I admit it, I've always loved to Clean and Organize.
Perhaps, it's the Virgo in me.
As a little girl, I was praised for my neatness, my penmanship, and because I kept my room clean. But it went beyond this. Here's an example (at the risk of exposing too many of my neurotic tendencies): I can remember alphabetizing my records and books and organizing my Barbie clothes according to color and season. It gave me a sense of calm, and satisfaction, and still today there are certain areas in my living and working environment that I love to keep tidy.
Recently, I had to spend three weeks, catching up on paperwork. I was initially filled with dread and resentment. I now know that I cannot begin doing this banal work, unless some things are in place. My office and desk have to be clean, I need "Dancing Leaves Green Tea", in a nice mug. At home, I wear my 10 year old fluffy pink robe. My husband threatens to hide it from me on occasion. If I'm at home, I light either an aspen flower or asian spice candle, and I have to be reasonably certain that interruptions will be minimal. At work, I use music in the background, particularly if I'm just typing in previously written ideas and reports. Currently I'm listening to Shelby Lynne's tribute album to Dusty Springfield,** and Ryan Adams' Easy Tiger.**
Once I have my space ready for action, I'm usually content to take action, setting small realistic goals including breaks. When I am finished, I make sure to restore the space, re-ordering it, and try to have a reward waiting for having finished. (Yes, I need incentives for the tasks I find insipid and pedicures work wonders!)
As a dance therapist, I've always been interested in looking at life using dance/movement metaphors. I used to view things like paperwork, or even doing the dishes, vacuuming, etc.. as tasks to get through. A linear process--start to finish.
In the last several years, I've come to recognize that, "getting things done", is actually a cyclical process. When I found a way to conceptualize my work chores in a more feminine, creative, and intuitive way, the weighty resentment lifted. I find that viewing daily "to-do's" as circular, right-brained processes feels so much more natural and balanced.
I came across a great book that discusses the very thing that I am attempting to explain in this post. The book is entitled, "It's hard to make a difference when you can't find your keys", by Marilyn Paul, Ph.D. In it, she describes the rhythm of organizing as the dynamic between a state of readiness for action and taking action as a cycle, with its own rhythm...
The rhythm of 1. taking action, 2. creating the natural disorder that comes with taking action, 3. restoring order with helpful habits, and systems, and 4. returning to "getting to ready" for actions.
According to Marilyn Paul, "The purpose of organizing is to be able to take effective action and live the life you want". The book goes on to describe systems that can assist you will restoring order, and returning to a "ready for action" state. The book, "It's hard to make a difference when you can't find your keys", is available for sale by going to the Chris's store link on this page.
Create Your Health with organization, and effective action!
Chris
