A Pleasant Solution: Embracing an Organized Life

Latest Episodes:

20 | The Myth of Busyness Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

The word "busy" is overused. It is often used as a blanket catchall phrase or a marker of success or martyrdom. I think a more accurate term is being over-committed. It's when you have to be in multiple places at once. It's when you have numerous projects requiring your attention or when your brain jumps from tasks to logistics to problem-solving. Busyness is life without sufficient and restorative physical and mental breaks.

A common misconception is that you can master busyness with organization. Yet, everything you do is a choice. Busyness happens when you're telling yourself you have enough time for it all rather than thinking deeply about what tasks are essential and non-negotiable.
One solution to busyness is prioritizing. It helps to cut down on the mental clutter. It's about recognizing that you can control where you need to be and what you're focused on at any moment. Practice redirecting your focus to the set of tasks that are absolute priorities in our overstimulated, highly distracted world.

RESOURCE:
Interested in self-coaching? Self-coaching is simply self-reflection.
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19 | When Self-Doubt Becomes Self-Trust Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

How do you want to feel in your home? The journey of creating your dream home and life starts with awareness. Self-trust is the anchor of our lives, and in today’s episode, I’ll share why I believe it’s the third and final cornerstone to an organized life.
There are three qualities of self-trust:

Trusting yourself to follow through or do what you plan to do.
Trusting yourself to problem solve.
Trusting that you can experience or handle any emotion.

Self-trust is built when you combine the other two cornerstones: powerful decision-making and resilience.
Trusting yourself ultimately comes from taking risks of any size and from learning from that particular situation. This path often involves inner discomfort, yet the reward is inner strength.
So join me as I share client examples and stories to illustrate what it looks like when self-doubt becomes self-trust. Remember, deep self-trust starts with having your own back. Learning to treat yourself with compassion and kindness is a lifelong journey. But I know you can do this. You’re more organized than you think.
MENTIONED:
17 | Decision-Making Fundamentals
18 | Understanding Emotions and Clutter

RESOURCE:

Curious to learn how Clutter Coaching is different than in-home organizing?
Download my Clarity Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

18 | Understanding Emotions and Clutter May 31, 2023

Show notes

The external clutter in your life starts within your internal mindset. Today, I show how the intersection of emotions and decisions form the foundational elements of a clutter-free life.
Most of the media you encounter spotlights systems, routines, and processes as the solution, yet I’ve seen something different. When you learn the skill of emotional awareness and emotional resilience, clutter doesn’t stand a chance. Systems, routines, and processes become much easier to implement and maintain once you understand the impact of emotions.
Every thought or sentence that runs through your mind on any given day produces emotion in your body. Unfortunately, most folks develop a dislike for stronger feelings because they’re either socialized or taught that it’s not okay to show emotions to others unless the situation is deemed appropriate. This is one reason we hold onto things longer than needed, overwork, and avoid hard conversations.
Identifying and understanding your emotions will be positive fuel for every area of your life. Building emotional resilience through sitting with and processing your feelings is the most direct path to a clutter-free life. You’ll begin to address the mental clutter and the overwork. This will make you free to make decisions and manage physical clutter, bringing you one step closer to living an organized life.
RESOURCE:

Curious to learn how Clutter Coaching is different than in-home organizing?
Download my Clarity Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

17 | Decision Making Fundamentals May 24, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, I address the fundamentals of decision-making. But, of course, you already know how to say no or yes. You may also know when you’re stuck or avoiding a project or decision. So join me as I dive into why decision-making is a cornerstone of a clutter-free life and how you can powerfully wield the tool of decision.
One of the core values of my business is the simplicity of time and space. Decision-making is one way to bring this into reality. You’re always making decisions whether you’re aware of it or not. Decluttering your home and life is about harnessing the power of your choices.
Decluttering may dredge up memories that act as roadblocks for the decision-making process, but when you reward yourself for making decisions, your brain will like it and seek more. That’s one reason why it’s so important to celebrate every choice as a win. Remember, you are more organized than you think.
RESOURCE:

Curious to learn how Clutter Coaching is different than in-home organizing?
Download my Clarity Guide + join my email community.

16 | Beyond Bathing: How to Create a Restorative Routine May 17, 2023

Show notes

The bathroom is an integral part of your daily routine. Your thoughts about routine and your thoughts about it influence the time you spend in the space. So today, we will get curious about your relationship with your bathroom.
Noticing the current state of your bathroom isn't about judgment or criticism. It's about listening to the soundtrack in your head and then getting curious about how you want to feel.
In this episode, I give some practical strategies and tips to take action on freshening up your space. I also encourage you to question your current routine and see how a mindset shift may add more joy and self-love without needing to complete a 5-figure bathroom renovation.
Taking a little more time for yourself and asking powerful questions re-purposes your bathroom from a transactional space to one of luxury. It's a small shift with a resounding impact.
RESOURCE:
Curious to learn how Clutter Coaching is different than in-home organizing?
Download my Clarity Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

15 | Wanting What You Have May 10, 2023

Show notes

So often we’re busy criticizing ourselves for how our home could be tidier. Or how we could have less stuff. Or how things could be more organized. As a result, we forget to stop and recognize the abundance and beauty in our lives.

