This month, professional organizer Sarah Grierson-Dale offers a fresh perspective on the subject of home organization and how we relate to our possessions. Through studying the patterns we perform in our daily lives, Sarah will offer advice and tools for change as well as anecdotes of transformation she herself has experienced as well as witnessed in her work with clients.
As early as I can remember, I was rearranging my room. I was an only child and grew up in a fairly chaotic atmosphere. I am also a virgo, so not only was I rearranging my bedroom at least once a week, including all the furniture in my dollhouse, I also spent hours at friends houses organizing their stuff. This behavior was appreciated by my friends parents, and confusing to my friends who just wanted to play.
Psychologically, this way of relating to my environment was how I was able to cope with stress, and in many ways it still is. It has evolved over time as I have studied and learned different ways of looking at this subject, which is as deep as it gets in my experience. The things we own often have an emotional value that touch the very core of who we are. One of the reasons I love this work is this exploration of meaning and representation that a simple object can possess. The stories they tell can be jarring but ultimately quite healing. Because I have done “the work” myself so many times, it has become easier to see what a person needs, where they are stuck, and how I can help move them along on the path to a simpler life and healthier relationship to their stuff.
As the year 2020 comes to a close, I recognize many people have spent a lot of time going through their homes and have both symbolically and materially purged the past to make way for what is to come. Many people I have talked with and worked with have expressed the need to simplify. Over the coming months, I will share what I have learned through my own stories and clients’ experiences, tying in themes that affect us all such as lineage, family, death, and the ultimate goal of happiness. The trend of our time is all about throwing stuff away and while I do believe that that is an important step in the process, I would like to offer a more
dimensional perspective on the matter.
My objective with these musings is to help you better understand your habits, motivations, and intentions behind decision making in an effort to improve your quality of life. I will also offer basic advice, tools, and practices to go along with these musings in trust that while you do the work on your own, you can feel more confident and empowered in your decision making.
If you have questions feel free to email me at sarahgdale@gmail.com. In addition, you can visit my website and read more about my work at ebbandfloworganizing.com.
Thank you. Sincerely,
Sarah Grierson-Dale
