NEAT & SIMPLE LIVING

Getting Back On Track after a "Relapse"

2010-02-04T07:46:12-05:00

Getting ready for our Getting Unstuck group coaching session today. We'll be talking about "Getting Back on Track" after a lapse in a routine...like not exercising for a while, or not eating healthy, or not organizing, or letting clutter build up, etc.

One of my favorite strategies is:

"Take some action in the direction you want to go - no matter how small it is - and give yourself credit for starting!"

If I try to do "all or nothing" I can't get myself going - it's overwhelming. But if, for example, I'm trying to get back into an exercise routine, I allow myself to walk for just one minute - that minute starts to turn into 5, then 10, etc. I allow myself to feel really good about that minute. And then that positive feeling attracts me to do more. If I feel like I'm not doing enough I'm more inclined to just give up.

What strategies do you use for getting back on track? I'd love to hear them!

_______________________________________________________

P.S It is still possible to listen to the recordings of the powerful coaching calls we had in Jan. on "Getting Back on Track"and participate in Feb through June - Join for the full 6 month program and you will also get a one-time-only FREE 30 minute personal coaching call with me. We currently have 4 seats available for the 6 month program.

UPCOMING TOPICS

MARCH and APRIL "Clearing Resistance and Finding Your Inspiration" How to Conquer Procrastination and Magnetize Yourself into Action

6 Seats Available

MAY and JUNE "You ARE Good Enough! Dealing with Perfectionism, High Sensitivity, Criticism and Rejection

8 Seats Available

Trouble Sleeping? How to Get a Good Night's Sleep - 12 Tips

2010-02-03T11:38:33-05:00

When you have trouble sleeping, do you reach for sleep aids to cure your insomnia? You are not alone. I used Tylenol PM and Melatonin for years to help me sleep.

But did you know that the consequences of "chronic" sleep aid use can be devastating to your health?

Did you know that chronic lack of sleep aggravates and/or can even cause:

ADD-like symptoms such as distractibility and impulsivity?
depression?
negative attitudes?
difficulty dealing with stress?
poor school and job performance?
chronic fatigue?
muscle pain?
loss of immune function?
obesity?
increased risk taking behavior?
increased self-medication and risk of addiction?
difficulty managing emotions?
difficulty making decisions?
difficulty organizing?
accidents?
difficulty learning?
poor memory?

Sleep is VITAL to our wellbeing and our ability to cope with the stresses of daily life. So when we have trouble sleeping, it's very tempting to turn drugs for instant relief. But the price of chronic sleep aid use can be staggering. Not only can chronic sleep aids cause depression, research has shown that some sleep aid users can even develop an eating disorder from taking sleeping pills!

"One woman gained 100 pounds before finally realizing that Ambien was at fault...Sleep-eating can occur spontaneously or in association with other drugs, so Ambien may not be the only culprit. But the researchers think that there's something about Ambien that leads to sleep-eating in some people. Presumably only a very small percentage of users are susceptible, but with millions of Americans taking Ambien every year, the sleep-eaters could number in the thousands." Source: New York Times Editorial, March 14, 2006

It's amazing the ripple effects a single behavior can have on the rest of your life. It's like that with organizing, too. Once you start rearranging your time, space and stuff, the ripple effects can lead to remarkable improvements in your overall energy, happiness, and even your health!

I have witnessed powerful positive transformations in my clients' lives as well as in my own life as a result of becoming truly aware of the stuff that surrounds us and why it's there. I believe the reason for this transformation is that the very process of organizing requires that you make some tough decisions and become clear about your needs, values, purpose and motivation.

The very act of taking charge of your stuff to make it work to support your true needs intentions is empowering. This is especially true in bedrooms. Many people view the bedroom as a place to put everything they don't want other people to see, or as a multifunctional space. They watch TV, exercise, work and more in the bedroom. The ripple effect of this is often insomnia, stress and related health problems. Getting clear about the purpose of your bedroom, and organizing it to support your intention will have dramatic effects on how well you sleep.

I was a chronic insomniac who took sleep aids every night to help me sleep. Using a combination of organizing principles and Feng Shui strategies, I kicked the sleep aid habit and now I get the best sleep of my life!

Here are my top tips to help you get the sleep you need to stay energized, happy and healthy.

