by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
Go ahead, laugh at my topic today - Chaos & Order.
Only an organizing expert would be brave enough to take on such a laughable title ... Chaos & Order {{geesh}}
But let's give it a shot shall we?
Chaos & order post-shopping frenzy:
The true inspiration for this courageous move is, as always, a result of my own life.
I didn't brave the physical crowds of Black Friday ... but I do have a mean-clicking-index-finger, oh and I suppose my ethernet connection helps too. Many of my holiday gifts were bought over the weekend - online - and are now trickling in.
NOTE :: Yes, the UPS & FedEx guy are impressed by my mad-clicking-skills too. They even bring 'cookies' for our sweet black lab to show their admiration {grin}
The trouble I have, with the whole online shopping experience is :: it's easy to loose track of what I've bought and for whom.
Enter ... {{wait for it}} ... the Gift Spreadsheet. I know, so predictable.
Don't worry though, SO easy.
- First column shows who the recipient is
- Second column lists what the gift is
- Third column links directly to the product purchased
See, easy peasy!
Now, I've also added two more columns. One for quantity ~ because I ordered a few Xbox games for the Pipsqueak & FireDude to share. Another for from, since I purchased the gifts my boys will be giving one another.
Customize the concept as necessary to your needs!
Chaos & Order the revolving houseguest door:
For me, the holidays mean house guests. It also means ~ LOTS of rotating laundry, the dishwasher running several times a day, ALL of our bathrooms in use ... and needing cleaned frequently, as well as a fridge busting at the seams.
Luckily, I love this chaos & order doesn't seem to be such an issue. We've come up with quite a variety of safety nets around these parts ::
- Laundry is dumped on the main couch :: to be folded by the next available family member
- Dishwasher is unloaded as soon as the dishes are cool enough to touch :: started frequently by who ever takes up the last available real estate
- Bathrooms are wiped down between uses :: deep cleaned between guests or when no one is looking
- Fridge is purged of leftovers once a week :: the night before garbage goes to the curb
Granted, at each of these crossroads there has been plenty of training! My boys know to pitch in, my husband knows how to effectively use the washing machine and guests are shown how to start the dishwasher. {gasp!} Yes, guests help out too. They often ask what they can do, and I often respond with a task or instructions. Lightweight ones, but still - they help out.
Chaos & order for Sports Moms and Volunteers:
The beauty of being such a dedicated and giving person is that we could literally tattoo "chaos & order" to our foreheads and most people would just nod in agreement.
During the holidays managing efforts, time and the pull of what cannot be accomplished is flat out stressful. Some of my tried and true sanity saving tips:
- Protect your time like you protect your children ::
- say NO or I'll have to check the family calendar often
- Take brief respites ::
- 5 quiet minutes in the morning with a warm beverage ALONE {even if you have to hide in the bathroom, with the water running - not that I'd know anything about that!}
- Multi-task, when appropriate ::
- work on homemade gifts before games and between quarters, socialize after the game while you wait for your athlete to surface from the locker room
- Forgive your limitations ::
- you are not superhuman, and it is alright.
Most importantly, keep an eye on what you want most. If you're feeling disconnected from loved ones, ask yourself "am I promising my time to the right things?". Then adjust accordingly.
Life is full of chaos & order can be right around the corner, if you only take a minute to search for it. I'd love to spend some social time with you over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page or down below in the comments!
What does chaos & order during the holidays look like for you?
Keepin it Tidy,
April
P.S. I'm busy redesigning The Mental Clutter Coach site, be sure to stop by and let me know your thoughts! Thanks
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
