy heart) to maintain areas.

Here’s what I want you to keep in mind.

Be kind to yourself.  Your transformation does not need to happen in one week, two weeks, or even twelve months.

Your energy levels will ebb and flow.  Work with them, not against them.

Speaking of energy…

As you organize an area, pay attention to how it feels.  If something feels really, really good, then stick with it.  If something feels a little out of whack or not quiet right, then figure out what it is and tweak it or move the “disturbance.”

Victoria arranged items so that she could reach everything.  She is very pleased with her closet.  It feels so good to her that she was hanging out in there half the day.  Just sitting and playing with a few animals!  I am sooo proud of her.  She is learning organizing skills that will be with her for a lifetime.

Organization is soooo much more than appearance, it is peace of mind.  A little sprinkle of self-discipline helps you keep it that way. 

No matter where you live, if you ever need moral support, guidance, encouragement, or simple coaching on how to become happier, healthier, and more comfortably organized, then get help here!

Ladies, Ladies, Are You Ready?

READY!

Ladies, Ladies, Are You Set?

YOU BET!

Boogey, Woogey, Woogey, Woogey, Woogey

Boogey, Woogey, Woogey, Woogey, Woogey

Boogey, Woogey, Woogey, Woogey, Woogey

LET’S GET IT!

The opening theme song for every ball game my daughter played was a pumped up inspirational cheer song.  The players sang it to the parents… Parents, Parents, Are You Ready?, then the parents sang it to the players…Lightning, Lightning, Are You Ready?, then the Lightning Team sang it to the coaches…Coaches, Coaches, Are You Ready?  And on one very special occasion the two teams of one special ballgame sang it to each other.  SWEET!

And now I’m cheering you on because YOU can get organized.  It is a learnable skill.  It is not a genetic defect to be disorganized.

So…Ladies, Ladies, ARE YOU READY????

You aren’t the only one. I have my own reasons for hiding something. I tellyou “how” and “why” I hide it below.

I have worked with and heard stories from many of you who hide things.

The reasons may vary somewhat.

• You may hide things because you are afraid that if someone breaks into your home, then it will be too easy for them to find items of value if it is in a logical place.
• You may hide things because you would die of embarassment if someone saw it.
• You may hide things because your friends, family, or co-workers will take advantage and “steal” your stock.  (I’m thinking of pens and snacks!)
• You may hide things from your partner or children.
• You may hide things because it is a habit, even if you don’t have a reason to hide it.
• You may hide things because you do not trust a person who is entering your home.  It could be a family member or a friend or a person entering to provide a service – such as pest control, A/C repair, painters, etc.
• Or you may hide things because, quiet frankly, it doesn’t need to be seen!
  

The great news, it is okay to hide things to a certain extent.  Especially if you are taking the steps to prevent a crime.  The important thing I recommend is sticking to one hiding spot so you can remember where you placed the item(s).

Seriously remember where you hid it.

When you start hiding things here, there, and over yonder, then you start sabotaging your efforts.  A game of hide-n-seek many increase your frustration and anxiety.  Especially if you start getting paranoid and thinking, “Someone found my stash!”

I can think of one thing that I hide.  Identifying paper documents.  And it’s not really hidden.  It is stored out in the open.  My way of hiding it is by labeling it with boring w0rding that has nothing to do with the items.

It may appear as nothing important to those who see it, but I know differently.  I have two reasons to “hide” these items in this way:

#1  I don’t trust someone who has entered my home.

#2  If I need to evacuate for a hurricane, I’m grabbing this “mislabeled” container first.  My husband and children know where these documents are located in case they need any info from it.

What are your reasons for hiding things?  Do you do it on purpose or on accident?  I would love to hear your stories!

Tell me in the comment section.

If you enjoyed this, then feel free to share it with your friends!

Melody

PS  I hide things on my website!  Only those who are meant to find these things will find them.

I am a reformed punctually challenged person.  No matter where I was going I was always 10 minutes late.  I always had an excuse.  Even if I made sure I was ready to go in plenty of time to get where I was going.

Being late made me feel anxious.  It caused me stress.  My mind would start looking for reasons that made me late.  My reasons sounded lame because it was just me “finding last minute things” to do before I left the house.  I created my own time crunch.

