It took me years to get to the place where I was ready to take the risk to pursue professional organizing. In some ways I wish I would have done it sooner. But when I look back at what it has taken me to get here, I would say that this is the perfect timing. I was able to practice listening to others and listening to myself.
“What is worth doing even if I fail?” – BrenĂ© Brown
First I had to get over myself. Don’t get me wrong, I have my own self doubt and feeling of inadequacies. Realizing that I waiting to have all of the answers and know all of the things before I jumped was impossible. Getting organized is a journey. The great thing for me is that this particular journey is energizing and exciting. I dream about it and spend down time studying it. Just this week I learned from Marie Kondo (that woman is amazing) that we don’t have to leave all of our products in the shower. I know, WHAT !? We can have caddies and store the products else where so that the shower does not get so crowded and the yucky scum does not build up. The learning will never end. I was not going to be the final answer for all and I may have to learn things along the way and I had to decide that this was ok.
Second I had to learn that I do not get to choose where other people get joy. A few years ago I was helping my niece clean out her closet. I convinced her that we could toss the plastic doll with blue hair. It took a bit of convincing, but compared to the other toys she was keeping I felt this was a logical demise for this particular doll. Her closet turned out great and was very organized, but come to find out she regretted getting rid of the blue-haired doll. My niece had worked very hard to earned “bucks” and had saved them up for many weeks so she could spend them at the award “store”. I felt awful that I had convinced her to dispose of this prize and remember that whenever I am helping others declutter. If you are not ready to get rid of it don’t (and don’t let your aunt talk you into getting rid of it either).
“Are you a Bear who does not frown? Are you a chicken upside-down? Are you a penguin? You’re not? But wait! You must be you! Now isn’t that great! – Sandra Boynton
Thirdly, I had to learn that I have something to offer. I feel like I am not the only one out there struggling with this. It has been mentioned several times in my hearing that what you are gifted at does not seem like a very big thing because it is how you are wired. But to those whose gift lie else where what you have to give may be life-giving. One satisfying part of working along side my clients is the moment when they start to dig into the project without my direction, because the overwhelming burden has been lifted and they can see the end result. I just happen to see the end result a bit sooner. On the flip side of this I also need to lean on others when I need help. That, my friend, is living in a community!
It may have taken me a bit and I am pretty sure I am still learning but I think I am ok being an upside down chicken. I like the view and I am ready to see what happens from here.