I was listening to a talk show one day when Carrie Underwood, a talented singer and songwriter, was explaining how someone could become organized like herself by following her tips.
My ears picked up when I heard that making her bed everyday helps in other areas of being organized. I’m the bed-maker in our house, one of the few chores I do with regularity. There is one mystery about it though. Sheila leaves her nightwear and a pair of loose socks (swapped every few days) under the covers. One of whatever pair has an ’x’ on it to determine which foot to wear it on at bedtime. Once I asked, “Why didn’t you put an ‘L’ or an ‘R’ on it.” With iciness in her voice, “I know what I’m doing.”
There was much to being organized at home. Closets, pantries, drawers, wardrobe needed attention but focusing on one thing at a time makes it doable.
I decided on my clothing which is seasonal. Summer clothes are upstairs and winter one’s downstairs in our bedroom. From the left side, pants/slacks, from the darkest to lighter colours, then sweaters followed by shirts. Darkest to lighter ones again in order.
As Einstein so pointedly put it: “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign of?”
When I was in the work force, my desk was always strewn. Other employees told me it made me look busier – I thought so too. But minutes before quitting time, everything was arranged in neat piles and the balance shoved in a drawer. What would Einstein say about my desk? I guess a disorganized mind!
I failed miserably at an outing I organized for the community Cub Pack (Boys 6 -12) in Toronto. It was planned for a Saturday outing in a nearby wooded park. The cubs had compasses to identify the designated sites along the trail and then to return to the start. Everyone was eager to begin. Unfortunately, I sent them east instead of west which spoiled the whole scheme. The boys were upset at my poor judgment. From that day on I will always remember, “The sun sets in the east”.
A few months later, I was asked to coordinate my employer’s United Way campaign on a Friday afternoon. I was very hesitant but couldn’t say ‘No’ – he was the President. After careful thought I solicited three people to help plan it. I also convinced a former ladies Canadian chess champion to play any number of employees at the same time. A dozen chess boards were set up. The challengers paid a fee going to the UW. The clever people on the committee and our chess champion (didn’t lose to anyone) make our contribution to the United Way the best ever.
Carrie Underwood said, “Keeping life and home organized is so important but focus on one thing at a time.” If she walks into her pantry, that is what she takes charge of. Work on one space, one drawer, one little area, not to just go in – because then you feel like you haven’t done anything.
“You feel so much lighter afterwards,’ Underwood maintained. “When you purge, and all the things that you need are right in front of you, you can breathe. You just feel better.”
Underwood reiterated that making her bed every day helps so much. When I walk by my room and my bed is in shambles, it just irks me. So at some point I have to stop and make it. Then each time I walk by it feels good.
I agreed with that. It bothered me too if it was left. I was in the habit of letting it slide until I was reprimanded a few times. Now I made a concerted effort to do it early. I’m not sure if my day goes better for it but at least I’m not in the doghouse now. By just getting it done I can check it off the list.
The more organized one is the more balanced one’s life will be, leading to more efficiency, reducing clutter and even saving money. I think I’ll go for it.
