Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter

april 14, 2021 Issue No. 384

Yes, and…

When you’re doing improv comedy (and isn’t life just one long improv?) the rule of thumb is that no matter what your partner says, you say, “Yes, and…” As in “Wow? Is your shirt made out of prosciutto?” “Yes, and I brought you a jacket made by the same designer; it’s made of the finest pancetta!”

Much has been written about how to apply “yes, and” to life. Why not try to bring some of that improv energy, which is really positive and creative, to your organizing?

Whenever I’m with a client, I try to maximize the stuff going out. You’ve agreed to let go of all those ancient New Yorkers. Yes, and I can use a few of your (many!) shopping bags to take them down to the basement.

Letting go of all-your low-rise jeans? Yes, and we can use some of those freebie tote bags filling space in your front hall closet to take them to Housing Works.

Finally ready to take down your display of this year’s holiday cards? Yes, and why not empty that section of the cabinet where you’ve been stashing the ones from the past 10 years. Voila! You’ve not only cleared the entryway table, but freed up half a shelf in the living room cabinet, and you’re feeling good.

Did you realize that the can of tomato paste you just pulled out of the cabinet expired before any of us had ever hear the word Covid? Yes, and not only can you get rid of that bad-boy, but you can spend five minutes exploring deepest part of your kitchen cupboard to see what other expired goods are lurking back there. Booyah!

Life is definitely improv, so don’t shut down those golden windows of organizing opportunities. Build on them, see how far you can take it. Letting go of a few more cans or tote bags might not seem like that big a deal, but they are little daily wins, and if you create the habit of looking for those opportunities, they’ll add up over time. So, cultivate this tiny change in perspective. See what you can let go of, and then see if there isn’t a little bit more. You might just Yes, and yourself into a whole new approach to life.