Take things that don't support sleep and romance out of your bedroom. The purpose of your bedroom is ultimately to support you in distressing and recharging you to be ready to deal with life. It should serve you by helping you relax and sleep well. If you aren't sleeping well, take a good look around your room. Do you have a computer or work desk in there? Exercise equipment? TV? Telephone? And if you have them all in there, it's no wonder you have trouble sleeping! They don't do anything to help you relax or get to sleep. Find new homes for them. Taking telephone out of our bedroom made a big difference for me. If you need to have one in your bedroom, at least turn the ringer off. Sleep is too important to let wrong numbers or telemarketers wake you up!
Clear the clutter! If your bedroom is full of clutter, your mind will be cluttered too. If your mind is cluttered, it's impossible to relax and sleep. Without a clutter-free foundation, the tips below won't be as effective. So start with the floor and the surfaces in your room. Later, go deeper into closets and drawers. Clear out the things you no longer use and donate them to someone who can use them. Put things in their proper home. If they don't have a home, make one for them. Throw out or repair anything that is broken. Finish things that are undone or get rid of them. Put your laundry in the hamper. Better yet, take the laundry out of the room and clean it! Clutter is stagnant energy. Clearing clutter is the foundation to releasing stuck energy and getting a good night's sleep.
Give everything in your room a home so you can KEEP it free of clutter. One of the most common sources of clutter in the bedroom is clothing you've worn, but it's not dirty, so you don't want to put in the hamper yet. Designate a space for your "gently worn" clothing. This can be hooks placed on a door or inside your closet; a special drawer; a wardrobe shelf; a coat rack, or even a chair -- just keep them neat and don't use the floor or your bed! To maintain a clutter-free room, things need a home where it will be easy for you to find them again, AND where it will be easy to put them away. If you have drawers, but never put things in them, get rid of them. Use shelves or a wardrobe instead. If you don't have one, get a table or nightstand with a drawer or a private decorative box to keep near your bedside. Keep all your incidentals contained -- like earplugs, lotions, tissues, lint brushes, scissors, etc. so they don't contribute to clutter. If you have a lot of junk on your dresser, sort like with like, and put it away in one of the drawers. Use drawer dividers to give each thing a home. Designate a drawer or shelf for purses. Be creative. You don't have to do the things the way everyone else does. The only rule is that things need a home so they don't become clutter.
Dust! Keep your bedroom as well dusted as you can. Excess dust in your room makes it harder for you to breathe. It can cause allergy symptoms and seriously disturb your sleep. Keep dusting wipes in a utility room near your bedroom so that you can easily dust frequently. Especially if you have pets. Remember, don't only do the surfaces! Many people let dust collect under beds, furniture, on curtains, etc. for months and sometimes even years. Do in-depth dusting 2-4 times a year and you will sleep much better.
Position your bed advantageously. In the practice of Feng Shui, placement of objects is essential to encouraging positive energy flow. You should be able to see the door from your bed, but not have your bed directly in front of the door. A power position in the room allows you to feel more secure and sleep better overall.
Change the sheets! Your sheets can be a source of your insomnia in part because they collect dust. But they also absorb your energy! Sounds a little weird I know, but it's true. Think about it. You spend 6-8 hours a night in them. And, don't you usually sleep best when you have nice clean fresh sheets? If you don't believe me, try it anyway! What could it hurt? Make sure you change your sheets at least once a week, but for some people who are very sensitive to energy and dust, every 3 to 5 days works much better. If you have trouble sleeping, color could be part of the problem. Sheets in soft, restful colors like white, soft green and blue are the most relaxing.
Do a comfort and ergonomics check. Are your pillows the right ones for you? Is your bed soft enough to not cut off your circulation during the night? Are the colors in your room soothing? Does your alarm clock wake you up gently or do you hate the sound of it? I found it much easier to wake up once I started using a "dawn-simulating" alarm clock.
Let the light and air in. Refresh the energy in your room daily. Open your blinds and let the natural light in. If you can, air the room for at least 15 minutes as well. Fresh air is a great way to help you sleep better. Don't you always find you sleep great after a day outdoors?
Start a nighttime routine and unwind at least 1-2 hours before sleep. Don't work just before bed! Don't do bills or watch the news or any other things that can cause you stress just before bed! So many people watch the news in bed, or take work-related reading into bed with them, and then wonder why they can't sleep. Instead, choose activities that won't get your adrenaline going or stress you. Start by preparing for the next day. Make tomorrow's To Do list, pick out clothes, gather things you need to take with you, brush your teeth, hair, etc. Then relax. Create your own list of relaxing bedtime activities such as take a leisurely walk, stretch, do yoga, do easy light household chores like picking up, read easy-on-the-mind books and magazines, watch light TV, listen to relaxing music or whatever relaxes you. Then when you feel sleepy, roll into bed! If you try to sleep before you feel a little sleepy, you'll just toss & turn.
Watch what you eat. Are you snacking on chocolate, soda, or other foods that may have hidden caffeine in them after dinner? Are you eating sugary foods or foods with lots of chemicals in them before bed? What you eat, and when you eat it can seriously affect your sleep. If you snack before bed, choose whole, unprocessed foods as much possible! Nuts, fruit, raw veggies, and homemade low salt popcorn are far better choices than candy, chocolate, ice cream or other dessert foods. Plan ahead to avoid snacking on junk foods before bed.
Use earplugs. If you have a partner that snores, or even if you yourself snore, stop waking yourself up! Using earplugs changed my life and saved my marriage. Not only do I snore, so does my husband! We both used to wake ourselves and each other up constantly. Now, we both sleep much more restfully. It takes a little getting used to, but the rewards are well worth it. I can even sleep in hotels now! I recommend the soft foam type of earplugs. If they are too big, you can trim them to size.
Keep a pen and paper by your bedside. If you can't sleep, often it's because your mind is racing. Perhaps you are getting lots of ideas to solve a problem at work, or you are worried about a meeting tomorrow. Whatever is rolling around in your brain and won't stop, you need to get your thoughts on paper so you can get them off your mind! This helps clear your mental clutter so you can rest!

