By Jessica Hoelzel
Keeping things in perspective.
How much do we really need? How much do we really need to do? Please, this season, don’t run frantically, don’t grab at anything you can to satisfy the belief “This is what I am supposed to do.” Ask yourself, “Am I really ‘supposed’ to stress myself out? Am I really ‘supposed’ to get people gifts that will just clutter up their homes? Am I really ‘supposed’ to collect and dispose of tons of wrapping paper and packaging waste?”
When we step back, when we turn off the TV, when we stay at arms length from the stores and put things in perspective we can get a different view of what we are ‘supposed’ to do. Here are 9 things (in my perspective) that we are ‘supposed’ to do during the holiday season:
1. Take advantage of the time off from work and kick it into low gear
2. Decorate with sentimental (well-loved and treasured) items
3. Laugh & share with family and friends
4. Eat your favorite foods of the season
5. Cuddle with a warm blanket and watch a movie
6. Take a drive and see all the beautiful lights
7. Sit with your favorite warm beverage and look at the snow
9. Play a board game with friends or family
9. Listen to holiday music (that you like!)
Enjoy simplicity, the “simple” things that matter the most.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Good Feng Shui for the Holidays
By Jessica Hoelzel
Rosy Red
Make a statement this holiday season with the color red. A western holiday tradition, placing red during this time also follows eastern feng shui philosophy for beckoning good fortune into your home and life. Red is one of the most powerful colors you can use in feng shui. It is traditionally used near the front door especially, to attract auspicious chi (or good luck).
Find a shade of red for your decorations pleasing to your eye, and that complements your home’s décor. Place red both inside and out – concentrating on enhancing the front door and entry experience. Consider a wreath with red bows or berries, or perhaps red twinkle lights for outside. Inside the door, a rug with red, candles or a poinsettia work wonderfully.
Translate these ideas to the Fame & Reputation area as well. Doing so with intention can enhance notoriety, and others’ favorable view of you.
Caution though – use restraint in your home if you have a lot of “fire” going on already, or if you are on the verge of a “burnout” or “meltdown”. The color red energetically resonates as the Fire element, which means action. But too much action can engulf you and deplete you. Tasteful and simple, guided by your intuition – good design and good feng shui.
The holidays are an excellent time to get creative with feng shui, using decorative items to symbolically and energetically cultivate the flow of chi. Chi is life force energy. It is the opposite of depleted or dead energy. It lifts us up, energizes us, and gets us moving. When we want to uplift our spirits (our own life force energy), we can place things in our spaces in such a way as to enhance and move that chi around, keeping it flowing and fresh.
Happy Decorating!
Rosy Red
Make a statement this holiday season with the color red. A western holiday tradition, placing red during this time also follows eastern feng shui philosophy for beckoning good fortune into your home and life. Red is one of the most powerful colors you can use in feng shui. It is traditionally used near the front door especially, to attract auspicious chi (or good luck).
Find a shade of red for your decorations pleasing to your eye, and that complements your home’s décor. Place red both inside and out – concentrating on enhancing the front door and entry experience. Consider a wreath with red bows or berries, or perhaps red twinkle lights for outside. Inside the door, a rug with red, candles or a poinsettia work wonderfully.
Translate these ideas to the Fame & Reputation area as well. Doing so with intention can enhance notoriety, and others’ favorable view of you.
Caution though – use restraint in your home if you have a lot of “fire” going on already, or if you are on the verge of a “burnout” or “meltdown”. The color red energetically resonates as the Fire element, which means action. But too much action can engulf you and deplete you. Tasteful and simple, guided by your intuition – good design and good feng shui.
The holidays are an excellent time to get creative with feng shui, using decorative items to symbolically and energetically cultivate the flow of chi. Chi is life force energy. It is the opposite of depleted or dead energy. It lifts us up, energizes us, and gets us moving. When we want to uplift our spirits (our own life force energy), we can place things in our spaces in such a way as to enhance and move that chi around, keeping it flowing and fresh.
Happy Decorating!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Good Feng Shui for the Holidays
By Jessica Hoelzel
The holidays are an excellent time to get creative with feng shui, using decorative items to symbolically and energetically cultivate the flow of chi. Chi is life force energy. It is the opposite of depleted or dead energy. It lifts us up, energizes us, and gets us moving. When we want to uplift our spirits (our own life force energy), we can place things in our spaces in such a way as to enhance and move that chi around, keeping it flowing and fresh.
Shine On
Light is especially important. It livens up areas, makes them twinkle and be bright. Light has spiritual symbolism as well, representing the light of god/spirit/pure love, etc. Light provides warmth and a cozy glow. In the wintertime, with less light, it is especially important to shed light on darkness, so the chi in our homes and the chi in our bodies does not grow stagnant.
Tips for Placing Lights
Make sure to have adequate light near your front door, which is the mouth of chi. Doing so will welcome blessings into your home. It’s also more pleasing and inviting for receiving guests.
Pay special attention to dark corners, you need to keep the energy flowing so it’s not neglected or dull.
Lights going up or down the banister can usher the flow of chi to different levels of the home.
Don’t have too many “blinky” lights – they are a bit too much yang energy, or too active, and can be draining.
Happy Decorating!
The holidays are an excellent time to get creative with feng shui, using decorative items to symbolically and energetically cultivate the flow of chi. Chi is life force energy. It is the opposite of depleted or dead energy. It lifts us up, energizes us, and gets us moving. When we want to uplift our spirits (our own life force energy), we can place things in our spaces in such a way as to enhance and move that chi around, keeping it flowing and fresh.
Shine On
Light is especially important. It livens up areas, makes them twinkle and be bright. Light has spiritual symbolism as well, representing the light of god/spirit/pure love, etc. Light provides warmth and a cozy glow. In the wintertime, with less light, it is especially important to shed light on darkness, so the chi in our homes and the chi in our bodies does not grow stagnant.
Tips for Placing Lights
Make sure to have adequate light near your front door, which is the mouth of chi. Doing so will welcome blessings into your home. It’s also more pleasing and inviting for receiving guests.
