What are you reading this week?

 Hello, friends. I hope this Tuesday finds you well, and that you are making time to read. It's so easy at the start of a new year to think we need to be doing all the things. Most of the time, all those things don't include making time for the things we enjoy. Reading, especially. It's so easy to tell ourselves we'll get to it later. But, as this month's non-fiction book has taught me, there is no later or someday on our calendars. And apparently, I'm all about the  someday. That was a sobering realization.

What is this great read? It's Unstuff Your Life by Andrew Mellen. Hold up. Before you groan and turn away because it's decluttering and organization and a new year, and yes, we've all been here before. This book is different. Don't believe me?

Andrew's focus is different because it's not about the stuff. It's about dealing with our thoughts, emotions, and relationship with the stuff. His goal isn't to teach us how to get organized.  His mission is to offer us a way to stay organized. He invites us to express gratitude for our abundance (which is what all this stuff is), and at the same time, free ourselves from burden of stuff upkeep and care. He doesn't proscribe levels or limits when it comes to our stuff, that's up to us to decide. But he gives us a simple, 3-step process and mindset we can apply to all areas of our life.

Not sure how you feel about that? Take 45 minutes and experience Andrew yourself. Here's a 45 minute workshop presentation on YouTube, and here's another. His voice is distinct, compassionate, free of judgment,  and utterly lacking in bullshit. Even better, once you listen to him, you will hear him in your head as you read through the book. It's both hilarious and compelling.

I have come to understand I give my stuff the responsibility of holding my memories. Remember my prior posts on the angst of getting rid of my books when I haven't been able to see well enough to read print in years? How about my difficulty disposing of my old journals and notebooks when I can no longer see the ink on the pages? It's not the actual journal, it's the story I tell myself about it. And, being an author, I'm full of story. LOL.

Is this the year you swear you'll "finally" get organized? How many classes and times have you tried in the past? Have you given up on finding the floor in your office of shame? Yes, that was me. Head out to YouTube and search for Andrew. Then, come back and let me know what you think about his 3 simple steps to getting and staying organized.