Dr. D. Clutter's™ One-Day-a-Week Guide to a Year of Random Acts of Kindness (Plus 20 Extra Days, Just in Case)

Dr. D. Clutter's™ One-Day-a-Week Guide to a Year of Random Acts of Kindness (Plus 20 Extra Days, Just in Case) is purposeful, witty and will help you organize and manage your time. This one-a-day, once-a-week, one-year journey will inspire you to create social change by encouraging you to perform random acts of kindness. In addition, the yearbook will be a valuable time management tool, as well as a place to record your daily thoughts and experiences. Perform random acts of kindness; they're gifts that will never be refused!! Click on each page for a closer look and order yours today. Available in PDF (save up to $10 on S&H).

Dr. D. Clutter™

Reach Higher

Have you set your sights on completing a goal? Are there stumbling blocks, obstacles, and hindrances that are keeping you from accomplishing your goal? Has YOUR thinking been the major cause of your lack of success? What actions have you put into place to achieve the goal? Often we are our own worst enemy by not allowing ourselves to plan for those things we can't see. Don't let it happen. Plan big!! After all, the higher you reach, the higher you can climb.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Try

"Try" is a word that I eliminate from my vocabulary as often as possible. It's not the easiest exercise, but it's one that will truly change your life. Seriously. When you use the word "try" you've already given yourself an excuse not to complete a task. Here are a couple of examples: I will try to clear my desk today, versus, I will clear my desk one section at a time-more definitive. I'll try to make it to the gathering, versus, I will not be able to attend due to another appointment; more honest and straightforward. Now you do it. I've heard that the ever-wise Yoda stated, "Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try". No, I'm not a Star Wars fan (I actually found that quote online). Go figure that I could quote a little green character. I guess wisdom can come in all forms.

Dr. D. Clutter™

The List

Are you truly fulfilled? What makes you the happiest? Is it a long list of things, possessions, or people? Take the time to take stock of those experiences that bring you the most joy. Make a list of them and put it where you can see it often. When you're having what you perceive to be a lousy day, take a look at your list. Here's hoping it will bring a smile to your face like that of a child. Now, wouldn't that face just make your day?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Searching? Finding?

Do you find yourself searching for happiness in other people or in things? It's funny that most of our life is spent searching, looking, hoping for something we think we want or need. As soon as I…I'll be happy. Fill in the blank with whatever you want. As soon as I get a better job. As soon as I find the right husband or wife. As soon as I get a bigger house. As soon as I lose 10 pounds. As soon as I get a new car. A lifetime spent "as soon as". I'm doing my best to enjoy today and whatever my current circumstances are, those are the times I'm striving to appreciate. Of course I want more, but I'm learning to appreciate the here and now. What about you?

Dr. D. Clutter™

An Office Before and After

This home office was filled with clothes, exercise equipment and other items that were cluttering the space. If a room must serve multiple purposes, make certain you develop a "zone" for each use. For this project, we developed the "office zone" and the "exercise zone"(not visible in this pic).

Be sure to send your before and after pics. I'd love to see them.
Email me at DrDClutter@OurPreciousOnes.com, or call to discuss at 202-652-1905. Of course you can always visit my site for more information http://ourpreciousones.com/.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Dreaming

Good glorious morning,

What is a plan without action? A dream. While dreaming is a great thing, it won't necessarily help you get things done. Take the time to write out your plan of action and then implement it. Save the dreaming for your sleeping.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Participation Required

What is the best plan of decluttering and organization for you? The one you will follow. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good episode of many of the popular organizational shows, but I cringe when I see that they've sent the occupants of the home away!! Imagine coming home to a place that looks great, but you don't have a clue how it functions. Sure, you may maintain it for a week or even a month, but almost certainly you'll regress to your old habits.

This is likely for two reasons. First, you didn't have to do any of the work. It's like you've heard so many times. You'll appreciate things more if you work for them. Secondly, you didn't have a stake in the process. Remember hearing that teaching a man to fish is better than giving him the meal (yes, I took free artistic license to paraphrase that one). It's true, if you have the responsibility of getting organized, you'll be more likely to maintain it.


What's the moral of the story? You should be an active participant in the reorganization of your life and space.


Dr. D. Clutter™

Identification Required

What is your main clutter issue? Is it paper, clothes, bags, boxes or general "stuff"? Once you identify what your vice is, you'll be one step closer to eradicating clutter from your life.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Bees at the Water Cooler

Have you ever seen bees hanging around the water cooler? Of course not, but follow along with me; it'll become clearer as we move along. Do you make the most of every opportunity to be productive? How much time do you waste in any given day? Is your day scheduled to make the most out of every minute? Probably not, and it doesn't have to be. As long as you're accomplishing most of what you desire to accomplish, you're on the right track. I believe that being overly rigid in your time management regimen is just as detrimental as being overly lax in that same regimen. Strive for balance. Okay, back to the bees. They are about what needs to be accomplished and move forward in that direction. They are workers by nature, with a task in "mind" and completion in "spirit". They don't waste time and you shouldn't either. Be a bee!!

Dr. D. Clutter™

Determination!!

