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Posts Tagged ‘gift giving’

Monday’s Meditation: On The One Gift We’re All Craving

By Annie | December 9, 2013 | 2

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The Problem With Personalized Presents & Why You Should Stop Giving Them

By Annie | November 20, 2013 | 14

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Welcome

Annie Traurig was born with the ability to see order through clutter. As a child, she spent playdates organizing friends’ closets and packing their duffle bags for summer camp.

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Simplify Your World

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My work is designed to help clients hone their ability to access purpose. At the core, what I ask them about their possessions is, “Why is this present in your life?” Plenty of them own a plethora of pretty things. Most of them can easily invent utility for objects. My goal is for them to understand that ideally, an object worth owning both has visual appeal and/or is emotionally evocative, and has practical application. It both delights their senses and enables their routine. Exciting and applicable. Pretty and practical. When significance and utility combine, there is purpose. And with purpose comes value, contribution, contentment and gratitude. The same rules of purpose apply to our lives. If we’re merely going through the motions of life without feeling as though we’re being useful, we become adrift. We need to combine our talents, skills, beauty, and interest with contribution. We need to ask and answer the question, “Why am I here?” Purpose is not reserved for the fortunate few who are brave enough to blaze an uncharted trail. A sense of purpose can be achieved regardless of who you are and what you’re doing, so long as you regard your life as the way you’re of service to the whole world. Whether you’re cleaning toilets, changing diapers, or trading stocks, when you work from a sense of purpose, you stay connected to why it matters that you show up wholeheartedly, carry yourself with excellence, and act in the interest of love. You keep at the forefront of your mind that you are not here merely to collect a paycheck, check off a life milestone, scroll your phone endlessly in the dark, or to stress and suffer. You are here for an important reason. Your unique contribution supports the larger goals of the universe–to increase awareness and equality, elevate consciousness, and spread love. This month, focus on purpose. Examine the “why” behind the material objects in your environment. Look for ways to bring a greater sense of purpose to your life by viewing how you spend your days not as a job or a hobby, but as a calling. Do not discount how your authenticity may be your unique form of service. [calendar designed exclusively by @ariel_marko ]
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Hot Moves Summer—one of my favorite times of year. Relocation projects are like normal projects, only at hyper speed. That’s because even as we’re unpacking, we’re editing, as we’re putting away, we’re organizing. We’re fitting together all the spatial puzzles pieces simultaneously, and not just in one isolated room. We’re solving for maximum flow, functionality, and ease for the entire household. It’s instant-er gratification. It’s Live Simply on steroids. It’s all of my decade plus expertise crammed into a whirlwind week that’s designed to shift the trajectory of your life within your space forever. ✨ . . . . . . . #seattlemovers #homeorganization #homeorganizing #professionalorganizer
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The language you use to describe yourself matters. Everyday, you are likely telling yourself and others stories about who you are, what you excel at and what you’re miserable at. These statements are usually nothing more than ones you’ve repeated over and over throughout your life. As you repeat them, they repeatedly come true, and you feel your self beliefs have been validated. Who you are is a mailable entity. You are capable of changing. Being a different way than you have in the past begins by deciding to be, and by examining how you’ve been predicting your success or failure through the narratives you’ve long held. If you want to be great at being on time, you’ve got to cease telling yourself you’re always late. If you want to be organized, you must stop repeating the belief that you’re messy. Get used to repeating the phrase, “In the past, I was_____. Going forward, I am excited to be_______.” . . . . . . . . #homeorganizer #declutteryourlife #lifehacking
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Fun game for your Friday: Name It To Keep It. 😘