These tips will get you well on your way to organizing your life so you can get a good night's sleep! If you can't do them all alone or aren't sure which are right for you, get help. Your sleep is too important. It affects your physical, mental, and even spiritual health. It's not worth risking your health with the chronic use of sleep aids.

Sweet Dreams!

(PHOTO of my cat Alex, by Ariane Benefit)

Learn more:

Harvard School of Medicine site for Healthy Sleep

Why Sleep Matters

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/benefits-of-sleep/why-do-we-sleep

EXCERPTS:
Our bodies regulate sleep in much the same way that they regulate eating, drinking, and breathing. This suggests that sleep serves a similar critical role in our health and well-being.

Although it is difficult to answer the question, "Why do we sleep?" scientists have developed several theories that together may help explain why we spend a third of our lives sleeping.

Understanding these theories can help deepen our appreciation of the function of sleep in our lives.

Most people don’t get enough sleep. We are a society that burns the candle at both ends, a nation where people stay up all night to study, work, or have fun. However, going without adequate sleep carries with it both short- and long-term consequences.

In the short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect judgment, mood, ability to learn and retain information, and may increase the risk of serious accidents and injury. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation may lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality.

Variations in Sleep Needs

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/science/variations

12 Tips to Improve Sleep:

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips

Getting Unstuck: 8 Keys - Teleclass MP3 + Handout Now Available!

2010-01-28T16:59:20-05:00

"Getting Unstuck: 8 Keys to Overcoming Chronic Disorganization and Cultivating the Gifts of ADD and Creative Personality Type

RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE WHO
Has suffered from lifelong disorganization, ADD, or feeling like they are just "different" from everyone else and wonders why?

Feels stuck in a pattern of overwhelm

Has had lifelong difficulty managing time or following through with your intentions

Has a highly creative personality or ADD

Works or lives with people who have any of the above patterns.

DESCRIPTION
Whether you are chronically disorganized or have ADD, or live or work with someone who does, this session will help you gain deeper insight into the psychological and biological factors underlying the patterns and cycles that make us feel “stuck” and even hopeless.

While there are no “simple, easy steps” that will magically “fix ” your problems, there is HOPE! You can succeed at organizing and have the more satisfying and fulfilling life you dream of. You can learn to navigate life and organize with confidence.

In this session, you will learn 8 keys to unlocking the chains keeping you stuck in self-defeating patterns. Join me to get started on your path to Getting Unstuck, Getting Inspired, and Getting Results!
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
How to get unstuck, get inspired, and get results by changing the way you look at things and especially by changing the way you dialogue with yourself.

8 Key Success Factors that empower you to overcome chronic disorganization and thrive with ADD

The valuable role that your negative emotions and experiences can play in increasing your organizing success.

How being highly sensitive, reactive, impulsive, emotional and distractible can actually work to your ADDVANTAGE.

Listen to a mini-coaching session with one of the callers for the last half hour of the program! TOPIC: how to get to work on time

LENGTH: 90 minutes
HANDOUT: You get a 13 page PDF handout complete with a Full-color graphic model of the Framework.
RECORDING: MP3 audio file 35 MB

Instant delivery
$27.00 Now Just $15.00!

