Professional organizer says it’s all about perspective

Let me begin by painting a picture for you. Picture a rope bridge, one that is about a foot wide with uneven boards for your feet to traverse.

The handrails (if you can even call them that) are made of rope and seem more like thread as you take in the raging water that surges past, nearly 50 feet below you.

How does this image impact you? What is running through your mind?

Now, I said nothing about where you were in perspective to the bridge. Did you think you had to cross it? What if I told you that you already had made the journey over the boards and you were on the other side, looking back at how far you have come?

Perspective is a game-changer. Too often we are caught up in what we have to do that we miss the accomplishments we achieve day in and day out. So, my gift to you this holiday season is to share organizational tips that will help you to have the time to slow down during this busy time of year.

Give experience-based gifts: A bit of creativity can go a long way to create a meaningful gift that will be remembered. Ideas include tickets to an upcoming concert, sporting event or movie, admission passes for ice skating, rock climbing, roller skating, registration in an art-related class.

Give the gift of time: I still remember when I was quite young, spending a weekend learning how to sew with my Aunt Mary. I can't tell you what I received for Christmas that year, but the memory of learning how to use a sewing machine is clear in my mind. We all have something we can teach another person, so channel your inner teacher and offer gift certificates - 'I'll teach you how to … sew, cook, play a musical instrument, knit, play cards.”

Set up a technology ‘timeout' basket during family gatherings: Our growing addiction to our devices has reached epic proportions. As your family and friends gather, have a basket or box where everyone must place their devices so true conversation can take place. Every generation can learn from the other - open up the communication and mindfully listen to one another.

Let's go back to that rope bridge for a moment. In the past year, you probably felt like you were on that bridge for periods of time, it swinging back and forth fiercely, exhausting you to your very core. Life is going to be like that at times - unpredictable and uncertain. Now imagine that you are not on the bridge alone - that you have someone with you that is encouraging you to keep moving forward. That person can be a trusted friend or family member, but it also can be YOU.

I often tell my clients that sometimes we just have to take it one step at a time. One step. At a time. Because forward momentum is just that. One single step. Before you know it, you are on the other side of the bridge, looking back over your shoulder realizing that, yes, I did it. I made it across.

Where we are going has everything to do with where we have been. Learn from the past so the future can be filled with what is important to you. Remember, it is all about your perspective.

Happy Holidays to you and my best wishes to you for a fulfilling 2019!

Maggie Jackson is a certified professional organizer who dedicates her days to helping others reach their organizing goals by teaching that a simple life is a good life. You can find her at organizedlife.us.