Creating a more centered life
***image1***As we move into this new year of 2006, it is important to take stock of what will make us more productive and healthier. Granted, resolutions have been made, but more importantly, are they goals to create a more centered and healthier life? When we pare down our material world, we open up endless possibilities for more peace and calm in our lives. For example, many of us have grown up believing we can’t part with our children’s report cards or school photos. We feel that if we do put them in the recycle bin we aren’t giving credence to our children’s growth and progress. As a result, we have boxes of every ribbon, award and picture of our beloved children. But in reality, we don’t need to keep everything our children ever accomplished, and chances are they will rarely be pulled out of the closet or storage box. Memories of good times are often enough for our families. As we enter this new year of change, think about the excess ‘memories’ we’ve stored. Simplify the material reminders and create a memory box for your children. Give them the opportunity to decide what to keep. It becomes a project for you and your child. Allowing them to participate in deciding what to keep is important. Free up space in those closets or storage areas where obligation and perhaps a bit of guilt are stored! In keeping with this thought, what of those catalogs and magazines you’ve repeatedly told yourself that ‘one day’ you will have time to peruse them? Be honest with yourself. Membership in the ‘Club of Best Intentions’ is quite large and we have all been members at some time or another. Recycle those outdated Lands End or Williams and Sonoma catalogues. Donate your Smithsonian or Good Housekeeping to your family physician’s office or an assisted living facility. Spread information where it will be greeted most appreciatively. Truth is, if you really wanted to read them or call an 800 number to place a catalog order, you would have done so by now. The fact that they are in ‘magazine/catalog limbo’ is a good sign that either you haven’t made the time or your interest has diminished. Give yourself a break. Accept the fact that, quite possibly, you really don’t have the time or desire to deal with them, but by keeping them around then you can justify purchasing them. Recycling or donating these items are freeing moments. Enjoy the peace that comes from relinquishing these material things and celebrate the fact that you have either contributed to someone unable to subscribe to these pages or you have smartly contributed to the global concept of reuse. While papers are a manageable part of our lives, there are other areas that, unless addressed, will continue to be a source of frustration. Think about it. Are you overwhelmed with clothes in your closet? Does your children’s playroom resemble an M.C. Escher drawing? The desire to create a more centered existence requires the resolve to pare down our material things. This is the time to do it. Set realistic goals for culling your closets, pantry and garage. Experiencing closure on a project is not only fulfilling, but healthy. To give yourself a reward for realizing your strength in letting go of the goods, consider changing out some of those family photos that have been on display for years. This is something I did over the holidays and while it seems a simple project, I smile every time I pass our current family photos. After all, my nephew, Chase, is almost 2 and I had him stuck at 6 months for quite some time! Creating a more centered life for yourself and your family has many positives. You have more focus. You have more time for things you want to do. A good friend of mine says that her family is stronger with a family meeting once a week. Starting with a prayer or positive thought and then allowing everyone a chance to talk puts your entire family on the same page. Build on these suggestions. I can’t promise they will reduce any lines or age spots, but I can tell you that your heart rate will be steady and your outlook on life will be strong. Karen Joseph is a Daniel Island resident and owner of Ordered Bliss, a professional organizing company. If you have any questions about organizing your home or office, feel free to contact her at 843-345-2592, blisswriter@hometelecom.com or www.orderedbliss.com.