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Alignment is one of those words that gets tossed around in the self-help world. But what is it, really? The feeling of being at the right place at the right time. The feeling of having the necessary skill set to solve the puzzle presented to you. The feeling of talking to someone who gets it. The peace of mind of knowing you are making decisions that are in agreement with what your highest self believes and values. Alignment is living in accordance with your true self, and it’s achieved when you honor your authenticity through your words and actions. When you engage in work that fulfills you, invest in your values, move and nourish your body in ways that serve your vitality, and engage with like-minded people that inspire you, you feel aligned. You feel as though your inner self matches the self you present to others. You feel a kind of ineffable harmony. The alternative is inner conflict–wanting what you believe you shouldn’t really want. Doing work that obliterates your creativity. Spending time with people with whom you know you don’t really vibe. Saying yes when you want to say no. Saying no when you’re too scared to say yes. When your inner self conflicts with the reality of your day-to-day life, you feel disconnection and discontentment. Your true self knows its purpose and preferences. Only, it needs you to speak and choose on its behalf. It needs you to say yes only when it’s a full and complete yes, and no when it’s anything other than a full-on yes. It needs you to believe your real, inner weirdo is innately lovable and that she is worth your honoring. It needs you to eat well and exercise and care for your environment. It needs you to view your time as precious, your work as your calling, and your relationships as equal parts give and take. It needs you to live with integrity. Once aligned, your life will flow freely. What you’re seeking will begin to seek you.
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You would think that identifying a thing you love—one that suits you exceedingly well and checks all your boxes—would mean fully basking in the ownership and use of that item. All too often though, finding something you love creates a chain buying reaction, wherein you keep trying to replicate the experience you first felt with the original winner. The beloved item becomes the gateway, not the finish line. Why? Society has taught you to perpetually want more. It’s convinces you that several is always preferable to singular. And it’s brainwashed you into believing that feeling pleasure is a transactional occurrence. Beginning today, become aware of your pursuit of buying more. Understand that your intention is to feel the abundance of having your needs and desires met—which the thing you love is already doing. Most of all, learn to luxuriate in what you own. Be grateful for it. Remain present to this gratitude. The only thing that can provide you with lasting contentment is your own mind, when it decides to. . . . . . #professionalorganizer #declutteryourlife #homeorganizer
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Pegboards are the perfect solution when there are lots of small supplies and available wall space at play. They ensure essentials stay in sight and in reach, and they allow for maximum evolution over time. Plus, there’s the obvious aesthetic benefit of things being arranged on grid lines, which is a certain kind of satisfying. In summary: form, function and versatility. The holy storage trinity. . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #professionalorganizing #craftinspiration #homeorganizing
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But what if you *didn’t* buy more than could comfortably fit in your space/ you could reasonably manage??
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Decanting > random product packaging, number 7393772. Ritualize the restocking, and the system will be as functional as it is fulfilling. . . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #homeorganization #homeorganizing
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Did we mention it helped massively that she edited the toys so ruthlessly?? . . . . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #homeorganization #homeorganizer #playroomorganization
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File this one under, “Practically Fail-Safe Bathroom Undersink Solution.” But first, a few important notes: -Edit before you do anything (obvi) -Measure before shopping (also obvi) -Faux-drawers are sublime in Undersink areas. Faux-drawers are also always going to be just that—not the real thing. That said, there is spectrum of stuck-ness and rickety-ness to plastic, wire, and mesh “drawers.” Choose the smoothest open-close option that also fits your space optimally. Note that multiple-tiered units are not necessarily superior to single piece stacking solutions. -Clean cabinetry before installing product (an opportunity to do a dose of deep cleaning is welcome) -Replace keepers, sorted into categories -Wash your hands, twinkle your nose, and wink at yourself in the nearest mirror. . . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #homeorganization #containerstore #organizingexpert #declutteryourlife -
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“Be yourself” is as bog-standard a life directive as they come. I believe the appropriate response is, “Duh.” Still, it’s a necessary reminder. The desire to fit in (which must have evolved from a survival tactic to avoid getting ousted from ones’ tribe and lunched on by whatever beasts were nearby) is strong. The pervasiveness of social media means the pressure to adhere to acceptable standards by sacrificing your authenticity can be felt more intensely than ever before. But think of it: in billions of years, in all of time and space and matter, in the vastness of the planets and cosmos and dentist appointments, there has and will only ever be one you. One! One unique composition of cells, born in the precise instant you arrived, alive at just the moment you are. You may bear a likeness to your parents and grandparents. You may use similar mannerisms as your siblings. You may talk like your