Introductory Offer Limited Time Only

Price will only go up!

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Enter the code "LOLA" and click on "APPLY".
MAKE SURE THE CHARGE CHANGES TO $15.
There are no refunds for mistakes. Refunds cost time and money so be CAREFUL! : )

What Participants are Saying

"Ariane: I attended your tele-seminar and thought it was fabulous. Would love to start some kind of coaching. Thanks again. I don't feel so stupid anymore." -SJ

The following email is from the brave woman who volunteered to be coached during the call:

"That was a GREAT call! I love all of your information! Thanks for the coaching. The fact that I was able to verbalize how much I resent being told what to do is HUGE. I've known that fact about me for so long, but was resistant to connect it to this issue. On an even deeper level, it also stems from feeling bad about myself for feeling like I 'have' to have a job like this where there is someone who manages like this. I'm definitely journaling on this at lunch! There was so much that came out of that!

By the way... I got up just 5 minutes earlier today, add that to a shift in my attitude about getting things ready at night so I can take my time in the morning and I was early to work! Thank you so much!"

Congratulations Katrina! You are an inspiration to us all.

Personal Life Coaching really does work! When you are ready to make lasting changes in your life, I invite you to start with just 3 sessions with me and get started designing more success and confidence into your life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OPTIONS FOR WORKING WITH ME AT: www.lotusbridge.com

The Great Organizing Giveaway is TODAY! Get my "Simplifying Your Life" Collection - FREE!

2010-01-25T09:26:12-05:00

I'm giving away my "Simplifying Your Life" Collection of ebooks and audios at the "Great Organizing Giveaway" TODAY! Come Join us!

http://bit.ly/OrgGiveAway

Here is just a sampling of the some of the giveaways and special offers being given away by professional organizers all over the world!

On a Clear Day You Can Find the Top Of Your Desk Audio and Transcripts
Use LinkedIn to Significantly Grow Your Business & Explode Your Profits! Audio
Productive & Organized: Finding Your Way - Special Report: Priority Setting - Working on the Right Things
Quick-Start Guide to Writing Profitable Articles
Take Control of Your Clutter Before it Takes Control of You! An E-book
Simplesizing® Snapshot
What better way to increase peace and harmony than a little "om" in your home?
Get Your E-mail Organized!

Time in Motion Action Planner

101 Ways to Attract Ideal Clients Build Your List and Raise Your Profile

51 Creative Organizing Solutions Found in Every Day Items

7 Warning Signs You're About to HIre the Wrong VA

10 Easy Ways To Organize Your Home

Simplicate Your Office!

Get It Together Girl - Quick Tips for Organizing Your Home

"Downsizing Dilemmas - Solved!" workbook

Using Core Values as a Foundation in Organizing Your Life Workbook

Organizing Tip Sheets

Making Being Green Easy: Eco organizing tips for the Home and Office

13 Perfect Products for Frantic Families

Top to Bottom Hanging Closet Caddy

Scared of Filing: 38 Easy Organizing Tips for Your Home Office

A Home For Everything You Own

Timely Tax Tips

Getting Things Done - How to Set up Chores

Make Your Office Work Better eBook & Consultation

Three Ways to Start Simplifying Your Life Today!

Remedease for Organization and Productivity

Nine Strategies for Simplifying Your Business

Free Organizing Tips

Saving You Time is Not a Crime!

10-Step De-Clutter in a Day Action Plan

It's Time...Stop Procrastinating NOW!

112 Tips to Organize Your Workday

Mess is Stress!

How to Set Up a 'Command Center' to run an efficient home and a free phone consultation

Coupon for 2 Hours of Organizing Services.

Finally Filing Made Easier

Get Organized : Get Revitalized Ebook

5 Proven Ways to Organize and Simplify Your Life

Transform Your Combat Zone Into A Comfort Zone

FREE Subscription to Monthly Clutter Clearing Tips e-mail newsletter

Don't Toss My Memories in the Trash

Top 10 Strategies to Increase Productivity in Your Business

Free consultation to get rid of your clutter

Organize Now! a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life

33 Tips to Get Organized Add Space To Your Life and Master Your Muck!

101 Simple Tips to Organize Your Life!

Fast Track To Organization-Tips and Resources

OrganizEZine - Fast Tips for the Office

How to have your Weekends FREE!