Pay special attention to dark corners, you need to keep the energy flowing so it’s not neglected or dull.
Lights going up or down the banister can usher the flow of chi to different levels of the home.
Don’t have too many “blinky” lights – they are a bit too much yang energy, or too active, and can be draining.
Happy Decorating!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life: Enhancing Wealth
By Jessica Hoelzel
Are you in control of your finances?
If your financial papers are a mess, chances are your finances are too. How do you regain control? By putting things in order. Knowing what you have, and where to access information when you need it will put you in the driver’s seat with your financial matters. Here are a few simple ways to do it:
Open the mail right after you get it, and sort statements into piles: 1) to pay, 2) to file, 3) to do – for if you need to take some other action like make a call.
Have two folders to put your “to pay” statements into, one labeled “Bills due 1st -15th, and one labeled “Bills due 16th-31st”.
Create another file labeled “Taxes”. Put anything you might need at tax time in there. It doesn’t need to be organized yet, just use it as a catch-all for now. You can sort things out at tax time.
Create separate folders for your statements to go into after you pay them, or take any other action necessary. Label!
Convenient places to keep files:1) a file cabinet or drawer
2) a portable file box
3) a box with a lid
4) stacking trays
5) a vertical desktop file holder
If you get all your statements online, you can organize them in a similar way to above, on your computer. Label the electronic files just like you would paper.
Trust me, you will get a sense of satisfaction and control to know you have a handle on your financials. And keep it up!
Are you in control of your finances?
If your financial papers are a mess, chances are your finances are too. How do you regain control? By putting things in order. Knowing what you have, and where to access information when you need it will put you in the driver’s seat with your financial matters. Here are a few simple ways to do it:
Open the mail right after you get it, and sort statements into piles: 1) to pay, 2) to file, 3) to do – for if you need to take some other action like make a call.
Have two folders to put your “to pay” statements into, one labeled “Bills due 1st -15th, and one labeled “Bills due 16th-31st”.
Create another file labeled “Taxes”. Put anything you might need at tax time in there. It doesn’t need to be organized yet, just use it as a catch-all for now. You can sort things out at tax time.
Create separate folders for your statements to go into after you pay them, or take any other action necessary. Label!
Convenient places to keep files:1) a file cabinet or drawer
2) a portable file box
3) a box with a lid
4) stacking trays
5) a vertical desktop file holder
If you get all your statements online, you can organize them in a similar way to above, on your computer. Label the electronic files just like you would paper.
Trust me, you will get a sense of satisfaction and control to know you have a handle on your financials. And keep it up!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life: Enhancing Wealth
By Jessica Hoelzel
Shred ‘Em
Old papers, especially ones tied to the energy of struggle, despair, or loss will hold you down. These need to be released – purged if you will – in order to open up space for abundance to flow in. You’ll want to shred old papers instead of tossing them because of account and other information they contain, which could put you at risk of identity theft if they ever landed in the wrong hands. Check with an tax expert, though, before beginning your shredding party, to make sure that you are keeping records you might need for tax purposes. Some OfficeMax locations now offer secure ShredIt services. Priced very reasonably, you can drop off your papers and pay by-the-pound for them to be taken off you hands. See if yours does here: http://www.officemax.com/storelocator/storeLocatorHome.jsp;jsessionid=u8HzzzuTCUTu62k3F0zH0Q**.atgb2c3-app4.
If you’re like my grandmother, though, you might just enjoy the satisfaction of putting the darn things through the shredder yourself. Although more time consuming when you have a bulk of things to shred, it can be very ritualistic. My grandma may not realize it, but she is doing an actual feng shui adjustment. The act of putting those things through the shredder is allowing her to consciously and unconsciously disconnect from their energy. Whether the ties to them are positive or negative, she is letting go of the past, and clearing out clutter, “zzzzzz” by “zzzzzz”.
Shred ‘Em
Old papers, especially ones tied to the energy of struggle, despair, or loss will hold you down. These need to be released – purged if you will – in order to open up space for abundance to flow in. You’ll want to shred old papers instead of tossing them because of account and other information they contain, which could put you at risk of identity theft if they ever landed in the wrong hands. Check with an tax expert, though, before beginning your shredding party, to make sure that you are keeping records you might need for tax purposes. Some OfficeMax locations now offer secure ShredIt services. Priced very reasonably, you can drop off your papers and pay by-the-pound for them to be taken off you hands. See if yours does here: http://www.officemax.com/storelocator/storeLocatorHome.jsp;jsessionid=u8HzzzuTCUTu62k3F0zH0Q**.atgb2c3-app4.
If you’re like my grandmother, though, you might just enjoy the satisfaction of putting the darn things through the shredder yourself. Although more time consuming when you have a bulk of things to shred, it can be very ritualistic. My grandma may not realize it, but she is doing an actual feng shui adjustment. The act of putting those things through the shredder is allowing her to consciously and unconsciously disconnect from their energy. Whether the ties to them are positive or negative, she is letting go of the past, and clearing out clutter, “zzzzzz” by “zzzzzz”.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life: Enhancing Wealth
By Jessica Hoelzel
Get Control of Your Finances Before Your Finances Control You
How would you describe the state of your finances? If your answer is “chaotic”, you need to take some serious time to straighten things out.
Adjusting the feng shui of your Wealth area can bring about significant results, enhancing your prosperity and your experience of abundance. However, it will not work on top of clutter and disorder. Don’t let your feng shui efforts will be thwarted by a mess in your office.
Overflowing stacks of paper and files in disarray are an exhibition in loss of control. Unopened mail and misplaced important documents contribute to the loss of your handle on money.
Any financial planner would agree. The top five things you need to have straight regarding your finances are:
Know what you have
Know what you spend
Know what you owe
Know what your goals are
Know your plan for getting there
This means that your papers should be in order, and easily accessible. Stay tuned for hints on how to do it.
Get Control of Your Finances Before Your Finances Control You
How would you describe the state of your finances? If your answer is “chaotic”, you need to take some serious time to straighten things out.
