Simplify - Structure

Entering the second week of our Simplify Series, our focus shifts to the art of organization and structure. If you missed the last entry, I encourage you to revisit it; you'll find it to be of great value.

Simplify - Weekly Meal Planning

Now, let's delve into the intriguing world of organizing and structuring. I hope to capture your attention because, for some, these words evoke a sense of blossoming enthusiasm, while for others, they might elicit a reluctant hand-wave accompanied by a resigned, 'Anything but that!'

But trust me on this journey. There's something here for everyone, whether you're a structure enthusiast or someone who prefers the dance of spontaneity. Let's navigate this together, discovering practical insights and transformative possibilities along the way.

Determining your unique approach to organization is a personal journey. Yet, much like the meal plan we discussed earlier, adopting an organizational method can yield an abundance of extra time. It's fascinating to witness how many mothers, after taking the leap, find themselves genuinely excited about the results. I recently heard from a mother who used to feel perpetually one step behind in her daily routine. Now, she's not only managing her time efficiently but has even discovered surplus time, bringing a newfound sense of enthusiasm to her daily life. It's a testament to the transformative power of intentional organization.

Who wouldn't welcome some extra time in their lives? If there were a way to purchase it and have it delivered to our doorstep, many would probably sign up for that service. Unfortunately, time is a commodity we all share equally. However, the good news is that we can strategically organize our lives to make the most of the time we have. Stay tuned for more tips on maximizing your time and efficiency in our upcoming posts!

Establishing a structure is not particularly difficult; the challenge lies in getting parents excited about it. It would be easier if I could take them by the hand and demonstrate how much peace, stability, and order it could bring to their family. If only I could guide parents through a future home filled with structure and routine...

Since I lack that ability, my experiences and those of parents who have dared to embrace it will have to suffice.

If you lack structure, ask yourself why.

Let's take a moment to pause and reflect, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. I've discovered that merely convincing someone is not enough; I've tried, and it doesn't work. We often have patterns in our lives that hinder us from embracing structures.

Is it a lack of discipline?

Time constraints?

Do you doubt that it could make a difference?

Perhaps it goes even deeper. If you were always considered the messy one at home and labeled as such since your early years, you might not believe this change is possible for you. Is it impossible? No. Ask the Holy Spirit how He sees you and what truth He wants to fill you with.

Maybe your parents always cleaned up after you, and you find yourself waiting for someone to do the same for you. You might not know where to start, and the thought is overwhelming.

Mostly, it's not laziness, although we initially believe so and push it aside, feeling ashamed but not motivated to transform.

Whatever the Holy Spirit highlights for you, even if you're the organized one, you could be struggling with perfectionism and the fear of letting people down. Everyone expects your place to be spotless, a burden you've put on yourself to maintain a certain standard because it feeds your identity.

Thank God our identity is in Christ. Shed that layer and be filled with His truth.

Once more, I encourage you not to rush through this section. Take your time and lean in.

Journal these precious moments, you will look back one day and be amazed at how much freedom you have gained.

Organizing can carry various emotions and perceptions for different individuals. It's intriguing how a seemingly simple term can evoke deeper feelings and beliefs.

I share the passion for guiding moms on a journey of transformation. Uncovering lies and replacing them with truth can indeed bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Let's continue on this journey together!

What does organize mean:

Organizing (verb):

• To arrange systematically: To arrange elements or components in a systematic or orderly manner.

• To coordinate: To plan, coordinate, or arrange activities, tasks, or events in an orderly and efficient way.

• To establish order: To create a structured and well-ordered system or environment.

The term can be applied to various aspects of life, such as organizing tasks, spaces, events, or information, with the aim of achieving efficiency, clarity, and a sense of order.

It begins with you! However, not by putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, but by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide, heal, and free you first then also to have self-control, a fruit of the spirit to take one step after another.

Pay attention to how you speak about yourself. If your sentences are filled with "I cannot," then turn them around. Your words have power, for life and death.

Let's ignite enthusiasm for the freedom that is about to break through, the additional time, and the peace.

Are you excited?

Now, how should this work practically?

Let’s break it down:

Grocery:

Once you've embraced the meal plan, your daily trips to the store are replaced by a more efficient weekly shopping routine, with brief stops for fresh fruits and vegetables. You may even find convenience in ordering food, adding an extra layer of time-saving ease to your life. The benefits of structure and organization extend beyond the kitchen, creating a ripple effect throughout your daily tasks.

Laundry:

Organize a designated day each week for laundry and ironing. (Yes, I admit to being someone who irons!) :-) I recall my mother, during my childhood, having only one specific day for laundry. Today, many people have their own washing machines, allowing them to do laundry more frequently. However, this doesn't necessarily translate to more freedom. The more frequent the laundry, the more it feels like a never-ending task. Although laundry is never truly completed, it proves to be more efficient when consolidated into one day per week. From personal experience, this approach is genuinely time-saving.

Introducing chores to your children early on, particularly involving them in laundry tasks (which we'll discuss in more detail later), can yield wonderful results later in life. Currently, our teenagers handle the laundry every Saturday, taking turns to manage the entire load. It's a significant support, leaving me with only small, urgent loads if necessary.

Cleaning:

Integrating a weekly cleaning day not only streamlines the household chores but also provides dedicated time to maintain a clean and organized living space. While I refer to it as a "day," it requires only a portion of my time, and the satisfaction of completing it efficiently is immensely rewarding.

Adapting to the needs of a household with small children often involves breaking the cleaning session into manageable sections. For parents with toddlers, finding an hour of uninterrupted cleaning time might seem challenging. However, a strategic approach, such as utilizing the children's playtime for short cleaning bursts, can be effective. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll delve into more hacks for organizing family life. Don't miss out!

Organizing:

Organizing tasks not only contributes to the visual appeal of your home but also creates a more efficient and stress-free living environment. Regularly dedicating time to these tasks ensures that clutter is minimized, belongings are easily accessible, and important documents are well-managed. You could even only dedicate one or 2 hours per week to that task, depending on you.

Closets: Regularly assess clothing and accessories. Arrange items in a way that makes it easy to find what you need.

Storage Areas: If you have storage spaces like basements or attics, periodically go through stored items. Discard or donate items that are no longer needed and organize the remaining items for accessibility.

Managing Paperwork and Bills:

Create a System: Develop a system for managing paperwork. Use folders or binders to categorize important documents such as medical records, financial statements, and warranties.

Digital Organization: Consider digitizing important documents for easy access and backup. Organize files on your computer or cloud storage.

Bill Payments: Set aside time for paying bills. Organize bills by the due date and keep track of payment receipts. Consider setting up electronic bill payments for added convenience.

Efficiently organizing tasks doesn't just enhance the aesthetics of your home; it cultivates a stress-free living space. Consistently dedicating time to these activities minimizes clutter, ensures easy access to belongings, and maintains a well-managed system for crucial documents.

Take a moment to sit down and craft a plan tailored to your needs. If you're a visual person, consider creating a visually appealing reminder to keep you on track. Understanding your own preferences and tendencies is key – are you someone who thrives with an accountability partner, or perhaps, after reflection, you realize that the challenges run deeper, and assistance is needed?

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're here to support you. Whether you prefer one-on-one mentoring sessions to guide you through the process or inner healing sessions to address deeper roots, we offer resources and assistance tailored to your unique situation. Don't hesitate to reach out – your journey toward a more organized and fulfilling life is our shared commitment.