Organize YOUR World video

Earth-Friendly Organizing

6 Steps to Freedom from Clutter Paralysis!

Stress Buster Two Service Pack

A Professional Organizer's Favorite Tips & Products!

Your Life . . . Uncluttered!

Home Organization Secrets for Busy Moms

Parenting Time Management

Jump Start Your Organizing Project

Clear Your Clutter...Clear Your Mind

Coaching Through The Clutter

Top 5 Organizing Mistakes

Stimulate your clutter away!

Finding Life Balance the easy way

Organizing for Dummies booklet and a free subscription to "Let's Organize It"

25 Tips to Get Your Life Organized

Shape Up Your Kitchen and Release the Weight!

Joy's Jumpstart to Getting Organized

Top 3 Secret Tips to Getting Organized

Dealing with Mail

[ real neat ] ideas : 35 home organizing tips

Accomplish Your Resolutions in 2010

Tastes of Organized Living Tip Sheet

"Help My Home Match My Heart" Consultation

Control Your Paper CHAOS

Top-10 Tips For Instant Feng Shui!

Conquering Paper Clutter Teleclass Recording

The "Simplify Your Life" Collection! Free ebooks and audio classes with ADD-Friendly Strategies that Work for EVERYONE! <--- What I'm giving away!

Pile to Files

Couch Potato Organizing

Organizing Tips E-Newsletter

See Mike Holmes from HGTV Holmes on Homes/Home Inspection

Personal Medical Organizer

Helping You to Move Forward

10 Easy Ways to Liberate Time Report

FREE Report on "What Papers to Keep & How long" + WIN free 30 min Phone Consultation

Change Your Life One Minute at a Time

Top 10 Quick Tips for Getting Organized

Your Organized & Productive Office May Be Only 30 Minutes Away!

Making Peace with Your Morning Routines - Like Getting Dressed!

2010-01-13T18:13:51-05:00

In my Getting Unstuck coaching group, I write a lot of articles in response to participant questions and struggles. Many of which I've had myself. I share a LOT about the realities of my personal life as a woman with ADD who is also a highly creative entrepreneur who runs a professional practice and business. Even though I do share a lot on this blog...it's very public and so I don't share "everything." But in my group, I feel a lot safer. I'm with my "tribe." There is no judgment and we all share our unique struggles as women who are "different." It's an incredible experience that I really find hard to describe. But today, I'm going to share with you one of the articles I wrote in response to a member's forum question.

p.s. GREAT NEWS! You can now learn about Getting Unstuck Framework I've been working on for years now in my new teleclass! "Getting Unstuck: 8 Keys to Overcoming Chronic Disorganization, and Cultivating the Gifts of ADD and Creative Personality Type"

p.s. I'm also writing a book with this title which is why I am thinking about taking a hiatus form the group coaching program starting in July to finish it. I can't wait to share what I've learned over the years really works to deal with hardcore stuckness and lifelong disorganization. So if you've been thinking about joining my coaching group...there is no better time than now...because it won't be around forever and likely will end in June! I'll be covering "Finding your Inspiration: How to Magnetize Yourself into Action on Dreaded Tasks & Routines in March and April in the Getting Unstuck Coaching Group!

Thanks for putting up with the necessary evil of "self-promotion" : ) and now on with the learning!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Sandy G for asking the Question:

"My hours and days vary week to week, so it's hard to get a routine going for myself, which has always been hard anyway. Any suggestions for me?"

I know everyone's case of difficulty with morning routines is not like mine, but I'm going to get real personal here and share my excruciating struggle with implementing a morning routine and getting dressed every day so that I could be on time and prepared for my days.

I have a long history (since childhood) of vehemently resisting going to bed at night and not being able to get out of bed in the morning. When I did get up, it would literally take me an hour or more just to get showered, dressed, made up, and ready for the day. And I'm not including eating, exercising or any other morning chores.

Plus, it was incredibly stressful and frustrating because I could barely think in the AM, and I could never find things. I went through dozens of outfits and accessories trying to decide what to wear. Just thinking about it now makes my stomach hurt.

So in hopes of "inspiring you" - not "telling you how you should do it" - here's what finally worked for me.

And by the way, I still continue to tweak and fine-tune and improve...I need variety like I need air to breathe...so don't think this is "fixed" in any way...or that I do it 100% consistently. It's the foundation strategies, elements and criteria I use to get myself dressed most days. (How I get myself to sleep and wake up without an alarm clock is a topic of a whole other article!)

