Organize Your Life in Four Saturdays
by Debbie Forbes

Make the menus, shop for the food, pick up the dry cleaning, water the plants, put the photographs in albums, write thank you notes, remember birthdays, much of this happens before we start our workday. With so much on our minds, it's easy to feel we're drowning in minutiae. It seems hard to find a calm, restorative mental space. We sink into bed at the end of the day and can't relax, because each place we let our eyes rest reveals another chore to be done. Start the rest of your year off right. It will take a bit of time and effort, but well worth the effort.

Saturday #1
The Goal: Clear your home of clutter. Today you will complete all possible sorting and tossing chores.
What you'll need:

  1. Paper and pen
  2. Many large garbage bags
  3. Hammer, screwdriver, scissors
  4. Lively background music
  5. A reward when you finish!
Wake up early. Today will be all about labor. Begin by walking through your living space with paper and pen. Create the mother of all to-do lists. Focus on the little things that you have been meaning to get to but never quite get there. (Save the big jobs for next Saturday) On my list: Bathroom lightbulbs, clothes missing buttons, a desk under that mound of papers somewhere, pictures in desperate need of hanging. Today is not a day to think. Do nothing that requires more than an instant of reflection. Just make your list and do it. When you are finished, you will feel the calm that comes with a clear desk and a clean closet. Although this peace will be its own reward, a little ice cream at this point wouldn't hurt. May I suggest Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby?

Saturday #2
The goal: Today is analyze, evaluate, decide and act. Pick one or two large household projects and get them done. Choose the new couch, new carpet, new TV whatever you have been putting off and buy it. Create that office in the corner.
What you'll need:

  1. Catalogs, ads
  2. Telephone book
  3. Tools you used last Saturday
  4. A significant other. Major decisions are best made with a very good friend, spouse, Mom etc.
If you made a shopping list Friday night, sleep in! Stores don't open usually until 10, so have that coffee. Prepare your list by asking yourself what you've been needing or wanting that you haven't built, ordered or purchased. My mattress was great 12 years ago. It was time to get a new one and I lucked out when one of my clients had to get rid of their beautiful one in the guest room to make way for a new baby. I have been sleeping great! It isn't really fun to buy those kinds of things, but well worth it. Is it time to turn the hall closet into an office, or replace those board and brick shelves with a real bookcase? Today is your day. You rule.

Saturday #3
Your goal: Organize your work life.
What you'll need:

  1. File folders
  2. Blank rolodex cards
  3. Paper clips, staples, post-its and pens
  4. Your trusty computer
  5. An unplugged phone. No disruptions.
First, organize your work space. Clean off your desk and prune your files. Restock your supply cabinet, Then get to work: Write that memo you have been thinking about, update your resume. Sort, file, toss. Throw away those dried up pens. Trust me they are NEVER going to work. All those sticky notes, business cards and stray pieces of paper with names and numbers get copied into your rolodex. Weed out the cards you haven't needed in years. Okay, now your work surfaces are clear, you'll be amazed at how you can concentrate, visualize and execute in the absence of towers of paper!

Saturday #4
Your Goal: Communicate with others and Self.
What You'll need:

  1. Note cards and pens
  2. Address books (current and past)
  3. A telephone
  4. A warm quilt and cup of java/tea
  5. The plan for a perfect afternoon
For this, you don't have to get out of bed. Gather your supplies and cuddle with your blankie. Answer the Christmas cards you received in December. Phone old school buddies, cousins and should you feel brave, old flames! Find the forgotten pieces of yourself that rest within the minds of others and half forgotten friendships. Meet a friend for lunch, but save the afternoon for just you. What is the most relaxing thing you can imagine. Today your last Saturday is a gift to yourself. Head over to the Beach Theatre for a matinee, take a walk on the beach. Treat yourself to whatever it is that makes you love you.

Now that you are finished, look at your accomplishments: Your to-do list is bare, your new carpet is gorgeous, the mattress is yummy, your office is functioning at peak levels and your ocial obligations - met. You'll feel free and light and at peace. Savor the moment. Chances are you'll be doing this list in another three months!