Sure there were times that uncontrollable events happened that caused me to be delayed.  Traffic backed up for miles on the interstate because of a car wreck.  (I used to work in Baton Rouge and traffic was pure torture.)  I got trapped in the lane that wasn’t moving.  Trust me, you do not want to be in that lane!  It is hard to jump over to the fast moving lane once you have come to a stop.  I would get excited that I had a “real” reason that delayed me on those days I really would have been on time.

There’s more.  I’ve answered the phone when I knew I didn’t have the time to get involved in a conversation.  I decided to stop for breakfast and the “fast” food drive-thru lane took longer than I expected.  (Although it usually took about the same amount of time that it always did.)  Late again!

I was good about making phone calls to let others know I was going to be a few minutes late.  If they ever asked why, I told them whatever really happened.  It always sucked!  Especially when my reasons were purely controllable by me.

When I chose the path of being an organizer, in 2003, my research uncovered the most amazing book that was written especially for me.  I’m surprised it didn’t have my name in the title, like this,  “Melody, never be late again.”

By delving into this book, I learned a lot about the root cause of my lateness:

The psychology research of lateness study from Cleveland State University found that: “Tardy subjects differed from their timely counterparts in a number of personality characteristics, with late people scoring measurably lower on nurturance and higher on both long and short term anxiety.”  Diana DeLonzor (the author of this amazing book, never be late again) and the San Francisco State University conducted a survey aimed at asking questions and determining what causes chronic lateness.  They studied 225 people who were given personality tests and questioned about their punctuality attitudes and habits.  The late scored higher in anxiety and distractibility.  They placed somewhat lower than the “on-timers” in the areas of self-esteem and self-discipline.

In a nutshell, that’s me!  Yay, I have a reason to be late!  It’s not my fault.  It’s just the way I am.

Wrong.  There is help. You can be on time.  REALLY.  I am proof.  I did it!  I slip every once in a while, but I am not fond of the stressfulness of it, so I try to get back on track real fast.  There are other reasons that I enjoy being on time.  My #1 reason is it…feels so freaking good!

Never be late again will provide you with more than just time management skills.  In fact, I find it refreshing that time management is not the main focus of this book.  It is so much more!

My favorite subtitles in the book are:

“Overcoming the Rebel Habit”

“Managing the Late Employee”

“Learn to Find Control in More Constructive Manners”

“Learning to Stay Focused”

“Needing a Crisis to Get Motivated”

Other things you will learn are:

• Why you underestimate the time it takes to accomplish everyday tasks.

• The most common mistake the late person makes.

• Strategies to improve your time management.

• Techniques for conquering procrastination.

Diana DeLonzor gives “7 cures for the punctually challenged.”  Are you ready to be cured like I was?

Buy this book ASAP.

Last night my daughter played Solitaire on the computer.  She asked me “Do you want to play?”  After I said, “Sure, it’s been years since I played so I may be a little rusty”  she said, “Just watch me, we’ll take turns.”

My daughter refreshed my memory on how to stack the cards up, but when it was my turn…I moved really slow!  When she saw me thinking really hard, she simply pointed out my next move.  She was really, really good at seeing exactly what to do next.

Once I played a few games, I started flying through the process of moving cards around, messing up some stacks so I could set up a complete row of cards in perfect order and get them out of the way.

Getting organized is exactly the same process.  When I work with clients I tell them we have to start somewhere.  We begin moving things around (seemingly making things worse, before they get better) so that we can complete one area and move on to the next.

When they get stuck or start thinking really hard, I am there to point out a simple move we can make to keep the organizing process going.  You see, I am not so rusty at helping others get organized.  Just like my daughter was not so rusty at the game of Solitaire.

Once my clients and I get in sync with each other we start flying through the process of moving things around.  It gets easier and easier to make decisions on removing what you do not need and arrange the items you decide to keep.  Amazingly, we clear an area.  Then we go another round.

Would you like to play a game of virtual Solitaire with me?

The Get It Done Yourself Coaching sessions work the same way.  We have a round together where I help point you to your next move, then you make moves on your own.  Then we go a few more rounds!  Before you know it, you aren’t rusty at all.  You are organized!

Learn more about how we can get things done together by phone and email by clicking here.

(Melody Granger is a Professional Organizer based in Louisiana and providing organizing services across the nation.)

Keep the amount of phone books in your home under control.

New phone books keep landing at the end of my driveway!

I have received not one, not two, not three, but FOUR of the same phone books this year.  Only one of them is a from a different phone book publisher.  Plus, I have a travel size phone book in my vehicle.