Happiness and satisfaction aren’t directly correlated to where you live, what size your home is, or the number of objects in it. Happiness and satisfaction come from how you are thinking about those things at any given time.

In today’s episode, let’s set aside decluttering and organizing. Instead, let’s focus on wanting what you already have. You truly do have the option of being content with the items and home layout that you have now. So, I challenge you to list out 10 things or experiences that you “want.” What would you put on that list?

Now, consider whether any of the items on your list are items, people, or experiences that you have in your possession right now. Curious isn’t it? Let’s explore an abundance mindset, and see what shifts for you.

MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE:

Episode 13: The Benefits of Predictability

RESOURCE:

Interested in self-coaching? Self-coaching is simply self-reflection.
Download 25 Great Self-Coaching Questions + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution

14 | When There’s a Glitch in the Matrix May 03, 2023

Show notes

By embracing an organized life you’re actually more prepared for the moments when life goes sideways. A "glitch" in your matrix is when there’s disruption of such magnitude that your emotional foundation is shaken for a few days or sometimes for a few months.
It’s a season where things are not just off but the disruptions are seemingly random, especially when life has been running in a predictable fashion. You can find yourself asking, “What the F is happening right now?!?”
In today's episode, I’ll share how I grounded myself during my most recent glitch and offer a few tools that will help you care for yourself the next time life gets topsy-turvy. Again, embracing an organized life means having easy-to-call-upon techniques to help navigate disruptions. It’s not about achieving 100% control over your space and life. Remember, the one thing that is always predictable is that life can be unpredictable.

MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE:

Episode 13: The Benefits of Predictability

RESOURCE:

Interested in self-coaching? Self-coaching is simply self-reflection.
Download 25 Great Self-Coaching Questions + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

Follow me on Facebook

See what I’m up to on LinkedIn

Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

13 | The Benefits of Predictability Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

After doing a fair amount of travel recently, I started thinking about why we crave predictability in all areas of our life. You depend upon it, but you may not notice how much you crave it until it’s absent. However, when things go awry, you find yourself suddenly grasping for stability. Predictability is why organization is essential. Building a schedule and structure around your day is another strategy to release mental clutter.
In this episode, I’ll give three reasons why predictability is a good thing, especially if you have an ADHD-oriented brain. I will share specific examples for each reason and actionable steps you can take to build a bit more predictability into your days. It’ll be a breeze because you’re more organized than you think. Let’s dive in.

MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE:

08 | Mental Clutter + The Invisible Load

RESOURCE:

Interested in self-coaching? Self-coaching is simply self-reflection.
Download 25 Great Self-Coaching Questions + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

12 | Why You Need Working Hours At Home Too Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

This episode is about why consciously defining the hours you're working on household responsibilities or care tasks matters. Women are raised to always be working and always giving our time to others. Therefore some unlearning of this pattern may be needed. First, I share why the idea of "working hours" at home is critically important. Then I'll share my experience, including exactly how I decided to define and implement the concept of working hours.
Whether you are an unpaid working mother at home or a paid working mother, actively setting boundaries on your working hours is truly essential to your mental and emotional well-being. Every minute you spend contributing to the success of your household is work. As a society, we are raised to believe that women's time is endless. This belief is one of the central issues, and it's the primary reason defining your working hours at home is essential.
I invite you to get curious about the number of hours each day you're currently working, paid and unpaid. Setting boundaries by explicitly outlining for others when you're working and when you're not, teaches them how to treat you and your time. Following this framework is hard, and feeling guilt or resistance is natural as you begin shifting your mindset. But if you are ready to change how you approach working hours at home and want support in this area of your life, I am excited to take that journey with you.
In the meantime ask yourself these questions to determine if your beliefs are aligned with how you want to be showing up:

What was I raised to believe about the hours a woman should be working?
How are those long-held beliefs serving me or contributing to my exhaustion?
How could clearly defined working hours give me permission to drop the guilt and restore my energy?

MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE:

05 | The Myth of Domestic Perfection

RESOURCE:

Interested in self-coaching? Self-coaching is simply self-reflection.
Download 25 Great Self-Coaching Questions + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

11 | Aligning Your Wardrobe With Your Lifestyle Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I discuss how to practically declutter and update your wardrobe from a mindset-based approach. I’m going to encourage you to look at your clothing from the point of view of the past, your current reality, and your future self.
Each set of objects holds a story or a memory, which is why they’re so difficult to get rid of. It’s also why it is easy to get bogged down in the swamp of indecision when cleaning out your closet. But, identifying and engaging with your feelings is the key to having permanent control over your space and belongings. An item earns its keep by giving you something in return for the space it currently occupies in your closet and life.
Clothing – or any item for that matter – is always auditioning FOR you, and this decluttering moment is a great time to see if it makes the cut. The process may be slow at first, but you’re more organized than you think. Keep going. Mindful decluttering of your wardrobe will help you get to know yourself better and redefine your priorities and values. This step is another powerful shift in mindset on your journey to embracing an organized life.

MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE:

Episode 06: Creating Your Future Self

RESOURCE:
Ready to declutter but not sure where to take items?
Download my Decluttering Resources Quick Guide + join my email community.
FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

Come say hello on Instagram

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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?

I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.