Adjusting the feng shui of your Wealth area can bring about significant results, enhancing your prosperity and your experience of abundance. However, it will not work on top of clutter and disorder. Don’t let your feng shui efforts will be thwarted by a mess in your office.
Overflowing stacks of paper and files in disarray are an exhibition in loss of control. Unopened mail and misplaced important documents contribute to the loss of your handle on money.
Any financial planner would agree. The top five things you need to have straight regarding your finances are:
Know what you have
Know what you spend
Know what you owe
Know what your goals are
Know your plan for getting there
This means that your papers should be in order, and easily accessible. Stay tuned for hints on how to do it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life: Enhancing Wealth
By Jessica Hoelzel
Put Out the Fire
Does your money “burn a hole in your pocket”?
The element of Fire is no good for Wealth. Furniture, artwork, decorative objects, and even fixtures and appliances that have properties of fire will burn up your money. Remember, the Wealth area thrives with healthy Wood energy. Too much fire will “burn” the wood energy, destroying it. Thus, destroying your finances. The element of Water can be added to a space (as described in my previous post) to put out that fire. Or, whatever is symbolically and energetically holding the element of fire can be removed – an even better solution.
Here are some examples of “firey” things:
Stove
Furnace
Fireplace
Microwave
Dryer
Electronics
The color Red
The color Orange
Triangular shapes
Flames/flame-like shapes
Too many candles
Angled windows/rooms
Put Out the Fire
Does your money “burn a hole in your pocket”?
The element of Fire is no good for Wealth. Furniture, artwork, decorative objects, and even fixtures and appliances that have properties of fire will burn up your money. Remember, the Wealth area thrives with healthy Wood energy. Too much fire will “burn” the wood energy, destroying it. Thus, destroying your finances. The element of Water can be added to a space (as described in my previous post) to put out that fire. Or, whatever is symbolically and energetically holding the element of fire can be removed – an even better solution.
Here are some examples of “firey” things:
Stove
Furnace
Fireplace
Microwave
Dryer
Electronics
The color Red
The color Orange
Triangular shapes
Flames/flame-like shapes
Too many candles
Angled windows/rooms
Friday, August 6, 2010
Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life: Enhancing Wealth
By Jessica Hoelzel
Ten Ways to Enhance the Wealth Area of Your Office
#1 Just Add Water
In Feng Shui, water is recognized as a symbol of flow and movement – bringing things to us. Incorporating the element of water into your space, especially in the Wealth area, can bring you good fortune. Imagine a river winding through the land, a waterfall’s cascade, waves gently lapping or crashing on shore. These images represent water as active chi. You can use water in your space to cultivate the flow and movement of chi there as well. Water can get things moving. Water can help abundance flow in your direction.
The element of water also supports the element of wood, which resides in Wealth. Wood (trees, plants) need water to grow, so adding water will nurture the wood energy, symbolically.
Specific Ways to Boost the Element of Water:
Add a fountain. Make sure it is a sound pleasing to you, and that you take good care of it. A broken or neglected fountain will have a negative effect on your wealth.
Add something black or navy blue. These colors represent water, their dark tones associated with the depth of water.
Add art depicting water. Choose a lake, the ocean, a river, stream or waterfall, whatever speaks to you.
Add items associated with water, like fish or shells.
Create an aquarium, or have a simple fish bowl with live fish.
Add items with wavy or spiraling shapes. These shapes also represent flow and movement.
Ten Ways to Enhance the Wealth Area of Your Office
#1 Just Add Water
In Feng Shui, water is recognized as a symbol of flow and movement – bringing things to us. Incorporating the element of water into your space, especially in the Wealth area, can bring you good fortune. Imagine a river winding through the land, a waterfall’s cascade, waves gently lapping or crashing on shore. These images represent water as active chi. You can use water in your space to cultivate the flow and movement of chi there as well. Water can get things moving. Water can help abundance flow in your direction.
The element of water also supports the element of wood, which resides in Wealth. Wood (trees, plants) need water to grow, so adding water will nurture the wood energy, symbolically.
Specific Ways to Boost the Element of Water:
Add a fountain. Make sure it is a sound pleasing to you, and that you take good care of it. A broken or neglected fountain will have a negative effect on your wealth.
Add something black or navy blue. These colors represent water, their dark tones associated with the depth of water.
Add art depicting water. Choose a lake, the ocean, a river, stream or waterfall, whatever speaks to you.
Add items associated with water, like fish or shells.
Create an aquarium, or have a simple fish bowl with live fish.
Add items with wavy or spiraling shapes. These shapes also represent flow and movement.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Enhancing the Wealth Area of Your Office
By Jessica Hoelzel
Let’s get down to business. The business of enhancing your office to attract more wealth, that is. I’m starting here because that is naturally what everyone wants to know about.
We all want more money, right? Well, you can use feng shui to attract more abundance into your life. A few things that you need to keep in mind are:
Are you in the right mindset?
A large part of what makes feng shui so powerful is our intentions. If we intend to attract wealth, then we need to be diligent about also intending to “feel” wealthy and abundant. If you are feeling low-down or desperate, those feelings are the energy that you will be putting out. Lack mentality, or our fears creeping in will hinder this process. Feeling abundant is about feeling content where you currently are, and focusing on gratitude for what you currently have. And it can also be about “feeling” like you already have what you seek. Visualization helps with this.
Are you clear about what you want?
Sometimes we want more money because we think it will solve another problem. I encourage you to get deep down to the root of your “wanting” and see what you really want. Remember, money can’t buy love, confidence, or even security, though sometimes it seems like it could. Other areas of the bagua may need attention as well.
Are you in control of your life?In an earlier post, I described the importance of placing your desk in the command position. Click http://day2dayfengshui.blogspot.com/2010/04/want-to-feel-more-in-control-of-your.html for a recap. Making sure your desk is placed correctly in the room, according to feng shui principles, is a crucial thing you need to do to set yourself up for success. If you desk is placed in a vulnerable or awkward position, your efforts at enhancing wealth will be at a disadvantage.
Stay tuned for the good stuff…10 ways to enhance the Wealth area of your office.
