Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter

A New Dawn

Just because you’ve always done something a certain way doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it that way.

Have you been saving personal letters simply because your mother and grandmother did? Have you been keeping files of paid bills, even though it’s all available online? Are you holding on to a pair of shoes you hate, just because they match a bag you love?

Why? If your answer is that that’s what you’ve always done, maybe it’s time to change things up.

Pretend you’re explaining you reasons to a visitor from another world or the future.  What would their reaction be? “Oh, good system, these earthlings have it together!” or “Aye-yi-yi! So many arbitrary rules!”

The new year, the new season—these are great times to try to shift your thinking.  It’s a great time to say, “This year I am going to throw out all of the handwritten letters and cards that make me sad, or that don’t make me feel anything at all, and keep only the ones that bring me joy.”

Or, maybe it’s the time to decide to get rid of those brown crocodile pumps that pinch, but keep the matching brown crocodile purse because it is fabulous.

There are no rules. You can wear white after Labor Day, you can toss your birthday cards before they get dusty, and you certainly don’t need to keep a file of papers just because you always have.

Make your own rules, and maybe hum along with Nina Simone: “It’s a new day, it’s a new dawn… and I’m feeling good.”