I have to share this with you all because it is such a heart-warming and inspirational story. I'll let the article speak for itself, so be sure to read it, but just allow me to express a few thoughts. Tammy is such an organized, faithful, dedicated, compassionate, and caring person. Her life has been full of adversities and hurdles that would and should have hindered her success, but she did not allow those events to define and determine her destiny; she is one determined woman (her children have inherited that gene too). You'll be hearing great things about her in the future, so pay attention!! Have your tissue ready; don't say I did not warn you!! Oh, did I fail to mention that the star of the story is my cousin and my she-ro? Congratulations Tammy!!

http://rrdailyherald.com/articles/2009/02/13/community/education/doc4995c208330da955194887.txt

Simplify. Simplify

One word-repeated and it speaks volumes. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau, who strove for a life of naturalistic simplicity by living with as few "things" as possible and attempting to enjoy the beauty of his natural surroundings. I won't go into great detail about him because you can research him online and I'll write more about his influence in my life in future posts. What I ask of you today is to challenge yourself to live a more simplified life. Am I suggesting you move to an isolated cabin on the edge of town for two year's, two months and two days? Certainly not!! But you can strive to live with less and enjoy and appreciate life more. How will you simplify your life today?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Bill Collector

How many of you have bills from 1973? Okay, you've either paid them already or you're REALLY behind on your payments, so don't bother to keep them. Seriously, purge and shred on a regular basis to prevent a paper mountain from living in your file cabinet, on your desk, at the front door; your get the picture. Sure there are certain records that you may keep for tax or other purposes, but if it's not an important document, SHRED, SHRED, SHRED!!

Dr. D. Clutter™

Times Two

I'm a big fan of recycling and repurposing. What things in your house can serve double duty? Yes, plastic bags make great trash can liners (not attractive, but functional), but go beyond the obvious and see what other things you can find that will have you saying, "I can use that to…"

Dr. D. Clutter™

Prime Real Estate

Prime Real Estate. Those three words should apply to every surface, corner and crevice in your home or office. If you think of your space as valuable, you'll be less likely to clutter it with unimportant items. For example, what's on your desk right now? If it's anything that you don't use on a regular basis, it does not belong there. Remove it; I'll wait. Great!! Now that you only have those items that serve a daily purpose, you should be able to do two things on your desk right now: 1). See the top of it and 2). Use it. That wasn't so hard, was it? No. The hard part comes in keeping it that way.

Dr. D. Clutter™

No Vacancy

Magazines and newspapers are great visitors, but they make lousy housemates, so don't allow them to move in. Read and discard. If there is a must keep article, clip it and then recycle the rest. Better still, take it one step further to eliminate the need to create another paper pile and scan the article onto your computer.



Dr. D. Clutter™

Dr. D. Clutter’s™ 21-Day Journey to a New You

Who says changing your life can't be fun in the process? Dr. D. Clutter’s™ 21-Day Journey to a New You guides you along a 21-day path to changing the habit(s) you choose. Insightful, humorous and supportive, this day-by-day guide will be your companion to change, one day at a time!! Click on each page for a closer look and order yours today. Available in PDF (save up to $10 on S&H).

A Lifesaver

Gotcha!! This isn't about candy or a life preserver or raft, but this idea can save your life. Now that I have your attention, let's get started.

Go to your bathroom medicine cabinet, kitchen cabinet and junk drawer. Now take all old medications and throw them out. No, I'm not going to hold over your head that you should store most of your medications in a cool, dry place, out of direct light and away from moisture, but you know you should. Be certain to check with your local government to see if they have a hazardous waste program for disposal of toxic materials. Don't flush in the toilet or pour medications in the sink. Use a marker to cover all identifying information and leave the top on to prevent any children or pets from gaining access.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Something New

I wanted to learn to belly dance because it's such an expressive outlet (and really burns calories-I love that part too). I researched classes in my area and found many available, but I didn't go. I, too had many valid reasons. Then I decided that I would not allow those reasons to keep me from trying something new. Now, I had to take a different route than I had originally planned (the formal classes), but guess what? I'm learning to belly dance and I love it.

Are there things you've always wanted to do, but for multiple reasons you haven't? What's holding you back? Are you over-scheduled, overwhelmed, under-budgeted or lack motivation? Is it some other reason? Whatever is holding you back from the "something new" you want to do, push through it and get it done.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Mistakes and the Editing Queen

I love to write and I like to think that I have a great handle on the English language. But, lately I've noticed that, on occasion, "things" seem to slip under my editing radar; a misspelling hear (just kidding, I did that for effect; I know it should be spelled h-e-r-e), a word omitted there. Even though I reread each post multiple times before I submit it, some things still get by.

Why am I lamenting on the woes of my mistakes? Well, it's because it drives home the point I often write about; it's not about perfection. It's okay to mess up-you'll survive. Of course, I strive to be error free, but sometimes I make mistakes and post them before she sees them (yes, they should be caught before I post, but again, not perfect). Thankfully, I have an eagle-eyed editor and I'd like to acknowledge her. I think she's the best editor in the world. Once she spots my error, I get a gentle email about it and I make the correction. She's painfully shy and doesn't like to be in the spotlight (we're working on that), but I'm letting you all know about Tia, the Editing Queen. I'd post her picture, but then she'd go into hiding(SMILE). As she's reading this, all of the color is slowly draining from her face!! Let's here it for the Editing Queen!! Hip, hip, hooray and repeat!!

By the by, I did a quick search and found that I am not the only person who seems to have this same issue. What about you? How do you deal with your mistakes?

Dr. D. Clutter™

Happy Birthday Malinda!!

A good friend is hard to find, so when you have a true friend, keep her close and cherish the relationship.

Today is Malinda's birthday. She's my dear, close friend and we've known each other since we were ten years old. We laugh and are amazed when we say we've know each other for almost 30 years!! Thirty years, whew, that's a long time. We've never lost contact and can depend on each other in good and bad times. Malinda, remember our "vent" sessions, always!!

Join me in wishing my good friend, Malinda a very happy and blessed birthday!!


Happy birthday, Malinda!!


I'd sing, but that's not my gift!!

Dr. D. Clutter™