I often read a small town paper online called the Daily Herald. In the opinion section, there is something called Sound Off! The purpose is for readers to share comments about what matters to them, ranging from topics about life in the city, politics and personal pet peeves, to compliments and complaints. I thoroughly enjoy reading Sound Off! and decided to offer something similar to you, my faithful followers. I love it!! In Sound Off! readers are encouraged to stay on topic, be respectful and the use of foul or obscene language, personal attacks or uses of another's identity to post are not allowed. The rules for what I am calling "Let Go!! with Dr. D. Clutter™" are the same. Every Friday will be our official Let Go!! w/Dr. D. Clutter™ day. I'll post your advice, ideas, stories and thoughts. It'll be a place for you to share your life management and organization issues as well as discuss life events that inspire, empower or bother you. You can "leave it all here", as long as you follow the rules I discussed above. All comments will be reviewed before posting. So get ready, get set and Let Go!! w/Dr. D. Clutter™.

Dr. D. Clutter™

All About Town

It's your day off. Your day of rest is finally here, but you can't enjoy it because you have 25 hours worth of activities to cram into 24 hours. What to do? First, breathe. Then, plan. You know you can't do it all and shouldn't force yourself to try. Combine like activities or look for stores that serve multiple purposes to cut down on the number of stops you'll have to make. Does your grocery store also offer automotive services, a bank and other services? If not, find one that does. Delegate some of the activities that others can help you complete. Can a friend or your husband or wife drop off the dry cleaning while you shop for groceries? Can the children do some of the housework? Of course they can. Maybe, just maybe, there'll be time for you to enjoy your day.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Encouraged

It's amazing how much a few kind words can brighten your day. A past client emailed me such an encouraging note today that it brought a smile to my face. Take the time to encourage someone today!!

Dr. D. Clutter™

Let go pic

Working-Not

Here's a bulletin that won't be a surprise to those of you have followed me for any length of time. I hate to work. If anything feels like work, I don't want to do it. Having to be somewhere Monday-Friday, from 9 to 5, with an hour for lunch is just not for me. Recently, on my bent to experience new things, I participated in a little exercise called "work" to see if my feelings had changed. I'm happy to report that my feelings are the same. I still hate to "work". Now, don't flood me with responses saying that you HAVE to work to survive and support your family. That's not what I'm talking about. I fully understand that the majority of people in the world have to trade time for money. So do I. What I'm talking about is performing a task that brings me so much joy, happiness and peace of mind that it doesn't feel like work. It took years for me to achieve that and it was not without major sacrifice, but when I put my head to my pillow, I feel good about not "working". Find your passion and follow it.

Dr. D. Clutter™

Memorial Day

Join me in taking the time to honor those who gave their lives to serve our country. Let's make this day more about those men and women than about the beginning of summer vacation and cookouts. While those things are acceptable, please take a moment to remember those for whom the holiday was created. Please, if you have a loved one you'd like to honor, send their name and branch of service and I'll list them. I'll start with my grandfather:

James Payden, Army

Purcell Matthews, Navy from Tia R. Chase

Dr. D. Clutter™

Paper Trail?

Have you ever looked at a stack of papers and imagined that it had feet? You figure that it must because the stack wasn't as high yesterday. Do you find yourself thinking that? Paper clutter (or clutter in general) is like that. What starts as a simple sheet seems to morph into a pile in no time at all. Of course paper can't walk, so you know it's not the paper. Cut the trail off at the beginning by not allowing it to "grow" in the first place. I've said it before. Do something with each piece as soon as you touch it. File, shred and act on paper to keep it from "growing feet".

Dr. D. Clutter™