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We have become a culture of people who love their stuff. I know, I have said this before. It bears repeating. There is in inverse relationship between how much stuff we have said yes to and how much time we have for the people or experiences that create real value in our lives. It is that simple.…
As the need for big homes is on the wane, Baby Boomers have been moving to smaller quarters in record numbers. But how to do it? The thought of moving is overwhelming enough, but add to that the fact that your space will be smaller, and it’s not a simple matter of just packing it…
Our vehicles represent a sizable investment. How’s your ride doing these days? I am always amazed how much better I feel about myself and my current ride when its clean, tidy and running well. The peace of mind is worth the effort. Think of your car the way you would any prime real estate in…
Getting stuck happens to everyone, whether it’s in relationships at home or at work or in something we’re doing or not doing. Like life itself, we can’t control what comes our way, but we can control how we respond to it. Getting unstuck means overcoming inertia. Oh, the dreaded inertia! And the thing is, the…
After considerable thought I have come to the conclusion that maybe means no. Period. If I am ambivalent about acquiring something, that means I am simply not ready or it is not the right thing. How many “maybes” live in your closet, cupboard, garage or basement? When was the last time you reached for a…
I love answering your questions! Below is a question I’ve gotten about organizing, with my answer below. Please send me more questions, just contact me to ask. Dear Bettina, There may be a move in our future. Not today or tomorrow, but likely at some point. We don’t really love where we live–it’s too small–but now the…
I was painting a porch several years ago for my friend Cate, and to keep me company she put on some amazing Irish music. The artist was Sharon Shannon and the CD was entitled Blackbird. Sharon, it turns out, is known for her talents on the button accordion and fiddle. It made me wonder if…
I love answering your questions! Below are some questions I frequently receive about labels, with my answers. Please send me more questions! Just reply to this email to ask. Dear Bettina, How important are labels, really? Isn’t it enough I organize my stuff and make sure it has a permanent home, I need to take the…
Today it’s about time. Downtime, vacation, PTO (paid time off), whatever you call it, it’s an essential ingredient to enjoying life. We all have the same number of hours in a day and days in a week. How we use them is up to us. Is it obvious what is most important to you, by where you…
In my opinion, there is no virtue to “being organized.” I don’t think of being organized itself as something to become. I think of it more as a practice: something I do. And if practiced consistently, being organized becomes second nature. I have a habit of picking up our small house every morning. I…