Let’s get down to business. The business of enhancing your office to attract more wealth, that is. I’m starting here because that is naturally what everyone wants to know about.
We all want more money, right? Well, you can use feng shui to attract more abundance into your life. A few things that you need to keep in mind are:
Are you in the right mindset?
A large part of what makes feng shui so powerful is our intentions. If we intend to attract wealth, then we need to be diligent about also intending to “feel” wealthy and abundant. If you are feeling low-down or desperate, those feelings are the energy that you will be putting out. Lack mentality, or our fears creeping in will hinder this process. Feeling abundant is about feeling content where you currently are, and focusing on gratitude for what you currently have. And it can also be about “feeling” like you already have what you seek. Visualization helps with this.
Are you clear about what you want?
Sometimes we want more money because we think it will solve another problem. I encourage you to get deep down to the root of your “wanting” and see what you really want. Remember, money can’t buy love, confidence, or even security, though sometimes it seems like it could. Other areas of the bagua may need attention as well.
Are you in control of your life?In an earlier post, I described the importance of placing your desk in the command position. Click http://day2dayfengshui.blogspot.com/2010/04/want-to-feel-more-in-control-of-your.html for a recap. Making sure your desk is placed correctly in the room, according to feng shui principles, is a crucial thing you need to do to set yourself up for success. If you desk is placed in a vulnerable or awkward position, your efforts at enhancing wealth will be at a disadvantage.
Stay tuned for the good stuff…10 ways to enhance the Wealth area of your office.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Office Feng Shui - Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life
By Jessica Hoelzel
Now that you’ve had the chance to dream, let’s put some of those exciting ideas into action. What’s the best way to set action in motion? To plan! You don’t have to create a spreadsheet or anything (although if you want to no one’s going to shame your for it!) but at least put some form to your ideas, so you can have a logical sequence to how to bring your dreams for you space to life.
I recommend placing the feng shui bagua, or “map” over your space before you launch in, so that you have an idea of what you will need for what area. For example, once you locate the Wealth or Career areas, you can choose colors and decorative accents appropriately, knowing the special elements and colors that support them. It will be especially helpful so you can discover if there are any missing pieces of the bagua, and correct for them.
Click https://www.fengshuishopper.com/product_cat_list.php?cid=28 for some books that show that bagua and discuss the details of it.
Here are some things to sketch out in your plan:
1. Are you doing it yourself or hiring professionals?
Feng Shui Consultant
Interior Designer
Painter
Handyperson
Cabinet Maker
Professional Organizer
2. What is your timeline?
3. Do you need to (get to!) go shopping?
Storage containers
Decorative accents
Feng Shui cures
(Jot some notes about ideas you have, of what you think you might want and need.)
Stay tuned – more to come on specific ways to enhance different areas of the bagua.
Now that you’ve had the chance to dream, let’s put some of those exciting ideas into action. What’s the best way to set action in motion? To plan! You don’t have to create a spreadsheet or anything (although if you want to no one’s going to shame your for it!) but at least put some form to your ideas, so you can have a logical sequence to how to bring your dreams for you space to life.
I recommend placing the feng shui bagua, or “map” over your space before you launch in, so that you have an idea of what you will need for what area. For example, once you locate the Wealth or Career areas, you can choose colors and decorative accents appropriately, knowing the special elements and colors that support them. It will be especially helpful so you can discover if there are any missing pieces of the bagua, and correct for them.
Click https://www.fengshuishopper.com/product_cat_list.php?cid=28 for some books that show that bagua and discuss the details of it.
Here are some things to sketch out in your plan:
1. Are you doing it yourself or hiring professionals?
Feng Shui Consultant
Interior Designer
Painter
Handyperson
Cabinet Maker
Professional Organizer
2. What is your timeline?
3. Do you need to (get to!) go shopping?
Storage containers
Decorative accents
Feng Shui cures
(Jot some notes about ideas you have, of what you think you might want and need.)
Stay tuned – more to come on specific ways to enhance different areas of the bagua.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Office Feng Shui - Making Feng Shui Work for Your Work Life
By Jessica Hoelzel
You can apply feng shui in large and small ways, to enhance your work space and work life. You can do it all at once, or a little here and there as you have the time.
Before you dive in, though, you need to clear out all that clutter! The energy of clutter is distracting and draining. And you’ll need a fresh, clean slate to work from. Click http://day2dayfengshui.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html for my earlier blog post with good tips and tricks.
Next, you’ll need to reflect upon, and get clear about what you need and want from your space:
What do you want your space to look like?
How do you want it to feel?
How do you want it to nurture you?
In which areas do you need support?
Spend some time dreaming about your ideal space. Take some notes. Cut out some pictures of magazines. Put together some ideas and just let them brew. Click http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/home-offices/index.html for some lovely inspiration.
Whether you have a corner office suite, a cube or a tiny nook in the kitchen, you can enhance it and make it work for you. Click http://www.askthebuilder.com/341_Maximize_Small_Home_Office_Space.shtml for great small office solutions.
Ultimately, your office should be a place that calls to you, a place that you feel comfortable and confident in, and a place where you can thrive. Happy Dreaming!
More to come on enhancing your office with feng shui…Stay tuned!
You can apply feng shui in large and small ways, to enhance your work space and work life. You can do it all at once, or a little here and there as you have the time.
Before you dive in, though, you need to clear out all that clutter! The energy of clutter is distracting and draining. And you’ll need a fresh, clean slate to work from. Click http://day2dayfengshui.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html for my earlier blog post with good tips and tricks.
Next, you’ll need to reflect upon, and get clear about what you need and want from your space:
What do you want your space to look like?
How do you want it to feel?
How do you want it to nurture you?
In which areas do you need support?
Spend some time dreaming about your ideal space. Take some notes. Cut out some pictures of magazines. Put together some ideas and just let them brew. Click http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/home-offices/index.html for some lovely inspiration.
Whether you have a corner office suite, a cube or a tiny nook in the kitchen, you can enhance it and make it work for you. Click http://www.askthebuilder.com/341_Maximize_Small_Home_Office_Space.shtml for great small office solutions.