The confusing part for me is the fact that I do not even have a land line.  I remember when you received the same amount of phone books that were equal to how many phone lines you had installed in your home.  That made sense because you could store a phone book near each phone.

Anyhow, add all these new phone books to my older phone books and I have quiet a collection stacking up!

Are your phone books stacking up, too?

New phone books are published to keep you up to date on contact information for residents and businesses in your community.  The most current phone books provide you with details that the resident or business wants you to know about them.

My advice on how many phone books and which ones to keep are simple.

• If you highlight or take notes in one specific phone book, then keep it if it is still useful for you.  But, at some point you may want to transfer your notes to a notebook or piece of paper and store it with an updated phone book.
• Recyle duplicate phone books.  Or at the very least, keep the same amount of phone books equal to the number of phone lines you have in your home.  Store one phone book near each phone in different areas of your house.  The rest go.
• In the main area of your home store one copy of each publisher’s phone book.  For example:  Keep one copy of The User Friendly Phone Book and one copy of The Yellow Pages.  (Of course, your phone books may be titled differently.)

I’ve taken my own advice!

Now I only have 2 phone books in my house.  Dusting the top of my fridge will be so much easier – that’s the one thing I put on top of my fridge!  Also, my stack of phone books won’t fall over or frustrate me.

One more benefit of keeping only 2 phone books…my girls won’t ask me “Which one do I use?”  It is easier to make a decision when you have less choices.

I’m curious, how many phone books do you own?

Prevent fire hazard in your washroom.  Protect your home and belongings before dis aster strikes your family.

Once a year I pull out my washer and dryer to clean under and behind them.  I also clean the other areas that can not be seen – the vents on the back of the dryer and the vent exhaust duct pipe.

Dust and little particles gather where you don’t see them, causing you to be at risk of a fire in

your home.  You have probably seen how dusty and dirty this area becomes.  It is even embarrassing to many.  But, don’t be embarrassed.  Be safe.

Follow the same steps I use:

• Pull out one appliance at a time.  Wipe them down with a clean wet cloth.
  

• Grab the vacuum hose and suck up the dust and other debris that is trapped beneath the appliance on the floor.

• While you have the vacuum out, suck the dust off the dryer vents on the back of your dryer.

• Detach the dryer exhaust duct vent and check it for lint build-up.  Clean it out.  Replace the duct with a metal corrugated pipe, if necessary.

• Wash the lint catcher vent screen that is usually located on top, inside, or near the front of your dryer.  Use soap and water to remove residual build-up that you can not see.

• Use a wet clean cloth to clean the floors.

• Push the appliance back into place.

My washer and dryer area was extremely dirty underneath and behind the appliances.  It usually is every single time I clean it.  This is common.

Want to see what could happen if you do not maintain this area?  Check out this news video clip.

Clutter:  a jumble; to make disorderly or hard to use by filling or covering with objects; a disordered heap or mass of objects

Melody Granger’s definition of clutter:

**The word “items” refer to physical things, activities, people, or thoughts.**

• items which are no longer serving you, but they are taking up your space
• items that are not supporting you as you grow & change into the person you aspire to be
• items that are taking away your ability to live your life like you fantasize about
• items that are no longer as important to you as they used to be
  
• items that make you feel dread or bring up negative feelings

Need more help on deciding what to let go of?

• Not used to beautify your surroundings.
• Had good intentions to use, but haven’t got around to using it (IN A LONG TIME.)
• Doesn’t fit (and even if it did, if you are honest with yourself, you don’t even really like it anymore.)
• It’s broken.  It’s missing pieces.  It’s ripped.
• Too small.  Worn out.
• Don’t have the match to it.
• NEVER USED.
• Out of ink.  Out of lead.
• Ugly.
• Not your style.
• Doesn’t function easily.  Too much trouble to use.
• Takes up too much space.

I bet you get the picture.  But, just in case…here are more of your things/items to get rid of.

• You don’t like it.
• You don’t read it.
• You don’t use it.
• You don’t like cleaning it.  (If you love it, you’ll most likely love taking care of it.)
• You don’t even remember owning it.  (don’t even open it until you try to guess what is in there!)
• It takes away from the beauty of the room.
• You have enough of it to last a lifetime.  Get rid of half of these items – money included.
• It drags you down.
• The space is overfilling with it and you don’t want it to spread to another area. (Especially shoes, hats, books, plastic cups, etc)

That should get you started!  Tell me if this was helpful by leaving a comment below.  AND motivate others by sharing some of the items (clutter) that you decided to let go of.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

I would love for you to share this with others, too, please!

