I'm Getting Organized So I Must Be Getting Better

In the past when I've felt a lack of motivation, when I was suffering from writer's block, or when I was struggling my way through a period of the blahs, I've usually fought my way out by organizing a part of my life.  It may be setting up a to-do list on an app to help form a chore routine, it may be gathering and organizing ideas for posts, or it may be the simple act of folding my pajamas every morning instead of leaving them in a pile on the end of the bed - it doesn't always take much.  Over the last month or so I have felt myself climbing my way out of my latest funk.

A happy mop after a job well done

It started awhile back with loading the dishwasher sooner.  I used to let dirty dishes accumulate in the sink.  Now I try to get everything in the dishwasher as soon as possible.  As I said ... it doesn't take much.  In general I streamlined most of my chores and am turning a few into habits.

Next I organized my digital life.  I started organizing my email slightly different using Google's new Inbox app.  It has helped me maintain my non-chore to-do  list by allowing me to set up timed reminders from the Inbox when an email comes in that needs an action from me.  I also became more diligent at updating Google Calendar.  I now use six calendars, each with a different function and color.  For example I have one for medical appointments.  Another for The Wife's school functions that affect me.  Another shows vacation plans.  It may sound complicated but the pretty colors make things easy to follow for me.

The past few weeks I have cleaned the basement and organized the furnace room and the laundry/storage/workshop room (a room we call the Tornado room).

All of these things are slowly pulling me out of my funk.  I like organization.  It comforts me.  The fact that it's above freezing and sunny outside ... that helps too.