Have you ever been in a rush out the door, only to realize you're not going anywhere quickly because you've misplaced your keys...again? Maybe you need a specific document, but can't seem to find it. Or a family member is looking for their favorite [toy, book, etc.] and has searched all over the house, but it is nowhere to be found.
Phones, keys, sunglasses, wallets...these are all examples of items we often use, and even more often tend to go missing. And doesn't it always seems to happen when we are in a rush? It's time to get organized and really feel the 24 hours in a day; they go too fast as it is.
You can gain time in a couple of different ways by becoming organized. The first is to physically own fewer items. The less you own, the more you'll use what you do have, and finding a place for it to live when not in use will become significantly easier to determine. When you only have one or two items to choose from, you've just saved yourself decision making time. When each item has a designated home, you won't need to wander aimlessly or search frantically for where it might be : you know exactly where to find it. Grabbing items you intend to use will no longer be a surprise scavenger hunt, but a simple subconscious reach as you casually move along into your next set of plans, barrier free.
For those of us with kids, the concept of time has become a whole new level of management. 'You Did It' awards should be given out when we make it {anywhere} on time. Keeping your items organized is not just for one person leading the way among the household. When every item has been given a home base, everyone, including kids -yes, even the toddlers- are able to help put their items away, and learn to find what they need without constantly requiring your assistance. Cleaning up and getting ready to make it out the door just became a team effort, and you may even find yourself with enough time to join in for breakfast.
Knowing you've got some extra time on your side gives you the ability to slow down, take a breath, and enter your next activity with a sense of calm. It's probably safe to say that doing anything with patience rather than chaos, especially if herding children, creates a much more enjoyable experience for everyone. Reduce your amount of stuff, create homes for what's left and give yourself the gift of time.
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