friends. But who you are is inimitable. You are not in competition with anyone else, nor comparable to another. You are here to serve up your singular slice of personality-pie, and no one can do it quite like you. Your unique combination of gifts and challenges and cellulite is your brilliance. Embracing that original self is what frees you up to think independently and creatively, and to cultivate valuable and fresh perspectives that benefit those around you. Your originality, ironically enough, is the very thing that will draw the crowd you were once scared to distinguish yourself from towards you. Because another one that acts like all the others isn’t fascinating. But a person who owns their innate genius, generates innovative ideas, lives by their values, wears what they like, and is generally unencumbered enough to be thenselves?! That’s precisely the sort of person the world can’t get enough of. In the truth of who you are, others recognize themselves. Your originality is a permission slip for others to follow suit. Someone’s got to lead the way. This month and forever onward, let it be, unapologetically, you. [calendar designed exclusively by @ariel_marko ]
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Peak inside a Simply Move-In… . . . . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #seattleprofessionalorganizer #seattlemovers #homeorganization
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I think I was the last person to actually see this dream press feature in print. My sister and I were flying together, and having a moment over it at the Hudson newsstand in SeaTac. The woman working came over, “Something wrong with magazine?” She asked. “I’m in it!” I told her. She didn’t understand, so I held the page up to my face. “Oh, it’s you!” She said. And then, because no one wants to miss being able to claim having a real life celebrity encounter (and because it’s such a beautiful, vitality supporting, authentic publication—kudos @tracyandersonmethod ) she took the magazine and started perusing the article for herself. She was not going to miss the chance to tell her friends she met…whoever the hell this lady in front of her was. She held on to it for so long I had to eventually tell her we actually did have a flight to catch and were going to need to leave with our copy. I’m so grateful to have been invited to share the crux of my life’s mission with @tracyandersonmethod audience. Do yourself a favor and read the whole issue (all of them). They are rare entities, full of thoughtful pieces about overall health and well-being, delicious recipes, and somehow not an ad to be seen. 🙏🏻
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Random tips from a recent kitchen move-in project. Which one do you or have you used and know to be true? . . . . . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #professionalorganizing #kitchenorganization #kitchenorganizer
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Once upon a time, patience wasn’t a virtue, but a requirement. Nature’s slow and steady progression was the ruling faction. Nowadays, it has become increasingly easy to be impatient. We no longer have to wait for the arrival of summer, we can simply board a plane for somewhere warm. We no longer have to patiently hunt and gather for sustenance, we can simply order a meal to our doorstep. In a world that obligates us to practice patience less and less, purposefully cultivating it is key. Patience opens us up to receiving the best available, not just the first. When we’re patient, we demonstrate trust and faith in the unfolding of life. When we’re certain of where we’re headed and believe our arrival at that goal is inevitable, we can accept the length of the journey to get there. And when we’re patient, we ultimately get to the reap the fruits of our labors with more gratitude and awareness. When we’re patient with those around us, we accept others’ limitations and better accommodate their needs. We don’t expect our disabled moms or our toddlers to get ready for an outing as easily as we may. We commit to the process, help everyone get suited up and strapped in, and remember that the going is what counts, not the speed at which we do it. When we’re patient with ourselves, we invite the possibility of habituating new, positive behaviors. We don’t waste time berating ourselves for our learning curves. We tell ourselves to begin again tomorrow, if need be. Patience is our higher knowing. It’s the part of us that still connects to the flow and pace of the natural world. This month, focus on patience. Patience for buds to appear and the birds to return in spring. Patience for your package to arrive. Patience with your family—bless them. Patience with yourself. Patience with yourself. Patience with your own damn self. And every time you start to lose it and are tempted to snap or whine, practice patience. Focus on your breath. On your sense of certainty in the outcome you are designing. Whatever could rile you up, your cool, calm, collectedness is worth more. [calendar designed exclusively by @ariel_marko]
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Simply move-in day— a feat of coordination, spatial reasoning, and the best kind of chaos management. We’re obsessed with making the process as seamless as possible for our dream clients. . . . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #seattlemovers #homeorganizer #homeorganization
