Lessons from the Scrapbook Page

How good is your vision?

Been reading much lately? I have...every free chance I get. Not only do I love reading, but I love learning. I've been splitting my time between fiction and nonfiction and finding inspiration in both. The fascinating thing for me is that I start to see connections between everything I'm reading, or at least in the lessons I take away.

One of the primary points that keeps coming up is vision...having, keeping, and expanding your vision. I've always thought of myself as a visionary and dreamer. But since my transition from entrepreneur to corporate employee I've been at a bit of a loss as to what my future holds.

In the last ten years, I've accomplished many of the dreams I held as a child.

The Teacher
I always wanted to be a teacher and would even teach my stuffed animals when I was little. I'd line them all up, give them homework, and tell them what to do. So I became a teacher and taught junior high students for five years.

The Author
Along with pretending to be a teacher, I started writing stories as soon as I could write, which was very early. So after teaching, I pursued my writing career and began writing articles for magazines. That grew into writing Real Women Scrap and having it published. From there came more magazine articles, interviews, Real Women Scrap TV and so much more than I even dreamed as a child.

The Designer
The doors that were opened with Real Women Scrap and Cinematic Studios as a designer and Creative Project Director brought me to my current position with Apple. My job is an incredible compilation of so many of the skills I developed from my previous positions. And it challenges me daily to go beyond what I know and continuously improve my skill set.

The Future
So if I've accomplished many of the dreams and goals I set before myself, where do I go from here? I feel incredibly blessed to be in this position, but have been asking myself what's next. Or rather the books I've been reading have been asking me that question.

Any thoughts on that? Some of you know me pretty well. What type of vision would you cast for me? I think sometimes it's easier for someone else to dream bigger than it is for ourselves. We focus on our own flaws and drawbacks, but others are often much kinder to us overlooking the flaws and focusing on the strengths.

What vision do you have for your future? Are you dreaming big or have you let yourself settle for just getting by and good enough? Something to think about this bright Monday morning.

Change Lives With Everything You Buy

Wouldn't it be great if we could combine our desire for new and fabulous things with an opportunity to bless and enrich the lives of people in developing countries? Since Christmas, I've been very aware and watchful of my spending habits. We are so blessed and rich in America (and a few other countries too). Sometimes we forget how important it is to maintain a global perspective that is rooted in reality.

The idea was brought to home not long ago when my friend asked for prayer for her husband's family in Kenya. Their country is in turmoil and the family is afraid for their lives, all living in one apartment, hiding from the mobs, and trying to survive.

That call for prayer reminded me of a gentleman I listened to about a month ago. He was very well-spoken and shared a message that stuck with me.

He is the founder of Trade as One. Their mission is to sell products with meaning and stories behind them. They unite the spending power of the American people with the creation of companies, products, and jobs for the poorest of the poor. The products are all of high quality and made by innovative and socially responsible organizations in developing countries.

What a fantastic connection. Want to get involved? Take a look at their website, watch and share the above video, and next time you're in a shopping mood, check out Trade As One.

I Talked to Peter Walsh!

Do you know who he is? He is the tough love guru on TLC's Clean Sweep and a regular on Oprah. In fact he was on Oprah last week on a show about hoarders. I just finished his latest book last night. It's called, "It's All Too Much."

Have you ever said that? Or maybe said, "I'm overwhelmed," "I can't handle it all," or something similar? He has the answers to your clutter, and even more than that, he casts a larger vision of the life you want to live. Reminds me of the subtitle of my book, "Create the Life and Layouts You've Always Wanted."

Today I was on a CoachCast call with Compass Life and Business Designs and Peter Walsh was the special guest. I've enjoyed watching him for years on TLC and now that we're moving, I've been implementing his decluttering advice. To be able to talk to him and ask him a burning question was fantastic!

Here was my question:

"I'm a former teacher and current author, so I'm overrun with books and paper. How do I manage it all?"

Peter Walsh's response:

"Creativity is between your ears. Create systems. You can't be creative and free if you're always searching and looking for something. Organic and organize are from the same root word...to be fully whole, human, and you. You can't create organically if you aren't organized. Be brutal and let it go."

Love it! Another tip that he gave another woman with a similar situation also rung true to me. He said, "Trust yourself. It's about fear. Don't be timid about taking the step. You're a smart, competent, and skilled woman. Jump off the cliff."

Gotta tell you...this made my day. Now back to decluttering!

technorati tags: Peter-Walsh, It's-All-Too-Much, Oprah, Compass-Life-Designs, TLC, Clean-Sweep, Organizing, Clutter

In Honor and Remembrance of Veterans

Today I'm reminded of the sacrifice of so many of our men and women. I think this year it's more real for me because my husband and I have been watching Band of Brothers. The war those men endured is beyond imaginable. I also recently spent time with my Grandma learning more about Great Grandfather Otto who was in the United States Navy for over 30 years. You can see some of his war medals in the digital scrapbook pages I created below.

