The Art of Switching Gears: Organizing with Intention
As I put on my apron and transition from working at my desk work to working in my kitchen, I am reminded of the importance of having rituals that help us shift focus. It's these small, intentional acts that help us manage our homes and lives with grace and efficiency. Today, I'd like to share three resources that have helped me, and perhaps they can inspire you as well.
The Power of Rituals
My mom was a wonderful homemaker who also worked full-time in the office of the local telephone company. As a single mom raising ten kids, she had a lot on her plate. Her version of an apron was a caftan, which she changed into after returning home from the office. This simple change of clothes symbolized her shift of focus and allowed to relax into the comforts of home (because a caftan is MUCH more comfortable, and beautiful, than office wear!) This ritual allowed her to mentally and physically transition between roles.
Having a ritual like this can be incredibly beneficial, whether you're raising children, working from home, or simply managing daily tasks. It could be as simple as changing clothes, putting on an apron, or taking a moment to breathe deeply before diving into the next task. These intentional actions signal to our minds that it's time to switch gears and focus on something new.
Learning from the Waldorf School
Another valuable lesson came from the Steiner school my children attended for their elementary education—the Waldorf School of Louisville. The early childhood teachers there would don aprons as part of their daily routine. This act transformed them into intentional educators, ready to embrace the role of nurturing homemakers and intentional leaders in the classroom.
This practice highlights the beauty and importance of taking care of our homes and creating an organized environment. It’s a reminder that homemaking is not just a chore but a beautiful, intentional act that benefits both us and our families. By involving children in these tasks from a young age, we instill in them the value of keeping a tidy, organized space—a lesson they carry into adulthood.
Professional Development for the Home
If neither of these options resonates with you, there are countless courses and books available on organizing your home and involving your family in the process. I've learned so much from a wide variety of resources over the years. They offer practical tips and insights into creating an organized, harmonious living space.
Taking advantage of professional development opportunities in home organization can empower you to keep your home running smoothly. Remember, you deserve to live in a space that brings you joy and peace.
Whether through personal rituals, learning from educational environments, or seeking knowledge from external resources, there are many ways to embrace the art of organizing. These practices not only help us maintain order in our homes but also bring a sense of fulfillment and happiness to our lives.
If you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & offices in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