Ultimately, your office should be a place that calls to you, a place that you feel comfortable and confident in, and a place where you can thrive. Happy Dreaming!
More to come on enhancing your office with feng shui…Stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Organizing Papers - Oh How Satisfying
By Jessica Hoelzel
I must say, it has been a while since I posted! My commitments have been keeping me quite occupied lately. So, things have been collecting on my desk for “when I have time”. Today I am thoroughly enjoying a day to sort through and deal with paperwork. Getting things crossed off the list, dealt with and into their proper places is satisfying and uplifting. It is a relief to bring finality to their lingering presence on my desk. And uplifting to see it cleared, with no “to-do’s” peering at me hungrily, starved for the attention I need to pay them. Ah, clarity…the open space on the surface of my desk (and in the drawers too) gives me the energy to start something new. Like, say, a short blog post!
I must say, it has been a while since I posted! My commitments have been keeping me quite occupied lately. So, things have been collecting on my desk for “when I have time”. Today I am thoroughly enjoying a day to sort through and deal with paperwork. Getting things crossed off the list, dealt with and into their proper places is satisfying and uplifting. It is a relief to bring finality to their lingering presence on my desk. And uplifting to see it cleared, with no “to-do’s” peering at me hungrily, starved for the attention I need to pay them. Ah, clarity…the open space on the surface of my desk (and in the drawers too) gives me the energy to start something new. Like, say, a short blog post!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Step 2: Clear Your Clutter
By Jessica Hoelzel
When your desk and surface areas in your office are covered with clutter, you can experience:Lack of clear thinking
Difficulty focusing
Lack of creativity
Lack of productivity
Feelings of being scattered
Frustration and overwhelm
Some people say they thrive in a mess, but the fact is the energy of clutter is distracting and draining. Many different pieces of paper, notebooks, publications, binders and other materials all hold the energy of the information they hold and where they came from. They pull you in different directions according to what you are meant to do with them. Even if you are “ignoring” them, or “trying” to work around them, they are crying for your attention and weighing you down with their burden.
Spring is a great time to give yourself the gift of a fresh start. Dig into the clutter, sort it out and eliminate what you don’t need. Then, store what you do need in an efficient way. For example:
Set aside about three hours to start (it will probably take longer, depending on how much stuff there is to go through; papers typically take longer than you think – 100 papers can be condensed in just a short stack)
Gather a bag for recycling, a bag for shredding, a box for things to go elsewhere (that don’t belong in your office), and a box for storage
Sort through your papers and materials, putting them in one of the above receptacles, and in piles by category. Label the piles’ categories with brightly-colored sticky notes
Once you have eliminated what you don’t need, decide on a system for what you do (filing drawers or portable box, trays, decorative boxes)
Keep what you need most often the most accessible. Store records in bankers boxes outside the office, if you can
Shop a store with lots of organizing containers and ideas to fine tune your system over time (my favorites are www.containerstore.com and www.target.com)
Stick with it - clutter is not something you clear and are done with. Things are constantly accumulating. But, if we’re diligent on a day-to-day basis about keeping it functional, we can keep the energy positive and flowing.
When your desk and surface areas in your office are covered with clutter, you can experience:Lack of clear thinking
Difficulty focusing
Lack of creativity
Lack of productivity
Feelings of being scattered
Frustration and overwhelm
Some people say they thrive in a mess, but the fact is the energy of clutter is distracting and draining. Many different pieces of paper, notebooks, publications, binders and other materials all hold the energy of the information they hold and where they came from. They pull you in different directions according to what you are meant to do with them. Even if you are “ignoring” them, or “trying” to work around them, they are crying for your attention and weighing you down with their burden.
Spring is a great time to give yourself the gift of a fresh start. Dig into the clutter, sort it out and eliminate what you don’t need. Then, store what you do need in an efficient way. For example:
Set aside about three hours to start (it will probably take longer, depending on how much stuff there is to go through; papers typically take longer than you think – 100 papers can be condensed in just a short stack)
Gather a bag for recycling, a bag for shredding, a box for things to go elsewhere (that don’t belong in your office), and a box for storage
Sort through your papers and materials, putting them in one of the above receptacles, and in piles by category. Label the piles’ categories with brightly-colored sticky notes
Once you have eliminated what you don’t need, decide on a system for what you do (filing drawers or portable box, trays, decorative boxes)
Keep what you need most often the most accessible. Store records in bankers boxes outside the office, if you can
Shop a store with lots of organizing containers and ideas to fine tune your system over time (my favorites are www.containerstore.com and www.target.com)
Stick with it - clutter is not something you clear and are done with. Things are constantly accumulating. But, if we’re diligent on a day-to-day basis about keeping it functional, we can keep the energy positive and flowing.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Want to feel more in-control of your life? Set your office up for success.
By Jessica Hoelzel
Step 1: Make Sure Your Desk is in the Command Position
Often surprised by things? Burn yourself out by dealing with one crisis after another? Feeling helpless or excluded from decision-making?
Take a look at where is your desk situated in the room. When you sit at your desk you should have a view of the door, but not be too close to it or directly in line with it. Ideally, you should be diagonal from the door. This placement is called the command position. “Command” meaning YOU are in command of your work, time, commitments, planning, even attitude and energy levels.
Position your desk so that it is not “shoved” in a corner. (Thus, “backing you into a corner”, making you feel stuck or helpless.) Many office systems – desk, filing, shelving all in one – are designed this way to maximize functionality. However, these units can be limiting; usually there is only one way they work in the room.
If you are in a cubicle, or it is otherwise impossible for you to see the door, place a mirror on your desk so that you see the reflection of the door in the mirror. This way, you minimize surprises. Things aren’t sneaking up behind you or bowling you over, but instead you can see what is coming.
Doors or entrances are mouths of chi, and special attention needs to be paid so that you are able to receive the opportunities and good fortune that comes in, but protect yourself from being vulnerable to too much coming at you at one time.
Keep following for more to come!
