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How to be true to your extraordinary superpower!

February 22, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Have you considered the way in which you feel ordinary might be your extraordinary superpower?

What we think about our strengths or weaknesses are likely not the full picture. The psychological term for this is strength blindness, coined by Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener.  In other word, we take ourselves for granted!

Recently I’ve been in a deeply reflective place, seeking a better understanding of ‘who’ I am. I’m digging in based on the context of my upbringing, spiritual influences in my life, my personality & my education. What I’ve come to realize is that some of my beliefs about myself are either not true or so biased I need to investigate further.

One such belief is that being a sensitive person is a weakness.

On the contrary, in my work as an organizer, being a highly sensitive person gives me compassion! It also helps me be non- judgmental and find deep connections with other.

This newly discovered strength has been also been one of my greatest challenges. The idea of women fully embracing their ’emotions’ has historically been an example of how women give their power away! We do not have to act like something we are not. In doing so we don’t serve anyone, least of all our higher selves or God (goddess, higher power- what you equate to God).

your extraordinary superpower

Discovering our super powers is the most sacred work we are called to.

These are lessons that will come to us again and again, desperately asking us to go deeper and become more aware of ourselves. By understanding ourselves outside the terms of “strength or weakness” we see how our differences makes us incredibly strong! Here is where the transformation can happen. When we emerge from the depths of a place we once viewed as weakness, to discover a different perspective, it’s like breaking up from a deep dive to invite a full breath of oxygen into our lungs! When this happens, we feel the most incredible sense of release, like a burden has dropped away, we can breath again fully!  From that new found perspective we begin to see the world differently, beginning with how we think about ourselves.

The key here is that we shift our focus from what others have been telling us about ourselves to what we say is our truth!  

That’s what I a superpower is all about!  Believe first and foremost in your gifts and do not just give them away to please others. 

Being Well means Sleeping Well

February 15, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset 1 Comment

Being well means sleeping well and feeling well literally begins with getting a good night sleep.

I know that I generally need 7-8 hours of sleep a night to feel my best.

We each have to listen to our internal clocks to determine the right amount of sleep and the optimal time for sleep.

If you have a hard time adjusting and getting to sleep, do what you can to support your circadian rhythms. This can mean removing electronic’s from near your bed, or even from your bedroom all together. Some people swear by melatonin to help regulate their internal clock but working towards a natural state of relaxation is certainly the most healthy approach.

Creating a peaceful environment to sleep in is very personal. Removing “Clutter” and objects that can keep your mind working overtime will make it easier to unwind when your head hits the pillow.

Imagine entering a room that is painted in a soothing color (whatever that might mean to you!) with calming artwork that evokes peaceful, harmonious rest. Your room smells clean and fresh, you can diffuse lavender oil or use a naturally scented candle to further help you unwind. Maybe the room has a comfortable chair and lamp to read, write in a journal and relax in.  There are no piles of clothes on the floor or in corners because you have easily accessible storage for your clothes including drawers, hanging and folding space and a few hooks for a robe, PJ’s or other frequently used clothing.  You have space next to your bed for something to drink, one or two books and a lamp but it’s not piled up with books and clutter. Your bed invites you to curl up and sink in, fully supported! The natural daylight filtering in your window helps you rise with the sun, feeling fully rested. When you get up in the morning it is easy to make your bed, not too many pillows, just what you need for the best sleep possible. 

Creating a pattern that supports our internal rhythms and helps us to relax might include a cup of warm caffeine-free tea, reading or taking a bath.

We also need to think about what activities keep our minds and bodies in a more active state and stop doing those things at least an hour before bedtime. These activities may include certain kinds of exercise, eating, drinking alcohol and “screentime”. Keeping digital devices at least 10 feet away and/or getting into the practice of putting our phones on “airplane” mode can minimize some of the impact.

What to do when you find yourself waking in the middle of the night, restless, anxious and not able to get back to sleep? For each of us that depends, on our schedule, how much sleep we need, what we have to do the next day. If you need some tips for taming the restless mind check out this great article by Unstuck. The consensus seems to be that laying in bed for hours of restlessness is unhelpful for anyone though, so do what you can to either get back to sleep or get up and get your mind out of the anxiety rut.

I know the practice of napping is something some people swear by but I’ve never been able to nap.  I’m just not a napper, wish I was!  So that means I need to get that sleep at night because once I’m up, I’m up.

There are so many fascinating studies that illustrate all the ways in which sleep is important for us.

Lack of sleep and fatigue can lead to stress, weight gain, depression, anxiety, heart and other health problems (especially with sleep disorders) and it can be downright dangerous (as in driving and falling asleep etc). Take a few minutes to listen to this excellent TED Talk by Arianne Huffington which reveals Health Research on Sleep deprivation & Sleep disorders

Do you get enough sleep? How many hours does that mean for you?

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DIY Device Cleanup

January 31, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Digital Organizing, Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

DIY Device Cleanup

DIY Device CleanupDIY Device Cleanup doesn’t have to be a challenge but you can’t just ignore and hang onto everything digital forever! I’ve recently had conversations with friends, fellow organizers, and clients about cleaning off old electronic devices in order to recycle/donate or resell them.  This is something I am constantly addressing because people are intimidated or don’t know how to clear off their data.  Privacy is a critical issue to most of us these days and I’m not saying what anyone should or shouldn’t do.  Let me preface by saying that decisions about our privacy are very personal and so each of us has to make a decision based upon your personal level of comfort.

[Read more…]

Getting the Most out of Kid’s Consignments

January 24, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Closets, Organize, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized 1 Comment

Tips For Understanding Kids Consignments

Getting organized and deciding what and how to consign your children’s toys and clothes may feel overwhelming. But by following a few simple step and guidelines you can actually have fun and earn some extra cash! Here are some easy tips from Tiny Tadpoles to help you with your kids consignments.