It took time and energy to evolve this "routine" but once I felt the results, it is now so automatic to me that it actually took me a while to put into words what I do!

That, my friends, is why it's worth all the trial and error, all the mistakes I made along the way to evolve this. It WORKS FOR ME! I hope this inspires you to take the time needed to identify and meet your "special needs" too.

Here's what has helped me get better at "routines" like getting dressed every day ....

- Focusing on the positive result I will get.

My negative self talk changed from something like this

"Why do I have to go through this every single freaking day!

Why can't I just getup and get dressed like normal people? I am so defective.

Why can't I make a decision? If people at work could see me now, no one would want to work with me. Why is it that I can manage a million dollar budget and create a training program in record time, but I can't dress myself? This is ridiculous. I'm calling in sick...I can't do this anymore. This should be simple, I am so crazy... I can't stand myself or stand to talk to anyone today."

The downward spiral of this kind of thinking combined with a bad PMS day, or a loss of a relationship, or some other life situation, would be enough to send me to bed for days with serious depression. Resolving my fundamental self-care issues has changed my life DRAMATICALLY. I get depressed MUCH less frequently and it only lasts a short time. Like NORMAL people!

Here's what my more positive self-talk sounds like now.

"I'm so glad I finally figured out how to make this easy! I wish I'd known I had ADD earlier, but I'm so glad I know now. I'm not defective, I'm just different.

I can't believe how simple I made this. I am so lucky and so GOOD!

I wish everyone could know how positive finding out you have ADD can be if you work with it. Not everyone is this creative...Look how fast I can get dressed now!

It's nothing...taking time to get dressed is a very small price to pay to feel so good and fell so ready and confident to get on the phone with clients.

Once I'm dressed for the day everything is easier, answering calls, emails, writing articles...this is better than taking medication! I'm so glad I figured this out...YAY!

I can't wait to help other people realize that if they just accept who they are, they can make magic happen. The magic isn't in the containers, or the organizing tools, it's in accepting who are and appreciating what you do to take careself, NOT "how" you take care of yourself. Who cares how I do it as long I get the result - Feeling good about myself and inspired to get through the day with more successes on every level"

I LITERALLY talk to myself like this now. I may still be weird...but I'm energized and HAPPY being weird! : )

- Automating my dressing routines by having a "uniform"

My uniform for every day is:

- black pants, colorful shirt, black sweater - or
variation is black pants, black shirt, colorful sweater only
- 3 pairs of shoes to choose from depending on where I'm going
- 2 Drawers - 1 for "everyday" around the house tops -1 for going out - includes ALL seasons so I don't have to bother with taking things in and out of storage. When drawers get overstuffed - purge "reactively" - no schedule

I can exercise or go out the house in this uniform

- Automated makeup

- all I wear is lipstick - the 24 hour kind by CoverGirl - color is 265 It REALLY works! So I don't have to repeat this throughout the day. I just use gloss to moisturize during the day.

When I don't put lipstick on I don't feel as energetic...so I connect putting it on to energy - it's red by the way...and really brightens my face, it's like smiling...it actually makes me smile after I put it on which is great.

- Comfortable underwear or none at all.

- Okay, maybe this is TMI, but for me, this was the BIGGEST OBSTACLE!

My skin is ultra sensitive, (as I have since learned is true for MANY ADDers) so most underwear and bras cause me considerable distraction and discomfort or itching after an hour or two.

I finally realized that this was a MAJOR source of my avoidance of getting dressed!

So now I have like 8 -10 pairs of black workout / yoga pants from Lands End here's one and here's another if you don't like drawstrings Hint: I have 4 different sizes and ALL are big in the waist for me, so I have to take in the waist to keep them from sliding down. It's worth it though...after taking them in they look and feel fabulous.

They are flare-legged and made to wear without underwear, as well as to go out of the house...They look like slacks when I wear them with regular street tops!

I also use 100% cotton bras with no underwire now...or exercise bras that are ultra comfortable, for example, I have a few very comfy cotton camis with built in shelf bras that have no hooks etc. LOVE THEM. Underwire Bras were a living nightmare for me and I used to put up with them just to look good...what a waste. I didn't realize you could find such "good enough" alternatives.

- Made an assembly line out of dressing
All my daily clothing is one place and organized so that they are in the order I put them on...no hunting or searching. My drawer of tops is organized with everything vertical so I can see every top I have in the drawer and just pull out the one I want.

- Removed ALL labels from my clothes, or put special tape called "Hollywood Tag Tamers" over the labels. The tape actually stays on through many washes, don't know how many, cuz so far (over a year or 2) none has come off!