I sure do!

It all starts with your confidence and your ability to truly enjoy each moment.  When you are enjoying life, whether you are washing the dishes, doing the laundry, or sorting your paperwork, then you automatically radiate sexiness.  Simply by being you (not faking it!)

Often I meet women who “think” way too much!!!  They analyze everything.

Many times, it is when you are thinking about all you have to do that you fall into the trap of becoming UN-SEXY.  Feelings of being overwhelmed or stressed radiate from you at these times.

Here is what you can do to be one of the sexiest women in the world:

1.  STOP THINKING!  Don’t go into the past and dwell on it.  Don’t go into the future and stay there too long.

2.  Take Action and ENJOY whatever you are doing.  Relax.

3.  Get Rid of 3 Books that You Would Not Recommend to a Friend.  (Put them in your donation bag.)

I KNOW I can find 3 books.  And I can do it in less than 3 minutes.

And guess what?  I will immediately feel lighter, happier, and sexier. 

You do it, too.  Don’t leave me a comment until you get this done!

With my good intentions and get it done attitude, nothing was going to keep me from my mission! I climbed the ladder and got on the roof.

Oh sh*t!  I don’t know what happened, but I was in serious trouble. I misjudged the pitch of the roof.  I thought I could stand on it, fairly comfortably.

The next thing I knew, I was STUCK and PARALYZED with fear.  (Have you ever felt this way before?  It is not a good feeling.)

While I was on the verge of having a full blown panic attack, the people on the ground were laughing their a$$ off, yelling SMILE, and taking pictures.  Haha, soooo not funny.

But you know what?  The tight, smart-alec smile I gave and the laughter that rang through the air kept me from “thinking” about the predicament that I was in.

This was a not so gentle reminder that we have to trust in others in to help us out of scary situations.  Even if they are laughing at you!

They can help us if we allow them to.  I not only wanted their help, but I needed it. I could not get down alone because I was paralyzed with fear.

As I was “talked down” from the roof, my breathing became more normal.  I simply listened to their direction and followed their instructions. (Listening well is the simple act of hearing a person’s words from their perspective, without clouding it with your own perspective.)  Before I knew it, I miraculously started feeling safe and sound again.  I just needed to feel my feet back on the rungs of the ladder.

Solid, safe “ground.”

I perched my bottom near the top rungs of the ladder and planted my feet in a more comfortable position.   They held the ladder and adjusted the hose, while I stayed at the top of the ladder working.

Thanks for the help, ladies!!!

Now, I can safely say “Mission Accomplished!”

(Oh yes, we were power washing the house.)

Do you need help accomplishing things around your house?

I will not be power washing from the roof,  but I can help you do tons of other things around the house.

Tell me about your Around the House To-Do list.

Let’s Talk Today!

Melody

June 1st to November 30th is Hurricane Season.  You should always be prepared for emergencies of any kind, regardless of the date.  Who knows when an emergency situation may arrive.  As a Professional Organizer in Louisiana, I have to be ready for hurricane season.

Watch the video below for an intro to a big fat paper mess. In the video I say “Sign up for the details in the box on the right,” but the box for this special offer has “moved itself” to under the video.

I am offering you the opportunity to receive a super-duper, low, low cost solution to help you get your most important papers in order.  Details will be announced to those who enter their email address and name in the boxes above (and under the video.)

This summer you can get your important paperwork organized and be prepared for any emergency, no matter when.

With me as your guide.

Emergency Preparedness Planning Sites:

• View hurricane activity at the National Hurricane Center website.
• Make sure all your important paperwork is organized.
  
• It’s time to make a family plan at One Storm.  You will find everything you need to make preparations at this site.
• Ready.gov is my favorite emergency preparation site.
  

Take action sooner, rather than later.

Let’s get this done before something happens.

Oh yes, feel free to click the “share” icons/pictures below and let all your friends know there is help available if they need it.  Simply click the icon that represents the way you want to share this information – facebook, email, etc.  (Because we all need to be prepared.  I will be following my same advice!)

Your own tips, resources, or thoughts are greatly appreciated.  Simply use the comment section below to communicate.

School has officially ended for the children at Grand Lake Elementary (Grand Lake High) last week!!!!  My daughter Cameron and I created a super, super quick video to show you what to do with those school uniforms.

It is officially summer and I know my girls do not want to lay a hand or eye on school clothes for the rest of their lives. I can’t help them there, but I can help them get rid of and pack away their school uniforms for the Summer!

