Single Parenting

Organizational Vision - Slightly Impaired

Each year I begin with a new vision for getting organized. Each year, by about …. NOW, I realize that it ain’t happening like I thought it was gonna. I always start with such high hopes!

I think I’ve been “getting” organizing for the last 3 years. Yes, years. I wish that was an exaggeration. I think being a single parent adds an element of chaos that is unavoidable. There are simply too many things to accomplish in a regular day without additional projects to trip up the careful balancing act we walk. And yet, I am undaunted in my hopes to get organized.

Tonight I had to head to a coffee shop to write. I’m ashamed to say that it’s because my house is a wreck…a pile up, a disaster zone, a pit. I have organizational issues. I’ve started a project in every single room of my house. No area is left untouched by my whirlwind. I have piles, boxes, baskets and bags EVERYWHERE.

Unfortunately my endeavor to make my home into a haven has turned into quite another thing altogether. I’m stressed out; my kids are stressed out; and everyone is snipping and snapping at one another. It has been said that it’s darkest before the dawn.   Golly, it’s pretty dark right now. So, here I sit with my small, decaf coffee and my laptop, hoping I will be able to write something encouraging. Here are my do-as-I-suggest-not-as-I-do thoughts.

  • Stick to one room at a time.  I always end up finding something where I’m currently working that needs to go somewhere else and then I, all of sudden, find myself working in another room leaving the 1st undone.
  • Get a friend or ten to help (I think I might need the National Guard.)  Our children can certainly help as well!
  • Prepare for a bit of chaos…plan ahead.  For example, have some ideas of what you can throw together for easy dinners.
  • Keep one area untouched by the organizational bug so that you don’t have to sneak away to get your thoughts in order. Your kids will need that space too!
  • Set aside time to enjoy your kids daily even if it makes your projects take FOREVER.
  • Pick an organizational style. There are tons. Here’s what has worked for me:

I use boxes or large paper yard bags that stand upright. I label them “trash,” “recycling,” “charity,” and, lastly, “take to another room.” I set up an area for all the “take to another room” boxes/bags, and when I get a chance, I sort those by room. It’s also another opportunity to purge.

  • Don’t pull all-nighters.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought, “I’ll just not sleep for the next week. It’ll totally work. ” It sounds nuts, but at least once every couple of months that thought pops into my head. And I actually consider it. Crazy --- but, that’s me!

I feel a little guilty about escaping the chaos for a coffee shop, but I do feel a little more excited about tackling the organizational issues of my home.  My vision for my home is a good one ... my implementation of that vision is slightly impaired, but I'm going to do my best to get things in order.  Maybe next time I can have coffee at home in my nice, neat and uncluttered family room!

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