The BENEFITS

Yes, I had to part with a LOT of clothes to simplify to this level. And, yes, I sacrificed some variety, but the benefits are EXTREMELY satisfying and worth it to me now.

These changes help me get showered and dressed in just 10 minutes and feel GREAT about doing it.

I was able to shift my attitude from AVERSION to ANTICIPATING feeling great - not only after getting dressed but even the process of getting dressed is so much easier that I feel really successful and good about myself doing it. Hence the new positive self-talk.

All because I learned to ACCEPT my most compelling needs. Even though my needs may be considered "odd" and "weird" by a lot of people, I don't care. It really works so if they have a problem with my uniform...it's theirs...not mine.

How to Inspire Yourself to Make the Tough Decisions, Resolve the Inner Conflict and Change!

My suggestion is to listen to your resistance VERY openmindedly - NOT critically

Ask yourself:

- What's creating the negative energy toward your morning routines?
- What motivates and compels you into action?

For me ultimately I had to resolve the conflict inside myself.

I "wanted" to look good (read: "as perfect as humanly possible") even if it HURT.

I wore heels and tolerated the pain...but after a while...I could no longer ignore the negative emotions I associated with painful clothing.

I "wanted" to wear something different everyday and be "stylish" but the time and energy that took was killing me and distracting me from doing things I really LOVE and that energize and feed my soul.

What I really truly "NEEDED" was the following so that I could have a better overall life.

FAST process

NO stressful decisions to make at my worst time of day to think which is right after getting up - I needed it to become "automatic"

EASY - I need to be able to see and access my clothing with minimal effort, also it's need to be easy and fast to do laundry, fold and put away so no drycleaning, and no ironing. PERIOD.

MINiMUM steps for everything. Hence the 24 hour lipstick. Maybe some day I'll even get lip tattoos and eliminate that step altogether! LOL

COMFORT that lasts for hours so that my clothes don't ruin my mood, energy, and attitude but also fitting well, looking reasonably good, and feeling good in my clothes.

I hope this helps! Thank You Sandra for the inspiration!

To all my blog readers, I would LOVE to hear your ideas and strategies for making your routine work better for you. I may even use them in my book I'm working on about "Getting Unstuck!"

Love,
Ariane

p.s. I'll be covering "Finding your Inspiration: How to Magnetize Yourself into Action on Dreaded Tasks & Routines in March and April in the Getting Unstuck Coaching Group!

Top 10 Signs That You Are “Hoarding,” Not Just “Collecting”

2009-12-18T17:23:56-05:00

Collecting is a natural, and even VALUABLE, human instinct. It comes in many shapes and sizes, but we all have this instinct in one way or another. Out of control or “compulsive collecting” and it’s partner, "compulsive saving”, are what is referred to by the term "hoarding."

Personally, I feel that the word "hoarding" is a very unfortunate label for this behavior. Hoarding is such an ugly word. Why would anyone want to think of themselves as a “hoarder” when the actual behavior looks like “collecting” AND we as a society actually celebrate and marvel at collections?

Collecting crosses all cultures, borders and languages. Every society honors and celebrates “collections” of things that are displayed in a way that educates, serves some kind of purpose, or inspires awe. The obvious example is museums. Others include libraries, stores, even magazines and blogs. They are all collections of things, ideas, photos, etc. Even our closets, drawers, and filing systems are collections.

If you have been wondering if your collections might be a sign of problem, check out the article on "Collecting vs. Hoarding" I wrote for my friend Deb Lee's blog!

All the best,

Read Full Article: Top 10 Signs

____________________________________________________________

Have you seen my Holiday Special Offer?

If you've been thinking about joining my Getting Unstuck coaching group for women, this is a great time to do it! If you join my new Constant Contact mailing list before Dec. 31, you get 10% off! That makes the fee just $267 for 6 life-changing months of coaching!

P.S. I am considering taking a writing sabbatical starting in July 2010, so there is no guarantee this program will continue beyond June 2010. If you would like to experience real coaching at this incredibly low price - this is the time to do it!

SIGN UP HERE and get 3 free ebooks + 10% off ALL my services, programs and books.

OFFER EXPIRES: December 31!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T16:06:01-05:00

Before I head off to Virgnia to spend the holiday with my husband's family, I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my blog readers! I'm so thankful for each and every one of you that has subscribed over the past four years I've been blogging. It's been a great ride, and it's been wonderful to get to know so many of you! Especially the 400 plus of you that have joined me on Facebook where I post more often. I'm grateful for you too!

