Life Is Like A Patchwork Quilt

I used to do a lecture on finding balance or serenity in life. It never went over too well because people just weren't interested. I think they were more interested in buying a new car every year or having a large home filled to bursting with "things." Since times have changed (rather drastically) I'm hoping that people will be more receptive to some of the ideas that I talk about.

One concept I have like is the idea that our lives are like a patchwork quilt. Some kind of finished center with the ends still forming and yet to be finished. What kind of pattern are we pieceing together for ourselves? Does it change over time? Is it harmonious or does it have a lot of clashing elements? Is is sewn together with strength and measured workmanship or are there pieces or areas missing and is the sewing weak and haphazard? What kind of materials have we used? Are they natural materials or synthetics? Are they rugged or lightweight? Do they go well together? Are the pieces solid colors or do they have patterns in themselves? Have we emroidered or sewn something over a piece?

We can spend time thinking about these things and what we want the pattern of our life to mean to ourselves and others.

Closets

I just saw the Sex And The City movie (featuring lots of absolutely bizarre clothing) and there is a scene where Carrie and Big are looking at New York apartments and find one that is absolutely fabulous (especially by New York standards) but the closet is exceedingly small. Big promises he'll build Carrie a wonderful closet -- and he does.

But to my way of thinking maybe Carrie should start to simplify her life and get rid of some of her clothes and shoes (perish the thought). The movie is a paean to overconsumption and materialism. Every luxury brand you can think of either gets mentioned or has a shopping bag with the logo showing. I often wonder, more and more lately, what has happened to this country that it sometimes seems like all people care about is acquiring more things. More and more and more.

I know that closets have become a big business and I have made sugestions to people about redoing their closets for maximum usage But I think it's time that we start to think about just what we are putting into our closets. Are these really things that we need or are they just things that we want. Are we buying things to make our life better and easier or to impress others. How often do we use these things? Do we buy things we never use? Does Carrie really wear all of the shoes she has. I doubt it.

Ultimately the movie is about friendship. That's more important than closets or designer clothes or shoes.

Affirmations

I've been to a number of events recently where people have talked about using affirmations to get what they want out of life. I believe that affirmations can be a big help to people who want to get organized -- whether it's paper or time or clutter or anything else.

I've always used affirmations with clients and have many affirmations that have to do with organizing. They go way beyond the usual type of: I want to my things to be neater. They are meant to give you a diferent perspective and a different way of looking at things. I'm listing a few of them below.

Things or "stuff":

I can do better with less.

I carry my past within me.

I only keep what I need.

Letting go of the past makes room for the future.

I get more from having less.

Time:

Time is a gift I give to myself.

I accomplish more by doing less.

Time is my friend.

I do the things that are important to me.

Finding serenity or contentment:

I feel the stillness within me.

The universe is filled with loving abundance.

I forgive myself.

I trust my intuition.