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5 STEPs to HABIT CONSISTENCY 1. Understand WHY You resolve that you're making a change, period. But, in order to arrive at the point of decision, you must get connected to the underlying motivation. WHY does it matter? Regardless of the behavior or the reason for it, the responses are ultimately feeling ones. "When I do this, I feel good. Positive things happen. My life is better. I feel happy, content, peaceful, alive, etc." 2. Zero in on WHAT Now that you've decided to keep your space clutter-free, let’s say, or incorporate daily exercise, you must get specific. You can't just decide to eat cereal because it makes your tum-tum feel yum-yum and call that a fully-fledged plan. What kind of cereal are you going to choose at the store? Is it an organic, grain-free granola, or is it sugar in shapes? Without a specific choice/program/method/brand selected, you're bound to spend all the time you might actually be practicing the habit overwhelmed by what to do. 3. Work out HOW and WHEN You are serious about habituating a behavior only when and if you have thought through the logistics. It isn't sufficient to say, "beginning today, I'll keep my space neat." Where in your day's schedule will that fit? What other commitments will need to shift in order to carve out space for your new habit? What do you need to wear? Will you have enough time to dry your hair? Etc. 4. Loop in a WHO Most people benefit from the support of external accountability. It might be that your Tuesday housecleaners help you to be accountable by compelling you to pick things up Monday night. It might be a habit tracking app, or a therapist, or a friend–an outside entity that knows about your desire to habituate a behavior and asks you regularly about that. 5. Return to WHY When your consistency is in its infancy, you may fumble. If this happens, do not dwell in embarrassment or frustration. Instead, return to WHY, reminding yourself how incredible you feel when you manage to uphold your habit. Consistency is a symphony of single instances. The irony of a habit is that it doesn’t matter what you did yesterday or three weeks ago. It matters what you do repeatedly, which means today.
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Please note: Anything beyond the actual item you wanted to procure can qualify for the extraneous elements list, including: -FREE SAMPLES -retail packaging -branded bags, bows and ribbons -various attachments and parts that are part of manufacturer sets -et al. If you need help not falling sway to this effect, ask yourself: 1.what is the ACTUAL item I purchased here? 2.What has been included to elevate my experience of opening that item? 3.And: what has been added into the bag/box by the retailer that serves their interest more than mine? Yes, especially luxury goods come along with elements that are made to feel like more just what they are. Those brands want you to have an EXPERIENCE with opening their goods, which means they go to great lengths to convince you their bag is more than just a bag, their tissue is more than just tissue, and so on. Their means of delivery does not need to dictate what you define as important and keep-worthy. Their attempts to seduce you into purchasing more by way of introducing other samples of things they sell does not need to influence you. Eyes on the prize. Not the fluff. . . . . . . . #professionalorganizer #declutter #shoppingaddiction #homeorganizer
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Attention is the intersection of time and energy, which makes it a highly precious resource. Yet so many of us (myself included!), don’t treat it as such. We act frivolously with our attention. We give and withhold it without intentionality. And then we wonder why what we desire isn’t showing up for us. Where our attention goes, energy flows. What we pay attention to is what we expand in our lives. What we neglect dissipates and devolves. Focus acts like a magnifying glass, making what we put under it appear larger. When we ignore the state of our homes, the spaces become cluttered and disordered. When we give our attention to our relationship with material belongings and our organizational systems, we create the nurturing environments we need to thrive. When we ignore our health, we sow seeds of disease and physical and mental discomfort. When we give our attention to our wellbeing–to nourishing ourselves well and committing to a movement practice–we experience vitality. When we ignore our relationships, we feel disconnected and lonely. When we’re attentive to the people who matter to us, prioritizing them through phone conversations and time spent together, we feel connected and fulfilled. Nature blooms with the attention of the sun, and we grow, create, and manifest what we desire by focusing on forces and sources that move us forward. If you’re feeling unsatisfied, discouraged, or depressed as this new year begins, I encourage you to examine where and to whom you’ve been giving your attention. Ask yourself whether you’re been directing your attention towards entities that fuel and inspire you, or to ones that have you perpetuating thoughts of comparison, inferiority, judgment and blame. Our attention is, like all aspects of being a human, limited. We don’t have infinite attention to spend in a day. We’re required to be discerning in order to create a life that’s rewarding. [Calendar designed exclusively for @livesimplybyannie by @ariel_marko]

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