I'm also deeply and eternally thankful for the hundreds of women who have been a part of my Getting Unstuck program which started in January 2008, and to the core group of nearly 45 women I now consider my "soul sisters", that have been subscribers since the beginning. Without you the group would not be the safe and inviting place it is. I love spending time online and on the phone with you!

Even for me, being part of this group of amazing women, has been powerful in so many ways.

I've lost over 50 pounds
I've cleared some of my own issues with "planning ahead" and creating boundaries and structure.
I've gotten my calendar automated so people can book their own appointments (what a miracle!)
And now, I've actually planned and programmed the Getting Unstuck Group Coaching programs for women with ADHD / Creative Personality a FULL 7 MONTHS AHEAD!!!

All this planning ahead is unheard of for me. I am definitely more of an improvisational person. But the stakes are high. Over 45 women are counting on me to help them continue the amazing growth we all have experienced.

Here's what one member shared the other day...

"Ariane, thanks for being so open with us. I feel an amazing connection to you from this group. You truly have wonderful gifts - your ability to articulate and counsel people and to help us dig deeper to see ourselves - in a gentle and loving way. I've been in the group since May 2009 and have made tremendous progress in my life since then. So I am Thankful to you. I hope our paths cross sometime so we can meet in person, but in the meantime, thanks for the connection!"

I get feedback like this every week. So what can I say? I'm addicted - er- make that "committed" to making the next year of Getting Unstuck programs more powerful than ever.

In fact, we have some big changes planned. Here are a few:

All new members get 30 minutes of private coaching with me - FREE! with your FIRST registration only in a Getting Unstuck program.
Ellen Shapiro's Getting Unstuck Repatterning sessions will no longer be included FREE in the program. They will be separate.
We will now have one EVENING session every month! Great for all of you have asked me to create an evening program.
Subscriptions at $47 per month are now only available to people who have completed at least a one month program, or to people who have had private coaching with me in the past.
You can now purchase 6 months of Group Coaching (Jan - June) all at once! For less than the cost of just 3 hours of private coaching!
Participants get 25% off coaching with me.

And much more!

Read all about the new and improved Getting Unstuck Group Coaching programs for women with ADHD / ADD- Like Traits and Creative Personality here!

If you are a woman with ADHD, or ADD-like traits, or Creativity Personality, I hope you get to join at least one of our programs in 2010. What an amazing clutter-free gift that would be for yourself!

In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving with LOTS to be grateful for!

Love,

Simplifying the Holidays - Less Stress, More Giving Where it's Really Needed

2009-11-20T14:38:42-05:00

It's that time of year again! Are you ready for the holidays? Are you stressing out? This year more than ever for us, it's about keeping it simple, and making really thoughtful choices about how to spend money and how to give where it's really needed. Here's what we've decided.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS INSTEAD OF CARD SENDING

Instead of sending holiday cards, we are going to use the money for cards and postage to make a donation to our local Bloomfield NJ Food Pantry and Thift Shop which is part or a really neat network that supports people in emergency situations. The M.E.N.D. network (Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity) They have a Most Needed Items list...if you aren't sure what your food bank needs - GIFT CARDS to Supermarkets are a GREAT option!

Bloomfield NJ also has a partnership with the Montclair Human Needs Food Pantry in NJ

If you would like to contribute to your local food banks the Feeding America website has a Food Bank Locator.

Find a Food Bank

WINTER CLOTHING DONATIONS

We are also going through all our winter clothes and coats to donate as much as we can to the Winter Clothing Drive drive there. I've lost some weight...and am in a smaller size...so EVERYTHING in a larger size is GOING! I am refusing to give into the "But what if I regain the weight" thinking.

Donations are going to the Montclair Human Needs Food Pantry in NJ and Bloomfield NJ Food Pantry and Thift Shop (Yes, I'm linking to them to help their Google Ranking)

VOLUNTEERING TIME INSTEAD OF CARD SENDING

The time we usually spend on card sending is going to be spent volunteering at the Community Food Bank of NJ distribution center.

Web Site: www.njfoodbank.org

31 Evans Terminal Road
Hillside , NJ 07205-2400
Map it 908.355.3663

GOT MORE IDEAS? SHARE THEM HERE!

Would love to hear your ideas for charitable ways to celebrate the holidays...

Also how will your holiday celebrations / traditions will be different or simpler this year?

I hope they are full of much to be thankful for,