Step 1: Make Sure Your Desk is in the Command Position
Often surprised by things? Burn yourself out by dealing with one crisis after another? Feeling helpless or excluded from decision-making?
Take a look at where is your desk situated in the room. When you sit at your desk you should have a view of the door, but not be too close to it or directly in line with it. Ideally, you should be diagonal from the door. This placement is called the command position. “Command” meaning YOU are in command of your work, time, commitments, planning, even attitude and energy levels.
Position your desk so that it is not “shoved” in a corner. (Thus, “backing you into a corner”, making you feel stuck or helpless.) Many office systems – desk, filing, shelving all in one – are designed this way to maximize functionality. However, these units can be limiting; usually there is only one way they work in the room.
If you are in a cubicle, or it is otherwise impossible for you to see the door, place a mirror on your desk so that you see the reflection of the door in the mirror. This way, you minimize surprises. Things aren’t sneaking up behind you or bowling you over, but instead you can see what is coming.
Doors or entrances are mouths of chi, and special attention needs to be paid so that you are able to receive the opportunities and good fortune that comes in, but protect yourself from being vulnerable to too much coming at you at one time.
Keep following for more to come!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Enhancing the Front Door in Springtime
By Jessica Hoelzel
It’s getting warmer…it’s time!
Lovely springtime. The birds are returning, and we feel revitalization. Their songs and their movements from tree to tree bring us delightful life force energy. The sunshine melting the snow thaws us on the inside. No longer do we cozy up, secure in stillness – now we must get up and DO! As creatures awaken, so do we, needing to get to work.
Take a good look at the front of your house. What do you see? If dead and decaying brown wreaths or garlands are amongst the view, get rid of them! They served their purpose during the holiday season to attract good chi to your space, when they were vibrant and still full of life. The energy of withering life absolutely needs to be cleared out and replaced with something fresh. It is a drain on your personal chi. Any dead flowers remaining from last summer certainly need to go.
Your front door is one of the most important places to put your love and attention towards. It represents a way for all of the abundance and opportunities you desire to enter into your life. Clearing out dead plants is necessary for attracting those things, and to protect yourself. The longer they linger, they pull your energy down with them, or block good chi, which can be detrimental to your health.
As you wait for just the right time of season to place pots of flowers near your door for decoration, clean and clear the front door, porch and stoop of your home. Sweep out dead leaves that may have blown in, the dirt carried in from the roads, or cobwebs that have formed. Wipe down your front door so it glistens.
As you are busy with this work, infuse your intentions into the area – for all that you hope to attract into your life. Your front door can be a beacon for this, if given the right amount of attention and sprucing. And doing so can also protect your energy and therefore your health.
Happy Spring!
Stay tuned for more on Spring Cleaning…
It’s getting warmer…it’s time!
Lovely springtime. The birds are returning, and we feel revitalization. Their songs and their movements from tree to tree bring us delightful life force energy. The sunshine melting the snow thaws us on the inside. No longer do we cozy up, secure in stillness – now we must get up and DO! As creatures awaken, so do we, needing to get to work.
Take a good look at the front of your house. What do you see? If dead and decaying brown wreaths or garlands are amongst the view, get rid of them! They served their purpose during the holiday season to attract good chi to your space, when they were vibrant and still full of life. The energy of withering life absolutely needs to be cleared out and replaced with something fresh. It is a drain on your personal chi. Any dead flowers remaining from last summer certainly need to go.
Your front door is one of the most important places to put your love and attention towards. It represents a way for all of the abundance and opportunities you desire to enter into your life. Clearing out dead plants is necessary for attracting those things, and to protect yourself. The longer they linger, they pull your energy down with them, or block good chi, which can be detrimental to your health.
As you wait for just the right time of season to place pots of flowers near your door for decoration, clean and clear the front door, porch and stoop of your home. Sweep out dead leaves that may have blown in, the dirt carried in from the roads, or cobwebs that have formed. Wipe down your front door so it glistens.
As you are busy with this work, infuse your intentions into the area – for all that you hope to attract into your life. Your front door can be a beacon for this, if given the right amount of attention and sprucing. And doing so can also protect your energy and therefore your health.
Happy Spring!
Stay tuned for more on Spring Cleaning…
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Gearing Up for Spring Cleaning
By Jessica Hoelzel
Who’s ready for spring? We get a lift in the springtime. Naturally it’s due to the increased warm sunshine and growth of new plants, budding leaves and flowers – all good chi! We need good chi, or life force energy, to enhance our vitality after the darkness and quiet of winter. In the spring we are moving from a more yin - a passive and introspective time, to a more yang time, which means being more active and busy in the world.
As winter comes to a close, the door to springtime promise opens…
Spring represents new life. After quieter, introspective times, we transition to taking all that was gained – restored energy and clarity – to start something new. As we soak up the beauty and the stirrings of the natural world around us, we are uplifted and inspired. We are ready.
The element of springtime is wood. It signifies taking initiative, starting something new and upward growth. As the season approaches, prepare yourself by reflecting on what that means to you. You can’t start something new if you are burdened by the old. How will you ensure a fresh start this spring?
Finish up old business
Remove to-do’s hanging over your head
Tie up loose ends and get closure
Pay off debts
Clear your clutter
Dedicate some time to looking at exactly what needs to be done, and plan times to make it happen.
Then dig in. Getting rid of clutter is the first step in Spring Cleaning. Cleaning around it just doesn’t do the trick. Clear out the old, unnecessary things you are holding onto, one-by-one, bit by bit. With your space clear and your load lightened, you can then proceed to giving your space some tender loving care.
Stay tuned for more to come on Spring Cleaning…
Who’s ready for spring? We get a lift in the springtime. Naturally it’s due to the increased warm sunshine and growth of new plants, budding leaves and flowers – all good chi! We need good chi, or life force energy, to enhance our vitality after the darkness and quiet of winter. In the spring we are moving from a more yin - a passive and introspective time, to a more yang time, which means being more active and busy in the world.
As winter comes to a close, the door to springtime promise opens…
Spring represents new life. After quieter, introspective times, we transition to taking all that was gained – restored energy and clarity – to start something new. As we soak up the beauty and the stirrings of the natural world around us, we are uplifted and inspired. We are ready.