Organize uniforms in an out of the way place so your children will have more room in their closets, plus you will allow them to be more carefree ‘cuz it is time for them to have some summer time fun!!!

Want your kids to learn some cool organizing skills?  Visit the McNeese State University Kid’s College course I am offering this summer.  At the top of the page, click on Summer 2010 Schedule.  (It still said “Spring 2010″ today, but check back if it hasn’t been updated, yet.)  I have some fun things lined up for them!  Including how to fold clothing, creating a 3D dream closet, a little bit about how to “think” about time, and decorating clutter bags.

Here’s the school uniform video…

Share this with your friends and family!

Have an awesome summer. 

Organize Your Computer Desktop for Quicker & Easier Search & Find Results.

In about 5 minutes I will demonstrate how to arrange icons on your computer desktop AND how to create shortcuts for files that you use often.  This tutorial is short and sweet.

And if you like this then share it with your friends.  Use the tweet button at top OR use the share icons at the bottom left.

Have any questions or comments?  Leave a comment below.  I love hearing from you!

Should I do this?  I should do that. I need to do this, but I want to do that.  Should I go?  I should go because it is expected of me.  Should I help out?  I should help because my mother taught me to help others.  Plus, I may need the help someday.  Should I attend the event?  I don’t want to, but I should.

Where did all these “shoulds” come from?  Is it from society?  Is it from our family, friends, peers?

I don’t think you should do anything that causes you to feel dread (go ahead and do the darn dishes!)  I don’t think you should do anything because it is “expected” of you based on society’s rules.

I think you should do things because YOU want to do it.  I think you should do things because you will feel satisfaction and happiness for your deed.  I think you should do what your heart feels is right.  I think you should step out of your comfort zone and do what YOU want.

You should definitely do the basics of life and be responsible, ya know, if you want to.  I am really talking about the “battle of the shoulds” in your life, not the battle of “should you do” your dishes.

Don’t waste time doing things other people think you “should” be doing.  Most of the time you have already thought of that as an option.  Do it if it is in alignment with what you want out of life.

Good Morning!

I’m packing for a trip I’m taking with my 8th grader to a Jr. Beta Convention in Lafayette, Louisiana.   Wish me much luck being around thousands of kids for a couple of days.  To kick off the trip, our first stop is to Incredible Pizza in Lafayette.  It is full of games and BUMPER CARS.  Sounds like fun times.

In the video you will see one easy way to prevent wrinkles in your clothing.

While you watch this, I am going to grab some earplugs.

Being outdoors gives me so much energy. It also sends my mind into a contemplative state at times.  Today I feel like sharing some of my thoughts.

As much as I LOVE helping you create an environment that allows you  more freedom from the weight or burden that your physical items are putting on you, I really can’t make your life perfect or claim that my services will solve all your problems.  I can say…I can definitely propel you forward in the right direction by helping you allow your home to serve you in a loving, comforting way.  Whatever that may be for you, whenever you are ready.

You may have inner “piles” that may need to be dealt with, too.  Too many thoughts can make you feel overwhelmed.  You can take your sweet time thinking about things in your head, try sorting through it all, and figuring out what to do OR you can listen to your heart and move forward.  Leave the past in the past.  No one can change it.  It’s okay to leave things behind.  Just let them go.  Breathe deep.  Smile.  Think about right now.

Even if you have inner “piles” you can be a happy, funny, loyal, optimistic, action taking person. You are actually my favorite kind of person to work with!  When you have inner piles, I believe you are thinking too much and quiet possibly holding yourself back from living an even more awesome life than you are capable of.

Right now is the time to enjoy your life. I may not have the power to make your life perfect or solve all your problems, but you do.  Start by trusting your intuition.

First, I have to thank Lisa Wilder for giving me permission to share her story. Thank you, Lisa!

Moving is one of the top motivators for de-cluttering. Simply because it gets you excited, gives you hope, and inspires you to create an environment that supports and reflects your dreams.

Lisa shares what was going on in her head as she made decisions on what to keep or what to let go.  She shares mindsets that could be holding you back.  This is a great story and I highly recommend taking a peek because there may be one nugget of information that helps you move passionately forward in life.

Click here for Lisa’s Story.

I would love for you to share a story about something you had a hard time of letting go and what you ended up deciding.  If you let it go, then I’d love to learn if you have been okay without it;-)

Tell me your story in the comment section below.