If you're looking for something to do to honor those serving our country now, here are some of my favorite ideas:

1. Create personalized Christmas cards and notes. Make sure to use a specific name and address. DO NOT send to "A Recovering Soldier" or other generic name. These will not be accepted. You can find names and addresses at AnySoldier.com.
2. Create gift packages to send to soldiers. Check out AnySoldier.com for addresses and lists of specific needs. We did this a few years ago and let our kids help shop, pack, and send. It was a very bonding family time.
3. Sign a pledge to America's Wounded Soldiers.
4. Say a prayer. I believe in the power of prayer and know that many of you do too. Take five minutes or fifteen, and say a prayer for the veterans and current service men and women fighting for our freedom.
   

technorati tags: Veterans_Day, Remembrance, Band_of_Brothers, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, War_Medals, USNavy, AnySoldier.com

My Challenge for YOU Today...Be Still

Ever feel like you're on a treadmill running way too fast, but can't find the STOP button? Chances are, we all feel that way at times. The challenge and opportunity is to slow down before you get to the point where you're thrown off the back of the treadmill because you can't keep up.

This week, here's my challenge to you. Be still.

Need more help than that? Watch this inspiring video hosted by the ultra-wise photographer Dane Sanders and created by my uber-talented hubby.

Click To Play

technorati tags: Dane_Sanders, Dane'sPhotoMinute, Ron_Dawson, Cinematic-Studios, Slowing_Down, Busyness

Ideas & Inspiration from a Professional Organizer

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you've heard me mention Aby Garvey, professional organizer extraordinaire. Aby is the genius behind Simplify 101, her online site for products, tips, and everything organized. Her blog is Creative Organizing as you can see from the image above. She is also the author of Happy Scrapper. Her latest book release is The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker. If you haven't heard of it or picked it up, you just gotta do it. It will change your scrappin' world!

Aby and I became cyber-friends over a year ago and finally met in person at Memorytrends. We've got a Real Women Scrap TV interview with Aby and her co-author Wendy Smedley coming up next week so I thought I'd do a quick teaser interview to give you a taste of what we've got in store. There's the three of us at Memorytrends...not the best photo ever, but it'll do for now.

So Aby, welcome to Lessons from the Scrapbook Page. I'm so thrilled you found time to share some insight and personal information with us. First question, how did you get started in professional organizing?

I was at a crossroads in my career when my employer offered to relocate my family and me to Florida. Both my husband and I are mid-west born and raised. Moving was really out of the question for us. Having spent thirteen years in the business world, it was time to strike out on my own and get in the driver’s seat of my own career. I researched professions that would be a great match for my passion and skills…and professional organizing was an easy choice.

I love that you did the work to find out where your strengths were before launching into something new. Now that you're a professional, are you always organized? Or do you get overwhelmed and overloaded at times like the rest of us?

Stay Focused & Keep Going

A month or so ago I received an email from a friend in my writing group. She described a Japanese term that served well to encourage our small band of creative writers. Given the comments I've received from others who seem to be going through seasons of change, I thought it might also serve to encourage and inspire you on this beautiful day. Here's to you!

There's a Japanese term: "Gam-ba-te!" (Pronounced: Gahm - bah - teh, accent on the first syllable) which kind of connotes several meanings all at once.  "Go for it!" "Have Courage!" "Endure the pain and suffering!"  "Tighten your belt!" "Look forward in the face of conflict!"  "Gird yourself!" "Be patient!" "Don't let the turkeys get you down!" "Stay focused!" 

It's kind of the battle cry when you know you have to do something you don't want to but you know you've got to, no matter the consequence. It is very well respected to take on the call.  Success is measured in one's willingness, not so much on the final outcome. However far one can make it along the course that one has chosen, amidst any and all known or unknown obstacles, is, depending on one's support group, acknowledged, accepted and is used as the starting point to encourage another try.

So, my friends and faithful readers, Gambate! You can do this.

Remember 911: Finding Purpose In Little Things

I remember. I know you do too. So today I'll let my words be few. Take time to slow down today. Spend some time in quiet reflection. Hold tight those you love. Consider these words...

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone .

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't  get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am  stuck in traffic,  miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone...all the little things that annoy me...I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be  at this very moment.

Next time your morning seems to be  going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed,  you can't seem to find the car keys,  you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; It may be just that God is at work watching over you. May God continue to bless you  with all those annoying little things  and may you remember their possible purpose.

Ever Wonder If You're Loved?

If this doesn't move you, I don't know what will. I saw it on Barb's blog at A Chelsea Morning and had to share it with all of you. Listen to the words, look into the eyes of the people, and know that it's all true.

Spread the message of hope to someone else today. Who can you inspire with a quick email note saying that you love them and are thinking about them? Is there someone you can call and encourage to keep moving forward? Make it happen. Take the time. Invest yourself in someone else's life. It only takes a moment, but makes ripples of inspiration and change happen.

technorati tags: Josh_Groban, Inspiration, Encouragement

A Simple Way To Change Your Life

Who will you be in 5 years?

You'll still be you, I know. But will you be a better version of yourself? The same? Or worse? Will you be more free or more overloaded and weighed down?

Twyla Tharp, an award-winning choreographer and author said, “Who you meet and what you read will largely determine where you are in five years.” Often, the people you meet will recommend the books you will read. Think about how you make a decision when you visit Amazon. Don't you look at the star rating and read at least some of the reviews? We want to hear what others have said and experienced from that book.

What are you reading? Anything?  

This month, I'm going to share some life-changing books...