Is it Autumn Already?

Ask the Organizer by Devora Farrell, COC

I like the word “Autumn” rather than “Fall.” Somehow, I can't ponder “Fall” without immediately associating it with “Slip and...”. That musical combination of m and n rolls off the tongue more elegantly and allows the season to stand complete all on its own. “Autumn” permits me to not have to address SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) just yet, despite its imminent and predictable arrival.

How can I use Autumn to declutter my goals?

• One of my Summer objectives was to clarify my priorities, defined through spiritual, emotional, and physical lenses
• Now that I'm clearer on my priorities, do my actions/choices/ways of spending time reflect what I deem important?
• A briefer way to express this value is, “What is my WHY?”. Some use this thought-prompt to craft a personal/professional/family mission statement of sorts.
• If this was not one of your Summer objectives, without overthinking it, write down a brief list of what you think your priorities are (no need to be exhaustive, just the highlights).
• Keep a time-log for a few days to see where you're truly spending your time and energy and evaluate whether that echoes your stated values
• Be aware whether this “Aha!” is disappointing or intriguing
• Adjust either your objectives or your time/activity choices to live more of a life on purpose
• A personal example: I was surprised to see the large investments of time and focus on communicating with people. At first, I was dismayed. Some of that time was spent noodling through my email, texting, on the phone, or talking with people face-to-face. As a trained efficiency expert, I apparently wasn't behaving consistently with what I identified as important to me. I envisioned my new-and-improved schedule, without those “time wasters,” as so much more productive. I was also aware of feeling lonely and robotic with that proposed structure. And then, the Aha! My true schedule indicated a strong preference for relationships, whether in seizing opportunities for new ones, or deepening the ones I currently have. I realized that given a choice, I opt for authentic connection. In other words, I spend time with people – I don't waste time with people. Now, I am conscious of choosing people over To Do List tasks, and I am happy about that. To underscore the point, I recently spent time with someone who was imminently dying. Their last words to me were, “...but I didn't finish my To Do List...”
• Back to our original question, “How can we use Autumn to Live a More Authentic Life?”
• Autumn brings more grey days. Can I notice my own grey days to focus on others' needs and the ways in which I can be of service to them? Can I appreciate the brief periods of sunshine and take note of bringing positivity to others?
• As Autumn proceeds, trees exhibit their brilliant changing colors. What are my true colors? What am I passionate about? Instead of using it as a reward (if I get my office organized, I can gab on the phone with a friend), why not use it as a building block motivator (after I call Plonis-Almonis, I'll spend 20 minutes clearing my desk)?
• Trees then shed their leaves, some little by little, some all at once, revealing the part of their structure that they can't live without. What belongings do I have that I can easily live without? Can I shed them, either little by little or all at once (one room or one shelf or 15 minutes/beat the clock versus 10 black garbage bags or grocery boxes full, or one entire category – all the books I read and am unlikely to ever read again)?
• The dropping temperatures necessitate warm sweaters and hot drinks. How can I add more warmth and coziness to my life, both concretely and emotionally? Is it time for a new throw-blanket for reading on the couch? What about a coffee-date with a family member or friend? A library trip to gather childhood favorites? A Vision Board representing either things you've enjoyed or future adventures?

Paring down to identify and choose your essentials creates space for possibilities, usually in favor of meaning, purpose, and presence.

Mrs. Devora Farrell, of www.ThisOrganized.com, specializes in helping you create your best environment to live a “Life That Fits.” She can be reached at (973) 919-7761, [email protected] or [email protected]