The element of springtime is wood. It signifies taking initiative, starting something new and upward growth. As the season approaches, prepare yourself by reflecting on what that means to you. You can’t start something new if you are burdened by the old. How will you ensure a fresh start this spring?
Finish up old business
Remove to-do’s hanging over your head
Tie up loose ends and get closure
Pay off debts
Clear your clutter
Dedicate some time to looking at exactly what needs to be done, and plan times to make it happen.
Then dig in. Getting rid of clutter is the first step in Spring Cleaning. Cleaning around it just doesn’t do the trick. Clear out the old, unnecessary things you are holding onto, one-by-one, bit by bit. With your space clear and your load lightened, you can then proceed to giving your space some tender loving care.
Stay tuned for more to come on Spring Cleaning…
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Are you stuck?
By Jessica Hoelzel
If you are feeling bogged down, frozen, weighted down or stuck, chances are clutter may be to blame. We are connected to everything we own, tied to it with invisible strands of energy. This energy could be light or it might be heavier, depending on our experience and our emotional attachments to it. Like it or not, consciously or not, everything we own and surround ourselves with has an impact on us.
Too many sentimental possessions and general clutter can cause a feeling of oppression, preventing the occupants from moving forward in life.
- Lillian Too, author of 168 Feng Shui Ways to Declutterr Your Home
So if you are feeling stuck, you may want to check out what is going on in the environment around you. Take an inventory of the state of your affairs, feng shui-wise:
What does the environment around you look like?
What does it feel like?
Listen quietly – is it saying anything to you?
What needs your attention?
If you are feeling bogged down, frozen, weighted down or stuck, chances are clutter may be to blame. We are connected to everything we own, tied to it with invisible strands of energy. This energy could be light or it might be heavier, depending on our experience and our emotional attachments to it. Like it or not, consciously or not, everything we own and surround ourselves with has an impact on us.
Too many sentimental possessions and general clutter can cause a feeling of oppression, preventing the occupants from moving forward in life.
- Lillian Too, author of 168 Feng Shui Ways to Declutterr Your Home
So if you are feeling stuck, you may want to check out what is going on in the environment around you. Take an inventory of the state of your affairs, feng shui-wise:
What does the environment around you look like?
What does it feel like?
Listen quietly – is it saying anything to you?
What needs your attention?
Once you let go of some things that are no longer serving you, or deal with some things that may have been burdensome, you will feel lighter. You will feel like you can breathe easier, and have the space to move. Clearing clutter gives you the freedom to move again – in whatever direction you’d like to go.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Organizing Kids' Toys After the Holidays
By Jessica Hoelzel
Got kids? Well, then you’ve got stuff. Lots of stuff. Believe me, I know. I have two little sweeties of my own, and even though I am a Professional Organizer AND Feng Shui Consultant that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with kids’ clutter. The most important thing you can do to get full rein over the clutter? Purge. That’s right. I’m sure your kids got the latest and the greatest as gifts – so what about all that other stuff that they’ve forgotten about? You’ve got to let some go. Think about it this way – by age 10, your child will have been through (the math is easy) 10 holidays. That’s adding stuff into your home 10 times. It sure piles up – especially if you have more than one kid. (And we are not even talking about birthdays, toys as rewards for good behavior, or toys “just because”).
The point is, keep what your kids love (what they DO play with) and store or let go of the rest. If you don’t have a lot of storage, you are going to have to do a lot of the purging.
Use these handy tips to help make the job easier:
1. For every toy that comes in, donate an old one to a thrift store or shelter (when in good shape).
2. Get rid of things your children don’t play with, and toys that are broken, missing parts, or dingy. This will lighten the load incredibly.
3. Have children pick toys to pass on. They will be happy to have a stake in the process. Store them for the next youngest, or share with cousins (but only if they aren’t burdened by clutter!)
4. Store toys for future siblings or generations by age (i.e. 1 year, 2 years…). Keep in sturdy plastic tubs. They’ll be easily retrievable when company comes or when the next child is ready for them.
5. If putting toys in a garage sale, encourage children by letting them keep the money earned, or use it for a fun family outing.
6. If you are getting too many toys as gifts, encourage gift-givers to donate to the child’s college fund or towards an extracurricular activity instead of piling up material goods. The savings will be much more valuable, and it teaches children an important lesson.
And as far as corralling the new stuff – here are some helpful tips to keep things in good condition, and keep the pieces together:
1. Buy clear plastic bins for each “set”. Cut out part of the box it came in to label the outside and identify. Kids love making their own labels.
2. Help kids put things away. Teach them about sorting. A good activity for brain development!
3. Plastic dressers work great for storing dress-up, Barbies, action figures or Little People things. Kids can easily open and close the drawers. (And they fit in kids’ closets because their clothes don’t hang too low.)
4. Put small pieces in plastic storage bags or small food storage containers with lids.
5. Save warranties/instructions for toys in a plastic Velcro wallet. Label the front.
6. By all means, avoid dumping everything together, mixed up into a toy box or bins. You will regret it later!!!
Got kids? Well, then you’ve got stuff. Lots of stuff. Believe me, I know. I have two little sweeties of my own, and even though I am a Professional Organizer AND Feng Shui Consultant that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with kids’ clutter. The most important thing you can do to get full rein over the clutter? Purge. That’s right. I’m sure your kids got the latest and the greatest as gifts – so what about all that other stuff that they’ve forgotten about? You’ve got to let some go. Think about it this way – by age 10, your child will have been through (the math is easy) 10 holidays. That’s adding stuff into your home 10 times. It sure piles up – especially if you have more than one kid. (And we are not even talking about birthdays, toys as rewards for good behavior, or toys “just because”).
The point is, keep what your kids love (what they DO play with) and store or let go of the rest. If you don’t have a lot of storage, you are going to have to do a lot of the purging.
Use these handy tips to help make the job easier:
1. For every toy that comes in, donate an old one to a thrift store or shelter (when in good shape).
2. Get rid of things your children don’t play with, and toys that are broken, missing parts, or dingy. This will lighten the load incredibly.