First Step:  Save Time!

Go to a few children’s resale/consignment stores in your area. See what they sell. Look at sizes, brands, etc.  Ask what items they are currently accepting. Ask to subscribe to their email list. Most stores have a website &/or social media sites they update with items they need.  If it’s someplace you shop frequently, there is a good chance they will want to re-consign or purchase from you.

kids consignmentsSecond Step:  Get Organized!

Go through your children’s closets, drawers, toy boxes, and bookshelves.  Make 3 piles: 1. items that you want to keep (clothes still fit, toys are still being played with etc) 2. Items that you want to pass to friends or relatives, donate to a charity, yard sale, or toss.  3.  Items that you want to be considered for consignment.  Sometimes first timers aren’t sure what to put in this pile.

Here are helpful hints on what to consider consigning: only select items that you would want to buy yourself.  Consider what Season the store is currently taking. Preferred and designer brands are usually selected. Make sure these items are clean. Items that have been stored need to be freshly laundered. Button and snap everything. No excessive wrinkles. Make sure all toys are working and have all original parts.  Keep things current, toys and clothes over 5 years old aren’t usually selected.

kids consignmentsThird Step:  Start Consigning!

Bring your selections to the kid’s consignment store of your choice.  Most of them offer cash with an additional percentage to spend at the store. This is key when you have small children who grow so fast! Feel good about yourself. Your gently used item will be sold again at an affordable price and put a smile on another child’s (and mom or dad’s) face.

Most small consignment stores are locally owned by families in your community.

Bonus!! You’re keeping extra packaging and waste out of the landfill.

Kids ConsignmentsYes, consigning is a little more work than tossing everything in a bag for donation but by taking a little time to Understand Kids Consignments, it’s worth it!

The benefits of consigning include organizing your child’s room, making money, supporting local businesses, and reducing your carbon footprint etc!

Kelly Hartong

Owner

Tiny Tadpoles Children’s Resale Boutique

Kids Consignments

 

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Creative Filing Systems

January 19, 2017 by Heather Filed Under: Digital Organizing, Organize, Paper management, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Is your filing system in total chaos?

These creative filing systems may be just what you need to transform your paperwork (and digital files)!

Creative filing systems

“Filed Away” by Allison Koch (Charleston, SC- Installed at Artfields, 2016)

You’ve identified your filing mistakes, you’ve whittled down your paperwork to keep only what you need and your ready to set up your new creative filing system. Not every filing system has to be the same. Use your creativity to create a system that you’re more likely to maintain. If your files are digital rather than paper, many of these ideas will still work!

Creative Filing SystemGet a handle on volume! How much paperwork do you need to keep versus toss?

Do you have just the essentials or a whole cabinet full of paperwork? The first step is to find storage to suit your style and space needs. There are tons of beautiful and creative filing cabinets, boxes and more to choose from. Here’s my latest roundup.

In the organizing industry, we refer to “filers” and “pilers”.

If your not into a re-purposed or disguised file cabinet and are looking for something different, a binder filing system might be right for you. Some people can’t stand filing papers!

Someone who tends to “pile” papers might be more suited to a binder system. nstead of a drawers you use a series of binders. I’ve created lots of these systems, some color-coded (by  pereson or category), others with all the same color and labels.

Creative Filing SystemBroad filing categories should be broken down further by accounts, dates or sub-categories.

  • For example, “Investments 2016” might include several brokerage accounts.
  • Determine the volume you have for each category (this post might be helpful) and what you need to keep before purchasing and setting up your system.
  • Three-hole punch the paperwork individually or use clear sheet protectors to keep papers in place.
  • Use binders for visual things you reference but don’t need as often.
  • It’s a great system to use for files that need to be transported frequently or referenced by many! I recently learned about the Trio (3 in 1) Organizer by Samsill (while attending NAPO Conference) and love the idea of a binder and loose accordion pockets all in one. There are 7 sections which you could use as a modified “tickler” system (more below).  It’s a new product and I really like it, just wish it was a hardcover instead of the more flimsy plastic outer.

Have you ever heard of the tickler system? You’ve probably seen in use somewhere (& I don’t mean in the bedroom…;).

  • The original and most well-known is the 43-folders system includes 31 numbered “day” folders and 12 folders for the months of the year. This system is based on getting things done on time or at least on target.
  • A great system for someone working with projects, on deadlines or managing productivity and finances more tightly.
  • Simplified versions use 4 folders, one for each week of the month-use to keep on top of tasks that need to “get done”.
  • This system doesn’t really work for “archive” or files that need to be kept but not handled but it’s a great productivity system!
  • Think of it as a daily (weekly or monthly) “inbox” for all your to-do items.
  • As more and more of us get away from handling “paperwork” you might want to consider setting up a “digital tickler” system for your inbox. More can be found about the tickler system at Life Hack.

I can’t do a post on Creative filing systems without mentioning color coding!

Colors might be by category, person, project, date or any classification to help you to quickly identify what you’re looking for. I like to ask what colors people use to identify with each category. For example, if your home is yellow, you might use yellow folders for anything related to household. Likewise, financial papers might be in green folders or binders. You get the idea if your visual, color matters!

Creative Filing System“We are all primarily visual, color is first, symbols second, numbers are third… and words last.” Graphic Design USA

Using file indexes is another great creative tip that I don’t see a lot of people using these to their advantage. Indexes can be for either folders or binders and can include color coding, categories, sub-categories and more. It’s helpful to have an index with binders or file drawers (in the front). Keep a backup index with your essential documents so that you have a record of everything in case you ever need to recreate what you lost. I hope these creative ideas help you tackle your filing with renewed enthusiasm!

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