3. Have children pick toys to pass on. They will be happy to have a stake in the process. Store them for the next youngest, or share with cousins (but only if they aren’t burdened by clutter!)
4. Store toys for future siblings or generations by age (i.e. 1 year, 2 years…). Keep in sturdy plastic tubs. They’ll be easily retrievable when company comes or when the next child is ready for them.
5. If putting toys in a garage sale, encourage children by letting them keep the money earned, or use it for a fun family outing.
6. If you are getting too many toys as gifts, encourage gift-givers to donate to the child’s college fund or towards an extracurricular activity instead of piling up material goods. The savings will be much more valuable, and it teaches children an important lesson.
And as far as corralling the new stuff – here are some helpful tips to keep things in good condition, and keep the pieces together:
1. Buy clear plastic bins for each “set”. Cut out part of the box it came in to label the outside and identify. Kids love making their own labels.
2. Help kids put things away. Teach them about sorting. A good activity for brain development!
3. Plastic dressers work great for storing dress-up, Barbies, action figures or Little People things. Kids can easily open and close the drawers. (And they fit in kids’ closets because their clothes don’t hang too low.)
4. Put small pieces in plastic storage bags or small food storage containers with lids.
5. Save warranties/instructions for toys in a plastic Velcro wallet. Label the front.
6. By all means, avoid dumping everything together, mixed up into a toy box or bins. You will regret it later!!!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Organizing for the New Year
By Jessica Hoelzel
When the fruitcake is stale, the twinkle has dimmed, and the sound of jingle bells has quieted, this post will be your ticket to new beginnings. Print it and post in a semi-prominent place – not under a pile of cards, wrapping paper, or gift receipts! Refer to it as you clear the remnants of the holidays. Keep the spirit in your heart, of course, as you move into the New Year. Hold closely your gratitude for family, for home. Think of your intentions for the New Year. How do you want to live?
Do you want to view clear surfaces in your kitchen? How about being able to fully open the door to the home office? Do you want to walk with ease on a clear path in your basement? What would it feel like to be able to find what you need in 30 seconds or less?
Organizing can empower you. Clearing out clutter and managing well the things that you have can give you a great boost for the New Year.
Starting a new project may seem like the last thing you want to do after the activity of the holidays. Do give yourself a break. Put your feet up. Sip a steaming cup of tea. Allow yourself to reflect on what your standards are. Not what you will tolerate, but what makes you feel good in your home? When are you most at peace?
Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote, “Creating a comfortable, beautiful, well-run home can be among our most satisfying accomplishments as well as an illuminating spiritual experience.” Take a piece of paper and jot some notes about what an organized home means for you. What does the space look like?
Ponder what rooms need the most attention. Do a little planning on paper for the next year. Get your calendar, if you wish, and schedule some decluttering time. Three-hour sessions are usually about right for bigger projects, before you get burnt out. You can take 15 minutes a day to transform spaces, too. At the end of a week, that’s almost two hours of organizing!
Maybe the laundry room is your biggest pain right now. Do that first. Maybe the garage needs work, but that would be better scheduled for warm weather. How about weeding out your closet, to make room for the new clothes you got? The playroom could possibly use some sorting and purging, with all the kids’ new toys. Keep in mind the amount of new things coming into your home. A good rule of thumb is: One new thing comes in, one old thing goes out! And including your family will make the effort lighter and teach valuable lessons for the future.
Get started! Beginning is sometimes the most challenging part, but take to heart the words of wisdom woven in my mother’s cross stitch, “Begun is half done”. Start small and reward yourself along the way. You will gain momentum as you go. As Tom Petty sings, “It’s time to move on; it’s time to get going. What lies ahead I have no way of knowing…”
Make it an organized new year!
When the fruitcake is stale, the twinkle has dimmed, and the sound of jingle bells has quieted, this post will be your ticket to new beginnings. Print it and post in a semi-prominent place – not under a pile of cards, wrapping paper, or gift receipts! Refer to it as you clear the remnants of the holidays. Keep the spirit in your heart, of course, as you move into the New Year. Hold closely your gratitude for family, for home. Think of your intentions for the New Year. How do you want to live?
Do you want to view clear surfaces in your kitchen? How about being able to fully open the door to the home office? Do you want to walk with ease on a clear path in your basement? What would it feel like to be able to find what you need in 30 seconds or less?
Organizing can empower you. Clearing out clutter and managing well the things that you have can give you a great boost for the New Year.
Starting a new project may seem like the last thing you want to do after the activity of the holidays. Do give yourself a break. Put your feet up. Sip a steaming cup of tea. Allow yourself to reflect on what your standards are. Not what you will tolerate, but what makes you feel good in your home? When are you most at peace?
Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote, “Creating a comfortable, beautiful, well-run home can be among our most satisfying accomplishments as well as an illuminating spiritual experience.” Take a piece of paper and jot some notes about what an organized home means for you. What does the space look like?
Ponder what rooms need the most attention. Do a little planning on paper for the next year. Get your calendar, if you wish, and schedule some decluttering time. Three-hour sessions are usually about right for bigger projects, before you get burnt out. You can take 15 minutes a day to transform spaces, too. At the end of a week, that’s almost two hours of organizing!
Maybe the laundry room is your biggest pain right now. Do that first. Maybe the garage needs work, but that would be better scheduled for warm weather. How about weeding out your closet, to make room for the new clothes you got? The playroom could possibly use some sorting and purging, with all the kids’ new toys. Keep in mind the amount of new things coming into your home. A good rule of thumb is: One new thing comes in, one old thing goes out! And including your family will make the effort lighter and teach valuable lessons for the future.
Get started! Beginning is sometimes the most challenging part, but take to heart the words of wisdom woven in my mother’s cross stitch, “Begun is half done”. Start small and reward yourself along the way. You will gain momentum as you go. As Tom Petty sings, “It’s time to move on; it’s time to get going. What lies ahead I have no way of knowing…”
Make it an organized new year!
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